Information processing apparatus, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To avoid difficulty in an operation for selecting a proper combination of a profile and a printing apparatus.SOLUTION: The present invention is directed to an information processing apparatus having an acquiring unit for acquiring a measured color value of a sample color measured by a color measuring machine and a profile for use in printing in a printing apparatus, a comparing unit for comparing a color gamut of the profile and the measured color value, and a control unit for, when the measured color value is within the color gamut of the profile, displaying, on a selection screen, information indicating that the sample color can be printed, in association with the printing apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for simplifying operations associated with color measurement are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a color measurement unit determines whether a color measured by the color measurement unit matches a color to be compared in a color group, and when they match, performs color measurement on the next color in the color group.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to reproduce the color shown in the color sample, it is necessary to select an appropriate combination of a profile and a printing device. Conventionally, the operation for selecting an appropriate combination has been complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing apparatus for achieving the above object includes an acquisition unit that acquires a color measurement value of a reference color measured using a colorimeter and a profile used for printing by a printing device, a comparison unit that compares a color gamut of the profile with the color measurement value, and a control unit that, when the color measurement value is within the color gamut of the profile, displays the printing device on a selection screen as a printing device capable of printing the reference color.

[0006] Further, an information processing program according to another form causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires a colorimetric value of an original color measured using a colorimeter and a profile used for printing by a printing device, a comparison unit that compares the color gamut of the profile with the colorimetric value, and a control unit that displays the printing device on a selection screen as a printing device capable of printing the original color when the colorimetric value is within the color gamut of the profile.

[0007] Further, an information processing system according to another form includes an acquisition unit that acquires a colorimetric value of an original color measured using a colorimeter and a profile used for printing by a printing device, a comparison unit that compares the color gamut of the profile with the colorimetric value, and a control unit that displays the printing device on a selection screen as a printing device capable of printing the original color when the colorimetric value is within the color gamut of the profile.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Configuration of the colorimeter: (1-2) Configuration of the printing device: (1-3) Configuration of the image processing device: (1-4) Configuration of the inventory management device: (1-5) Configuration of the information processing device: (2) Printing control process: (3) Other embodiments, etc.:

[0010] (1) System configuration: FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system capable of selecting an arbitrary printing device 40 from a plurality of printing devices 40 and causing it to perform printing. The system includes an information processing device 10, a colorimeter 20, an image processing device 30, a printing device 40, and an inventory management device 50. The information processing device 10 has functions such as guiding whether a color sample measured by the colorimeter 20 can be printed by the printing device 40, and causing the printing device 40 to print image data selected by the user. In FIG. 1, an example in which there are two printing devices 40 is shown, but the number of printing devices 40 is arbitrary. Also, in the present embodiment, an example in which one printing device 40 is controlled by one image processing device 30 is assumed, but a plurality of printing devices 40 may be controlled by one image processing device 30, or one printing device 40 may be controllable from a plurality of image processing devices 30.

[0011] (1-1) Configuration of the colorimeter: FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the colorimeter 20. The colorimeter 20 includes a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a non-volatile memory 20c, a sensor 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 part of the colorimeter 20.

[0012] Note that the processor 20a may be composed of a single chip, may be composed of multiple chips, or may be configured as a SoC together with various functional blocks. Further, for example, an ASIC may be adopted instead of the CPU, or a configuration in which the CPU and the ASIC cooperate may be used. When each device in the present embodiment includes a processor, the processor can be realized in various modes similar to the processor 20a.

[0013] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with the information processing apparatus 10 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The colorimeter 20 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 10 via the communication unit 20b. The sensor 20d is a device that irradiates light with a predetermined color temperature onto the color measurement target and detects the spectral distribution of the reflected light. Based on the result read by the sensor 20d, the processor 20a acquires a color measurement value (for example, CIELAB value) indicating the color of the color measurement target by a color in a device-independent color space.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the color measurement target of the colorimeter 20 is the true color. The true color may be a color printed on various objects, but here, an example is assumed in which a plurality of patches printed on a printing medium are the true colors. When each patch is color-measured by the colorimeter 20, the identification information of the patch is associated with the color measurement value indicating the color measurement result, and is stored in the non-volatile memory 20c as color measurement data 20c1.

[0015] The UI unit 20e is a button or the like provided on the housing of the colorimeter 20. The user can instruct the start of color measurement of each patch or the like by operating the UI unit 20e. The processor 20a receives the user's instruction based on the output information of the UI unit 20e.

[0016] (1-2) Configuration of the printing apparatus: FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 40. The printing apparatus 40 includes a processor 40a, a communication unit 40b, a non-volatile memory 40c, a printing unit 40d, and a UI unit 40e. The processor 40a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute a control program recorded in the non-volatile memory 40c to control each part of the printing apparatus 40.

[0017] The communication unit 40b includes a communication interface for communicating with the image processing apparatus 30 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The printing apparatus 40 can communicate with the image processing apparatus 30 via the communication unit 40b. Note that the communication unit 40b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the printing apparatus 40.

[0018] The printing unit 40d includes an actuator, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical parts, etc. for performing printing on a printing medium. The sensors include sensors for detecting various detection targets that can change in the printing apparatus 40. For example, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the printing medium, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of each color material used for printing, etc. can be mentioned. In the present embodiment, the printing unit 40d includes a mechanism for recording color materials of a predetermined color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.) on the printing medium. Also, the printing unit 40d can perform printing on printing media of various sizes. That is, the printing unit 40d includes a storage unit for storing printing media of various sizes, and can convey and print the stored printing media.

[0019] The UI unit 40e is composed of an input unit such as buttons and a touch panel provided on the housing of the printing apparatus 40, and a display unit for displaying various information. The user can perform various instructions by operating the input unit based on the information displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 40e.

[0020] The processor 40a of the printing device 40 performs printing based on the print data 30c3 transmitted from the image processing device 30. That is, when printing is performed, the print data 30c3 is transmitted together with a print instruction from the image processing device 30 and stored in the non-volatile memory 40c. The processor 40a controls the printing unit 40d and the like based on the print data 30c3, and executes printing on the printing medium stored in the printing unit 40d.

[0021] (1-3) Configuration of the image processing device: FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing device 30. The image processing device 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a non-volatile memory 30c, a display 30d, and an input unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c to control each part of the image processing device 30. Also, the processor 30a can execute various arithmetic processes such as image processing.

[0022] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The image processing device 30 can communicate with the information processing device 10 and the printing device 40 via the communication unit 30b. Also, the communication unit 30b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the image processing device 30.

[0023] The display 30d is a display unit that displays any image. The input unit 30e is a device for the user to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 30 is assumed to be a stationary terminal. Of course, the image processing apparatus 30 may be a terminal of other forms. For example, it may be a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, etc. In the case of these terminals, the input unit 30e may be composed of a touch panel or the like. In any case, the user can input the user's intention by operating the input unit 30e while visually recognizing the images and characters displayed on the display 30d. In this embodiment, the user can operate the input unit 30e to specify the type of the printing medium set in the printing apparatus 40 to which the image processing apparatus 30 is connected and the profile used for printing by the printing apparatus 40.

[0024] The non-volatile memory 30c can store various types of data. In this embodiment, profile data 30c1, printing medium information 30c2, and printing data 30c3 are stored. The profile data 30c1 is data for color-converting image data, and is data that associates colors in a device-independent color space with colors in a device-dependent color space. In this embodiment, the profile data 30c1 includes profile data for performing color conversion on the input side and profile data for performing color conversion on the output side.

[0025] The profile data for performing color conversion on the input side is a LUT (Look Up Table) that associates the RGB gradation values as input image data indicating colors within the device-dependent color space with the CIELAB values indicating colors within the device-independent color space. The profile data for performing color conversion on the output side is a LUT that associates the CIELAB values indicating colors within the device-independent color space with the CMYK gradation values as output image data indicating colors within the device-dependent color space. Note that the RGB gradation values are the gradation values of each RGB color, and the CMYK gradation values are the gradation values for each color of the colorant. The number of colors of the colorant is not limited to 4 colors and may match the number of colors of the colorant used in the printing apparatus 40. The LUT constituting each profile is data that associates the colors within the device-dependent color space with the CIELAB values for each of a plurality of representative colors. In order to perform color conversion for gradation values not defined in the LUT, interpolation arithmetic processing is performed based on the LUT.

[0026] Note that in one printing apparatus 40, a plurality of types of profiles can be used. For example, profile data for performing color conversion on the output side is prepared for each type of printing medium used in the printing apparatus 40. Also, a user can prepare and use a desired profile. These plurality of types of profiles are included in the profile data 30c1, and the profile data 30c1 includes information indicating the profile currently set (specified by the user) as the profile used for color conversion. The profile is the profile used when printing is performed on the printing medium currently set in the printing apparatus 40. Note that the profile used for color conversion may be automatically determined. For example, it may be automatically determined according to the type of printing medium.

[0027] The print media information 30c2 is information indicating the type of print media set in the printing device 40 to which the image processing device 30 is connected. The type of print media set in the printing device 40 may be specified by various methods. For example, a configuration in which the type of print media set in the printing device 40 is specified by the user via the input unit 30e, or a configuration in which the type of print media set in the printing device 40 is specified by information received from the printing device 40 via the communication unit 30b, etc. can be adopted.

[0028] The print data 30c3 is data for causing the printing device 40 to execute printing. In the present embodiment, the image data 10c2 is transmitted from the information processing device 10 to the image processing device 30, and image processing is performed by the processor 30a to generate the print data 30c3. Specifically, the image data 10c2 includes a printer description language, and the processor 30a performs rendering processing including analysis based on the printer description language and conversion processing to raster data. Further, after rasterization, the processor 30a color-converts the raster data using the profile data 30c1 specified by the user, performs page layout determination processing, halftone processing, etc. on the print media to generate the print data 30c3. When the print data 30c3 is generated, the print data 30c3 is transmitted to the printing device 40, and printing is performed.

[0029] (1-4) Configuration of the inventory management device: FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inventory management device 50. The inventory management device 50 includes a processor 50a, a communication unit 50b, a non-volatile memory 50c, a display 50d, and an input unit 50e. The processor 50a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 50c to control each part of the inventory management device 50. Further, the processor 50a can execute various processes for managing inventory data.

[0030] The communication unit 50b includes a communication interface for communicating with the information processing apparatus 10 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The inventory management apparatus 50 can communicate with the information processing apparatus 10 via the communication unit 50b. Further, the communication unit 50b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories mounted on the inventory management apparatus 50.

[0031] The display 50d is a display unit that displays arbitrary images. The input unit 50e is a device for a user to perform input operations, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. In the present embodiment, the inventory management apparatus 50 is assumed to be a stationary terminal. Of course, the inventory management apparatus 50 may be a terminal of other modes. For example, it may be a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, etc. In the case of these terminals, the input unit 50e may be composed of a touch panel or the like. In any case, the user can input the user's intention by operating the input unit 50e while visually recognizing the images and characters displayed on the display 50d. In the present embodiment, the user can operate the input unit 50e to input the inventory of the printing medium. Note that in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 40 is used at a specific location (for example, a printing office), and the types and amounts of the printing media stored at the specific location are the inventory of the printing media. The printing media is called the stored printing media. The printing media that needs to be ordered from the seller of the printing media and shipped is not inventory.

[0032] Various data can be stored in the non-volatile memory 50c. In the present embodiment, inventory data 50c1 is stored. The inventory data 50c1 is information indicating the types and amounts of the stored printing media. When the stored printing media is set in the printing apparatus 40, the user uses the input unit 50e to input the types and amounts of the set printing media. In this case, the processor 50a receives the types and amounts of the printing media, and updates the inventory data 50c1 by reducing the printing media of the type by the amount.

[0033] (1-5) Configuration of the information processing apparatus: FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, a nonvolatile 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 nonvolatile memory 10c to control each part of the information processing apparatus 10 and the colorimeter 20, etc.

[0034] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with the colorimeter 20, the image processing apparatus 30, and the inventory management apparatus 50 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The information processing apparatus 10 can communicate with the colorimeter 20, the image processing apparatus 30, and the inventory management apparatus 50 via the communication unit 10b. Further, the communication unit 10b may include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the information processing apparatus 10.

[0035] The display unit 10d is a display device that displays an arbitrary image. The input unit 10e is a device for a user to perform an input operation. The information processing apparatus 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 by, for example, a display independent of the main body of the computer, and the input unit 10e can be configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. independent of the main body of the computer. In the latter case, the display unit 10d and the input unit 10e can be configured by, for example, a touch panel display integrated with the main body of the computer. In any case, the user can input the user's intention by operating the input unit 10e while visually recognizing the image and characters displayed on the display unit 10d. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the information processing apparatus 10 is a portable computer. Note that the information processing apparatus 10 may be a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, etc.

[0036] Processor 10a is capable of executing an information processing program (not shown). The information processing program according to the present embodiment is capable of displaying a selection screen for selecting a printing device 40 that can reproduce the measured original color measured by the colorimeter 20. The user can select the printing device 40 using the selection screen and execute printing.

[0037] Specifically, when the information processing program is executed, the processor 10a functions as an acquisition unit 10a1, a comparison unit 10a2, and a control unit 10a3. The acquisition unit 10a1 has a function of acquiring the color measurement value of the measured original color measured using the colorimeter 20 and the profile used for printing by the printing device. That is, the acquisition unit 10a1 instructs the colorimeter 20 to transmit the color measurement data 20c1 via the communication unit 10b to cause the color measurement data 20c1 to be transmitted. In addition, the acquisition unit 10a1 instructs the image processing device 30 to transmit information indicating the profile currently set via the communication unit 10b to cause the information indicating the profile currently set in the printing device 40 to be transmitted.

[0038] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 10a1 acquires the printing medium set in the printing device. Specifically, the acquisition unit 10a1 instructs the image processing device 30 to transmit information indicating the type of the currently set printing medium via the communication unit 10b to cause the printing medium information 30c2 indicating the type of the printing medium currently set in the printing device 40 to be transmitted.

[0039] The comparison unit 10a2 has a function of comparing the color gamut of the profile with the color measurement value. That is, the comparison unit 10a2 performs color conversion using the profile currently set in the printing device 40, virtually plots the color gamut when printing on the printing medium set in the printing device in the device-independent color space, and determines whether the color measurement value indicated by the color measurement data 20c1 is included in the color gamut.

[0040] The control unit 10a3 has a function of controlling the display unit 10d to display a selection screen for selecting a printing device 40 to perform printing, and causing the selected printing device 40 to execute printing. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when printing on the currently set printing medium using the profile currently set in the printing device 40 and the colorimetric value is included within the color gamut, the control unit 10a3 displays the printing device 40 with the profile set thereon on the selection screen as a printing device capable of printing the original color. According to this display, the user can easily select an appropriate combination of a profile and a printing device, or an appropriate combination of a profile, the type of printing medium, and a printing device.

[0041] Also, when printing on the currently set printing medium using the profile currently set in the printing device 40 and the colorimetric value is not included within the color gamut, the control unit 10a3 displays the printing device 40 with the profile set thereon on the selection screen as a printing device 40 incapable of printing the original color. According to this display, the user can easily grasp an inappropriate combination of a profile and a printing device, or an inappropriate combination of a profile, the type of printing medium, and a printing device.

[0042] Note that on the selection screen, information indicating whether or not each of all the printing devices 40 that can be instructed to start printing from the information processing device 10 can print the original color may be displayed in an associative and selectable manner. That is, on the selection screen that displays a plurality of printing devices, the printing device 40 capable of printing the original color and the printing device 40 incapable of printing are displayed separately. With this configuration, the user can easily select an appropriate printing device from a plurality of printing devices.

[0043] On the selection screen, for example, when one printing device 40 is selected from a plurality of printing devices 40, the processor 10a causes the selected printing device 40 to perform printing using the currently set profile and the currently set printing medium. At this time, the user operates the input unit 10e to select the image data 10c2 to be printed. When the selection by the user is made, the control unit 10a3 transmits the image data 10c2 to be printed to the image processing device 30 connected to the selected printing device 40. The image processing device 30 performs processes such as color conversion of the image data 10c2 using the currently set profile, and generates print data 30c3. Further, the image processing device 30 transmits the print data 30c3 to the printing device 40 selected by the user to cause printing to be performed. The printing device 40 is a printing device capable of printing the color sample that has been colorimetrically measured. Therefore, it is possible to print the image indicated by the image data 10c2 in a state where the color of the color sample colorimetrically measured by the user can be reproduced. In the above description, the processes related to the inventory management device 50 are omitted, but in the following print control process, the print control process including the processes related to the inventory management device 50 will be described.

[0044] (2) Print control process: Next, the print control process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. Before starting the print control process, the user prepares the image data 10c2 to be printed and stores it in the non-volatile memory 10c. When starting printing, the user operates the input unit 10e of the information processing device 10 to cause the processor 10a to execute the print control program.

[0045] When the printing control program is started, the processor 10a acquires profile information by the function of the acquisition unit 10a1 (step S100). Specifically, the acquisition unit 10a1 outputs a transmission instruction of profile information indicating a profile to the image processing apparatus 30 via the communication unit 10b. The processor 30a of the image processing apparatus 30 acquires the profile data 30c1 in response to the transmission instruction, associates the identification information of the printing apparatus 40, and transmits it to the information processing apparatus 10 as profile information (step S200). The processor 10a acquires the transmitted information. As a result, the processor 10a can acquire the currently set profile for each printing apparatus 40 from the profile data 30c1. Further, the processor 10a can acquire a profile that is not the currently set profile in the printing apparatus 40 from the profile data 30c1 but is used when the printing medium is changed and printing is performed with the changed printing medium.

[0046] Note that the dashed arrows shown in FIG. 7 indicate the exchange of information (the same applies hereinafter). Further, when a plurality of image processing apparatuses 30 are connected to the information processing apparatus 10 and a printing target can be selected from a plurality of printing apparatuses 40, the processor 10a communicates with all the image processing apparatuses 30 and identifies the currently set profile for all the printing apparatuses.

[0047] Next, the processor 10a acquires print medium information by the function of the acquisition unit 10a1 (step S105). Specifically, the acquisition unit 10a1 issues an instruction to transmit print medium information indicating the type of the print medium currently set in the printing apparatus 40 to the image processing apparatus 30 via the communication unit 10b. The processor 30a of the image processing apparatus 30 refers to the print medium information 30c2 in response to the transmission instruction, and identifies the type of the print medium currently set for each printing apparatus 40. Then, the processor 30a associates the type of the currently set print medium with the identification information of the printing apparatus 40, and transmits it to the information processing apparatus 10 as print medium information (step S205). The processor 10a acquires the transmitted information, and identifies the profile currently set in each printing apparatus 40. Also here, when a plurality of image processing apparatuses 30 are connected to the information processing apparatus 10 and a print target can be selected from a plurality of printing apparatuses 40, the processor 10a communicates with all the image processing apparatuses 30, and identifies the type of the print medium currently set for all the printing apparatuses.

[0048] Next, the processor 10a acquires inventory information of the print medium by the function of the acquisition unit 10a1 (step S110). Specifically, the acquisition unit 10a1 outputs an instruction to transmit inventory information of the print medium indicating the type and amount of the stored print medium to the inventory management apparatus 50 via the communication unit 10b. The processor 50a of the inventory management apparatus 50 refers to the inventory data 50c1 in response to the transmission instruction, and identifies the type and amount of the stored print medium. Then, the processor 50a transmits the inventory information of the print medium indicating the type and amount of the stored print medium to the information processing apparatus 10 (step S300). The processor 10a acquires the transmitted information, and identifies the type and amount of the stored print medium.

[0049] Next, the processor 10a acquires colorimetric values by the function of the acquisition unit 10a1 (step S115). However, prior to this, the user performs a colorimetric operation on the reference color, for example, before starting the execution of the print control program in the information processing apparatus 10. That is, the user operates the colorimeter 20 to measure a plurality of patches indicating the reference color. The processor 20a of the colorimeter 20 acquires colorimetric values indicating the colorimetric results (step S400), and stores colorimetric data 20c1 indicating the colorimetric values in the non-volatile memory 20c. Here, when acquiring the colorimetric values (step S115), the information processing apparatus 10 may instruct the colorimeter 20 to execute the acquisition of colorimetric values indicating the colorimetric results (step S400).

[0050] With the colorimetric data 20c1 stored, the acquisition unit 10a1 outputs an instruction to transmit the colorimetric values to the colorimeter 20 via the communication unit 10b. The processor 20a of the colorimeter 20 acquires the colorimetric data 20c1 in response to the transmission instruction and transmits it to the information processing apparatus 10 (step S405). The processor 10a acquires the transmitted information and specifies the colorimetric values of each reference color.

[0051] Next, the processor 10a compares the color gamut of the profile with the colorimetric values by the function of the comparison unit 10a2 (step S120). Specifically, the comparison unit 10a2 refers to the profile acquired in step S100, and plots the coordinate values (CIELAB values) in all the device-independent color spaces defined in the profile in a virtual CIELAB color space. Further, the comparison unit 10a2 specifies the boundary of the color gamut from the plotted coordinate values. The boundary of the color gamut can be realized, for example, by interpolation calculation using the outermost coordinate values.

[0052] FIG. 8 schematically shows the boundary B of the color gamut in the ab plane obtained by cutting the CIELAB space in a direction perpendicular to the L axis at a certain lightness (L = 70). The boundary B of the color gamut forms a closed curve in the ab plane as shown in FIG. 8. The color gamut of the profile is the area inside the boundary B, and any color within this area can be printed by the printing device 40, while colors outside this area cannot be printed by the printing device 40. Therefore, if the colorimetric value is, for example, at coordinate C2, it can be printed by the printing device 40, but if the colorimetric value is at coordinate C1, it cannot be printed by the printing device 40. That is, being printable by the printing device 40 means that the colorimetric value is within the color gamut of the profile currently set in the printing device 40, indicating a high probability that the printed medium printed by the printing device 40 can reproduce the original color relatively faithfully. Also, being non-printable by the printing device 40 means that the colorimetric value is outside the color gamut of the profile currently set in the printing device 40, indicating a high probability that the printed medium printed by the printing device 40 cannot reproduce the original color relatively faithfully.

[0053] The comparison unit 10a2 determines whether all of the colorimetric values acquired in step S115 are within the color gamut of the profile. Also, the comparison unit 10a2 determines whether the colorimetric value is within the threshold of the profile for all of the profiles acquired in step S100.

[0054] Next, the processor 10a causes the selection screen to be displayed by the function of the control unit 10a3 (step S125). That is, the control unit 10a3 controls the display unit 10d to display a selection screen for selecting the printing device 40 that performs printing. FIGS. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing display examples of the selection screen. In these screens, within the main screen Im, information regarding the selectable printing devices 40 is displayed for each printing device 40.

[0055] Further, the main screen Im is configured to display a printing device 40 that meets predetermined conditions, and the conditions can be switched by tabs T1 to T3. Tab T1 is a tab for displaying options of the printing device 40 when printing with the current settings. Tab T2 is a tab for displaying options of the printing device 40 when printing using stored print media, which are not the current settings. Tab T3 is a tab for displaying options of the printing device 40 when printing using print media that are not the current settings and are not secured as inventory.

[0056] When tab T1 is selected, the control unit 10a3 extracts the currently set profile from the profile data 30c1 acquired in step S100 and identifies the profile used when printing with the print media acquired in step S105. Then, the control unit 10a3 acquires the comparison result between the color gamut and the colorimetric value acquired in step S120 for the identified profile. Then, the control unit 10a3 controls the display unit 10d to display, in association with the name of the printing device, the type of print media, the name of the profile, information indicating whether the color of the color sample is within the color gamut, and a button for instructing the execution of printing by the printing device. Such display is performed for each printing device 40.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 9, an example when tab T1 is selected is shown. In this example, boxes B1 to B3 indicating options for three printing devices 40 are displayed. Inside each of the boxes B1 to B3, the name of the printing device, the type of print media, and the name of the profile are displayed. For example, the name of the printing device shown in box B1 is printing device A, the type of print media is print media A, and the name of the profile is profile A.

[0058] Next to the name of the printing device, an icon and a string indicating whether the color of the color sample is included in the color gamut of the profile currently set in the printing device are displayed. In the present embodiment, a black triangle indicates that it is outside the color gamut, and a double circle indicates that it is within the color gamut. The former icon is information indicating that the color of the color sample cannot be printed, and the latter icon is information indicating that the color of the color sample can be printed. For example, when printing on printing medium A with profile A currently set in printing device A shown in FIG. 9, at least one color of the color sample color is outside the color gamut. On the other hand, when printing on printing medium B with profile B currently set in printing device B shown in FIG. 9, all of the colors of the color sample are within the color gamut.

[0059] Next to the type of printing medium and the name of the profile, a print button Bp is displayed. When the user operates the input unit 10e and gives an instruction by any of the print buttons Bp, it is regarded that the execution of printing by the printing device 40 on which the print button Bp is displayed is instructed. According to the above selection screen, the user can easily select a printing device that can reproduce the color of the color sample measured by the user and cause printing to be performed using the image data 10c2.

[0060] FIG. 9 shows an example where there is a profile in which the color of the color sample is within the color gamut in the current setting. However, if there is no profile in which the color of the color sample is within the color gamut in the current setting, simply the boxes of the printing devices 40 displayed as being outside the color gamut may be listed, or other information may be added. FIG. 10 shows an example in which information for making a better selection is added when there is no profile in which the colorimetric value indicating the color of the color sample is within the color gamut in the current setting. That is, in FIG. 10, printing devices using profiles whose color difference from the colorimetric value is within the allowable color difference are displayed on the selection screen.

[0061] Specifically, in FIG. 10, the printing apparatuses 40 that can execute printing with the current settings are printing apparatuses B, A, and C. However, in the example shown in FIG. 10, it is impossible to print the color of the color sample using any of the printing apparatuses B, A, and C. However, even in this case, if a printing apparatus with a smaller maximum value of the color difference between the colorimetric value indicating the color of the color sample and the color gamut is used, the color reproducibility will be higher than that of a printing apparatus with a larger maximum value.

[0062] Therefore, the control unit 10a3 acquires the color difference between the color gamut of the profile currently set in each printing apparatus and the colorimetric value outside the color gamut, and obtains the maximum value thereof. The color difference between the colorimetric value and the color gamut is the length of the perpendicular line extended from the colorimetric value to the color gamut boundary within the CIELAB space. Further, a printing apparatus 40 in which the maximum value is equal to or less than a predetermined allowable color difference is regarded as a printing apparatus that can print within the allowable color difference.

[0063] Then, the control unit 10a3 controls the display unit 10d, associates a character string L1 indicating that it is within the allowable color difference with the printing apparatus 40 that can print within the allowable color difference, and associates a character string L2 indicating that it is another printing apparatus with the printing apparatus 40 that cannot print within the allowable color difference, and displays a selection screen. According to the above selection screen, the user can easily select a printing apparatus that can print a color as close as possible to the color of the color sample measured by the user, and cause printing to be performed using the image data 10c2. Whether the color difference from the colorimetric value is within the allowable color difference may be determined by various methods. For example, when there is one or more colorimetric values outside the color gamut, it may be determined whether the color difference from the colorimetric value is within the allowable color difference based on whether the integrated value of the color difference between each colorimetric value and the boundary of the threshold value is less than or equal to the threshold value.

[0064] When tab T2 is selected, the control unit 10a3 extracts a profile that is not currently set but is used for printing on the stored printing medium from the profile data 30c1 acquired in step S100, and identifies the profile used for printing on the stored printing medium acquired in step S110. Further, the control unit 10a3 acquires the comparison result between the color gamut and the colorimetric value acquired in step S120 for the identified profile. Then, the control unit 10a3 controls the display unit 10d to display, in association with the name of the printing device, the type of the stored printing medium, the name of the profile, information indicating whether the color of the color sample is within the color gamut, and a button for instructing the execution of printing by the printing device. This display is performed for each printing device 40.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 11, an example when tab T2 is selected is shown. In this example, boxes B7 and B8 indicating options for two printing devices 40 are displayed. The information displayed in each of boxes B7 and B8 is the same as in the example shown in FIG. 9. For the printing device A in box B7, the color of the color sample is printable when printing on the printing medium C using profile D. Note that the printing medium C is not set in the printing device A but is a medium stored as a stored printing medium.

[0066] Also in FIG. 11, when the colorimetric value is within the color gamut for printing on the stored printing medium using the profile, a double-circle icon, which is information indicating that the color of the color sample can be printed using the stored printing medium, is displayed on the selection screen in association with the printing device. Therefore, the user can easily select a printing device that can reproduce the color of the color sample measured by the user by using the stored printing medium.

[0067] When tab T3 is selected, the control unit 10a3 extracts a profile used for printing on a printing medium that is not currently set and is not a storage printing medium from the profile data 30c1 acquired in step S100, and identifies the profile used for printing on a printing medium that is not currently set and is not a storage printing medium, which is acquired in step S110. Further, the control unit 10a3 acquires the comparison result between the color gamut and the colorimetric value, which is acquired in step S120 for the identified profile. Then, the control unit 10a3 controls the display unit 10d to display, in association with the name of the printing device, the type of printing medium without stock, the name of the profile, information indicating whether the color of the color sample is within the color gamut, and a button for instructing the execution of printing by the printing device. This display is performed for each printing device 40.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 12, an example when tab T3 is selected is shown. In this example, a box B9 indicating an option of one printing device 40 is displayed. The information displayed in box B9 is the same as the example shown in FIG. 9. For the printing device B in box B9, the color of the color sample is printable when printing on the printing medium E using the profile F.

[0069] Also in FIG. 12, when ordering a printing medium without stock and setting it on the printing medium for printing, a double-circle icon, which is information indicating that the color of the color sample can be printed, is displayed on the selection screen in association with the printing device. Therefore, the user can easily select a printing device capable of reproducing the color of the color sample measured by the user by ordering a printing medium without stock and setting it on the printing medium. Note that, in tab T3, instead of displaying the print button Bp, an order button may be displayed. The order button is a button for transitioning to a screen for ordering the printing medium E from a seller via, for example, an Internet line in order to order the printing medium E without stock. By providing an order button on tab T3, the time required for the user to obtain an appropriate printing medium and perform printing can be shortened.

[0070] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, additional information can be pop-up displayed. The icon Ic noted on the right side of each box shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 is an icon for giving an instruction to pop-up display the information when there is additional information about the corresponding printing device. For example, when the user operates the input unit 10e to give an instruction such as tapping the icon Ic, a pop-up display is performed.

[0071] The display content in the pop-up display can be various contents. For example, when the colorimetric value is outside the color gamut of the profile, a configuration that prompts the change of the current printing settings in the printing device can be adopted. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 9, when an instruction is given by the icon Ic displayed on the right side of the box B1 for selecting the printing device A, the control unit 10a3 controls the display unit 10d to perform a pop-up display that prompts the change of the printing medium or profile of the printing device A. A configuration or the like can be adopted.

[0072] In the pop-up display, it is further preferable that a combination that falls within the color gamut when changed is guided. That is, the control unit 10a3 refers to the comparison result in step S120 and determines whether there is a combination in which the colorimetric value falls within the color gamut with a combination different from the currently set profile and the currently set printing medium that can be used in the printing device A. When there is a combination in which the colorimetric value falls within the color gamut, the control unit 10a3 identifies the profile and the printing medium and displays them on the pop-up display screen. According to this configuration, even if the user cannot print the color of the color sample with the current settings, the user can easily recognize a combination that enables the printing of the color of the color sample by changing the settings.

[0073] In a state where the selection screen as described above is being displayed, the control unit 10a3 determines whether or not it has received a print instruction from the user (step S130). That is, the control unit 10a3 determines whether or not an instruction has been given by the print button Bp. Since the print button Bp is displayed in association with each printing device 40, in the present embodiment, it can be said that when the colorimetric value is within the color gamut of the profile, the printing device 40 is displayed as selectable, and when the colorimetric value is outside the color gamut of the profile, the printing device 40 is also displayed as selectable. However, when the colorimetric value is outside the color gamut of the profile, it may be displayed as non-selectable for the printing device.

[0074] In step S130, if it is determined that a print instruction from the user has not been received, the control unit 10a3 repeats the processes after step S125. In step S130, if a print instruction from the user has been received, the control unit 10a3 transmits the image data 10c2 to the image processing device 30 that controls the instructed printing device 40 (step S135). That is, the control unit 10a3 identifies the printing device 40 associated with the print button Bp instructed by the user as the printing target, and identifies the profile associated with the print button Bp. Then, the control unit 10a3 transmits the image data 10c2 to the image processing device 30 connected to the printing device 40 to be printed, together with information instructing color conversion in the profile and the print instruction. The image processing device 30 receives these pieces of information, performs image processing based on the instructed profile, and generates print data 30c3 (step S210). Then, the image processing device 30 transmits the print data 30c3 to the printing device 40 to be printed and causes the printing to be executed (step S215). According to the above configuration, the user can easily select the printing device 40 capable of printing the color of the color sample and cause the printing to be performed.

[0075] (3) Other embodiments, etc.: The above embodiments are examples for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 and other apparatuses (at least one of the colorimeter 20, the image processing apparatus 30, the printing apparatus 40, and the inventory management apparatus 50) may be provided integrally. Also, the connection mode of each apparatus is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and communication between any apparatuses may be performed via any network. Furthermore, at least a part of the functions of each apparatus may be distributed among a plurality of apparatuses. For example, at least a part of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by a cloud server. Also, at least a part of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by other apparatuses and configured as an information processing system.

[0076] The acquisition unit only needs to be able to acquire the colorimetric value of the reference color measured using the colorimeter and the profile used for printing by the printing apparatus. That is, the acquisition unit acquires information for specifying the display content to be displayed on the selection screen. The colorimeter only needs to be able to measure the colorimetric value as the device-independent color of any color. The device-independent color space may be various color spaces and is not limited to the above-mentioned CIELAB color space. For example, it may be the XYZ color space, the CIELUV color space, the sRGB color space, etc.

[0077] The reference color only needs to indicate the color that the user should reproduce by the printing apparatus, and the number of colors is not limited. Also, the reference color may be the color of a color sample prepared by various manufacturers or the color of a color sample prepared by the user. The color sample may be one prepared for colorimetry, for example, a color chart, etc., or the color of an article, for example, the color on a label attached to a sample.

[0078] The profile only needs to contain data such as a LUT and a function referred to during color conversion. The profile is a profile used for printing by the printing apparatus, and may be set by the user so as to be used in the printing apparatus, or may be set by default. Also, the profile may change depending on the printing conditions in the printing apparatus, for example, the type of printing medium and the type of colorant used.

[0079] The comparison unit only needs to be able to compare the color gamut of the profile with the color measurement value. That is, the comparison unit only needs to be able to specify the positional relationship between the color gamut of the profile and the color measurement value. The color gamut indicates the range of colors that can be printed by printing in a printing apparatus, and can be specified based on the profile.

[0080] When the color measurement value is within the color gamut of the profile, the control unit only needs to be able to display the printing apparatus as a printable printing apparatus for the reference color on the selection screen. That is, the control unit only needs to be able to control the display content of the selection screen, and when the printing apparatus can reproduce the color of the color sample, be able to display the printing apparatus in a selectable manner. The selection screen may be any screen on which a printing apparatus can be selected, and may be in various forms. For example, it is not limited to a configuration for selecting a printing apparatus that performs printing as in the above-described embodiment, and may also be a configuration for selecting a printing apparatus to which the current profile setting is to be applied.

[0081] Furthermore, the above-described system, program, and method may be realized as a single device in some cases, or may be realized by using components provided in a plurality of devices, and include various modes. Also, it can be appropriately changed, such as part being software and part being hardware. Furthermore, the invention is also established as a recording medium for a program that controls the device and system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any recording medium developed in the future, and the same can be considered in all cases.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 10… Information processing device, 10a… Processor, 10a1… Acquisition unit, 10a2… Comparison unit, 10a3… Control unit, 10b… Communication unit, 10c… Non-volatile memory, 10c2… Image data, 10d… Display unit, 10e… Input unit, 20… Colorimeter, 20a… Processor, 20b… Communication unit, 20c… Non-volatile memory, 20c1… Color measurement data, 20d… Sensor, 20e… UI unit, 30… Image processing device, 30a… Processor, 30b… Communication unit, 30c… Non-volatile memory, 30c1… Profile data, 30c2… Print media information, 30c3… Print data, 30d… Display, 30e… Input unit, 40… Printing device, 40a… Processor, 40b… Communication unit, 40c… Non-volatile memory, 40d… Printing unit, 40e… UI unit, 50… Inventory management device, 50a… Processor, 50b… Communication unit, 50c… Non-volatile memory, 50c1… Inventory data, 50d… Display, 50e… Input unit

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a colorimetric value of an original color measured using a colorimeter and a profile used for printing by a printing device; A comparison unit that compares the color gamut of the profile with the colorimetric value; A control unit that, when the colorimetric value is within the color gamut of the profile, associates information indicating that the original color can be printed with the printing device and displays it on a selection screen; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The control unit On the selection screen that displays a plurality of the printing devices, distinguishes and displays the printing device capable of printing the original color and the printing device incapable of printing the original color. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, when the colorimetric value is outside the color gamut of the profile, associates information indicating that the original color cannot be printed with the printing device and displays it on the selection screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of the profiles, The control unit, when there is no profile within the color gamut of the colorimetric value, displays on the selection screen the printing device that uses the profile whose color difference from the colorimetric value is within the allowable color difference. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The control unit, when the colorimetric value is outside the color gamut of the profile, performs a display prompting a change in the current printing settings on the printing device on the selection screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The control unit displays the printing device selectably when the colorimetric value is within the color gamut of the profile, and when the selection of the printing device is received, instructs the printing device to perform printing. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The acquisition unit acquires the printing medium set in the printing apparatus, The comparison unit compares the color gamut when printing on the printing medium using the profile with the color measurement value, When the color measurement value is within the color gamut when printing on the printing medium using the profile, the control unit associates information indicating that the original color can be printed with the printing apparatus and displays it on the selection screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The acquisition unit acquires the storage printing medium that is not set in the printing apparatus and is stored as inventory, The comparison unit compares the color gamut when printing on the storage printing medium using the profile with the color measurement value, When the color measurement value is within the color gamut when printing on the storage printing medium using the profile, the control unit associates information indicating that the original color can be printed using the storage printing medium with the printing apparatus and displays it on the selection screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. A computer, An acquisition unit that acquires the color measurement value of the original color measured using a colorimeter and a profile used for printing by a printing apparatus, A comparison unit that compares the color gamut of the profile with the color measurement value, A control unit that, when the color measurement value is within the color gamut of the profile, associates information indicating that the original color can be printed with the printing apparatus and displays it on a selection screen, An information processing program that causes it to function as such.

10. An acquisition unit that acquires the color measurement value of the original color measured using a colorimeter and a profile used for printing by a printing apparatus, and A comparison unit that compares the color gamut of the profile with the color measurement value, When the colorimetric value is within the color gamut of the profile, a control unit that associates information indicating that the original color can be printed with the printing apparatus and displays it on a selection screen; An information processing system comprising:

Images