Printing system, printing method, and printing program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus for enabling a user to easily reuse a color conversion table suitable to be used for a printing job that is newly executed from among a plurality of adjusted color conversion tables used in past printing jobs.SOLUTION: In a printing system, a control part of a controller includes a history data generation part for associating a color conversion table adjusted by a user and used in a printing job with a type of an object reflected in an image of a printing object identified by image analysis to store them in a storage part when the printing job is executed, and a color conversion table setting part for generating a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used for a new printing job and displaying identification information of each of a plurality of the adjusted color conversion tables stored in the storage part together with type information of the object as a list of color conversion table use histories on the screen in a selectable manner when the new printing job is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing system, a printing method, and a printing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique of performing color conversion processing on an input image and printing the image after the color conversion processing has been known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a person image is cut out from a photographed image, color conversion processing is performed so that the person image has a brightness suitable for a proof photograph, and then the person image is combined with a background image, and the combined image is printed.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 describes that image processing is performed so that the image quality at a specified position of the original image approaches a predetermined target value and then printed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, generally, in the world of professional printing, color conversion is performed using a technology called color management to reproduce the color of an image serving as a manuscript in accordance with a target color sample by a "color conversion table (also referred to as an ICC profile)".

[0007] However, in the actual printing site, there is no target color sample, etc., and in some cases, each time printing is done, the printed matter must be printed after adjusting it to the "preferred color" that can be accepted by the client. In such cases, while a skilled person modifies the color conversion table, trial printing is performed, and the color conversion table is adjusted visually.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of color adjustment of an image using a color conversion table. In FIG. 1, the left figure represents the original image before color adjustment, and the right figure represents the image after color adjustment. Here, a photo of meat used in a supermarket flyer is used.

[0009] Generally, in supermarket flyers, in order to make the meat look delicious, the blue-yellow tone is suppressed, and red and white are emphasized. At this time, the user, for example, adjusts the profile of the input / output curve of the color conversion table to control the color and brightness, or to emphasize white.

[0010] However, the color conversion table adjusted in this way is not necessarily suitable for other printed matters. For example, the color conversion table adjusted for supermarket flyers cannot be used for appliance flyers. In appliance flyers, it is important that the details of the appliances can be visually recognized, but if a color conversion table that emphasizes white is used, the details of white appliances will be lost.

[0011] Adjusting such a color conversion table is difficult for those who are not skilled, and the adjustment work is also complicated. Against this background, there is a demand to reduce the setting work of the color conversion table when printing new submitted data by reusing the adjusted color conversion table used in the past.

[0012] In recent printing systems, in order to meet such requirements, there are some that have introduced a technology of displaying a list of usage histories of color conversion tables used in the past on a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used in a new printing job. However, at present, it is hard to say that a user can easily select a color conversion table suitable for use in a new printing job from the list of usage histories of color conversion tables (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0013] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a more suitable printing system, printing method, and printing program capable of reducing the setting work of the color conversion table.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] The main present disclosure for solving the above problems is as follows. A history data generation unit that, when a printing job is executed, associates and stores in a storage unit an adjusted color conversion table by the user used in the printing job and type information of an object reflected in an image of a printing target identified by image analysis; When a new printing job is executed, a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used in the new printing job is generated, and on the screen, identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables stored in the storage unit is displayed as a list of color conversion table usage histories so as to be selectable together with the type information of the object; a color conversion table setting unit A printing system comprising:

[0015] In another aspect, A process of, when a printing job is executed, associating and storing in a storage unit an adjusted color conversion table by the user used in the printing job and type information of an object reflected in an image of a printing target identified by image analysis; When executing a new printing job, a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used in the new printing job is generated, and on the screen, identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables stored in the storage unit is displayed as a list of color conversion table usage histories together with the type information of the object so as to be selectable. This is a printing method for performing the above.

[0016] In another aspect, On a computer, When a printing job is executed, the adjusted color conversion table by the user used in the printing job and the type information of the object reflected in the image to be printed identified by image analysis are associated with each other and stored in a storage unit. When executing a new printing job, a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used in the new printing job is generated, and on the screen, identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables stored in the storage unit is displayed as a list of color conversion table usage histories together with the type information of the object so as to be selectable. This is a printing program for causing the above to be executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the printing system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the setting work of the color conversion table.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0020] <Configuration of Print System 100> First, the configuration of a print system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the print system 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the print system 100 includes a print instruction terminal 10, a controller 20, and a printer 30, and each device is connected so as to be capable of data communication via a communication network N. Note that the number of each device is not particularly limited.

[0022] The printing instruction terminal 10 issues a printing instruction to the controller 20 using a printer driver program or dedicated software. Specifically, the printing instruction terminal 10 generates print data described in a page description language (PDL) or the like interpretable by the controller 20 as job information according to user operations, and transmits the generated print data to the controller 20.

[0023] The controller 20 performs rasterization (also referred to as RIP processing) on the print data transmitted from the printing instruction terminal 10 to create print image data. Then, the controller 20 performs image processing such as color conversion and screening on the print image data and transmits it to the printer 30. Note that the controller 20 may be built into the printer 30. Also, the controller 20 and the printer 30 may be connected via a dedicated line such as a PCI connection.

[0024] The printer 30 is an image forming apparatus that performs printing based on the bitmap format image data (CMYK data) received from the controller 20. As the printing method in the printer 30, various printing methods such as an electrophotographic method and an inkjet method can be adopted.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller 20. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the CPU 21.

[0026] The controller 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, a storage unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and a communication unit 26, etc., and each unit is connected by a bus 27.

[0027] The CPU 21 is a control unit that comprehensively controls the processing operations of each part of the controller 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as "control unit 21"). The CPU 21 reads out various processing programs and data stored in the storage unit 23 according to operation signals and the like input from the operation unit 24, expands them in the RAM 22, and executes various processes in cooperation with the programs.

[0028] Specifically, the control unit 21 functions as a color conversion table setting unit 21a, a history data generation unit 21b, and a color adjustment execution unit 21c by executing various processing programs stored in the storage unit 23 (see FIG. 4).

[0029] In addition, the control unit 21 analyzes print data (PDL data) received from the print instruction terminal 10 and expands it into print image data (CMYK values) in bitmap format.

[0030] The RAM 22 forms a work area that temporarily stores various processing programs executed by the control unit 21 and data related to these programs.

[0031] The storage unit 23 consists of a storage device such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores various processing programs (for example, a RIP processing program and a color adjustment processing program) and data related to various processes.

[0032] In addition, the storage unit 23 according to the present embodiment stores a reference color conversion table 231 and a history database 232.

[0033] The reference color conversion table 231 is a color conversion table that is initially set so that the color output characteristics of the printer 30 and the like are adjusted from the viewpoint of color management. The reference color conversion table 231 is read out, for example, when setting a color conversion table to be used in a new print job, and is adjusted by the user so as to be a profile suitable for the print job.

[0034] The history database 232 is history data related to a color conversion table adjusted for the user (hereinafter referred to as the "adjusted color conversion table") so as to be suitable for printing in past print jobs.

[0035] In the history database 232, for example, every time a new adjusted color conversion table D1 is created, the data of the adjusted color conversion table D1 is registered. And in the history database 232, the type information D2 of the object in the printed image and the summary information D3 of the adjusted color conversion table D1 are registered in association with the adjusted color conversion table D1. On the setting screen of the color conversion table described later with reference to FIG. 5, the content of such a history database 232 is displayed as a "list of color conversion table usage history".

[0036] Incidentally, the color conversion tables (here, the reference color conversion table 231 and the adjusted color conversion table D1) are constituted by, for example, a target profile and a printer profile. To perform color conversion processing, a color conversion table of the device targeted for color matching is required, and it is called a target profile. The target profile is a color conversion table showing the correspondence between device-dependent device values (for example, CMYK values, RGB values, etc.) and color values independent of the device (for example, XYZ values, L*a*b* values, etc.). As the target profile, usually, a profile of an offset printing machine or a standard profile such as JapanColor is selected. The printer profile is a color conversion table showing the correspondence between color values and device values for converting color values into device values of the printer 30. That is, as the printer profile, the profile of the printer 30 actually to be output is selected.

[0037] That is, the device values (such as RGB values) of the input image data are converted into device-independent color values using a target profile, and these color values are converted into device values (such as CMYK values) of the printer 30, which is the output device, using a printer profile. Then, printing on the printer 30 is executed using the image data converted to correspond to the device values (CMYK values) of the printer 30 obtained through this conversion.

[0038] Incidentally, as the color conversion table to be used, a color conversion table obtained by combining a color conversion table from the device values of the input device to color values and a color conversion table from color values to the device values of the output device into one LUT may be used. Such an LUT is also referred to as a device link profile.

[0039] The data of the adjusted color conversion table D1 is, for example, the data of a color conversion table in which the adjustment content made to the reference color conversion table 231 is reflected so that a color conversion suitable for the image to be printed is performed by the user. In the present embodiment, the data of the adjusted color conversion table D1 is stored separately in the data of the adjusted target profile and the data of the adjusted printer profile.

[0040] Incidentally, the data of the adjusted color conversion table D1 may be stored in the form of the changed content from the reference color conversion table 231, or may be stored in the form of the input / output profiles of the adjusted color conversion table D1 itself.

[0041] The object type information D2 is information related to the type of object appearing in the image to be printed to which the adjusted color conversion table D1 has been applied. The object type information D2 is registered so that the user can identify the type of object that has been adjusted using the adjusted color conversion table D1. In other words, the object type information D2 is registered so that the user can identify the intended use of each adjusted color conversion table D1 on the screen for setting the color conversion table to be used in the current print job. The object type information D2 is generated by the control unit 21 through image analysis (e.g., pattern recognition) of the image to be printed. The data format of the object type information D2 may be an object type ID, or may be character string or symbol string data.

[0042] Here, the object type information D2 to be registered is, for example, the type of the main object in the image to be printed, such as meat in a supermarket flyer or white goods in a home appliance retailer flyer. As shown in FIG. 6, when a cat B2 and a dog B1 are shown in the image to be printed, the object type information D2 is registered as, for example, "cat, dog". However, it is preferable that the object type information D2 reflects the purpose of the printed matter. From this point of view, instead of the unit of an individual such as "cat, dog", the object may be registered in units of individual parts such as "person's face". The type content to be registered can be adjusted, for example, by the setting of the pattern recognition process by the history data generating unit 21b (i.e., the setting of the identification target).

[0043] The summary information D3 is registered so that the user can instantly identify the content of the color adjustment applied to the image by the adjusted color conversion table D1 stored in association with the summary information D3. The summary information D3 is registered, for example, as information that represents the profile (i.e., characteristics) of the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1 in a character string or symbol string that is identifiable to the user. The summary information D3 is generated, for example, when a new adjusted color conversion table D1 is registered, by data conversion of the adjusted color conversion table D1 by the control unit 21 (history data generation unit 21b).

[0044] In addition, the storage unit 23 stores, among other things, print data received from the print instruction terminal 10, printed image data that has been RIP-processed, and user information, etc.

[0045] The operation unit 24 is configured to include, for example, a keyboard having cursor keys, character input keys, and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and accepts operation inputs from the user. The operation unit 24 outputs an operation signal input by a key operation on the keyboard or a mouse operation to the CPU 21.

[0046] The display unit 25 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various operation screens and various processing results according to instructions from the CPU 21.

[0047] Note that the operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 according to the present embodiment are integrally configured by a liquid crystal display with a touch panel.

[0048] The communication unit 26 transmits and receives data to and from external devices (for example, the print instruction terminal 10, the printer 30) via the communication network N.

[0049] <Detailed Configuration of the Control Unit 21> Here, the functions of the color conversion table setting unit 21a, the history data generation unit 21b, and the color adjustment execution unit 21c of the control unit 21 will be described in detail.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a color conversion table setting screen displayed on the display unit 25 under the control of the color conversion table setting unit 21a.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image to be printed in a past print job. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the adjusted color conversion table D1 used in a past print job. Note that FIG. 6 shows an image to be printed in a print job in which the adjusted color conversion table A-Icc was used. Further, FIG. 7 shows only the profile related to the C color of the target profile of the adjusted color conversion table A-Icc.

[0052] ≪Configuration of Color Conversion Table Setting Unit 21a≫ When there is an execution command for a new print job, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays a color conversion table setting screen. At this time, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays a list of the color conversion table usage history so that the user can reuse the adjusted color conversion table D1 used in the past as the color conversion table to be used in the new print job.

[0053] Specifically, the color conversion table setting unit 21a reads the data in the history database 232 stored in the storage unit 23. Then, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays the identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables D1 in a selectable manner as a list of the color conversion table usage history. At this time, the color conversion table setting unit 21a also displays in the color conversion table usage history the object type information D2 in the image to which the adjusted color conversion table D1 is applied, the summary information D3 of the adjusted color conversion table D1, and the like.

[0054] Incidentally, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays, for example, the list of the color conversion table usage history in a list format. Also, the identification information of each of the adjusted color conversion tables D1 is typically expressed as a character string or a symbol string.

[0055] In the color conversion table setting screen shown in FIG. 5, the R1 area is an area for displaying the "list of the color conversion table usage history", and information related to a plurality of adjusted color conversion tables D1 is displayed in the R1 area in a list format. Specifically, the following information is displayed in the R1 area for each adjusted color conversion table D1. R1a: Color conversion table ID (i.e., identification information) R1b: Color conversion table file name R1c: Image file name to which it is applied R1d: Object type information of the image to which it is applied R1e: Summary information of the color adjustment content of the adjusted color conversion table (target profile) R1f: Summary information of the color adjustment content of the adjusted color conversion table (device profile)

[0056] Also, in the color conversion table setting screen shown in FIG. 5, the R2 area is an area for displaying the adjusted image after applying the adjusted color conversion table D1 temporarily selected in the list of color conversion table usage history to the image to be printed this time. Specifically, in the R2 area, the original image before adjustment and the image after adjustment are displayed side by side. Note that the adjusted color conversion table D1 to be temporarily selected in the list of color conversion table usage history can be changed by moving the cursor Rt2.

[0057] Also, in the color conversion table setting screen shown in FIG. 5, the R3 area is an operation button for selecting and finalizing the adjusted color conversion table D1 to be used in the current print job from the list of color conversion table usage history. Here, the following buttons are displayed in the R3 area. R3a: New creation button (here, it means a button for newly creating a color conversion table from the reference color conversion table 231.) R3b: Select <No correction> (here, it means a button for selecting the adjusted color conversion table D1 without making corrections.) R3c: Select <With correction> (here, it means a button for making corrections to the adjusted color conversion table D1.)

[0058] Note that Rt1 in FIG. 5 is an operation button for changing the temporarily selected adjusted color conversion table D1 from the list of color conversion table usage history. Here, the user can move the cursor Rt2 up and down to change the temporarily selected adjusted color conversion table D1 from the list of color conversion table usage history.

[0059] This color conversion table setting screen is particularly characterized in that the object type information D2 in the image to which each adjusted color conversion table D1 is applied is displayed in the list of the color conversion table usage history. That is, as described above, the appropriate color adjustment content by the color conversion table varies depending on the image to be printed (i.e., the type of object to be color-adjusted). In this regard, the user can grasp the purpose and usage of each adjusted color conversion table D1 from the object type information D2 in the image.

[0060] That is, the user can select the adjusted color conversion table D1 applied to the object type that matches or is similar to the object type of the image to be printed in the new print job by viewing the list of the color conversion table usage history. As a result, the user can omit the trouble of newly recreating the color conversion table.

[0061] Here, when the "Select <with modification>" button R3c is pressed, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays the input / output curve (see FIG. 7) of the temporarily selected adjusted color conversion table D1 and accepts the modification operation of the input / output curve. Then, the color conversion table setting unit 21a sets the modified color conversion table as the color conversion table to be used in the current print job.

[0062] In addition, the following images are displayed on the color conversion table modification screen of FIG. 7. P1: A checkbox for selecting whether to use the target profile or the device profile as the object to be modified among the input / output curves of the adjusted color conversion table D1 P2: An area for displaying the input / output curve (target profile or device profile) of the adjusted color conversion table D1 P3: A checkbox for selecting the input / output curve (target profile or device profile) of the color (here, any of the four CMYK colors) to be displayed in P2 P4: An operation button for determining the input / output curve of the modified color conversion table

[0063] That is, in the display area of P2, the input / output curve of the correction target (target profile or profile) selected by P1 and the color selected by P3 is displayed. On P2, touch operations on the user's screen are accepted, and the input / output curve can be changed by the touch operations.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 5, the summary information of R1e and the item of summary information of R1f in the list of color conversion table usage history will be described.

[0065] These items R1e and R1f are items for displaying summary information D3 composed of a character string or symbol string generated to enable the user to easily identify the profile of the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1.

[0066] As can be seen from FIG. 5, it is difficult to display all the graphs of the adjusted target profile and the graph of the adjusted device profile for each adjusted color conversion table D1 in the list of color conversion table usage history.

[0067] Therefore, the color conversion table setting unit 21a according to the present embodiment displays items R1e and R1f related to summary information in which the characteristics of the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1 are converted into a character string or symbol string that can be identified by the user. Here, the item R1e is summary information related to the target profile, and the item R1f is summary information related to the device profile.

[0068] Specifically, "C+,M-" in the summary information R1e of FIG. 5 indicates that the C color is increased and the M color is decreased with respect to the target profile of the reference color conversion table 231. Also, "K-" in the summary information R1e of FIG. 5 indicates that the K color is decreased with respect to the target profile of the reference color conversion table 231. Also, "M-" in the summary information R1f of FIG. 5 indicates that the M color is decreased with respect to the device profile of the reference color conversion table 231.

[0069] Furthermore, such summary information D3 is generated, for example, by data conversion of the adjusted color conversion table D1 by the history data generation unit 21b when a new adjusted color conversion table D1 is registered.

[0070] Actually, as the operation mode of the user when setting the color conversion table to be used for a new print job, for example, it is as follows.

[0071] First, the user searches for the adjusted color conversion table D1 applied to the type of object that matches or is similar to the type of object in the image to be printed from the list of color conversion table usage histories in consideration of the printing purpose of the new print job. At this time, the user also refers to the summary information D3 of the adjusted color conversion table D1.

[0072] Then, the user presses the cursor operation button Rt1 to move the cursor Rt2 up and down, and temporarily selects the desired adjusted color conversion table D1 from the list of color conversion table usage histories. As a result, the original image before adjustment and the image after adjustment are displayed on the color conversion table setting screen. The user views the image after adjustment and considers whether it is necessary to correct the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1 being temporarily selected.

[0073] If it is determined that the adjustment of the adjusted color conversion table D1 is not necessary, the user presses the "Select <No correction>" button R3b. Then, the user determines the adjusted color conversion table D1 as the color conversion table to be used for the new print job. On the other hand, if it is determined that the adjustment of the adjusted color conversion table D1 is necessary, the user presses the "Select <With correction>" button R3c. Then, the user performs the adjustment of the adjusted color conversion table D1 (see FIG. 7). Then, the user determines the adjusted color conversion table after the adjustment as the color conversion table to be used for the new print job.

[0074] ≪Configuration of the history data generation unit 21b≫ When a print job is executed, the history data generation unit 21b stores data related to the adjusted color conversion table D1 used in the print job in the storage unit 23 as a history database 232. That is, the history data generation unit 21b generates history data so that the color conversion table setting unit 21a can display a "list of color conversion table usage history" (see FIG. 5) when executing a new print job.

[0075] First, the history data generation unit 21b analyzes the image to be printed in the print job and identifies the type of object reflected in the image. Then, the history data generation unit 21b stores the type information D2 of the object in the storage unit 23 in association with the adjusted color conversion table D1 used in the print job.

[0076] At this time, the history data generation unit 21b identifies the type of object reflected in the image to be printed in the print job by, for example, pattern recognition processing using a known CNN (Convolutional Neural Network). However, the method of image analysis by the history data generation unit 21b is arbitrary, and for example, a pattern recognition technology such as an SVM (Support Vector Machine) identifier, a Bayesian identifier, or template matching may be used.

[0077] Second, the history data generation unit 21b converts the characteristics of the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1 into summary information D3, and stores the summary information in the storage unit 23 in association with the adjusted color conversion table. Note that the summary information D3 typically consists of a character string or symbol string that can be identified by the user.

[0078] At this time, the history data generation unit 21b generates the summary information D3 by, for example, representing the color adjusted by the user and the direction of adjustment as a character string or symbol string with respect to the reference color conversion table 231. Also, the history data generation unit 21b may use natural language processing technology using AI when generating the summary information D3.

[0079] The summary information D3 generated by the history data generation unit 21b may be summary information of the changed content from the reference color conversion table 231. Alternatively, it may be summary information of the characteristics of the input / output curves of the adjusted color conversion table D1 itself.

[0080] Also, the timing at which the history data generation unit 21b generates such history data is, for example, after the print job is executed. However, some of the processing may be when a new print job is executed and the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays the color conversion table setting screen.

[0081] ≪Configuration of Color Adjustment Execution Unit 21c≫ When executing printing, the color adjustment execution unit 21c performs color conversion of the print image data based on the color conversion table set by the color conversion table setting unit 21a. Then, the color adjustment execution unit 21c transmits the color-converted image data to the printer 30 via the communication unit 26 to cause the actual printing to be performed.

[0082] Also, since the color conversion process itself by the color adjustment execution unit 21c is the same as known techniques, the description here is omitted.

[0083] ≪Operation Flow of Control Unit 21≫ FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation flow of the control unit 21 when performing a print job.

[0084] First, the control unit 21 receives an execution command for a print job from the print instruction terminal 10 (step S1). Next, the control unit 21 displays the color conversion table setting screen shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 25 in order to receive the setting of the color conversion table to be used for the current print job from the user (step S2). Then, the control unit 21 waits for a user operation and receives the selection and / or modification of the color conversion table to be used for the current print job from among the list of color conversion table usage histories displayed on the color conversion table setting screen (step S3).

[0085] Next, the control unit 21 performs color conversion processing on the image data to be printed using the color conversion table selected and / or modified in step S3. Then, the control unit 21 transmits the color-converted image data to the printer 30 via the communication unit 26 to cause the printer to perform printing (step S4).

[0086] Next, the control unit 21 generates history data related to the color conversion process. Then, the control unit 21 stores the history data in the storage unit 23 in association with the adjusted color conversion table D1 used in the current printing job (step S5). Note that, as described above, the history data related to the color conversion process is, for example, the adjusted color conversion table D1 used in the printing job, the type information D2 of the object reflected in the image to be printed, and the summary information D3 of the characteristics of the input / output curves of the adjusted color conversion table D1, etc.

[0087] Through such a series of operation flows, the control unit 21 ends the printing job that has received the execution command.

[0088] <Effect> As described above, the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment a history data generation unit 21b that stores, in the storage unit 23 in association with each other, the adjusted color conversion table by the user used in the printing job and the type information D2 of the object reflected in the image to be printed identified by image analysis when the printing job is executed; a color conversion table setting unit 21a that generates a screen for setting the color conversion table to be used in the new printing job when executing a new printing job, and on the screen, displays the identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables D1 stored in the storage unit 23 together with the type information D2 of the object as a list of the color conversion table usage history so that it can be selected; is provided.

[0089] According to the printing system 100 according to this embodiment, the user can omit the trouble of newly recreating a color conversion table every time a new printing job is performed in order to perform color adjustment suitable for the image to be printed. In particular, when the printing system 100 according to this embodiment displays a list of adjusted color conversion tables D1 used in past printing jobs, it displays the type information D2 of the object reflected in the image to which the color conversion table is applied. Therefore, the user can easily select a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the current printing job from the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0090] Also, in this embodiment, the history data generation unit 21b has a function of converting the characteristics of the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1 into summary information D3 represented by characters or symbols recognizable by the user. Then, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays the identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables D1 together with the summary information D3 in the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0091] Thereby, the user can easily recognize the characteristics of the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1 from the list of color conversion table usage histories. That is, thereby, the user can easily select a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the current printing job from the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0092] Also, in this embodiment, the color conversion table setting unit 21a enables the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table D1 to be corrected by the user's operation and the corrected color conversion table to be used in a new printing job.

[0093] Thereby, the user can easily create a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the current printing job based on the adjusted color conversion table D1 used in the past printing job.

[0094] Further, in the present embodiment, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays a corrected image when the adjusted color conversion table D1 temporarily selected in the list of color conversion table usage histories is applied to the image of the new print job.

[0095] As a result, the user can easily grasp the adjustment contents of each of the adjusted color conversion tables D1 used in past print jobs.

[0096] <Modification Example 1> In this modification example, it is different from the above embodiment in that the color conversion table setting unit 21a further presents candidates for the adjusted color conversion table D1 suitable for use in a new print job from among the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation flow of the control unit 21 according to this modification example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification example of the color conversion table setting screen.

[0098] The operation flow of FIG. 9 is different from the operation flow of FIG. 8 only in that step Sa is inserted between step S1 and step S2.

[0099] Here, step Sa is a step in which the control unit 21 performs a process of identifying the object type of the image to be printed. Specifically, in step Sa, the control unit 21 first performs image analysis (for example, pattern recognition processing) on the image to be printed in the current print job to identify the type of object reflected in the image.

[0100] After that, the control unit 21 displays the color conversion table setting screen on the display unit 25 (step S2). At this time, the color conversion table setting unit 21a extracts those that match or are similar to the type of object reflected in the image to be printed in the current print job from among the list of color conversion table usage histories. Then, the control unit 21 presents to the user the color conversion table candidates suitable for the current print job on the color conversion table setting screen.

[0101] On the color conversion table setting screen shown in FIG. 10, candidates for the color conversion table suitable for the current print job are displayed with a marker Rx attached thereto.

[0102] In addition, as a method for determining the degree of match of the object types, for example, a method using text data may be used. Also, a method of expressing the type of each object in vector form and calculating the similarity of the vectors may be used.

[0103] As described above, the color conversion table setting unit 21a according to the first modification refers to the type of object reflected in the image to be printed in the new print job and the object type information D2 stored in association with the adjusted color conversion table D1. Then, based on these, the color conversion table setting unit 21a presents candidates for the adjusted color conversion table D1 suitable for the new print job from among the list of the color conversion table usage history.

[0104] As a result, the user can easily select a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the current print job from the list of the color conversion table usage history.

[0105] In addition, in the printing system 100 according to the first modification, the object type information reflected in the image to be printed in the current print job may be information input by the user himself / herself.

[0106] <Second Modification> In this modification, it is different from the above embodiment in that the color conversion table setting unit 21a further displays summary information of adjustment contents such as spot color adjustment used simultaneously with the adjusted color conversion table D1 in the list of the color conversion table usage history.

[0107] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a color conversion table setting screen according to this modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of the spot color adjustment function.

[0108] In this modified example, when performing color adjustment on the image to be printed, in addition to color adjustment using a color conversion table, a case where point color adjustment or tone curve adjustment is used is shown.

[0109] Point color adjustment is a function that performs color adjustment on the image to be printed by specifying, through user operation, that the color of a specific area of the image to be printed becomes a specific color. When this point color adjustment is performed, when color adjustment using a color conversion table is performed, the color of the specified area of the image becomes the specified color.

[0110] Point color adjustment is typically used, for example, when it is desired to specify a specific area (such as a person's skin) of an object in an image to a specific color. In addition, point color adjustment can also be used to remove roughness or the like in a specific area (such as a character part) that occurs when using a color conversion table.

[0111] The application target of point color adjustment is typically an object that the user is focusing on in the printed image. Therefore, if the type of the object is displayed in the list of color conversion table usage histories, the user can easily select a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the new print job.

[0112] From this perspective, the color conversion table setting unit 21a according to this modified example displays, in the list of color conversion table usage histories, the presence or absence of the use of the point color adjustment function and the type information of the object specified when using the point color adjustment function. And when the user selects the adjusted color conversion table D1 as the color conversion table to be used in the current print job, at the same time, the point color adjustment function under the same conditions is configured to be set.

[0113] In FIG. 11, in the list of the color conversion table usage history, in addition to the items shown in FIG. 5, an item R1g related to the usage status of the point color adjustment function is displayed. In FIG. 11, as an example, for the color conversion table ID_3, the point color adjustment function is used, and at that time, a mode is shown in which the object type of the area specified by the point color adjustment function is "apple".

[0114] Also, in FIG. 11, on the color conversion table setting screen, a correction button R3d for the point color adjustment function and a correction button R3e for the tone curve adjustment function are displayed, and these can be corrected from the registered contents.

[0115] The presence or absence of point adjustment and information related to the content of the point adjustment are generated by the history data generation unit 21b. That is, for example, when the history data generation unit 21b generates history data related to color conversion processing, it identifies the type of object in the area where point color adjustment is specified. Then, the history data generation unit 21b stores in the storage unit 23 information related to the presence or absence of point adjustment, the content of the point color adjustment, and the type of object in the area where the point color adjustment is specified, in association with the used adjusted color conversion table D1. Note that in point color adjustment, since adjustment points are specified, the history data generation unit 21b identifies the type of object in the area where point color adjustment is specified by pattern recognition processing using this adjustment point as a reference position.

[0116] As a result, the color conversion table setting unit 21a can display in the list of the color conversion table usage history the presence or absence of point adjustment and the type of object in the area specified by the point color adjustment.

[0117] Note that the following contents are displayed on the setting screen of the point color adjustment function in FIG. 12. Q1: Area for inputting CMYK values to be added to the adjustment points of point color adjustment Q2: Area for setting the influence range on the colors around the color adjusted by point color adjustment Q3: Area for displaying the CMYK values of the adjustment points for point color adjustment Q4: Area indicating the "image to be adjusted" (The pre-adjustment image is displayed on the left, and the pre-adjustment image is displayed on the right) Q4s: Target area for point color adjustment (i.e., adjustment point)

[0118] The setting screen in Fig. 12 is displayed, for example, when the correction button R3d of the point adjustment function is selected in Fig. 11. On such a setting screen, the user can set the content of the point color adjustment to be used together with the color conversion table.

[0119] Also, in this modified example, a mode in which the tone curve adjustment function can be used is shown. The tone curve adjustment function is a correction function for adjusting the brightness and contrast of an image.

[0120] Also, the color conversion table setting unit 21a according to this modified example displays the presence or absence of use of the tone curve adjustment function and the type of tone curve used by the tone curve adjustment function in the list of the color conversion table usage history.

[0121] Here, a plurality of types of tone curves are registered, and the user can select and use them from these multiple types of tone curves. When the user selects any adjusted color conversion table D1 as the color conversion table to be used in a new print job, at the same time, the tone curve adjustment of the same type is set.

[0122] In Fig. 11, the R1h area in the list of the color conversion table usage history is an area for displaying the "usage status related to the tone curve adjustment function". In Fig. 11, as an example, for the color conversion table ID_4, the tone curve adjustment function is used, and at that time, the mode in which "Tone curb 1" is used by the tone curve adjustment function is shown.

[0123] Information regarding whether tone curve adjustment is performed and the content of the tone curve adjustment (i.e., the type of tone curve) is generated by the history data generation unit 21b. For example, when generating history data related to color conversion processing, the history data generation unit 21b stores, in the storage unit 23, information regarding whether tone curve adjustment is performed and the tone curve type of the tone curve adjustment, in association with the used adjusted color conversion table D1.

[0124] As described above, according to the printing system 100 according to this modification example, the user can more easily select a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the current printing job from the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0125] In addition, even when the point color adjustment function or the tone curve adjustment function is used in combination with the color conversion table, the user can use these functions under the same conditions together with the adjusted color conversion table D1. Therefore, according to the printing system 100 according to this modification example, it is possible to more reliably perform color adjustment on the image to be printed in the current time, similar to when the adjusted color conversion table D1 was used in the past.

[0126] <Modification Example 3> In this modification example, it is different from the above-described embodiment in that the color conversion table setting unit 21a further displays information regarding how the adjusted color conversion table D1 is used in the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0127] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a color conversion table setting screen according to this modification example.

[0128] In the color conversion table setting screen according to this modification example, in the list of color conversion table usage histories, in addition to the display items illustrated in FIG. 5, the following items are displayed. R1i: "Number of times of use" of the adjusted color conversion table D1 R1j: "Creation date" of the adjusted color conversion table D1 R1k: "Customer" who used the adjusted color conversion table D1 R1l: "Paper type" used for printing when the adjusted color conversion table D1 is used R1m: "Paper basis weight" used for printing when the adjusted color conversion table D1 is used

[0129] That is, in this modified example, when generating history data related to color conversion processing, for example, the history data generation unit 21b has a configuration in which, for the adjusted color conversion table D1, each time it is reused by the user, the usage count is incremented and stored in the storage unit 23. Then, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays the usage count together with the identification information of the adjusted color conversion table D1 in the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0130] As a result, the user can easily grasp the usage frequency of each color conversion table used in past print jobs from the list of color conversion table usage histories. And the user can use it as reference information when selecting a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the current print job.

[0131] Also, in this modified example, when generating history data related to color conversion processing (step S5 in FIG. 8), for example, the history data generation unit 21b has a configuration in which the creation date when the adjusted color conversion table D1 was created and information related to the using customer are stored in the storage unit 23. Then, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays the creation date and information related to the using customer together with the identification information of the adjusted color conversion table D1 in the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0132] Also, in this modified example, for each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables D1, the history data generation unit 21b also has a configuration in which job setting information related to paper type and basis weight information when the adjusted color conversion table D1 is used is stored in the storage unit 23. Then, the color conversion table setting unit 21a displays the job setting information together with the identification information of the adjusted color conversion table D1 in the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0133] The creation date of the adjusted color conversion table D1 and information related to the customer using it can be useful reference conditions when specifying the use of the adjusted color conversion table D1. Similarly, job setting information related to the paper type information and basis weight information when the adjusted color conversion table D1 is used can be useful reference conditions when specifying the use of the adjusted color conversion table D1.

[0134] As described above, according to the printing system 100 according to this modification example, the user can easily grasp how each of the color conversion tables used in past printing jobs was used from the list of the color conversion table usage history. As a result, the user can use this as reference information when selecting a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in the current printing job.

[0135] <Modification Example 4> In this modification example, it is different from the above-described embodiment in that the color conversion table setting unit 21a can perform filtering and / or sorting based on predetermined items in the list of the color conversion table usage history on the color conversion table setting screen.

[0136] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a color conversion table setting screen according to this modification example.

[0137] In FIG. 14, in the list of the color conversion table usage history, it is possible to filter the item R1d related to the "object to be adjusted" and the item R1k related to the "customer". Also, in the list of the color conversion table usage history, it shows a mode in which it is possible to sort in ascending or descending order the item R1i related to the "number of uses" of the adjusted color conversion table D1 and the item R1j related to the "creation date" of the adjusted color conversion table D1. Note that the filtering function and the sorting function are typically executed using the text information and numerical information of these items stored in the storage unit 23.

[0138] As a result, when the user selects a color conversion table suitable for the image to be printed in a new print job, the user can easily search for a color conversion table meeting the desired conditions from the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0139] <Modification Example 5> In this modification example, it is different from the above-described embodiment in that the color conversion table setting unit 21a can change the display target items in the list of color conversion table usage histories by user operation.

[0140] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting items to be displayed in the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0141] In FIG. 15, in the screen for setting display items, a UI image R4 with a check box is shown for each of a plurality of candidate display items. Then, the user can select the display items to be displayed in the list of color conversion table usage histories by switching the on / off state of each check box.

[0142] As a result, according to the user's preference, the browsability of the list of color conversion table usage histories can be enhanced within the color conversion table setting screen.

[0143] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are conceivable.

[0144] For example, when creating a color conversion table, an automatic adjustment function related to solid holding, noise removal, or color sample automatic adjustment may be used. In this case, the color conversion table setting unit 21a may be configured to display the presence or absence of use of the automatic adjustment function for each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables D1 in the list of color conversion table usage histories.

[0145] Further, for a predetermined item in the list of the color conversion table usage history, the color conversion table setting unit 21a may display the original data associated with the data in a pop-up format by a touch operation of the user. Examples of such items include "image file name R1c", "adjustment content R1e for the reference target profile", and "adjustment content R1f for the reference device profile".

[0146] Specifically, for example, when "Animal.pdf (image file name R1c)" is touched, the color conversion table setting unit 21a may display the original data image (see FIG. 6) in a pop-up manner. Further, when "C+, M- (target profile R1d)" is touched, the color conversion table setting unit 21a may display the target profile (see FIG. 7) in a graph format in a pop-up manner.

[0147] As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

Industrial Applicability

[0148] According to the printing system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the setting work of the color conversion table.

Explanation of Signs

[0149] 10 Printing instruction terminal 20 Controller 21 Control unit 21a Color conversion table setting unit 21b History data generation unit 21c Color adjustment execution unit 23 Storage unit 24 Operation unit 25 Display unit 26 Communication unit 27 Bus 30 Printer 100 Printing system 231 Reference Color Conversion Table 232 History Database D1 Adjusted Color Conversion Table D2 Object Type Information D3 Summary Information

Claims

1. When a print job is executed, a history data generation unit that associates and stores in a storage unit a color conversion table adjusted by a user used in the print job and the type of an object reflected in an image to be printed identified by image analysis; When a new print job is executed, a color conversion table setting unit that generates a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used in the new print job, and on the screen, displays the identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables stored in the storage unit, together with the type information of the object, as a list of color conversion table usage histories so that they can be selected; A printing system comprising the above.

2. The history data generation unit has a function of converting the characteristics of the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table into summary information represented by characters or symbols identifiable by the user; The color conversion table setting unit displays the identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables in the list of color conversion table usage histories, together with the summary information; The printing system according to Claim 1.

3. Based on the type of the object reflected in the image to be printed in the new print job and the type information of the object associated and stored with the adjusted color conversion table, the color conversion table setting unit presents candidates for the adjusted color conversion table suitable for use in the new print job from among the list of color conversion table usage histories; The printing system according to Claim 1.

4. When a point adjustment function capable of specifying the color of a specific area of an image to be printed is used together with the adjusted color conversion table, The color conversion table setting unit displays, in the list of color conversion table usage histories, the presence or absence of use of the point adjustment function and the type information of the object related to the specific area specified when using the point adjustment function, together with the identification information of the adjusted color conversion table; The printing system according to Claim 1.

5. When a tone curve adjustment function capable of adjusting the brightness of an image to be printed is used together with the adjusted color conversion table, The color conversion table setting unit displays, in the list of color conversion table usage histories, the presence or absence of use of the tone curve adjustment function and the type information of the tone curve adjustment function, together with the identification information of the adjusted color conversion table; The printing system according to Claim 1.

6. The color conversion table setting unit can, according to a user operation, correct the input / output curve of the adjusted color conversion table and set the corrected adjusted color conversion table as the color conversion table to be used in the new print job. The printing system according to claim 1.

7. In a screen for setting the color conversion table to be used in the new print job, the color conversion table setting unit displays a corrected image when the adjusted color conversion table temporarily selected by the user from the list of the color conversion table usage history is applied to the image to be printed in the new print job. The printing system according to claim 1.

8. The history data generation unit counts up and stores the number of times of use each time a plurality of the adjusted color conversion tables are reused in the new print job. In the list of the color conversion table usage history, the color conversion table setting unit displays the number of times of use of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables together with the identification information of the adjusted color conversion table. The printing system according to claim 1.

9. In the list of the color conversion table usage history, the color conversion table setting unit displays the creation date and the customer who used each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables. The printing system according to claim 1.

10. In the list of the color conversion table usage history, the color conversion table setting unit displays the job setting information of the print job in which each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables was used. The printing system according to claim 1.

11. In the list of the color conversion table usage history, the color conversion table setting unit can display the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables in a filterable and / or sortable manner based on predetermined items. The printing system according to claim 1.

12. In the list of the color conversion table usage history, the color conversion table setting unit can change the setting of the items to be displayed by a user operation. The printing system according to claim 1.

13. When a print job is executed, a process of associating and storing in a storage unit a color conversion table adjusted by a user used in the print job and type information of an object reflected in an image to be printed identified by image analysis; When a new print job is executed, a process of generating a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used in the new print job, and on the screen, displaying the identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables stored in the storage unit, together with the type information of the object, as a list of color conversion table usage histories so that they can be selected; A printing method for performing the above.

14. On a computer, When a print job is executed, a process of associating and storing in a storage unit a color conversion table adjusted by a user used in the print job and type information of an object reflected in an image to be printed identified by image analysis; When a new print job is executed, a process of generating a screen for setting a color conversion table to be used in the new print job, and on the screen, displaying the identification information of each of the plurality of adjusted color conversion tables stored in the storage unit, together with the type information of the object, as a list of color conversion table usage histories so that they can be selected; A print program for causing the above to be executed.

Images