Information processing apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus configured to properly perform calibration of an external colorimeter.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus is configured to: acquire information on colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing apparatus; and perform control, when acquiring the information on the colorimetry, whether to cause the colorimeter to execute calibration, based on the information on the colorimetry.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a program capable of controlling a colorimeter. [Background technology]

[0002] When using a colorimeter to measure the color of a color chart in commercial printing, the colorimeter must be calibrated before measurement. Calibrating a colorimeter is a process that corrects the discrepancy between the reference value of a white reference plate and the measured value. For example, in the case of a manual colorimeter, calibration is performed by placing the colorimeter on the white reference plate used to adjust the colorimeter and pressing and holding the color measurement button on the colorimeter. Colorimeter calibration is generally performed when the measurement mode is changed, after a certain amount of time has passed, or every time a color chart is measured.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that patches for checking deterioration over time are printed in the margins of a color chart, and if there is a difference between the value measured by a colorimeter installed inside the image forming apparatus and a reference value, it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter is necessary. The reference value is, for example, the value obtained when the color chart is measured by the colorimeter immediately after purchasing the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-201819 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 assumes that the colorimeter is installed inside the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the measurement conditions, such as the paper, color processing, measurement mode of the colorimeter, and observation light source, are always constant. Therefore, when the measurement conditions change depending on the application, as with an external colorimeter, it is not possible to correctly determine the need for calibration of the colorimeter.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method, and a program that appropriately calibrate an external colorimeter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, and is characterized in that the control method includes an acquisition process for acquiring information related to colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing device, and a control process for controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the information related to colorimetry when the information related to colorimetry is acquired by the acquisition process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately perform calibration of an external colorimeter. [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 functional block configuration of the system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user interface screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing color measurement conditions. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a color chart. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an execution control process for calibration of a colorimeter. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an execution control process for calibration of a colorimeter. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting screen for setting the timing of calibration of the colorimeter. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an execution control process for calibration 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] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to this embodiment. This system includes a colorimetry system 101 and a printing system 103, which are interconnected via the Internet 100. The colorimetry system 101 includes an information processing device 102 and a colorimeter 107 connected to the information processing device 102. The information processing device 102 has, for example, an application capable of controlling the colorimeter 107. The application may, for example, instruct the colorimeter 107 to perform setup or receive color measurement results (colorimetric values) of a color chart obtained by the colorimeter 107. Such an application may be an on-premise application or a cloud-based application. The colorimeter 107 may be a manual colorimeter or an automatic colorimeter. In the printing system 103, an information processing device 104 and an image forming device 106 are interconnected via a network 105. The application running on the information processing device 104 is mainly called a print controller and controls the image forming device 106. The image forming device 106 is controlled under the control of a group of programs running on the information processing device 104, processes print settings and print data received from the information processing device 104, and outputs printed matter.

[0012] In a system such as that shown in FIG. 1, a user (operator) can access the information processing device 104 from the information processing device 102 and remotely control the execution of quality inspections such as color verification. For example, the following four steps can be assumed to be performed as a quality inspection. In the first step, a type of test is selected. For example, a color verification test may be selected. In the second step, a quality inspection device (i.e., an image forming device) capable of executing the selected test is selected. In the third step, the quality inspection is performed. For example, color measurement of the patches may be performed. In the fourth step, the quality inspection is completed. Although FIG. 1 shows one combination of an information processing device and an image forming device in the printing system 103, multiple combinations may also be used. An application for performing such quality inspections such as color verification corresponds to, for example, an application running on the information processing device 104 described above.

[0013] In this embodiment, colorimetry can be performed on a color chart output by the image forming apparatus 106 near the information processing apparatus 102, which is distant from the image forming apparatus 106 and the information processing apparatus 104. The configuration of this system is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1, and may be a system in which processing is performed by connecting via a network such as a LAN or WAN. Also, the information processing apparatus 102 and the information processing apparatus 104 may be configured as stand-alone devices.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 102. In FIG. 2, a CPU 201 executes an OS or general application programs stored in a ROM 203 or loaded from a HDD 212 to a RAM 202. The RAM 202 functions as the CPU 201's main memory, work area, etc. A USB controller 205 receives instructions to the colorimeter 107 and colorimetric results (colorimetric values) from the colorimeter 107. An operation control unit 206 controls input from an operation unit 210 including a keyboard and a pointing device. A display control unit 207 controls display on a display unit 211. A disk controller 208 has access to a HDD 212 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, etc. A network controller 213 is connected to a network and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network. A bus 204 connects the CPU 201 to the RAM 202, ROM 203, various controllers, etc., and transmits data signals and control signals.

[0015] If the information processing device 102 is a mobile terminal or the like, it may be equipped with a touch panel controller or the like instead of the operation control unit 206. Furthermore, the internal configuration of the network controller 213 differs depending on whether the device is equipped with a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both. However, these differences in internal configuration are hidden within the network controller 213, and the network controller 213 is configured to be equivalent to the other modules shown in FIG. 2 and be able to control the system.

[0016] In this embodiment, the information processing device 104 will be described as having the same configuration as the information processing device 102. However, in this embodiment, the colorimeter 107 is connected to the information processing device 102, but is not connected to the information processing device 104. Furthermore, the information processing device 104 and the information processing device 102 are not limited to the configuration in FIG. 2, and may have a configuration corresponding to the functions executable by the device applied as each device.

[0017] In this embodiment, the information processing device 104 stores software for using a remote user interface (remote UI). Such software functions as a web server. Therefore, when the information processing device 102 accesses the web server of the information processing device 104 using a web browser, a remote UI screen is displayed on the display unit 211 of the information processing device 102. The software includes a front end that controls the display of the web browser of the information processing device 102, etc., and a back end. The front end manages and stores a program (JavaScript) to be executed on the web browser, and by transmitting (downloading) the program to the information processing device 102, for example, the corresponding display is performed on the web browser of the information processing device 102. The front end includes, for example, a program for performing user authentication. Note that when a front end program is downloaded to the information processing device 102, the program becomes part of the software configuration of the information processing device 102.

[0018] 3 is a diagram showing the functional block configuration of the system in the information processing apparatuses 102 and 104. The information processing apparatus 102 includes a colorimetry processing control unit 300, a calibration determination unit 301, a colorimeter control unit 302, and a storage unit 303. The colorimetry processing control unit 300 communicates with a color management unit 305 via a colorimetry screen displayed by a colorimetry screen display unit 304 of the information processing apparatus 104, and controls various types of colorimetry processing. Specifically, for example, the colorimetry processing control unit 300 communicates with the color management unit 305 by accessing the information processing apparatus 104 via a remote UI.

[0019] The calibration determination unit 301 receives setting values ​​and colorimetric values ​​from the colorimetry processing control unit 300 and determines whether calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary. The setting values ​​include a reference value for each patch of the color chart, the number of pages, the number of rows, the number of columns, etc. of the color chart. The setting values ​​may be stored in a storage unit 303. The calibration determination unit 301 may also acquire the setting values ​​stored in a storage unit 306 of the information processing device 104 by a remote UI via a colorimetry screen displayed by a colorimetry screen display unit 304.

[0020] As a colorimeter continues to be used, the performance of the optical sensor inside the colorimeter deteriorates over time. As a result, a discrepancy occurs between the reference value of the white reference plate and the measured value. This necessitates calibration of the colorimeter 107. Calibration of the colorimeter 107 is a process for correcting the discrepancy between the reference value of the white reference plate and the measured value. In the calibration process of the colorimeter 107, the reference value of the white reference plate and the measured value are compared to determine the magnitude of the discrepancy, and the optical sensor is corrected within the colorimeter by that magnitude toward the reference value. This corrects the discrepancy. The white reference plate is an accessory that is included with the colorimeter when purchased and serves as a calibration standard when performing measurements with the colorimeter. To calibrate the colorimeter 107, for example, in the case of a manual colorimeter, the colorimeter is set on the white reference plate used to adjust the colorimeter, and the colorimeter's measurement button is pressed and held to calibrate the colorimeter 107.

[0021] The colorimeter control unit 302 functions as a communication control interface that controls communication with the colorimeter 107. For example, the colorimeter control unit 302 instructs the colorimeter 107 to perform calibration, instructs the colorimeter 107 to perform color measurement, and receives colorimetric values ​​from the colorimeter 107. The storage unit 303 stores setting values ​​and colorimetric values ​​required for colorimetric processing.

[0022] The information processing device 104 includes a color measurement screen display unit 304, a color management unit 305, a storage unit 306, and a color chart generation unit 307. The color measurement screen display unit 304 displays, for example, a screen on the display unit 211 of the information processing device 102, which shows the color measurement operation procedure for a color chart using the colorimeter 107. The color management unit 305 manages processes related to color management, such as each calibration and profile creation, performed in the printing system 103.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 106 is capable of performing printer calibration. Printer calibration is the adjustment of CMYK density and CMYK gradation so that the image forming apparatus 106 can reproduce target colors on standard paper. CMYK is an example of colors that the image forming apparatus 106 can print, and represents cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). In this embodiment, CMYK is described as the colors that the image forming apparatus 106 can print, but other colors such as light cyan and light magenta may also be printable. Because CMYK density and CMYK gradation gradually change depending on the print volume and elapsed time, printer calibration must be periodically performed on the image forming apparatus 106 in order to reproduce target colors.

[0024] The image forming device 106 can perform paper calibration. Paper calibration is an adjustment performed for each paper type to absorb differences in color and surface properties between papers and output consistent colors. The adjustment is performed, for example, using a one-dimensional lookup table (1DLUT) set for each color material color. The color and surface properties of paper vary depending on the type. Therefore, if the same settings are used to print on all papers, the color will vary depending on the paper, and it will be impossible to achieve a color close to the target. Therefore, by performing paper calibration for each paper type, the color output by the image forming device 106 for each paper type is corrected to approach the target, and as a result, a color close to the target can be consistently achieved for each paper type.

[0025] If paper calibration is not performed for the paper being used, it will not be possible to reproduce the desired colors on the paper. Therefore, if paper calibration is not performed for the paper used in color verification, the color verification may fail. While printer calibration is an adjustment performed for a standard set of paper, paper calibration is an adjustment performed for each individual paper. The surface properties and color tones of paper used for printing vary depending on the type of paper, and the colors reproduced vary depending on the type of paper. Therefore, color quality adjustments and color verification must be performed for each type of paper.

[0026] The calibration performed by the printing system 103 includes the printer calibration and paper calibration described above.

[0027] A color management unit 305 causes the image forming apparatus 106 to print a color chart required for color management. A storage unit 306 holds setting values ​​required for processing by the color management unit 305. A color chart generation unit 307 generates color chart data in response to instructions from the color management unit 305.

[0028] 4A is a diagram showing an example of a color measurement screen displayed by the color measurement screen display unit 304 of the information processing device 104. The color measurement screen 400 is displayed as a remote UI of a print controller running on the information processing device 104. Specifically, for example, the color measurement screen 400 is displayed by specifying the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the print controller in the browser of the information processing device 104.

[0029] The color measurement screen 400 is configured to include three sections. The color measurement screen 400 includes a section for a paper list 401. The paper list 401 displays a list of paper types registered in the print controller. The paper list 401 displays a list of paper types, such as plain paper and glossy paper, for example.

[0030] The color measurement screen 400 includes a section for a detailed information screen 402 for a paper selected in a paper list 401. In this example, it is assumed that "Media A" is selected in the paper list 401. Therefore, detailed information for "Media A" is displayed on the detailed information screen 402. The detailed information screen 402 displays a paper feed tray loading status 403 for the paper and a calibration status 404 for the paper.

[0031] The color measurement screen 400 includes a section for a calibration execution instruction screen 405 for the paper selected in the paper list 401. The paper calibration execution instruction screen 405 is displayed when the paper calibration status 404 is selected. Then, when the execute button 408 is pressed, paper calibration begins. Specifically, for example, the image forming apparatus 106 begins printing a color chart for paper calibration. When paper calibration begins, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 4(b). Note that when paper calibration is completed, the execution date and time 407 is updated. The calibration execution instruction screen 405 also has a name field 406 for assigning a unique name to the paper calibration status.

[0032] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a printing screen for a color chart used in paper calibration. A color chart printing status display screen 409 shows the printing status of the color chart that is the target of color measurement for performing paper calibration. Detailed information 410 displays the job name, printing status, printing completion time, output tray, and detailed printing information. When the Cancel button 411 is pressed, printing is canceled and the screen transitions to the color measurement screen 400 of FIG. 4A. The Next button 412 is enabled when printing of the color chart is completed. When the Next button 412 is pressed, the screen transitions to the color chart color measurement screen 413 of FIG. 5A. In this embodiment, if calibration of the colorimeter 107 is required at that time, a colorimeter calibration screen, described below, is displayed.

[0033] 5A shows an example of a color measurement screen for a color chart used in paper calibration. The color chart color measurement screen 413 includes a color chart color measurement status 414, a scan instruction 417, a color measurement status 418, a send button 420, and a cancel button 419. The color chart color measurement status 414 displays an icon according to the color measurement status of each row. For example, a color measurement completed icon 415 and an unmeasured color measurement icon 416 are displayed.

[0034] Immediately after starting color measurement of the color chart, all rows have not yet been measured, so an unmeasured icon 416 is displayed. Once color measurement of a specific row is complete, the row has been measured, so the display changes from the unmeasured icon 416 to the measured icon 415. If the same row is measured multiple times, the measured icon 415 remains displayed, and the number of times color measurement has been performed increases in the color measurement status 418, which will be described later.

[0035] The scan instruction 417 displays a bar to prompt the user to move the colorimeter 107 from right to left or left to right in accordance with the colorimeter 107's colorimetric measurement operation. The colorimetric status 418 displays the number of times colorimetric measurement has been performed and the colorimetric status for each patch color in the color chart. For example, in the case of the color chart shown in FIG. 7, when a specific row is measured, the number of times colorimetric measurement has been performed for the color representing that row increases. The colorimetric status then changes from a display indicating that colorimetric measurement has not been performed (e.g., "Waiting For Scan") to a display indicating that colorimetric measurement has been performed. When the send button 420 is pressed, the colorimetric process is completed and a command to perform color management processing in the printing system 103 is enabled. The color management process is, for example, color verification. When the cancel button 419 is pressed, the colorimetric process is canceled.

[0036] Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of an instruction screen that instructs the user to calibrate the colorimeter 107. The calibration instruction screen 500 is displayed when it is determined that a predetermined condition, which will be described later, is met when transitioning from the color chart printing status display screen 409 in Fig. 4(b) to the color chart colorimetric screen 413 in Fig. 5(a). Note that the calibration determination unit 301 determines whether the predetermined condition is met.

[0037] Operation procedures 501 and 503 show the procedure for calibrating the colorimeter 107 using a schematic diagram and text. Display 502 displays the name of the colorimeter determined to require calibration. If only one colorimeter is connected to the information processing apparatus 102, that colorimeter is displayed. If multiple colorimeters are connected, only the names of the colorimeters determined to require calibration are displayed. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams and operation procedures displayed in operation procedures 501 and 503 change depending on the type of colorimeter selected in display 502.

[0038] 6 is a diagram showing an example of data of color measurement conditions when measuring the color of a color chart. Metadata 601 of the color chart color measurement conditions 600 is metadata of the color chart. The metadata 601 includes, for example, information such as the image forming device that printed the color chart, the paper used to print the color chart, and the job name. Color measurement settings 602 are color measurement settings. The color measurement settings 602 include, for example, the M factor (illumination conditions of the colorimeter), illuminant (light source), observer (observer conditions), color measurement direction, and type of colorimeter.

[0039] The color measurement conditions 600 for the color chart are generated by the color management unit 305 of the information processing device 104 when the Next button 412 is pressed on the color measurement screen 400, and are sent to the color measurement processing control unit 300 of the information processing device 102 by the color measurement screen display unit 305. The color measurement conditions for the color chart may be prepared in advance for each paper, or may be generated based on information received on a setting screen that displays a setting screen on which the user can set the color measurement conditions. The color measurement processing control unit 300 sets up the colorimeter 107 using the color measurement conditions 600 for the color chart and measures the color of the color chart printed by the image forming device 106.

[0040] The color measurement conditions 600 of the color chart are stored in the storage unit 303. After measuring the color of the color chart, the color measurement values ​​acquired from the colorimeter 107 are linked to the color measurement conditions 600 of the color chart and stored in the storage unit 303. For example, they are stored as shown in Table 1. Table 1 shows that the color measurement conditions of three types of color charts are stored. Each color measurement condition can be identified by identification information.

[0041] (Table 1) TIFF2025130598000002.tif33121 FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a color chart printed by the image forming apparatus 106 when performing paper calibration. Area 700 indicates the page number of the color chart. In this example, page number 700 is “1,” indicating the first page. Areas 701, 702, 703, and 704 are paper-white areas provided for each row of the color chart. The paper-white areas are primarily used for two purposes. The first purpose is to indicate the start of a row. The colorimeter 107 recognizes the paper-white area during reading and determines that reading of a row has begun. The second purpose is to determine whether calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary. In other words, if the measured value of the paper-white area deviates from the reference value, it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary. The setting values ​​required to print the color chart are stored in the recording unit 306.

[0042] 8(a) and 8(b) are flowcharts showing processing for controlling the execution of calibration of the colorimeter 107. The processing of FIG. 8(a) is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program. The processing of FIG. 8(a) is started, for example, when the execution button 408 on the colorimetry screen 400 is pressed. If the information processing device 102 and the information processing device 104 are a system configured as a single device, FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are realized by the CPU of the single device reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program.

[0043] In S800, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 executes printing of a color chart using the color management unit 305. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 acquires color chart data generated by the color chart data generation unit 307 and transmits it to the image forming device 106. Then, for example, a color chart such as that shown in FIG.

[0044] In S801, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 causes the color management unit 305 to transmit the color measurement conditions 600 of the color chart to the color measurement processing control unit 300 of the information processing device 102. For example, as described above, when the Next button 412 on the color measurement screen 400 is pressed, the color measurement conditions 600 of the color chart are transmitted.

[0045] The CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 causes the colorimetry processing control unit 300 and the colorimetry device control unit 302 to execute processing for setting up the colorimetry device 107 based on the colorimetry conditions 600 of the color chart. For example, a screen for notifying an instruction to set up the colorimetry device 107 may be displayed on the display unit 211 of the information processing apparatus 102. When an instruction to set up the colorimetry device 107 is received on the screen, the execution of the setup of the colorimetry device 107 begins. When the setup of the colorimetry device 107 is executed, the colorimetry processing control unit 300 acquires the colorimetry values ​​of the white reference plate when the user presses a button on the colorimetry device 107. Then, the colorimetry processing control unit 300 associates the colorimetry values ​​of the white reference plate with the colorimetry conditions 600 of the color chart and stores them in the storage unit 303. Then, the processing of FIG. 8B begins.

[0046] The process of FIG. 8B is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 reading out a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0047] In S810, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 determines whether or not colorimetry error information has been received by the colorimetry processing control unit 300 during setup of the colorimeter 107. If it is determined that colorimetry error information has been received, the process proceeds to S811, and if it is determined that colorimetry error information has not been received, the process proceeds to S813.

[0048] In S811, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 determines, via the calibration determination unit 301, whether or not calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary based on the colorimeter error information received from the colorimeter 107. Specifically, for example, the calibration determination unit 301 holds a determination table such as Table 2, and determines whether or not calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary depending on the content of the colorimeter error information.

[0049] (Table 2) TIFF2025130598000003.tif49134For example, eDeviceNotCalibrated represents a state in which the colorimeter 107 has not been calibrated, or has been calibrated but a predetermined period of time has passed (expired).If the error type represented by the colorimeter error information received from the colorimeter 107 is Type 1, the calibration determination unit 301 determines that immediate calibration of the colorimeter 107 is required.

[0050] eRawValueTooLow indicates a state in which, when a colorimeter is placed on a white reference plate and the colorimetric values ​​of the white reference plate are acquired, the colorimetric values ​​are too low compared to the expected values. On the other hand, eRawValueTooHigh indicates a state in which, when a colorimetric value of the white reference plate is acquired, the colorimetric values ​​are too high compared to the expected values. When the user presses a button on the colorimeter 107 to acquire the colorimetric values ​​of the white reference plate during setup of the colorimeter 107, the error type indicated by the colorimetric error information received from the colorimeter 107 may be Type 2. In this case, the calibration determination unit 301 checks whether a Type 2 colorimetric error has occurred many times in the past, and if the number of such errors exceeds a predefined threshold, determines that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary.

[0051] eDeviceAlreadyInUse indicates a state in which another application is already using the colorimeter. eDeviceCommunicationError indicates a state in which communication with the colorimeter 107 is not possible. Therefore, even if the colorimeter 107 is calibrated, the problem cannot be resolved. If the error type indicated by the colorimeter error information received from the colorimeter 107 is Type 3, the calibration determination unit 301 determines that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is not necessary.

[0052] If it is determined in S811 that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary, the process proceeds to S812, and if it is determined in S811 that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is not necessary, the process proceeds to S813.

[0053] In S812, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 calibrates the colorimeter 107 using the colorimeter processing control unit 300 and the colorimeter control unit 302. Calibration of the colorimeter 107 differs depending on the type of colorimeter. For example, if the colorimeter 107 is a manual colorimeter, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 5 is displayed to prompt the user to perform calibration. For example, if the colorimeter 107 is an automatic colorimeter, calibration of the colorimeter 107 is performed automatically without user operation.

[0054] In S813, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 acquires the color measurement results of the color chart printed in S800 using the color measurement processing control unit 300. The color measurement values ​​of the color chart measured by the colorimeter 107 are sent to the color measurement processing control unit 300 via the colorimeter control unit 302. The color measurement processing control unit 300 stores the color measurement values ​​in the storage unit 303, linking them to the color measurement conditions 600 of the color chart.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, when color measurement of a color chart is performed during paper calibration, calibration of the colorimeter can be performed at an appropriate time based on color measurement error information received from the colorimeter.

[0056] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which it was determined whether calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary based on color measurement error information received from the colorimeter 107. Here, it is assumed that paper calibration is performed continuously in the printing system 103. For example, there is a case in which printed matter consisting of multiple sheets of paper, such as a book, is produced. In such a case, it is not necessary to perform calibration of the colorimeter 107 every time, and it is sufficient to perform calibration of the colorimeter 107 when the performance of the colorimeter 107 begins to deteriorate. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether calibration of the colorimeter 107 is to be performed based on fluctuations in actual colorimetric values.

[0057] 9(a) and 9(b) are flowcharts showing the calibration process of the colorimeter 107. The process of FIG. 9(a) is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program. The process of FIG. 9(a) is started, for example, when the execute button 408 on the colorimetry screen 400 is pressed. The processes of S900 and S901 are the same as the processes of S800 and S801 in FIG. 8, and therefore their description will be omitted. If the information processing device 102 and the information processing device 104 are a system configured as a single device, the processes of FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are realized by the CPU of the single device reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program.

[0058] 9B is a flowchart showing the calibration process of the colorimeter 107. The process of FIG. 9B is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program. Note that the processes of S910 to S915 using the paper white area on the color chart are repeatedly executed every time the paper white area is measured by the colorimeter 107.

[0059] In S910, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 causes the colorimeter 107 to measure the color of the color chart using the color measurement processing control unit 300 and the colorimeter control unit 302. As shown in FIG. 7, the color of the color chart is measured row by row. A paper white area is provided at the left end of each row, and the paper white area is measured each time a row is measured. The colorimetric processing control unit 300 stores the measured colorimetric values ​​in the memory unit 303.

[0060] In S911, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 causes the colorimetry processing control unit 300 to search the colorimetry conditions 600 of the color chart stored in the storage unit 303 and determines whether there are any colorimetry conditions identical to the colorimetry conditions of the color chart currently being measured. Examples of the colorimetry conditions used for the determination include information such as the image forming device that printed the color chart, the paper used to print the color chart, and the job name. Examples of the colorimetry conditions used for the determination include the M factor (illumination conditions of the colorimetry device), illuminant (light source), observer (observer conditions), colorimetry direction, and type of colorimetry device. If it is determined in S911 that the same colorimetry conditions exist, the process proceeds to S912. If it is determined that the same colorimetry conditions do not exist, the process of FIG. 9 ends. The storage unit 303 stores previously stored colorimetry conditions 600.

[0061] In S912, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 acquires a reference value for analyzing changes in the colorimetric value using the colorimetric processing control unit 300. The reference value is the colorimetric value of a white board used when calibrating the colorimeter 107. Since deviations from the reference value occur depending on colorimetric conditions such as the paper and light source used, the deviations are corrected in advance to match the colorimetric conditions during setup. Alternatively, the reference value may be a paper white value previously measured under the same colorimetric conditions at the time of factory shipment, for example.

[0062] In S913, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 analyzes the change in the colorimetric value using the calibration determination unit 301. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 compares the reference value acquired in S912 with the colorimetric value of the paper-white region measured in S910.

[0063] In S914, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 determines, via the calibration determination unit 301, whether the difference between the reference value and the colorimetric value exceeds a threshold based on the comparison result in S913. If it is determined that the difference exceeds the threshold, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 determines that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary. On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference does not exceed the threshold, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 determines that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is unnecessary. Here, a limit on the number of times the threshold can be exceeded may be set, and calibration of the colorimeter 107 may be determined to be necessary when the limit is reached. If it is determined that the threshold has been exceeded once, there is a possibility of an error. By setting the limit as multiple times the threshold can be exceeded, it is possible to appropriately determine when calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary. If it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary, the process proceeds to S915. If it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is unnecessary, the process of FIG. 9 ends.

[0064] In S915, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 executes processing for calibrating the colorimeter 107 using the colorimeter processing control unit 300 and the colorimeter control unit 302. Calibration of the colorimeter 107 differs depending on the type of colorimeter. For example, if the colorimeter 107 is a manual colorimeter, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 5 is displayed to prompt the user to perform calibration. For example, if the colorimeter 107 is an automatic colorimeter, calibration of the colorimeter 107 is performed automatically without user operation.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, if there is a large variation in the colorimetric values ​​of the reference paper-white region, it is determined that calibration of the colorimetric device 107 is necessary, based on the variation in the colorimetric values ​​of the paper-white region transmitted from the colorimetric device 107. With such a configuration, it is possible to perform calibration of the colorimetric device at an appropriate timing.

[0066] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first and second embodiments. In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which it was determined whether calibration of the colorimeter 107 was necessary in accordance with color measurement error information received from the colorimeter 107. In the second embodiment, a configuration was described in which it was determined whether calibration of the colorimeter 107 was necessary based on fluctuations in the color measurement values ​​of the paper white area of ​​the color chart. Here, for example, there may be cases in which it is desired to calibrate the colorimeter 107 at a certain time. Therefore, in this embodiment, calibration of the colorimeter 107 is performed by specifying a time.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting the timing of calibration of the colorimeter 107, which is displayed on the colorimeter system 101. The setting screen 1000 of FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 211 of the information processing apparatus 102. A setting 1001 is an area for setting the log level of a log generated by the colorimeter system 101. A setting 1002 is an area for setting whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter 107 at a predetermined time. If this setting is ON, calibration of the colorimeter 107 is performed according to the settings defined in a setting 1003. The setting 1003 is an area for setting the timing to perform calibration of the colorimeter 107. In this embodiment, for example, the day of the week and the time can be set. When a cancel button 1004 is pressed, the values ​​set on the setting screen 1000 are discarded, and the setting screen 1000 is closed. When a save button 1005 is pressed, the set values ​​are saved, and the colorimeter system 101 operates according to the saved settings.

[0068] 11(a) and 11(b) are flowcharts showing the calibration process of the colorimeter 107. The process of FIG. 11(a) is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 104 reading a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing the program. The process of FIG. 11(a) is started, for example, when the execute button 408 on the colorimetry screen 400 is pressed. The processes of S1100 and S1101 are the same as the processes of S800 and S801 in FIG. 8, and therefore their description will be omitted. If the information processing device 102 and the information processing device 104 are a system configured as a single device, the processes of FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are realized by the CPU of the single device reading a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program.

[0069] The process of FIG. 11B is realized, for example, by the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 reading out a program stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

[0070] In S1110, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 determines whether the timer setting for performing calibration of the colorimeter 107 is ON using the colorimetry processing control unit 300. Specifically, for example, the colorimetry processing control unit 300 determines whether the setting 1002 shown in Fig. 10 is ON. If it is determined that the timer setting is ON, the process proceeds to S1111, and if it is determined that the timer setting is OFF, the process proceeds to S1115.

[0071] In S1111, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 acquires a timer setting via the calibration determination unit 301. Specifically, for example, the setting value (setting information) set in the setting 1003 shown in Fig. 10 is acquired. In S1112, the CPU 201 of the information processing device 102 acquires the current time (including date and time information) of the information processing device 102 via the calibration determination unit 301.

[0072] In S1113, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 determines, via the calibration determination unit 301, whether or not to calibrate the colorimeter 107. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 determines whether or not the current time acquired in S1112 satisfies the condition of the timer setting acquired in S1111. For example, if the timer is set to 1:00 PM on Thursday and the current time is 2:00 PM on Thursday, the calibration determination unit 301 determines that it is necessary to calibrate the colorimeter 107. Alternatively, for example, if the timer is set to 1:00 PM on Thursday and the current time is 12:00 PM on Thursday, the calibration determination unit 301 determines that it is not necessary to calibrate the colorimeter 107. Alternatively, a tolerance may be set for the timer setting, and if the tolerance is within the tolerance, it may be determined that it is necessary to calibrate the colorimeter 107. For example, if the timer is set to 13:00 on Thursday, the tolerance is 15 minutes, and the current time is 12:50 on Thursday, the calibration determination unit 301 determines that it is necessary to perform calibration of the colorimeter 107. If it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is to be performed, the process proceeds to S1114, and if it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter 107 is not to be performed, the process proceeds to S1115.

[0073] In S1114, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 executes processing for calibrating the colorimeter 107 using the colorimeter processing control unit 300 and the colorimeter control unit 302. Calibration of the colorimeter 107 differs depending on the type of colorimeter. For example, if the colorimeter 107 is a manual colorimeter, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 5 is displayed to prompt the user to perform calibration. For example, if the colorimeter 107 is an automatic colorimeter, calibration of the colorimeter 107 is executed automatically without user operation.

[0074] In S1115, the CPU 201 of the information processing apparatus 102 acquires the color measurement results of the color chart printed in S1100 using the color measurement processing control unit 300. The color measurement values ​​of the color chart measured by the colorimeter 107 are sent to the color measurement processing control unit 300 via the colorimeter control unit 302. The color measurement processing control unit 300 stores the color measurement values ​​in the storage unit 303, linking them to the color measurement conditions 600 of the color chart.

[0075] In this embodiment, if the timer setting condition is met immediately after measuring the color chart, the calibration determination unit 301 may determine that it is necessary to calibrate the colorimeter 107 after measuring the color chart. Then, the user may be notified to urge the user to calibrate the colorimeter 107.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the calibration of the colorimeter 107 is performed using a timer setting, it is determined that the calibration of the colorimeter 107 is necessary based on the current time and the timer setting. With such a configuration, the calibration of the colorimeter can be performed at an appropriate timing.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following information processing device, control method, and program. (Item 1) A program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the information about the colorimeter when the information about the colorimeter is acquired by the acquisition step; A program comprising: (Item 2) 2. The program according to item 1, wherein the information relating to colorimetry includes error information. (Item 3) 3. The program according to item 2, wherein the control step controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the type of error indicated by the error information. (Item 4) 4. The program according to item 3, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter to perform calibration if the type of error is an error related to the color measurement result of a reference plate. (Item 5) The program described in item 3 or 4, characterized in that the control process controls the colorimeter to perform calibration if the type of error is an error related to a period during which calibration of the colorimeter has not been performed. (Item 6) The program described in any one of items 3 to 5, characterized in that the control process controls the colorimeter not to perform calibration if the type of error is an error related to the colorimeter already being in use. (Item 7) The program described in any one of items 3 to 6, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter not to perform calibration if the type of error is an error related to communication with the colorimeter. (Item 8) 8. The program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the acquiring step acquires information about the colorimetry as a result of the colorimetry device being set up. (Item 9) 2. The program according to item 1, wherein the information about colorimetry includes information about the colorimetry results of a color chart for paper calibration. (Item 10) 10. The program according to item 9, wherein the color measurement results of the color chart include color measurement results of a paper white patch. (Item 11) Item 11. The program according to item 10, wherein the control step controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the result of comparing the colorimetric result of the paper white patch with a reference value. (Item 12) Item 12. The program according to item 11, wherein the comparison is performed at each of a plurality of paper calibrations. (Item 13) Item 13. The program according to item 12, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter to perform calibration when the difference between the color measurement result of the paper white patch and the reference value exceeds a threshold value. (Item 14) Item 14. The program according to item 13, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter not to perform calibration until the difference between the color measurement result of the paper white patch and the reference value does not exceed the threshold value. (Item 15) 15. The program according to any one of items 12 to 14, wherein the paper calibrations are performed multiple times under the same color measurement conditions. (Item 16) a second acquisition step of acquiring setting information related to the timing of execution of calibration of the colorimeter; The program described in any one of items 1 to 15, characterized in that the control process, when the setting information is acquired by the acquisition process, controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the setting information. (Item 17) A program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry performed by a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the information about the colorimeter when the information about the colorimeter is acquired by the acquisition step; A program comprising: (Item 18) A control method executed in an information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information acquired in the acquisition step; A control method comprising: (Item 19) A control method executed in an information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry performed by a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information acquired in the acquisition step; A control method comprising: (Item 20) An information processing device, an acquisition unit that acquires information about colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control unit that controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information when the information about the colorimetric measurement is acquired by the acquisition unit; An information processing device comprising: (Item 21) An information processing device, an acquisition unit that acquires information about colorimetry performed by a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control unit that controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information when the information about the colorimetric measurement is acquired by the acquisition unit; An information processing device comprising:

[0079] 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]

[0080] 102, 104 information processing device: 106 image forming device: 107 colorimeter: 201 CPU: 202 RAM: 203 ROM

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the information about the colorimeter when the information about the colorimeter is acquired by the acquisition step; A program comprising:

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to colorimetry includes error information.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the control step controls whether or not to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the type of error indicated by the error information.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter to perform calibration when the type of the error is an error related to the color measurement result of a reference plate.

5. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter to perform calibration when the type of the error is an error related to a period during which calibration of the colorimeter has not been performed.

6. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter not to perform calibration if the type of the error is an error relating to the colorimeter already being used.

7. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter not to perform calibration when the type of the error is an error related to communication with the colorimeter.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the acquiring step acquires the information related to the color measurement by setting up the color measurement device.

9. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the information about colorimetry includes information about a color measurement result of a color chart for paper calibration.

10. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the color measurement results of the color chart include color measurement results of a paper white patch.

11. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the control step controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on a result of comparison between the colorimetric result of the paper white patch and a reference value.

12. 12. The program according to claim 11, wherein the comparison is performed at each of a plurality of paper calibrations.

13. 13. The program according to claim 12, wherein the control step controls the colorimeter to perform calibration when a difference between the color measurement result of the paper white patch and the reference value exceeds a threshold value.

14. The program according to claim 13, characterized in that the control process controls the colorimeter not to perform calibration until the difference between the color measurement result of the paper white patch and the reference value does not exceed the threshold value if the difference does not exceed the threshold value.

15. 13. The program according to claim 12, wherein the paper calibrations are performed multiple times under the same color measurement conditions.

16. a second acquisition step of acquiring setting information relating to the timing of execution of calibration of the colorimeter; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein, when the setting information is acquired in the acquisition step, the control step controls whether or not the colorimeter is to perform calibration based on the setting information.

17. A program for causing a computer of an information processing device to execute a control method, The control method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry performed by a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the information about the colorimeter when the information about the colorimeter is acquired by the acquisition step; A program comprising:

18. A control method executed in an information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information acquired in the acquisition step; A control method comprising:

19. A control method executed in an information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring information about colorimetry performed by a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control step of controlling whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information acquired in the acquisition step; A control method comprising:

20. An information processing device, an acquisition unit that acquires information about colorimetry from a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control unit that controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information when the information about the colorimetric measurement is acquired by the acquisition unit; An information processing device comprising:

21. An information processing device, an acquisition unit that acquires information about colorimetry performed by a colorimeter connected to the information processing device; a control unit that controls whether to cause the colorimeter to perform calibration based on the colorimetric information when the information about the colorimetric measurement is acquired by the acquisition unit; An information processing device comprising:

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