Image processing control device, image forming system, and program

Abstract

To improve, without time and effort, color reproducibility in an image formed on a coloring material undercoat layer.SOLUTION: An image processing control device 20 comprises: an acquisition unit (control unit 21) that acquires undercoat layer information that is information on an undercoat layer formed with a coloring material on a substrate (continuous recording medium P); and the control unit 21 that, when the undercoat layer information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates forming the undercoat layer, generates correction data on the basis of RIP image data that is image data of a print job subjected to RIP processing, and performs color adjustment of the image formed on the undercoat layer by applying the correction data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing control device, an image forming system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an undercoat layer (white undercoat layer) is formed on a substrate with a white coloring material, and an image is formed thereon with coloring materials of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) to improve the visibility of the image. For example, when the substrate is paper, the color gamut of a printer when forming an image on the white undercoat layer formed on colored paper tends to be narrower than the color gamut of the printer when forming an image on white paper. This is because when the image is formed, the white material of the white undercoat layer and the coloring material above it are mixed, resulting in a decrease in lightness and chroma. Therefore, in the narrow color gamut of the printer when forming an image on the white undercoat layer, the color reproducibility is lower than that in the wide color gamut of the printer when forming an image on white paper color. Therefore, even when forming an image on the white undercoat layer, it is desired to improve the color reproducibility by performing color adjustment.

[0003] Regarding this, Patent Document 1 describes the following image forming apparatus. Specifically, the image forming apparatus acquires reference data obtained by reading a patch image formed on a reference sheet and measurement data obtained by reading a patch image formed on a sheet having a different whiteness from the reference sheet and the substrate. Next, the image forming apparatus creates correction data based on the reference data and the measurement data, and performs gradation correction using the created correction data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when performing gradation correction, it is necessary to form a patch image on the paper and read the formed patch image on the paper, which is troublesome.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing control device, an image forming system, and a program that can improve the color reproducibility of an image formed on an undercoat layer of a coloring material without trouble.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the image processing control device according to claim 1 includes: an acquisition unit that acquires undercoat layer information, which is information about an undercoat layer formed of a coloring material on a base material; a control unit that generates correction data based on RIP image data, which is image data of a printed job that has been RIP processed, and performs color adjustment of an image formed on the undercoat layer by applying the correction data when the undercoat layer information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the undercoat layer is formed; and.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is the image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the color of the undercoat layer is a preset color.

[0009] The invention according to claim 3 is the image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the color of the undercoat layer is a special color.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4 is the image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit associates the correction data with the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information about the screen.

[0011] The invention according to claim 5 is the image processing control device according to claim 4, wherein The correction data is a correction curve for color values, The control unit applies the correction data to a plurality of print jobs.

[0012] The invention according to claim 6 is the image processing control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The control unit applies the correction data to other print jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and the information regarding the screen are the same.

[0013] The invention according to claim 7 is the image processing control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein When forming image data of other print jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and the information regarding the screen are the same, the control unit transmits the correction data to an image forming apparatus.

[0014] The invention according to claim 8 is the image processing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit generates the correction data based on a difference between a first color value calculated from the color values of the RIP image data and a second color value calculated from the image data by a target profile.

[0015] The invention according to claim 9 is the image processing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein When the undercoat layer information indicates that the undercoat layer is to be formed, the control unit outputs the RIP image data to which the correction data has been applied, while when the undercoat layer information does not include forming the undercoat layer, the control unit outputs the RIP image data to which the correction data has not been applied.

[0016] The invention according to claim 10 is the image processing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The undercoat layer information of a print job having a plurality of pages includes information on whether or not the undercoat layer is to be formed for each page.

[0017] The invention according to claim 11 is the image processing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein It includes a reception unit that receives the setting of the target area in the image data of the print job. The control unit generates the correction data for performing color adjustment in the target area received by the reception unit.

[0018] The invention according to claim 12 is in the image processing control device according to claim 1, The control unit corrects the printer profile with the correction data to generate a printer profile for use with the undercoat layer.

[0019] The invention according to claim 13 is in the image processing control device according to claim 12, The control unit associates the information on the undercoat layer, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and the screen with the printer profile for use with the undercoat layer, and applies the printer profile for use with the undercoat layer to other print jobs in which the information on the undercoat layer, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and the screen are the same.

[0020] The invention according to claim 14 is in the image processing control device according to claim 1, The control unit corrects the device link profile with the correction data to generate a device link profile for use with the undercoat layer.

[0021] The invention according to claim 15 is in the image processing control device according to claim 14, The control unit associates the information on the undercoat layer, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and the screen with the device link profile for use with the undercoat layer, and applies the device link profile for use with the undercoat layer to other print jobs in which the information on the undercoat layer, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and the screen are the same.

[0022] The image forming system according to claim 16 is The image processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and An image forming apparatus that is communicably connected to the image processing control apparatus and forms an image on the substrate, comprises.

[0023] The program according to claim 17, causes a computer of the image processing control apparatus to function as an acquisition unit that acquires undercoat layer information, which is information regarding an undercoat layer formed of a coloring material on a substrate, and a control unit that, when the undercoat layer information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the undercoat layer is to be formed, generates correction data based on RIP image data, which is image data of a printed job that has been RIP-processed, and performs color adjustment of an image formed on the undercoat layer by applying the correction data. function as

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the color reproducibility of an image formed on an undercoat layer of a coloring material without difficulty.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing control apparatus, an image forming system, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0027] <1. Configuration of Image Forming System> FIG. 1 shows the system configuration of the image forming system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a client PC (Personal Computer) 10, an image processing control apparatus 20, a controller 30, and an image forming apparatus 40. Each apparatus included in the image forming system 100 is connected so as to be capable of data communication via a communication network N such as an intranet.

[0028] The client PC 10 transmits an image output instruction including image data (job image data) of a print job to the image processing control apparatus 20 or the controller 30.

[0029] The image processing control apparatus 20 performs color adjustment on an image formed by the image forming apparatus 40. The image processing control apparatus 20 may be operable from the client PC 10, or the functions of the image processing control apparatus 20 may be built into the client PC 10. Alternatively, the functions of the image processing control apparatus 20 may be built into the controller 30. Alternatively, the functions of the image processing control apparatus 20 may be built into the image forming apparatus 40.

[0030] The controller 30 performs arithmetic processing such as color conversion processing, rasterization processing, and screening processing based on the image output instruction transmitted from the client PC 10, generates RIP image data (CMYK values), and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 40. The controller 30 may be built into the image forming apparatus 40.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 40 performs image forming processing based on the RIP image data received from the controller 30.

[0032] <1-1. Configuration of Image Processing Control Device> FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the image processing control device 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and the like.

[0033] The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, etc., and controls each part within the image processing control device 20. The CPU 211 reads out various programs stored in the ROM 212 or the storage unit 25 and expands them in the RAM 213, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs. The ROM 212 is a read-only memory that stores various programs and various data. The RAM 213 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area.

[0034] The display unit 22 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor and displays various screens according to the instructions of the display signal input from the control unit 21.

[0035] The operation unit 23 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, character input keys, and various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operation unit 23 outputs the operation signal input by the key operation on the keyboard and the mouse operation to the control unit 21. The operation unit 23 may include a touch panel laminated on the display unit 22 and output an operation signal corresponding to the position of the touch operation by the operator's finger or the like to the control unit 21.

[0036] The communication unit 24 includes a network interface, etc., and performs data transmission and reception with external devices connected via the communication network N.

[0037] The storage unit 25 is a storage device that includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor non-volatile memory, etc., and stores various programs and various data.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 25 stores a color adjustment profile PF. The color adjustment profile PF is a profile used for color adjustment in the image formed by the image forming apparatus 40. The color adjustment profile PF includes a first profile PF1, a second profile PF2, and a target profile PF3. The first profile PF1 is a printer profile for use with an undercoat layer of a colorant (when forming an undercoat layer). The second profile PF2 is a printer profile for use without an undercoat layer of a colorant (when not forming an undercoat layer). The first profile PF1 and the second profile PF2 are associated with corresponding undercoat layer information (described later), the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen (type of screen, etc.).

[0039] The target profile is a color conversion table in which color conversion data indicating the correspondence between a device value (CMYK value, RGB value, etc.) that depends on a device such as a printer (image forming apparatus) and a color value that does not depend on a device (XYZ value, L*a*b* value, etc.), for example, Japan Color (registered trademark), is stored, for converting the device value to the color value. The printer profile is a color conversion table in which color conversion data indicating the correspondence between a color value and a device value of the image forming apparatus 40 for converting the color value to the device value of the image forming apparatus 40 or converting the device value of the image forming apparatus 40 to the color value is stored. The printer profile of the present embodiment includes a color conversion table for converting from the CMYK value of the image forming apparatus 40 to the L*a*b* value and a color conversion table for converting from the L*a*b* value to the CMYK value of the image forming apparatus 40.

[0040] <1-2. Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> Figure 3 shows the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 40. Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 40. The image forming apparatus 40 of the present embodiment is an apparatus that forms an image on a continuous recording medium P (base material) such as a roll-shaped continuous paper or a continuous film, but may also be an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like recording medium.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image forming apparatus 40 includes a paper feeding unit 41, a conveying unit 42, an image forming unit 43, a winding unit 44, an operation display unit 45, a control unit 46, a storage unit 47, a communication unit 48, and the like.

[0042] The paper feeding unit 41, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, rotatably holds a roll-shaped continuous recording medium P around a support shaft within its housing. In FIG. 3, only one continuous recording medium P is shown, but the paper feeding unit 41 may hold a plurality of continuous recording mediums P.

[0043] The conveying unit 42 is a conveying mechanism for the continuous recording medium P inside the image forming apparatus 40. The conveying unit 42 includes, for example, a plurality of rollers. Under the control of the control unit 46, the conveying unit 42 conveys the continuous recording medium P from the paper feeding unit 41 to the image forming unit 43 at a constant speed by a plurality of rollers. Next, under the control of the control unit 46, the conveying unit 42 conveys the continuous recording medium P on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 43 to the winding unit 44 at a constant speed by a plurality of rollers.

[0044] Based on the RIP image data (CMYK values) input from the controller 30, the image forming unit 43 forms an image on the continuous recording medium P by an electrophotographic method. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 43 includes a photosensitive drum (Y~W) for each color, an intermediate transfer belt B, a transfer roller T, a fixing unit 43a, and the like. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive drums (Y~W) for each color are arranged such that toner images are formed in the order of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and W (white) as a special color. The intermediate transfer belt B is an endless belt. The image forming unit 43 winds the intermediate transfer belt B around a plurality of rollers and supports it so as to be able to run.

[0045] The image forming unit 43 forms a toner image with toner of each color on the photosensitive drums (Y~W) of each color and sequentially transfers it onto the intermediate transfer belt B. Thereby, the image forming unit 43 forms a toner image in which layers of each color are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt B. Next, the image forming unit 43 transfers the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the continuous recording medium P by applying a bias of the opposite polarity to the transfer roller T to the toner.

[0046] The fixing unit 43a includes a pair of rollers, namely a heating roller and a pressure roller. The fixing unit 43a sandwiches the continuous recording medium P between the pair of rollers, heats and pressurizes it, and melts and fixes the toner image formed on the continuous recording medium P.

[0047] The winding unit 44, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, winds the continuous recording medium P around a support shaft in its housing and holds it in a roll shape. The conveyance unit 42 winds the continuous recording medium P after image formation around the support shaft at a constant speed under the control of the control unit 46.

[0048] The operation display unit 45 includes a display unit 45a, an operation unit 45b, etc. The display unit 45a includes a display screen and displays various information on the screen. The operation unit 45b is used for inputting various instructions by the user.

[0049] The control unit 46 includes a CPU 461, a ROM 462, a RAM 463, etc., and controls each part in the image forming apparatus 40. The CPU 461 reads out various programs stored in the ROM 462 or the storage unit 47 and expands them in the RAM 463, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs. The ROM 462 is a read-only memory that stores various programs and various data. The RAM 463 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The control unit 46 controls the operation of the image forming unit 43 so as to form an image on the continuous recording medium P based on the RIP image data (CMYK values) received by the communication unit 48.

[0050] The storage unit 47 is a storage device that includes, for example, a HDD, a semiconductor non-volatile memory, etc., and stores various programs and various data.

[0051] The communication unit 48 includes a network interface and the like, and transmits and receives data to and from external devices connected via the communication network N.

[0052] The image forming apparatus 40 may include an image reading unit on the transport path of the continuous recording medium P and downstream of the fixing unit 43a. The image reading unit is, for example, a line sensor in which sensors such as CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) are arranged one-dimensionally, or an area sensor in which sensors are arranged two-dimensionally. In this case, the control unit 46 causes the image reading unit to read the surface of the continuous recording medium P on which the image is formed, and generates read image data. Next, the control unit 46 adjusts the image forming conditions in the image forming unit 43 or adjusts the image processing conditions of the image data according to the read image data.

[0053] <2. Operation of image processing control process> Next, the operation of the image processing control device 20 will be described. 5 is a flowchart showing a color adjustment control process executed by the image processing control device 20. This process is realized by software processing through cooperation between the CPU 211 of the control unit 21 and a program stored in the storage unit 25. When the control unit 21 receives an image output instruction including job image data from the client PC 10, the control unit 21 executes a color adjustment control process.

[0054] (Color adjustment control processing) The control unit 21 acquires, from the controller 30, setting information of a print job corresponding to an image output instruction received from the client PC 10 (step A1). The setting information of the print job includes undercoat layer information which is information regarding an undercoat layer formed of a coloring material on the continuous recording medium P. The color of the coloring material for forming the undercoat layer is preset, and in the present embodiment, it is W (white). The undercoat layer information includes information indicating whether or not to form the undercoat layer (presence or absence of the undercoat layer). When the undercoat layer is present, the undercoat layer information includes information indicating whether to form the undercoat layer on the entire surface of the continuous recording medium P or only on a part thereof. That is, the control unit 21 acquires undercoat layer information which is information regarding an undercoat layer formed of a coloring material on the base material. The control unit 21 functions as an acquisition unit.

[0055] The setting information of the print job includes information on the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen applied to the formation of an image by the image forming apparatus 40. The setting information of the print job includes information on the target profile PF3 used in the color conversion process in the print job.

[0056] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is an undercoat layer based on the undercoat layer information included in the setting information of the print job acquired in step A1 (step A2).

[0057] When the print job has an undercoat layer (step A2; YES), the control unit 21 acquires, from the storage unit 25, a predetermined printer profile corresponding to the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job (step A3). The predetermined printer profile may be the first profile PF1 or the second profile PF2. Next, the control unit 21 uses the printer profile acquired in step A3 to perform RIP (Raster Image Processer) processing on the job image data. As a result, the control unit 21 generates RIP image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format (step A4). Next, the control unit 21 executes the correction data generation process shown in FIG. 6 (step A5).

[0058] (Correction Data Generation Process) When the printer profile acquired in step A3 is the first profile PF1, the control unit 21 calculates the first color value (L*a*b* value) from the RIP image data generated in step A4 using the printer profile. On the other hand, when the printer profile acquired in step A3 is not the first profile PF1, the control unit 21 acquires the first profile PF1 corresponding to the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job from the storage unit 25. Next, the control unit 21 calculates the first color value (L*a*b* value) from the RIP image data generated in step A4 using the acquired first profile PF1 (step B1).

[0059] Next, the control unit 21 acquires the target profile PF3 set to be used in the color conversion process from the storage unit 25 in the setting information of the print job. Next, the control unit 21 calculates the second color value (L*a*b* value) from the job image data using the acquired target profile PF3 (step B2). Next, the control unit 21 calculates a correction value represented by the L*a*b* value based on the difference between the first color value calculated in step B1 and the second color value calculated in step B2 (step B3). Next, the control unit 21 calculates a correction value represented by CMYK values from the correction value represented by the L*a*b* value calculated in step B3 using the first profile PF1 used to calculate the first color value in step B1 (step B4). Next, the control unit 21 generates a correction curve represented by CMYK values based on the correction values represented by the CMYK values calculated in step B4 (step B5). Next, the control unit 21 associates the correction curve generated in step B5 with the undercoat layer information, the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job, and stores the result in the storage unit 25 as correction data (step B6). Next, the control unit 21 ends the correction data generation process.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 5, the control unit 21 corrects the RIP image data generated in step A4 using the correction data generated in step A5 (step A6). Next, the control unit 21 transmits the RIP image data corrected in step A6 to the controller 30 (step A7), and ends the color adjustment control process.

[0061] On the other hand, when the print job has no undercoat layer (step A2; NO), the control unit 21 acquires a second profile PF2 corresponding to the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job from the storage unit 25 (step A8). Next, the control unit 21 performs RIP processing on the job image data using the second profile PF2 acquired in step A8. Thereby, the control unit 21 generates RIP image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format (step A9). Next, the control unit 21 shifts the color adjustment control process to step A7.

[0062] The controller 30 receives the RIP image data (CMYK values) generated in the image processing control device 20. The controller 30 performs various processes on the received RIP image data and transmits the result to the image forming device 40. The image forming device 40 executes an image forming process based on the RIP image data (CMYK values) transmitted from the controller 30. When an image is formed on the continuous recording medium P by the image forming apparatus 40 in the case of having an undercoat layer, since the correction data is applied and the color tone is adjusted, the color reproducibility is improved.

[0063] <3. Modification Example> As described above, although this embodiment has been described, the specific configuration is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be changed without departing from the gist of the invention. Hereinafter, modification examples of this embodiment will be described. In the modification examples, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] (Modification Example 1) The first profile PF1 of Modification Example 1 is a printer profile for use with an undercoat layer of a colorant (when forming an undercoat layer), or a device link profile. The second profile PF2 of Modification Example 1 is a printer profile for use without an undercoat layer of a colorant (when not forming an undercoat layer), or a device link profile. A device link profile is a single table that combines a color conversion table for converting from the device values of an input device to color values and a color conversion table for converting from color values to the device values of an output device. That is, a device link profile is a table that associates the device values of an input device with the device values of an output device.

[0065] Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of the color adjustment control process in Modification Example 1.

[0066] (Color Adjustment Control Process of Modification Example 1) The control unit 21 executes steps C1 and C2 similar to steps A1 and A2 of the above color adjustment control process. When the print job has an undercoat layer (step C2; YES), the control unit 21 acquires from the storage unit 25 a predetermined printer profile or device link profile corresponding to the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job (step C3). The predetermined printer profile or device link profile may be the first profile PF1 or the second profile PF2. Next, the control unit 21 performs RIP processing on the job image data using the printer profile or device link profile acquired in step C3. Thereby, the control unit 21 generates RIP image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format (step C4). Next, the control unit 21 executes correction data generation processing (step C5).

[0067] (Correction data generation processing of Modification 1) A case where the profile acquired by the control unit 21 in step C3 is the first profile PF1 of the printer profile will be described. In this case, in step B1, the control unit 21 calculates a first color value (L*a*b* value) from the RIP image data generated in step C4 using the printer profile. On the other hand, a case where the profile acquired by the control unit 21 in step C3 is not the first profile PF1 of the printer profile will be described. In this case, in step B1, the control unit 21 acquires from the storage unit 25 the first profile PF1 of the printer profile corresponding to the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job. Next, the control unit 21 calculates a first color value (L*a*b* value) from the RIP image data generated in step C4 using the acquired first profile PF1. Hereinafter, the control unit 21 executes steps B2 to B6 similar to those in the above embodiment.

[0068] Returning to FIG. 7, the control unit 21 determines whether the profile acquired in step C3 is a device link profile (step C6). The case where the profile acquired in step C3 is a device link profile (step C6; YES) will be described. In this case, the control unit 21 corrects the output curve of the device link profile acquired in step C3 with the correction data generated in step C5 (step C7). Next, the control unit 21 stores the device link profile corrected in step C7 in the storage unit 25 as a new first profile PF1 (step C8). In step C8, the control unit 21 associates the new first profile PF1 with the undercoat layer information included in the print job setting information, the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen.

[0069] On the other hand, the case where the profile acquired in step C3 is not a device link profile (step C6; NO), that is, the case where the profile acquired in step C3 is a printer profile will be described. In this case, the control unit 21 corrects the output curve of the printer profile acquired in step C3 with the correction data generated in step C5 (step C9). Next, the control unit 21 stores the printer profile corrected in step C9 in the storage unit 25 as a new first profile PF1 (step C10). In step C10, the control unit 21 associates the new first profile PF1 with the undercoat layer information included in the print job setting information, the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen.

[0070] After step C8 or C10, the control unit 21 performs RIP processing on the job image data using the first profile PF1 stored in step C8 or C10. Thereby, the control unit 21 generates RIP image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format (step C11). Next, the control unit 21 transmits the RIP image data generated in step C11 to the controller 30 (step C12), and ends the color adjustment control process of Modification 1.

[0071] On the other hand, when there is no undercoat layer in the print job (step C2; NO), the control unit 21 executes steps C13 and C14 similar to steps A8 and A9 above, and shifts the color adjustment process of Modification 1 to step C12.

[0072] (Modification 2) FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the correction data generation process in Modification 2.

[0073] (Correction data generation process of Modification 2) The control unit 21 receives the setting of the target area in the job image via the operation unit 23 by the user (step D1). The control unit 21 functions as a reception unit. Next, the control unit 21 calculates the first color value (L*a*b* value) from the target area for which the setting was received in step D1 in the RIP image data generated in step A4 using the first profile PF1 (step D2).

[0074] Next, the control unit 21 calculates the second color value (L*a*b* value) from the target area for which the setting was received in step D1 in the job image data using the target profile PF3 (step D3). Next, the control unit 21 executes steps D4 to D7 similar to steps B3 to B6 of the above embodiment. Thereby, the control unit 21 generates correction data for performing color adjustment in the target area of the job image.

[0075] In the correction data generation process of Modification 2, the control unit 21 may generate correction data for performing color adjustment not only in the target area of the job image but also in the area outside the target area of the job image. In this case, the control unit 21 generates correction data so that the color reproducibility is higher in the target area than in the area outside the target area of the job image.

[0076] (Modification Example 3) The storage unit 25 of Modification Example 3 stores the correction data generated in the correction data generation process of the above embodiment. The following information is associated with the correction data: undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen (type of screen, etc.).

[0077] In the color adjustment control process of Modification Example 3, the control unit 21 executes the following process instead of step A5. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires from the storage unit 25 the correction data associated with the same information as the undercoat layer information, the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job. In step A6 of the color adjustment control process of Modification Example 3, the control unit 21 corrects the RIP image data generated in step A4 according to the correction data acquired from the storage unit 25. That is, the control unit 21 applies the correction data generated in the correction data generation process of the above embodiment to a plurality of print jobs.

[0078] In step A6 of the color adjustment control process of Modification Example 3, the control unit 21 may transmit the correction data acquired from the storage unit 25 and the RIP image data generated in step A4 to the image forming apparatus 40 via the controller 30. In this case, the image forming apparatus 40 corrects the RIP image data according to the correction data and forms an image based on the corrected RIP image data.

[0079] The storage unit 25 of Modification Example 3 may store the new first profile PF1 in the color adjustment control process of Modification Example 1. In this case, the control unit 21 acquires, from the storage unit 25, a new first profile PF1 associated with the same information as the undercoat layer information, the type of the continuous recording medium P, the color of the continuous recording medium P, and the type of the screen included in the setting information of the print job. Next, the control unit 21 performs RIP processing on the job image data using the acquired new first profile PF1, and generates RIP image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format.

[0080] (Modification Example 4) In Modification Example 4, the print job corresponding to the image output instruction received by the control unit 21 from the client PC 10 is composed of a plurality of pages. The undercoat layer information included in the setting information of the print job includes information indicating whether to form an undercoat layer for each page.

[0081] In step A2 of the color adjustment control process of Modification Example 4, the control unit 21 determines whether there is an undercoat layer for each page constituting the print job based on the undercoat layer information. Next, the control unit 21 executes step A3 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Next, the control unit 21 executes steps A4 to A6 for each page with an undercoat layer. Next, the control unit 21 executes step A7 in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0082] On the other hand, the control unit 21 executes the same steps A8 and A9 as in the above embodiment for the pages without an undercoat layer.

[0083] In Modification Example 4, the control unit 21 may perform RIP processing on the job image data using the first profile PF1 for the pages with an undercoat layer, and generate RIP image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format. The control unit 21 may perform RIP processing on the job image data using the second profile PF2 for the pages without an undercoat layer, and generate RIP image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format.

[0084] <4. Effects> As described above, the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment includes an acquisition unit (control unit 21) that acquires undercoat layer information, which is information regarding an undercoat layer formed of a coloring material on a base material (continuous recording medium P). In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, when the undercoat layer information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that an undercoat layer is to be formed, correction data is generated based on RIP image data, which is image data of a printed job that has been RIP processed, and color adjustment of an image formed on the undercoat layer is performed by applying the correction data. The device is provided with a control unit 21 for this purpose. Thereby, it is possible to perform color adjustment of an image formed on the undercoat layer without performing an operation of forming a patch image on a sheet and reading the formed patch image on the sheet. Therefore, it is possible to improve the color reproducibility of an image formed on the undercoat layer of the coloring material without much effort.

[0085] In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the color of the undercoat layer is a preset color. In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the color of the undercoat layer is a special color other than Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). Thereby, even when the lightness and chroma decrease due to color mixing of the coloring material of the undercoat layer and the coloring material above it, it is possible to improve the color reproducibility of an image formed on the undercoat layer of the coloring material without much effort.

[0086] In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 associates the correction data with the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen. In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the correction data is a correction curve of color values. In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 applies the correction data to a plurality of printed jobs. In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 applies the correction data to other printed jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen are the same. As a result, correction data can be reused in a plurality of print jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of substrate, the color of the substrate, and the information regarding the screen are the same. Therefore, when reusing correction data, the process of generating the correction data can be omitted.

[0087] In the image processing control apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, when forming the image data of another print job in which the undercoat layer information, the type of substrate, the color of the substrate, and the information regarding the screen are the same, the control unit 21 transmits the correction data to the image forming apparatus. As a result, correction data can be reused in a plurality of print jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of substrate, the color of the substrate, and the information regarding the screen are the same. Therefore, when reusing correction data, the process of generating the correction data can be omitted.

[0088] In the image processing control apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 generates correction data based on the difference between the first color value calculated from the color values of the RIP image data and the second color value calculated from the image data of the print job by the target profile. As a result, correction data can be generated without performing the operation of forming a patch image on the paper and reading the formed patch image on the paper.

[0089] In the image processing control apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, when the undercoat layer information indicates that the undercoat layer is to be formed, the control unit 21 outputs the RIP image data to which the correction data is applied. On the other hand, when the undercoat layer information does not include forming the undercoat layer, the control unit 21 outputs the RIP image data to which the correction data is not applied. As a result, when the undercoat layer is not formed, the control unit 21 can omit the process of applying the correction data to the RIP image data.

[0090] In the image processing control apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the undercoat layer information of a print job having a plurality of pages includes information on whether to form an undercoat layer for each page. As a result, it is possible to perform color adjustment of the image formed on the undercoat layer on each page of a plurality of pages.

[0091] The image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment includes a reception unit (control unit 21) that receives setting of an area of interest in the image data of a print job. In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 generates the correction data for performing color adjustment in the area of interest received by the reception unit. As a result, it is possible to perform color adjustment of an area desired by the user.

[0092] In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 corrects a printer profile with the correction data to generate a printer profile (first profile PF1) for use with an undercoat layer. In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 associates the printer profile for use with an undercoat layer (first profile PF1) with undercoat layer information, the type of base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen. The control unit 21 applies the printer profile for use with an undercoat layer to other print jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of base material, the color of the base material, and the information regarding the screen are the same. As a result, the printer profile for use with an undercoat layer can be reused in a plurality of print jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of base material, the color of the base material, and the information regarding the screen are the same. Therefore, when reusing the printer profile for use with an undercoat layer, it is possible to omit the process of newly correcting and storing the printer profile for use with an undercoat layer.

[0093] In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 corrects a device link profile with the correction data to generate a device link profile (first profile PF1) for use with an undercoat layer. In the image processing control device 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit 21 associates the device link profile for the undercoat layer (first profile PF1) with the undercoat layer information, the type of substrate, the color of the substrate, and the information regarding the screen. The control unit 21 applies the device link profile for the undercoat layer to other printing jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of substrate, the color of the substrate, and the information regarding the screen are the same. As a result, the device link profile for the undercoat layer can be reused in a plurality of printing jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of substrate, the color of the substrate, and the information regarding the screen are the same. Therefore, when reusing the device link profile for the undercoat layer, the process of newly correcting and storing the device link profile for the undercoat layer can be omitted.

[0094] Note that the description in the above embodiment is an example of the image processing control device and the image forming system according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the device can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where CMYK values are used as device values has been described, but RGB values or other values may be used. Also, although the case where L*a*b* values are used as color values during color adjustment has been described, XYZ values or other values may be used.

Explanation of Signs

[0096] 10 Client PC 20 Image Processing Control Device 21 Control Unit (Acquisition Unit, Reception Unit) 22 Display Unit 23 Operation Unit 24 Communication Unit 25 Storage Unit 30 Controller 40 Image Forming Apparatus 41 Paper Feeding Unit 42 Conveying Unit 43 Image forming unit 43a Fixing unit 44 Rewinding unit 45 Operation display unit 45a Display unit 45b Operation unit 46 Control unit 47 Memory unit 48 Communication unit 100 Image forming system N Communication network P Continuous recording medium PF Color adjustment profile PF1 First profile PF2 Second profile PF3 Target profile

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires undercoat layer information, which is information regarding an undercoat layer formed by a coloring material on a base material; When the undercoat layer information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the undercoat layer is to be formed, correction data is generated based on RIP image data, which is image data of a printed job that has undergone RIP processing, and color adjustment of an image formed on the undercoat layer is performed by applying the correction data; a control unit; An image processing control device comprising the above.

2. The image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the color of the undercoat layer is a preset color.

3. The image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the color of the undercoat layer is a special color.

4. The control unit in the image processing control device according to claim 1 associates the correction data with the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen.

5. The correction data is a correction curve of color values, The control unit in the image processing control device according to claim 4 applies the correction data to a plurality of printed jobs.

6. The control unit in the image processing control device according to claim 5 applies the correction data to other printed jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen are the same.

7. When forming the image data of other printed jobs in which the undercoat layer information, the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information regarding the screen are the same, the control unit in the image processing control device according to claim 5 transmits the correction data to an image forming apparatus.

8. The control unit in the image processing control device according to claim 1 generates the correction data based on the difference between a first color value calculated from the color values of the RIP image data and a second color value calculated from the image data by a target profile.

9. When the undercoat layer information indicates that the undercoat layer is to be formed, the control unit in the image processing control device according to claim 1 outputs the RIP image data to which the correction data has been applied, while when the undercoat layer information does not include forming the undercoat layer, the control unit outputs the RIP image data to which the correction data is not applied.

10. The undercoat layer information of a printed job having a plurality of pages includes information indicating whether the undercoat layer is to be formed for each page. The image processing control device according to claim 1.

11. comprises a reception unit that receives a setting of an area of interest in image data of a print job; The image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates the correction data for performing color adjustment in the area of interest received by the reception unit.

12. The image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit corrects a printer profile with the correction data to generate a printer profile for use with the undercoat layer.

13. The image processing control device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit associates the undercoat layer information, information on the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information on the screen with the printer profile for use with the undercoat layer, and applies the printer profile for use with the undercoat layer to another print job in which the undercoat layer information, information on the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information on the screen are the same.

14. The image processing control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit corrects a device link profile with the correction data to generate a device link profile for use with the undercoat layer.

15. The image processing control device according to claim 14, wherein the control unit associates the undercoat layer information, information on the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information on the screen with the device link profile for use with the undercoat layer, and applies the device link profile for use with the undercoat layer to another print job in which the undercoat layer information, information on the type of the base material, the color of the base material, and information on the screen are the same.

16. An image processing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; An image forming device that is communicably connected to the image processing control device and forms an image on the base material; An image forming system comprising the above.

17. A program that causes a computer of an image processing control device to function as: An acquisition unit that acquires undercoat layer information, which is information on an undercoat layer formed of a coloring material on a base material; A control unit that, when the undercoat layer information acquired by the acquisition unit indicates that the undercoat layer is to be formed, generates correction data based on RIP image data, which is image data of a print job that has been RIP processed, and performs color adjustment of an image formed on the undercoat layer by applying the correction data; The above program.

Images