Program and method

Abstract

To improve convenience when performing color verification.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer of an information processing device to function as changing means for changing the measurement mode for color measurement by a colorimeter in color verification on the basis of a signal from user operation of the colorimeter, and notifying means for notifying a user of the change in the measurement mode by the changing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the commercial printing industry, the importance and demand for color verification processes to periodically verify the color quality of image forming devices has been increasing in recent years. In response to this demand, a system has been released that allows users to perform color verification processes using a web browser. The color verification process that realizes the color verification system involves three steps: (1) printing a color chart consisting of multiple color patches, (2) measuring the color chart, and (3) performing color verification, which compares the color measurement results with color standards in the printing industry or with color standards independently established by the printing company to determine whether the results pass or fail.

[0003] Furthermore, (2) in the color chart color measurement step, when the user manually moves the colorimeter, the speed and position at which the colorimeter is moved are critical and the measurement may fail. For this reason, color verification systems have a function for performing remeasurement. A technology has been disclosed that enables remeasurement by pressing a remeasurement button on the color verification system's GUI (Graphical User Interface) with a mouse and changing the measurement mode (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-68990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to change the measurement mode of the colorimeter in the color chart color measurement step, the user had to switch from the colorimeter to a mouse while measuring the color with the colorimeter and perform an operation to change the measurement mode. Therefore, there is a need for a way to improve the convenience when performing color verification.

[0006] The present invention provides a technique for improving convenience when performing color verification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer of an information processing device to function as a change means for changing the measurement mode for measurement by a colorimeter in color verification based on a signal based on user operation of the colorimeter, and as a notification means for notifying of the change of the measurement mode by the change means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that improves convenience when performing color verification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an application. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a color chart. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a GUI displayed by an application. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a color verification process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a color chart. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a GUI displayed by an application. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an application. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a colorimeter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment In this embodiment, a color verification system is described that verifies the color quality of a printout generated by an image forming apparatus by measuring the color of a chart on which multiple verification patches are printed using a color measurement device and comparing the color measurement results with industry standards or company-specific standards. In this embodiment, this verification is called "color verification."

[0012] <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a color verification system 100 according to this embodiment. The color verification system 100 is a system related to color verification and includes an information processing device 101 and a colorimeter 102. The color verification system 100 may also include, for example, an image forming device 103. The devices shown in FIG. 1 may be wirelessly connected to each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The devices may also be wired to each other via a wired LAN cable, a USB cable, or the like. In this way, the devices may be connected wirelessly or wired, and communication may be performed in the colorimetry-related processing described below.

[0013] The information processing device 101 will be described taking a PC as an example, but is not limited to this. The information processing device 101 may be, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet. An application that can run on the information processing device 101 is installed in the information processing device 101, as will be described later. The application is, for example, an application program related to color verification.

[0014] The colorimeter 102 is a manual portable colorimeter that measures and digitizes the colors of printed matter and the like. In other words, the colorimeter 102 can also be considered a measuring device that can measure, for example, multiple colors formed on printed matter and the like. In the following description, color measurement by the colorimeter 102 may be referred to as colorimetry. Furthermore, the colorimeter 102 is wiredly connected to the information processing device 101 via, for example, a USB cable. Furthermore, the information processing device 101 and the image forming device 103 are connected to each other via a network 104.

[0015] The image forming device 103 is controlled under the control of a group of programs running on the information processing device 101, processes print settings and print data received from the information processing device 101, and produces printed materials. In other words, the image forming device 103 is a printing device.

[0016] <Colorimeter> The colorimeter 102 according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the colorimeter 102 according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 corresponds to a perspective view of the colorimeter 102 as viewed from the top and bottom sides.

[0017] 12, the colorimeter 102 has a colorimeter button 1200, a USB cable connection port 1201, and the like on the side of the colorimeter 102. The colorimeter 102 also has a light-emitting unit 1202 on the top surface of the colorimeter 102 and an opening 1203 on the bottom surface.

[0018] The colorimeter button 1200 is, for example, a button used when measuring the color of a color chart. Specifically, for example, the colorimeter button 1200 in this embodiment is an interface that can accept an instruction to perform color measurement. For example, the colorimeter 102 performs color measurement while the colorimeter button 1200 is pressed by the user.

[0019] The light emitting unit 1202 is an indicator that indicates the status of the device by emitting light in white, green, red, etc. The light emitting unit 1202 is not limited to the above colors and may be an indicator that emits light in other colors such as blue or yellow.

[0020] The opening 1203 is an opening for performing color measurement using, for example, a color measurement unit (not shown).

[0021] An example of a method for measuring the color of a color chart using the colorimeter 102 will be described. For example, the user places the opening 1203 of the colorimeter 102 in a blank area of ​​the color chart. Then, while continuing to press the colorimeter button 1200, the user slides the colorimeter 102 in one direction toward a predetermined row of color verification patches printed on the color chart. Furthermore, when the colorimeter 102 has passed all of the color patches in one row, the user releases the finger pressing the colorimeter button 1200. The user repeats this operation for each row of color verification patches.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, when the user finishes pressing the colorimeter button 1200, the colorimeter 102 transmits the colorimetric values ​​to an application related to color verification. Here, the colorimetric values ​​transmitted by the colorimeter 102 are, for example, CMYK signal values. In the following description, the colorimetric values ​​transmitted by the colorimeter 102 may also be referred to as colorimetric results.

[0023] The configuration of the colorimeter 102 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the colorimeter 102 may have an appropriate hardware configuration according to the functions that can be executed by a device applied as the colorimeter 102. The colorimeter 102 may have a display unit such as a touch panel or a display.

[0024] <Information processing device> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 101 according to this embodiment.

[0025] The information processing device 101 includes, for example, a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a bus 204, a USB controller 205, an operation control unit 206, a display control unit 207, a memory control unit 208, an operation unit 210, a display unit 211, a memory unit 212, and a NIC 213.

[0026] The CPU 201 is a system control unit that controls the entire information processing device 101. The CPU 201 executes various processes by reading out programs such as an OS and applications stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 203 or the storage unit 212 into the RAM 202 that serves as a work area and executing the programs.

[0027] The RAM 202 is, for example, a volatile storage, and is used as a main memory, a work memory, etc. when executing various programs stored in the storage unit 212. The ROM 203 is, for example, a non-volatile storage, and stores fixed data such as programs executed by the CPU 201 and an embedded operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) program.

[0028] The USB controller 205 controls, for example, communication with the colorimeter 102. The USB controller 205 is used, for example, to send instructions from the information processing apparatus 101 to the colorimeter 102, receive measurement results measured by the colorimeter 102, and receive operation signals from the colorimeter 102.

[0029] The operation control unit 206 is connected to the operation unit 210. The operation control unit 206 acquires information about user operations received via the operation unit 210 and transmits the information to the CPU 201. The operation unit 210 may be, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0030] The display control unit 207 is connected to the display unit 211. The display control unit 207 controls the display on the display unit 211. The display unit 211 may be, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 211 may also be, for example, a touch panel that can accept operations from a user.

[0031] The storage control unit 208 stores programs and data for operating the information processing device 101 in the storage unit 212 and executes control for reading them from the storage unit 212. The storage unit 212 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, and various other data. The storage unit 212 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 212 may also include a large-capacity storage device instead of an HDD or SSD.

[0032] The network controller (NIC) 213 is connected to a network and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network. Furthermore, the internal configuration of the network controller 213 differs depending on whether the device is a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both. However, these differences in internal configuration are hidden within the network controller (NIC) 213, and it is configured so that it can control the system as an equivalent to the other modules shown in the figure.

[0033] A bus 204 connects the CPU 201 with the RAM 202, ROM 203, and various controllers, and transfers data signals and control signals.

[0034] The configuration of the information processing device 101 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the device applied as the information processing device 101 may have any suitable hardware configuration according to the functions that it can execute.

[0035] <Color verification process> The above-described color verification system 100 performs a color verification process that periodically verifies the color quality of the image forming device 103. The color verification process includes three steps: (1) printing a color chart consisting of multiple color patches, (2) measuring the color of the color chart, and (3) color verification, which compares the color measurement results with color standards in the printing industry or color standards independently established by the printing company to inspect whether the result passes or fails.

[0036] Incidentally, in the (2) color chart color measurement step, if the user manually moves the colorimeter 102, the speed and position at which the colorimeter 102 is moved are critical, and color measurement may fail. For this reason, the color verification system has a function for performing re-color measurement. For example, the user changes the measurement mode by using the mouse or the like to press a re-measurement button on a Graphical User Interface (hereinafter, GUI) displayed on the display unit 211 of the information processing device 101 by an application related to color verification.

[0037] As described above, in order to change the measurement mode of the colorimeter 102 in the colorimetric measurement step of the color chart, the user had to switch from the colorimeter 102 to the mouse or the like of the information processing device 101 during the colorimetric measurement operation with the colorimeter 102 and perform an operation to change the measurement mode. Therefore, there is a need for a method to improve the convenience when performing color verification.

[0038] In this embodiment, an application program 300 (hereinafter referred to as application 300) related to color verification changes the measurement mode related to measurement by the colorimeter 102 in color verification in response to a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter 102. Then, application 300 notifies the user of the change in the measurement mode.

[0039] With this configuration, when the user wants to change the measurement mode during color measurement, the user can change the measurement mode without switching from operation of the colorimeter 102 to operation on the information processing device 101. Furthermore, even if the location where the user is measuring the color of a color chart using the colorimeter 102 is far from the location of the information processing device 101, for example, the user does not need to move to change the measurement mode. This improves convenience when performing color measurement.

[0040] <Application> The application 300 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the application 300 in this embodiment. The application 300 is installed in the information processing device 101, for example, and stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 or the storage unit 212. The application 300 (hereinafter referred to as application 300) will be described as a color verification application program that implements a color verification process.

[0041] The application 300 includes a storage unit 301, a colorimetry setting receiving unit 302, a color chart generating unit 303, a colorimetry processing control unit 304, a colorimeter information receiving unit 305, a measurement mode conversion table 306, a GUI unit 307, etc. Each program module is executed by, for example, the CPU 201 to realize the respective function.

[0042] The storage unit 301 stores various pieces of information related to the color verification process. Specifically, the storage unit 301 stores, for example, information on signal values ​​for generating a color chart, name information on color standards, paper information, information on connected image forming devices, and the like. The storage unit 301 also stores information that combines these pieces of information. The storage unit 301 also stores the colorimetric values ​​of the color chart measured by the colorimeter 102, and the like.

[0043] The colorimetry setting receiving unit 302 receives colorimetry setting information input by the user from a GUI (Graphical User Interface, hereinafter referred to as GUI) (not shown) displayed by the application 300. The colorimetry setting information is, for example, content related to various settings for generating a color chart. The colorimetry setting information is, for example, information on the type of color standard, information on the paper to be used, information on the connected image forming device, etc. The colorimetry setting information is not limited to these, and may include other information. The other information may be, for example, information on lighting conditions, etc. The application 300 stores the colorimetry setting information received by the colorimetry setting receiving unit 302 in the storage unit 301.

[0044] The color chart generation unit 303 generates a color chart based on the colorimetry setting information received by the colorimetry setting reception unit 302, and by referencing various information stored in the storage unit 301. In this embodiment, the color chart generation unit 303 generates data for a color chart 400 including color verification patches 402 and measurement mode change patches 401. The color verification patches 402 are color patches corresponding to color standards (color samples) that correspond to color specifications of printing companies, industries, etc. The measurement mode change patches 301 are color patches for changing the measurement mode related to color verification, for example. These patches 401-402 will be described in detail below.

[0045] Furthermore, when generating the color chart 400, the color chart generation unit 303, for example, references the measurement mode conversion table 306 described below and generates a measurement mode change patch 401 corresponding to the color verification patch 402. The measurement mode change patch 401 corresponding to the color verification patch 402 is a measurement mode change patch 401 having a color different from that of the color verification patch 402 included in the color chart 400, as described below. The color chart generation unit 303 also arranges the measurement mode change patch 401 in the margin of the color chart 400 to generate data for the color chart 400. That is, the color chart generation unit 303 generates data for the color chart 400 in which the patches 401 to 402 are arranged on the color chart 400 so that the color verification patch 402 and the measurement mode change patch 401 do not overlap each other.

[0046] The colorimetry processing control unit 304 processes the colorimetry values ​​(measurement results) received by the colorimetry device information receiving unit 305 from the colorimetry device 102 .

[0047] The measurement mode conversion table 306 is a table for determining whether or not the colorimetric value (colorimetric result) received by the colorimeter information receiving unit 305 from the colorimeter 102 is a signal value for changing the measurement mode.

[0048] Here, reference is made to Table 1. Table 1 shows an example of the measurement mode conversion table 306 in this embodiment (hereinafter, in this embodiment, referred to as a measurement change table 3061).

[0049] [Table 1]

[0050] As shown in Table 1, the measurement conversion table 3061 has the following items: color chart ID, patch signal value (1), patch signal value (2), and measurement mode.

[0051] The color chart ID is an ID for managing multiple color charts, since multiple color charts exist for each color standard. Specifically, for example, a color verification patch 402 exists for each color standard. As described above, the color chart generation unit 303 generates a measurement mode change patch 401 corresponding to the color verification patch 402. Therefore, the color chart ID is an identifier for linking and managing the color information (CMYK signal values) of the measurement mode change patch 401 and the measurement mode corresponding to that color information for each color verification patch 402.

[0052] The patch signal value (1) and the patch signal value (2) are, for example, color information (CMYK signal values) corresponding to the measurement mode change patch 402. In this embodiment, the measurement mode change patch 401 is formed in two colors, as shown in FIG. 4 described later, as an example. Therefore, the measurement mode conversion table 3061 has two items: patch signal value (1) and patch signal value (2). When the application 300 receives the colorimetric result of the measurement mode change patch 401 from the colorimeter 102, it compares the signal values ​​of the two colors as the colorimetric result with the patch signal value (1) and the patch signal (2) in the measurement mode conversion table 3061, and determines the measurement mode to change.

[0053] The number of patch signal values ​​is not limited to two, and may be two or more. By using multiple patch signal values ​​in this way, it is possible to prevent the measurement mode from being changed by mistake. Since the measurement mode change patch 401 and the color verification patch 402 are formed in different colors, the number of patch signal values ​​may be one.

[0054] Furthermore, the patch signal values ​​in the measurement mode conversion table 3061 may be given a range of plus or minus tolerance values. As an example, if the patch signal values ​​in the measurement mode conversion table 3061 are (0, 0, 100, 0) and the tolerance range for each CMYK value is ±5, the application 300 processes the values ​​by allowing values ​​of (0 to 5, 0 to 5, 95 to 100, 0 to 5). This allows the measurement mode to be changed even if there is a discrepancy between each patch signal value in the measurement mode conversion table 3061 and the colorimetric values ​​of the actual printed matter, as long as the colorimetric values ​​are within the tolerance range. The tolerance range of colorimetric values ​​can also be considered as the allowable colorimetric error. Note that the tolerance range is not limited to the above-mentioned values, and may be set to a value greater than ±5 or less than ±5 for each CMYK value, for example.

[0055] In this embodiment, the measurement mode conversion table 3061 stores a remeasurement mode for remeasurement of one row of color verification patches that have already been measured. The remeasurement mode is, for example, a mode in which, each time color measurement values ​​of one row of color verification color patches are received from the colorimeter 102, the application 300 overwrites the color measurement values ​​of one row of color verification patches that have already been used for color verification. For example, when the application 300 receives color measurement results of a color verification patch 402 from the colorimeter 102 as described below, the application 300 determines whether the color measurement results deviate from predetermined target values ​​(reference values). That is, the application 300 performs color verification to verify whether the color verification patch 402 of the printed color chart 400 satisfies predetermined standards. As described above, color measurement by the colorimeter 102 may fail depending on, for example, the speed at which the user moves the colorimeter 102 or the color measurement position. In such a case, the user can read the measurement mode change patch 402 with the colorimeter 102, change the measurement mode used for color verification to the remeasurement mode, and perform remeasurement. Specifically, for example, when the application 300 receives the colorimetric values ​​of the measurement mode change patch 402 from the colorimeter 102, it refers to the measurement mode conversion table 3061 and changes the measurement mode to the re-measurement mode. Then, for example, when the application 300 receives the colorimetric values ​​of the color verification patch 402 from the colorimeter 102 again, it operates to perform color verification again using the colorimetric values. In other words, the re-measurement mode can also be called a mode in which color verification of the re-measured colorimetric values ​​received by the colorimeter 102 is performed. The re-measurement mode can also be called a re-verification mode.

[0056] The GUI unit 307 controls the GUI of an application 300 as shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later.

[0057] <Color chart> Next, the color chart in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a color chart 400 in this embodiment. For example, the application 300 instructs the image forming apparatus 103 to print based on the data of the color chart 400 generated by the color chart generation unit 303. Then, the image forming apparatus 103 executes printing based on the data of the color chart 400, and the color chart 400 is output.

[0058] The color chart 400 has a measurement mode change patch 401 and a color verification patch 402. These patches 401 to 402 will be explained below.

[0059] The measurement mode change patch 401 is a patch for changing the measurement mode of the application 300. In this embodiment, the measurement mode change patch 401 has two color patches. That is, the measurement mode change patch 401 is formed of two colors. For example, when the application 300 receives the colorimetric value of the measurement mode change patch 401 as the colorimetric result from the colorimeter 102, it changes the measurement mode to the re-measurement mode.

[0060] In this way, the color chart 400 includes the measurement mode change patch 401 in addition to the color verification patch 402. This allows the user, when wanting to change the measurement mode, to change the measurement mode by reading the measurement mode change patch 401 using the colorimeter 102 without performing any operation on the information processing device 101. In other words, it is possible to improve the user's convenience in color verification.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each color patch of the measurement mode change patch 401 is a different color from the color verification patch 402. That is, each color patch of the measurement mode change patch 401 is a color combination that does not exist in the color verification patch 402. For example, the color chart generation unit 303 generates a patch that is a combination of two colors that do not exist in the color verification patch 402. Specifically, for example, when generating the color chart 400, the color chart generation unit 303 refers to the storage unit 301 to determine the color to be used in the color verification patch 402. Then, the color chart generation unit 303 generates the measurement mode change patch 401 in a color that will not be used in the color verification patch 402. This makes it possible to prevent the measurement mode from being changed due to the color measurement of the color verification patch 402.

[0062] Note that the color patches of the measurement mode change patch 401 may be the same color or different colors. In this example, the measurement mode change patch 401 is composed of two color patches, but this is not limiting. The measurement mode change patch 401 may be composed of, for example, one color patch, or two or more color patches.

[0063] Moreover, information corresponding to the measurement mode change patch 401 is displayed around the measurement mode change patch 401. The information corresponding to the measurement mode change patch 401 is a statement indicating the measurement mode to which the patch will be changed, and also a statement indicating the function of the measurement mode change patch. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the character string "Retry" is written as a statement indicating a change to the re-measurement mode.

[0064] The color verification patch 402 is a patch for color verification that corresponds to a color standard (color sample). In other words, the color verification patch 402 is a patch that functions as a color chart. The color verification patch 402 is composed of a plurality of color patches according to a color standard selected by, for example, a user. The plurality of color patches are arranged in predetermined rows and columns. Furthermore, a frame indicating the color measurement start position is provided on both ends of each row of the color verification patch 402, for example. This frame indicating the color measurement start position is, for example, white. The user places the colorimeter 102 on this frame and slides the colorimeter 102 to the left or right to measure the color verification patch 402 row by row.

[0065] In this embodiment, as described above, the color verification patch 402 is created in accordance with a color standard, and the number of color patches constituting the color verification patch 402 and the arrangement of the color patches (rows and columns) are not limited to those shown in the figure and may be changed as appropriate. Also, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the color patches of the measurement mode change patch 401 are arranged horizontally, but they may also be arranged vertically. Also, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the measurement start position frame is provided at both ends of each row of the color verification patch 402, but they may also be provided at both ends of each column of the color verification patch 402. Color measurement may then be performed for each column of the color verification patch 402.

[0066] <Application GUI> 5 is a diagram showing an example of an application GUI displayed on the display unit 211 of the information processing device 101 by the application 300 according to this embodiment. The application GUI is a screen relating to color verification.

[0067] The application GUI 500 includes, for example, a color chart color measurement status 501, a remeasurement button 502, a message display section 503, and the like.

[0068] The color chart colorimetry status 501 displays a chart with the same color scheme as the color verification patches 402. The color chart colorimetry status 501 also displays information indicating the progress of colorimetry of the color chart 402 by the colorimeter 102. The information indicating the progress may be displayed, for example, by highlighting the rows of the color verification patches 402 that have been measured by the colorimeter 102. The information indicating the progress may also display an icon or mark indicating that colorimetry has been completed. In FIG. 5, as an example, the color chart colorimetry status 501 displays a mark indicating that colorimetry has been completed for the row of the color verification patches 402 below the color chart. This allows the user to recognize the colorimetry status of each row of the color verification patches 402.

[0069] The remeasurement button 502 is a button that can accept an instruction to change the measurement mode. For example, when the user presses the remeasurement button 502, the application 300 changes the measurement mode to the remeasurement mode.

[0070] The message display section 503 displays a pop-up message linked to the operation of the application 300. In this embodiment, the message display section 503 displays, for example, a warning message, a measurement mode change message, or the like.

[0071] The warning message is, for example, a message urging the user to perform colorimetry again. The warning message is displayed on the message display unit 503 when, for example, the application 300 determines that there is a deviation of a threshold or more between the colorimetric value of the color verification patch 402 received from the colorimeter 102 and a preset target value. Note that the warning message may include a message indicating that the colorimetric value of the color verification patch 402 deviates from the target value.

[0072] The measurement mode change message is a message indicating that the measurement mode has been changed. The measurement mode change message is displayed in the message display section 503, for example, when the measurement mode is changed by the application 300.

[0073] <Processing in color verification system> 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the color verification system according to this embodiment. The processes performed by each device in this sequence are realized by the CPU of each device reading various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM of each device into a RAM and executing the programs. This sequence may be initiated, for example, when the application 300 receives an instruction to start color verification. For example, a screen (not shown) displayed by the application 300 may be provided with an interface (not shown) capable of receiving an instruction to start color verification.

[0074] In S601, the application 300 reads the measurement mode conversion table 306 and stores it in the storage unit 301.

[0075] In S602, the application 300 receives information about the colorimetry settings and generates data for the color chart 400 corresponding to the received information about the colorimetry settings. The information about the colorimetry settings is input, for example, by a user operating a GUI. That is, the application 300 receives input of the information about the colorimetry settings and generates data for the color chart 400 based on the received information about the colorimetry settings.

[0076] In S603, the application 300 instructs the image forming apparatus 103 to print the data of the color chart 400 generated in S601. Specifically, for example, the application 300 transmits the data of the color chart 400 and an instruction to print the color chart 400 to the image forming apparatus 103.

[0077] In S604, the image forming apparatus 103 executes printing based on the data of the color chart 400 based on the print instruction received from the application 300.

[0078] In S605, the application 300 starts the colorimetry function based on receiving the instruction to start the colorimetry function. Specifically, for example, based on receiving the instruction to start the colorimetry function, the application 300 becomes able to issue a colorimetry instruction to the colorimeter 102. For example, the application 300 receives the instruction to start the colorimetry function through a GUI operation (not shown) by the user.

[0079] The application 300 may start in the normal measurement mode as a default mode when starting the colorimetry function, for example. That is, the normal measurement mode may be set as an initial setting for the colorimetry function of the application 300. The normal measurement mode may be, for example, a mode for obtaining a single colorimetric value. For example, when operating in the normal measurement mode of the application 300, upon receiving the colorimetric value of the color verification patch 402 from the colorimeter 102, the application 300 may perform color verification, which will be described later, using the single colorimetric value.

[0080] In S606, the application 300 transmits a color measurement instruction to the colorimeter 102. The color measurement instruction is, for example, an instruction to change the colorimeter 102 from a standby state to a state for performing color measurement. In other words, the color measurement instruction is also an instruction to start the colorimeter 102. The color measurement instruction may also be, for example, an instruction to the colorimeter 102 to perform calibration.

[0081] In S607, the colorimeter 102 performs color measurement of the color chart 400 based on a user operation. Specifically, the colorimeter 102 measures the color of one line of the color verification patches 402 on the color chart 400.

[0082] In S608, the colorimeter 102 transmits the color measurement results (colorimetric values) of the color chart 400 measured in S607 to the application 300. The color measurement results are, for example, CMYK signal values.

[0083] In S609, the application 300 receives the colorimetry results from the colorimeter 102. The application 300 stores the colorimetry results received from the colorimeter 102 in the storage unit 301. If there is a deviation between the colorimetry value and the target value (reference value) that is equal to or greater than a threshold, the application 300 notifies the user of a warning. For example, the application 300 displays the warning message in a pop-up message 503. The application 300 may notify the user of the warning message by voice using a speaker (not shown) of the information processing device 101 or the like.

[0084] The following describes the processing executed by the application 300 and the colorimeter 102 when changing the measurement mode. The measurement mode is changed when, for example, the user recognizes the warning message notified by the application 300 in S608 and changes the measurement mode.

[0085] In S610, the colorimeter 102 measures the color of the measurement mode change patch 401 based on a user operation.

[0086] In S611, the colorimeter 102 transmits the colorimetric values ​​of the measurement mode change patch 401 measured in S609 to the application 300.

[0087] In S612, the application 300 receives the colorimetric values ​​transmitted in S611 from the colorimeter 102. The application 300 refers to the measurement mode conversion table 306 to determine the measurement mode corresponding to the received colorimetric values. Then, the application 300 changes the measurement mode.

[0088] In S613, the app 300 notifies the user that the measurement mode has been changed. Specifically, for example, the app 300 displays a message in the pop-up message 503 indicating that the measurement mode has been changed, or highlights the remeasurement button 502. The highlighting may be, for example, a change in the color of the remeasurement button 502. The notification that the measurement mode has been changed is not limited to the message or button highlighting described above, and may be notified by voice, for example, using a speaker (not shown) of the information processing device 101. By being notified of the change in the measurement mode in this way, the user can recognize that the measurement mode has been changed.

[0089] Thereafter, in the process shown in FIG. 6, the processes of S607 to S609 and S610 to S613 are repeated according to the number of rows of the color verification patches of the color chart.

[0090] <Processing for changing measurement mode> An example of processing related to changing the measurement mode in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation executed by the application 300 in this embodiment. Each processing in Fig. 7 will be described as being performed by each program module of the application 300, but the processing executed by each program module is realized by the CPU 201 expanding the application 300 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0091] In S701, the measurement device information receiving unit 305 receives the color measurement results for one row of the color verification patch 402 from the colorimeter 102. Also, in S701, for example, the color measurement results received by the measurement device information receiving unit 305 are stored in the storage unit 301.

[0092] In S702, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry value received in S701 deviates from a predetermined target value (reference value) by a threshold value or more. That is, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 performs color verification of the colorimetry results. If it is determined in the processing of S702 that there is a deviation, the process proceeds to S703. On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of S702 that there is no deviation, the processing of FIG. 7 ends.

[0093] In S703, the GUI unit 307 notifies the user to urge remeasurement. Specifically, the GUI unit 307 displays a message prompting remeasurement as a pop-up message 503. Note that, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a message prompting remeasurement is displayed, but the user may be prompted to remeasure by voice or the like.

[0094] The processing in S701 to S703 corresponds to the processing described in S609, for example.

[0095] In S704, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry device information receiving unit 305 has received the colorimetry results. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry results have been received, the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry results have not been received, the process proceeds to S709.

[0096] In S705, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry result determined to have been received in S704 is the measurement result of the measurement mode change patch 401. In other words, in S705, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry result determined to have been received in S704 is the colorimetry value of the measurement mode change patch 401 or the colorimetry value of the color verification patch 402. If it is determined in the processing of S705 that it is the measurement mode change patch 401, the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of S705 that it is not the measurement mode change patch 401, the process proceeds to S706.

[0097] Specifically, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 searches the measurement mode conversion table 3061 for a combination of CMYK signal values ​​as the colorimetry result received from the colorimeter 102. Then, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the combination of CMYK signal values ​​received from the colorimeter 102 is in the measurement mode conversion table 3061. In this embodiment, as described above, the measurement mode conversion table 3061 stores patch signal values ​​(1) and (2). Furthermore, the measurement mode change patch 401 in this embodiment is composed of color patches of two colors. That is, when the colorimetry value of the measurement mode change patch 401 is received from the colorimeter 102, the measurement conversion table 3061 contains patch signal values ​​(1) and (2) corresponding to the two color patches of the measurement mode change patch 401, and therefore, in S705, it is determined that the measurement mode change patch 401 is the measurement mode change patch 401. On the other hand, when the color measurement value of the color verification patch 402 is received from the colorimeter 102, the measurement conversion table 3061 does not contain patch signal values ​​(1) and (2) corresponding to the color verification patch 402, so in S705 it is determined that it is not the measurement mode change patch 401.

[0098] In S706, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry values ​​received in S704 are colorimetry values ​​of a row that has already been measured. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry values ​​are colorimetry values ​​of a row that has already been measured, the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry values ​​are not colorimetry values ​​of a row that has already been measured, the process in FIG. 7 ends.

[0099] Specifically, in S706, for example, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 references the storage unit 301 and determines whether colorimetry values ​​equivalent to the colorimetry results received in S704 are stored. As described above, in S701, the colorimetry results received by the measurement device information receiving unit 305 are stored in the storage unit 301. For example, in S706, if the colorimetry results received in S704 are equivalent to the colorimetry results stored in S701, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the received colorimetry results are the measurement values ​​of a row that has already been measured. On the other hand, if the colorimetry results received in S704 are different from the colorimetry results stored in S701, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the received colorimetry results are not the same as the measurement values ​​of a row that has already been measured. Note that in this determination, if the colorimetry results received in S704 and the colorimetry values ​​stored in the storage unit 301 are within a predetermined tolerance range, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 may determine that the received colorimetry results are the measurement values ​​of a row that has already been measured.

[0100] Furthermore, in S706, if the same colorimetric values ​​as those of a row that has already been measured are received in S704, it can be determined that remeasurement has been performed, and in that case the process proceeds to S707. Also, if the colorimetric values ​​are not the same as those of a row that has already been measured, this can be the case, for example, when colorimetric results are received for an unmeasured row or a non-existent row of the color verification patch 402. In this case, it can be determined that the measurement mode has not been changed, and the process in FIG. 7 ends.

[0101] In S707, the color measurement processing control unit 304 changes the measurement mode to a re-measurement mode.

[0102] In S708, the GUI unit 307 notifies the user that the measurement mode has been changed. Specifically, for example, the GUI unit 307 may pop up a message in the message display unit 503 to indicate that the measurement mode has been changed. The GUI unit 307 may also notify the user that the measurement mode has been changed by highlighting the remeasurement button 502. The highlighting may be, for example, a change in the color of the remeasurement button 502. The user may also be notified by voice using a speaker (not shown) of the information processing device 101 or the like to indicate that the measurement mode has been changed.

[0103] In S709, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the remeasurement button 502 has been pressed. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines in the processing of S709 that the remeasurement button 502 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S707. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the remeasurement button 502 has not been pressed, the process of FIG. 7 ends.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, the application 300 generates data for the color chart 400 including the measurement mode conversion patch 401 and the color verification patch 402. Furthermore, the application 300 changes the measurement mode when it receives the color measurement result of the measurement mode change patch 401 as a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter 102. As a result, for example, if the user wants to change the measurement mode to a re-measurement mode while measuring the color chart 400, it can be changed to the re-measurement mode only by operating the colorimeter 102, without operating the information processing device 101. This improves convenience when performing color verification.

[0105] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the re-measurement mode was described as an example of the measurement mode. In this embodiment, a case where there are multiple measurement modes will be described.

[0106] <Color chart> 8 shows an example of a color chart in this embodiment generated by the color chart generation unit 303. A color chart 800 has a plurality of measurement mode change patches 801a to 801c and a color verification patch 802.

[0107] The measurement mode change patch 801a is a patch for changing the measurement mode to a re-measurement mode.

[0108] The measurement mode change patch 801b is a patch for changing the measurement mode to the average measurement mode. The average measurement mode is a mode for performing more accurate measurements. The average measurement mode is a mode for obtaining, for example, the average value of multiple colorimetric measurements. For example, when changing to the average measurement mode, the application 300 receives colorimetric values ​​multiple times for one row of the color verification patch 802 from the colorimeter 102. The application 300 may then determine (color verification) whether or not the average value of the multiple received colorimetric values ​​deviates from the target value. Note that "multiple times" may be, for example, two times or more than two times.

[0109] The measurement mode change patch 801c is a patch for changing the measurement mode to the normal measurement mode.

[0110] In this embodiment, the application 300 starts in the normal measurement mode as the default mode when starting the colorimetry function. That is, the normal measurement mode is set as the initial setting of the colorimetry function of the application 300.

[0111] As in the first embodiment, the measurement mode change patches 801a to 801c are surrounded by text indicating the role of the patch. Each of the measurement mode change patches 801a to 801c includes two color patches. The number of color patches is not limited to two, and may be one or more than two. Each color patch of the measurement mode change patches 801a to 801c is made up of a single color or a combination of multiple colors that do not overlap with the colors of other color patches.

[0112] <Measurement mode conversion table> Here, the measurement mode conversion table in this embodiment will be described using Table 2. Table 2 shows an example of the measurement mode conversion table 3062 in this embodiment. The measurement conversion table 3062 has a normal mode and an average mode as measurement modes in addition to a re-measurement mode. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the measurement conversion table 3062 stores three types of measurement modes for each type of color chart ID. That is, for each type of color verification patch, patch signal values ​​(1) and (2) and three types of measurement modes corresponding to the patch signal values ​​(1) and (2) are stored.

[0113] [Table 2]

[0114] <Application GUI> The application GUI in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the application GUI displayed on the display unit 211 of the information processing device 101 by the application 300 in this embodiment. The application GUI is a screen related to color verification.

[0115] The application GUI 900 includes a color chart color measurement status 901, a measurement mode change interface 902, and a message 903. Note that the color chart color measurement status 901 and message display section 903 are the same as those in FIG.

[0116] The measurement mode change interface 902 is an interface for changing the measurement mode. The measurement mode change interface 902 has buttons corresponding to the normal measurement mode, average measurement mode, and remeasurement mode. Each button is an interface capable of receiving an instruction to change the measurement mode. Furthermore, the app 300 may, for example, highlight a button pressed by the user. For example, the app 300 may gray out other buttons that are not pressed, or may display a button pressed by the user in a color different from other buttons that are not pressed, or may display the button by flashing. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the Average button corresponding to the average measurement mode is pressed and the other buttons that are not pressed are grayed out.

[0117] Note that when the application 300 receives the color measurement results of the measurement mode change patches 801a to 801c from the colorimeter 102, it may also control the measurement mode change interface 902 to be highlighted in accordance with the received measurement mode change patch, in the same way as when the user presses each button. By controlling the display of the measurement mode change interface 902 on the application GUI 900, the user can recognize the current state of the measurement mode.

[0118] <Processing for changing measurement mode> An example of processing related to changing the measurement mode in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation executed by the application 300 in this embodiment. The processes in Fig. 10 will be described as being performed by the application 300 and each program module of the application 300, but the processes executed by the application 300 and each program module are realized by the CPU 201 expanding the application 300 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0119] In S1001, the application 300 starts the colorimetry function in the normal measurement mode. For example, the application 300 may send a colorimetry instruction to the colorimeter 102 in the normal measurement mode.

[0120] In S1002, the measurement device information receiving unit 305 receives the color measurement results from the colorimeter 102. Also, in S1002, the color measurement results received by the measurement device information receiving unit 305 are stored in the storage unit 301, for example.

[0121] In S1003, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry results received from the colorimeter 102 in S1002 are the colorimetry values ​​of the measurement mode change patch 801b. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines in S1003 that the colorimetry values ​​are the colorimetry values ​​of the measurement mode change patch 801b, the process proceeds to S1004. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines in S1003 that the colorimetry values ​​are not the colorimetry values ​​of the measurement mode change patch 801b, the process proceeds to S1006.

[0122] Specifically, in S1003, for example, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 searches the measurement mode conversion table 3062 for a combination of two-color signal values ​​of the received measurement values. Furthermore, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the measurement is of the average measurement mode patch if a combination corresponding to the measurement mode change patch 801b exists in the measurement mode conversion table 3062. On the other hand, if the measurement mode conversion table 3062 does not contain a combination corresponding to the measurement mode change patch 801b, it determines that the measurement is not of the measurement mode change patch 801b.

[0123] In S1004, the color measurement processing control unit 304 changes the measurement mode to the average measurement mode.

[0124] In S1005, the GUI unit 307 notifies the user that the measurement mode has been changed. Specifically, for example, the GUI unit 307 displays a message indicating that the measurement mode has been changed as a pop-up message 903. The GUI unit 307 also highlights the display of the button in the measurement mode change interface 902 that corresponds to the average measurement mode. Note that the change in measurement mode may be notified by voice or the like.

[0125] In S1006, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry value received from the colorimeter information receiving unit 305 is the measurement mode change patch 801a. If it is determined in S1006 that it is the measurement mode change patch 801a, the process proceeds to S1007, and otherwise the process proceeds to S1010. Specifically, for example, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 searches the measurement mode conversion table 3061 for a combination of two-color signal values ​​of the received measurement value, and determines whether it is the measurement mode change patch 801a.

[0126] In S1007, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 refers to the storage unit 301 and determines whether remeasurement is possible. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that remeasurement is possible, the process proceeds to S1008. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that remeasurement is not possible, the process proceeds to S1009. A state in which remeasurement is possible is when, for example, the measurement results of the color verification patch 802 have already been stored in the storage unit 301 in the processing of S1002. Furthermore, a state in which remeasurement is not possible is when, for example, the colorimetry results of the color verification patch 802 are not stored in the storage unit 301. In this case, the colorimetry results of the color verification patch 802 cannot be overwritten, and therefore, in S1007, it is determined whether remeasurement is possible.

[0127] In S1008, the color measurement processing control unit 304 changes the measurement mode to the re-measurement mode.

[0128] In S1009, the GUI unit 307 notifies the user that the measurement mode cannot be changed. Specifically, the GUI unit 307 displays a warning message indicating that the measurement mode cannot be changed in a pop-up message 903. Note that the notification that the measurement mode cannot be changed may be made by voice or the like using a speaker (not shown) of the information processing device 101 or the like.

[0129] In S1010, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the colorimetry values ​​received in S1002 are colorimetry values ​​of a row that has already been measured. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry values ​​are colorimetry values ​​of a row that has already been measured, the process proceeds to S1005. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry values ​​are not colorimetry values ​​of a row that has already been measured, the process in FIG. 10 ends.

[0130] As described above, according to this embodiment, the color chart 800 includes a plurality of measurement mode change patches 801a to 801c. Furthermore, the measurement mode conversion table stores a plurality of measurement modes for each color chart ID. With this configuration, even when there are a plurality of measurement modes, the user can change the measurement mode of the colorimeter 102 without switching from operating the colorimeter 102 to operating the application GUI 900 displayed on the information processing device 101. This improves convenience when performing colorimetry.

[0131] <Third embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, a form has been described in which the application 300 changes the measurement mode when it receives the color measurement result of a measurement mode change patch as a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter 102. In this embodiment, a form will be described in which the application 300 changes the measurement mode when it receives, from the colorimeter 102, a signal based on a predetermined operation of a button on the colorimeter 102 as a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter 102.

[0132] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the colorimeter 102 shown in FIG. 12 has a user interface such as a colorimeter button 1200. As described above, the colorimeter button 1200 is an interface that can accept an instruction to perform color measurement. In this embodiment, the colorimeter button 1200 also functions as an interface that can accept an instruction to transmit a signal based on a user operation on the colorimeter button 1200. For example, when the user double-clicks or presses and holds the colorimeter button 1200, the colorimeter 102 transmits a signal based on this user operation to the application 300.

[0133] <Measurement mode conversion table> Table 3 will now be referred to. Table 3 shows an example of a measurement mode conversion table possessed by the application 300 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the measurement mode conversion table 3063 has items such as a user operation (button operation) of the colorimeter 102 and a measurement mode. The measurement mode conversion table 3063 stores a signal value based on a user operation of the colorimeter 102 and a measurement mode corresponding to the signal value based on the user operation, in association with each other. A user operation is, for example, a button operation on the colorimeter button 1200 provided on the colorimeter 102 as described above. In this example, as shown in the measurement mode conversion table 3063, a signal value based on a long press as a button operation corresponds to the re-measurement mode. Furthermore, a signal value based on a double click as a button operation corresponds to the normal mode and the average mode.

[0134] [Table 3]

[0135] In this embodiment, when the colorimeter information receiving unit 305 receives a signal value based on a button operation such as a double-click or a long press, the colorimeter processing control unit 304 refers to the measurement mode conversion table 3063. If the measurement mode conversion table 3063 stores a measurement mode corresponding to the received signal value, the colorimeter processing control unit 304 controls a change of the measurement mode. For example, each time the colorimeter information receiving unit 305 receives a signal value based on a double-click, the colorimeter processing control unit 304 controls the measurement mode of the app 300 to be changed between the normal mode and the average mode. In other words, it can be said that the signal value based on the double-click corresponds to a switching mode that switches between the normal mode and the average mode.

[0136] Note that the measurement mode conversion table 3063 is not limited to the combinations of signals based on button operations and measurement modes corresponding to the signals based on button operations shown in Table 3. For example, the measurement mode conversion table 3063 may store the normal mode and the average mode in correspondence with the signal value based on a long press as a button operation, or may store the re-measurement mode in correspondence with the signal value based on a double-click as a button operation. Also, for example, a configuration in which three measurement modes (normal measurement mode, average measurement mode, re-measurement mode) can be switched by simply double-clicking may be used.

[0137] <Processing for changing measurement mode> An example of processing related to changing the measurement mode in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation executed by the application 300 in this embodiment. The subjects of each process in Fig. 11 will be described as the application 300 and each program module of the application 300, but the processing executed by the application 300 and each program module is realized by the CPU 201 expanding the application 300 stored in a memory such as the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0138] In S1101, the application 300 starts the colorimetry function in the normal measurement mode. For example, the application 300 may send a colorimetry instruction to the colorimeter 102 in the normal measurement mode.

[0139] In S1102, the colorimeter information receiving unit 305 receives the signal value from the colorimeter 102.

[0140] In S1103, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the signal value received by the colorimetry device information receiving unit 305 in S1102 is a signal value based on a long press as a user operation. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal value is based on a long press, the process proceeds to S1106. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal value is not based on a long press, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0141] Specifically, in S1103, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 refers to the measurement mode conversion table 3063. Then, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether or not the signal value received in S1102 includes a signal value corresponding to the re-measurement mode stored in the measurement mode conversion table 3063. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal value received in S1102 includes a signal value corresponding to the re-measurement mode stored in the measurement mode conversion table 3063, the process proceeds to S1106. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal value received in S1102 does not include a signal value corresponding to the re-measurement mode stored in the measurement mode conversion table 3063, the process proceeds to S1104.

[0142] In S1104, it is determined whether the signal value received by the colorimeter information receiving unit 305 in S1102 is a signal value based on a double-click as a user operation. If the colorimetric processing control unit 304 determines that the signal value is based on a double-click, the process proceeds to S1105. On the other hand, if it determines that the signal value is not based on a double-click, the process in FIG. 11 ends.

[0143] In S1104, specifically, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 refers to the measurement mode conversion table 3063. Then, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the signal value received in S1102 is a signal value corresponding to a mode for switching between the normal mode and the average measurement mode stored in the measurement mode conversion table 3063. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal value received in S1102 includes a signal value corresponding to a switching mode stored in the measurement mode conversion table 3063, the process proceeds to S1105. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal value received in S1102 does not include a signal value corresponding to a switching mode stored in the measurement mode conversion table 3063, the process ends in FIG. 11.

[0144] In S1105, the color measurement processing control unit 304 changes the measurement mode of the application 300 from the normal mode to the re-measurement mode.

[0145] In S1106, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether the signal values ​​received in S1102 include colorimetric values ​​of a color chart (not shown). If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal values ​​received in S1102 include colorimetric values ​​of the color chart, it can be assumed that the colorimeter button 1200 was pressed and held for colorimetry of the color chart, and the processing of FIG. 11 ends. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that the signal values ​​received from the colorimeter 102 do not include colorimetric values ​​of the color chart, it can be assumed that the colorimeter button 1200 was pressed and held for changing the measurement mode, and the processing proceeds to S1107. In other words, if the signal values ​​received from the colorimeter 102 in S1102 include only signal values ​​based on a long press as a button operation, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 proceeds to S1107.

[0146] In S1107, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines whether or not re-measurement is possible. If the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that re-measurement is possible, the process proceeds to S1108. On the other hand, if the colorimetry processing control unit 304 determines that re-measurement is not possible, the process proceeds to S1110. For example, the colorimetry processing control unit 304 references the storage unit 301 and determines whether or not the colorimetry results of the color verification patches have already been stored. If the measurement processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry results of the color verification patches have already been stored, the process proceeds to S1108. On the other hand, if the measurement processing control unit 304 determines that the colorimetry results of the color verification patches have not been stored, the process proceeds to S1111.

[0147] In S1108, the color measurement processing control unit 304 changes the measurement mode of the application 300 from the normal mode to the re-measurement mode.

[0148] The processing in S1109 is similar to the processing in S1005, and the processing in S1110 is similar to the processing in S1009, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] As described above, according to this embodiment, the application 300 changes the measurement mode in response to a signal based on the operation of the colorimeter button 1200. As a result, when a user performing color verification changes the measurement mode to the re-measurement mode, the user can change the measurement mode to the re-measurement mode only by operating the colorimeter 102, without performing any operation on the information processing device 101. This improves convenience when performing color verification.

[0150] The various controls described above as being performed by CPU 201 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or the entire device may be controlled by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors or circuits) sharing the processing.

[0151] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0152] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following program, method, and information processing device. (Item 1) The computer of the information processing device, a change unit that changes a measurement mode related to color measurement by the colorimeter in color verification in response to a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter; a notification means for notifying the change of the measurement mode by the change means; A program characterized by functioning as (Item 2) and further functioning as a receiving means for receiving the signal; The change means is changing the measurement mode when a signal value for changing the measurement mode is received as the signal by the receiving means; 2. The program according to item 1, (Item 3) The color chart used in the color verification is: a first patch for changing the measurement mode and a second patch for color verification; The change means is When the color measurement result of the color chart received by the receiving means is the first color measurement value of the first patch, the measurement mode is changed. 3. The program according to item 2, (Item 4) The change means is changing the measurement mode when the colorimetric result of the color chart received by the receiving means is a second colorimetric value of a second patch for color verification and the second colorimetric value is a colorimetric value that has already been measured; 4. The program according to item 3, (Item 5) and further functioning as a first storage means for storing a first conversion table that associates a first signal value corresponding to the color of the first patch with a measurement mode corresponding to the first signal value. 4. The program according to item 3, (Item 6) a determining unit that, when the colorimetry result is received by the receiving unit, determines whether the colorimetry result is the first colorimetry value by using the first conversion table stored in the first storage unit; The change means is changing the measurement mode when the determination means determines that the color measurement result is the first color measurement value; 6. The program according to item 5, (Item 7) functioning as a generating means for generating data for the color chart; 7. The program according to any one of items 3 to 6, (Item 8) The generating means generating the first patch in a different color than the second patch; 8. The program according to item 7, (Item 9) further functioning as a receiving unit for receiving setting information for generating the color chart; The generating means generating data for the color chart based on the information received by the receiving means; 9. The program according to item 7 or 8, (Item 10) and further functioning as a print instruction unit that instructs an image forming apparatus to print the color chart based on the data generated by the generation unit. 10. The program according to any one of items 7 to 9, (Item 11) The change means is changing the measurement mode when the receiving means receives an operation signal based on a predetermined operation on a user interface of the colorimeter; 3. The program according to item 2, (Item 12) a third storage means for storing a second conversion table that associates a second signal value corresponding to the operation signal with a measurement mode corresponding to the second signal value; The change means is changing the measurement mode when the operation signal received by the receiving means is a signal corresponding to the second conversion table stored in the third storage means; 12. The program according to item 11, (Item 13) The change means is changing the measurement mode when the operation signal received by the receiving means does not include a measurement result of the color chart measured by the colorimeter; 13. The program according to item 11 or 12. (Item 14) The measurement mode is a first mode for performing color verification of a single measurement value of the color chart measured by the colorimeter; a second mode for performing color verification of the remeasured colorimetric values ​​of the color chart remeasured by the colorimeter; and a third mode in which color verification is performed using an average value of color measurement values ​​of the color chart measured multiple times by the colorimeter. 14. The program according to any one of items 1 to 13, (Item 15) functioning as a display means for displaying the notification by the notification means; 15. The program according to any one of items 1 to 14. (Item 16) A method executed on an information processing device, comprising: a changing step of changing a measurement mode related to measurement by the colorimeter in color verification in response to a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter; a notification step of notifying the change of the measurement mode due to the change step, A method characterized by:

[0153] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 101 information processing device: 102 colorimeter: 103 image forming device: 201 CPU: 202 RAM: 203 ROM: 211 display unit: 300 application: 306 measurement mode conversion table: 400 color chart: 401 measurement mode change patch: 402 color verification patch

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, a change unit that changes a measurement mode related to color measurement by the colorimeter in color verification in response to a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter; a notification means for notifying the change of the measurement mode by the change means; A program characterized by functioning as

2. and further functioning as a receiving means for receiving the signal; The change means is changing the measurement mode when a signal value for changing the measurement mode is received as the signal by the receiving means; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. The color chart used in the color verification is: a first patch for changing the measurement mode and a second patch for color verification; The change means is When the color measurement result of the color chart received by the receiving means is the first color measurement value of the first patch, the measurement mode is changed.

3. The program according to claim 2.

4. The change means is changing the measurement mode when the colorimetric result of the color chart received by the receiving means is a second colorimetric value of a second patch for color verification and the second colorimetric value is a colorimetric value that has already been measured; 4. The program according to claim 3.

5. and further functioning as a first storage means for storing a first conversion table that associates a first signal value corresponding to the color of the first patch with a measurement mode corresponding to the first signal value.

4. The program according to claim 3.

6. and when the colorimetry result is received by the receiving means, the determining means determines whether the colorimetry result is a first colorimetry value by using the first conversion table stored in the first storage means, The change means is changing the measurement mode when the determination means determines that the color measurement result is the first color measurement value; 6. The program according to claim 5.

7. functioning as a generating means for generating data for the color chart; 4. The program according to claim 3.

8. The generating means generating the first patch in a different color than the second patch; 8. The program according to claim 7,

9. further functioning as a receiving unit for receiving setting information for generating the color chart; The generating means generating data for the color chart based on the information received by the receiving means; 8. The program according to claim 7,

10. and further functioning as a print instruction unit that instructs an image forming apparatus to print the color chart based on the data generated by the generation unit.

8. The program according to claim 7,

11. The change means is changing the measurement mode when the receiving means receives an operation signal based on a predetermined operation on a user interface of the colorimeter; 3. The program according to claim 2.

12. a third storage means for storing a second conversion table that associates a second signal value corresponding to the operation signal with a measurement mode corresponding to the second signal value; The change means is changing the measurement mode when the operation signal received by the receiving means is a signal corresponding to the second conversion table stored in the third storage means; 12. The program according to claim 11 .

13. The change means is changing the measurement mode when the operation signal received by the receiving means does not include a measurement result of the color chart measured by the colorimeter; 12. The program according to claim 11 .

14. The measurement mode is a first mode for performing color verification of one measurement value of the color chart measured by the colorimeter; a second mode in which color verification of the color measurement values ​​of the color chart remeasured by the colorimeter is performed; a third mode in which color verification is performed using an average value of color measurement values ​​of the color chart measured by the colorimeter multiple times, 2. The program according to claim 1 .

15. functioning as a display means for displaying the notification by the notification means; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

16. A method executed on an information processing device, comprising: a changing step of changing a measurement mode related to measurement by the colorimeter in color verification in response to a signal based on a user operation of the colorimeter; a notification step of notifying the change of the measurement mode due to the change step, A method characterized by:

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