Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when the usage of a color material becomes excessive, the accuracy of converting to the color value corresponding to the usage may decrease.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a color information acquisition unit and a warning unit. The color information acquisition unit acquires the usage of a color material when printing a reference color on a printing device on the basis of an input to a usage specification screen for specifying the usage of the color material. The warning unit does not display a warning on the reproduction accuracy of the reference color when the usage of the color material is a first usage, and displays a warning on the reproduction accuracy of the reference color when the usage of the color material is a second usage amount greater than the first usage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration has been known in which a color chart including a plurality of patches is printed and color adjustment is performed based on the color chart. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the Lab value and CMYK value of a central patch can be input, and multiple patches with Lab values ​​changed for the central patch are printed on the color chart. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7314628 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, the amount of color material used can be specified using CMYK values, but there are limits to the amount of color material that can be used when printing on a print medium. For example, if the amount used is excessive, the accuracy of conversion to color values ​​(such as Lab values) corresponding to the amount used can decrease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to one embodiment includes a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material used when printing a reference color on a printing device based on input to a usage amount specification screen that specifies the amount of color material used, and a warning unit that does not display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a first usage amount, and displays a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount.

[0006] In addition, an information processing device according to one embodiment includes a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material to be used when printing a reference color on a printing device based on input to a usage amount specification screen that specifies the amount of color material to be used, and a control unit that enables printing of the reference color when the amount of color material to be used is a first usage amount, and prohibits printing of the reference color when the amount of color material to be used is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount.

[0007] Furthermore, an information processing program according to one embodiment causes a computer to function as a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material used when printing a reference color on a printing device based on input to a usage amount specification screen that specifies the amount of color material used, and a warning unit that does not display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the amount of color material used is a first usage amount, and displays a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the amount of color material used is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount.

[0008] Furthermore, an information processing program according to one embodiment causes a computer to function as a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material to be used when printing a reference color on a printing device based on input to a usage amount specification screen that specifies the amount of color material to be used, and a control unit that enables printing of the reference color when the amount of color material to be used is a first usage amount, and prohibits printing of the reference color when the amount of color material to be used is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode of an information processing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a colorimeter. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a print control process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage amount designation screen. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a creation condition specification screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of color patches. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage amount designation screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a creation condition specification screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Here, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) System configuration: (1-1) Colorimeter configuration: (1-2) Printer configuration: (1-3) Configuration of information processing device: (2) Printing control process: (3) Other embodiments:

[0011] (1) System configuration: FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode of an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 is connected to a colorimeter 20 and a printer 30. The information processing device 10 converts image data into color data to generate print data, and causes the printer 30 to print based on the print data. A user can also specify a desired color, print a color chart, and print the desired image after checking the color reproduction based on the color chart. In this embodiment, a user can specify a reference color included in the color chart by measuring a color sample with the colorimeter 20. The color chart includes patches printed based on color values ​​representing the reference color and patches printed based on color values ​​of surrounding colors generated by varying the reference color.

[0012] (1-1) Colorimeter configuration: 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the colorimeter 20. The colorimeter 20 includes a processor 20a, a communication unit 20b, a nonvolatile memory 20c, a sensor 20d, and a UI unit 20e. The processor 20a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute a control program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 20c to control each unit of the colorimeter 20.

[0013] The processor 20a may be configured as a single chip, may be configured as multiple chips, or may be configured as an SoC with various functional blocks. For example, an ASIC may be used instead of a CPU, or a CPU and an ASIC may work together. When each device in this embodiment includes a processor, the processor can be realized in various ways, similar to the processor 20a.

[0014] The communication unit 20b includes a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 10 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The sensor 20d is a device that irradiates the object of color measurement with light of a predetermined color temperature and detects the spectral distribution of the reflected light. Based on the results read by the sensor 20d, the processor 20a acquires color values ​​(e.g., CIELAB values, HSV values, XYZ values, etc.) that indicate the color of the object of color measurement using colors in a device-independent color space. The following explanation will be given assuming an example in which the color values ​​are HSV values ​​(hue value, saturation value, lightness value).

[0015] In this embodiment, the user can specify the color value of the reference color based on the color measurement results of the colorimeter 20. In this embodiment, a sample color is measured by the colorimeter 20 to specify the color value of the reference color. The sample color may be a color printed on various objects, but here we assume that a medium colored to match the sample color is measured. In this way, by specifying the reference color based on the color measurement results of the colorimeter 20, the reference color can be accurately specified.

[0016] In this embodiment, when color matching is performed using a color chart, printing is performed so that the color values ​​of one specific color are reproduced, but the printing device 30 can also print colors similar to the matched color as colors that reflect the results of the color matching. In this way, in order to reflect the results of color matching in multiple colors, in this embodiment, the image data is made up of one or more layers.

[0017] In this embodiment, each layer is referred to as a plate. The number of color channels available for each plate is predetermined, and in this embodiment, there are process color plates that can be used by varying any color across the entire range of gradation values, and spot color plates for printing colors that are matched based on a color chart. A process color plate is a plate that can be used by varying any of the available colors. For example, image data that can use all of RGB (R: red, G: green, B: blue) or image data that can use all of CMYK (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black) is conceivable.

[0018] A spot color image data consists of a representative color, which is a color that represents the spot color, and a color whose density differs from that of the representative color. In spot color image data, the representative color is specified in the header using RGB or CMYK tone values, and the color of any pixel is specified by a tone value that represents the relative density difference from the representative color. For example, when expressing the tone values ​​of a spot color using 1-channel 8-bit tone values, a tone value of 128 corresponds to the representative color, and pixels with tone values ​​greater than 128 are considered darker than the representative color, while pixels with tone values ​​less than 128 are considered lighter than the representative color. Furthermore, a tone value of 256 indicates a color obtained by making the representative color as dark as possible, and a tone value of 0 indicates a color obtained by making the representative color as light as possible.

[0019] In this embodiment, the representative color of the spot color plate is determined by a color matched using a color chart. That is, the user specifies the representative color by selecting one of the patches printed on the color chart. In this embodiment, when a color sample is measured by the colorimeter 20 to specify a reference color included in the color chart, colorimetric data 20c1 indicating the color values ​​that are the colorimetric results are stored in the nonvolatile memory 20c.

[0020] The UI unit 20e is a button or the like provided on the housing of the colorimeter 20. A user can operate the UI unit 20e to give instructions such as to start color measurement of a color sample. The processor 20a receives the user's instructions from the output information of the UI unit 20e.

[0021] (1-2) Printer configuration: 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing device 30. The printing device 30 includes a processor 30a, a communication unit 30b, a non-volatile memory 30c, a printing unit 30d, and a UI unit 30e. The processor 30a includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute a control program recorded in the non-volatile memory 30c to control each unit of the printing device 30.

[0022] The communication unit 30b includes a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 10 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The communication unit 30b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the printing device 30.

[0023] The printing unit 30d includes actuators, various devices, sensors, drive circuits, mechanical components, and the like for printing on the print medium. The sensors include sensors for detecting various detectable objects that may change in the printing device 30. Examples include sensors for detecting the remaining amount of print medium and sensors for detecting the remaining amount of color materials for each color used for printing. In this embodiment, the printing unit 30d includes a mechanism for recording predetermined color materials on the print medium. In this embodiment, the printing unit 30d records on the print medium using CMYKGGyROr (C: cyan, M: magenta, Y: yellow, K: black, G: green, Gy: gray, R: red, O: orange) color materials. Hereinafter, the printing device 30 is assumed to be an inkjet printer that uses ink as the color material, but the printing method is not limited to the inkjet method. The color materials used for recording are not limited to the CMYKGGyROr combination and can be changed as appropriate.

[0024] Furthermore, printing unit 30d is capable of printing on print media of various sizes. That is, printing unit 30d is equipped with a storage unit for storing print media of various sizes, and is capable of transporting and printing on the stored print media.

[0025] The UI unit 30e is composed of an input unit such as buttons or a touch panel provided on the housing of the printing device 30, and a display unit that displays various information. The user can operate the input unit to give various instructions based on the information displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 30e.

[0026] The processor 30a of the printing device 30 performs printing based on the print data 10c3 sent from the information processing device 10. That is, when printing is performed, the print data 10c3 is sent together with a print instruction from the information processing device 10 and stored in the non-volatile memory 30c. The processor 30a controls the printing unit 30d and the like based on the print data 10c3, and executes printing on the print medium stored in the printing unit 30d.

[0027] (1-3) Configuration of information processing device: 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 10. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 includes a processor 10a, a communication unit 10b, a nonvolatile memory 10c, a display unit 10d, and an input unit 10e. The processor 10a includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown), and can execute various programs recorded in the nonvolatile memory 10c to control each unit of the information processing device 10, the colorimeter 20, etc. In other words, the processor 10a functions as a control unit.

[0028] The communication unit 10b includes a communication interface for communicating with the colorimeter 20 and the printing device 30 according to various wired or wireless communication protocols. The communication unit 10b may also include an interface for communicating with various removable memories attached to the information processing device 10.

[0029] Various types of data can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c. In this embodiment, colorimetric data 20c1, a color conversion model 10c1, image data 10c2, and print data 10c3 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 10c. The colorimetric data 20c1 is data transmitted from the colorimeter 20, and is data indicating color values ​​(HSV values) that are the colorimetric results of the sample colors.

[0030] Color conversion model 10c1 is data for converting the color of image data, and is data that associates colors in a device-independent color space with colors in a device-dependent color space. In this embodiment, color conversion model 10c1 includes an input-side model that performs color conversion on the input side, and an output-side model that performs color conversion on the output side.

[0031] The input-side model that performs input-side color conversion is a model that converts between RGB gradation values ​​or CMYK values ​​that represent colors in a device-dependent color space and HSV values ​​that represent colors in a device-independent color space. In this embodiment, a model that converts RGB gradation values ​​or CMYK values ​​to HSV values ​​is machine-learned. Furthermore, a model that converts HSV values ​​to RGB gradation values ​​or CMYK values ​​based on the training data is machine-learned. These trained models are the input-side model. The input-side model may take various forms, such as a neural network that converts input values ​​to output values, or, like the output-side model described below, may be configured by a machine-learned model and an optimization module that performs optimization. Furthermore, an existing ICC profile can be used in place of the input-side model for the color conversion model 10c1. This ICC profile is a lookup table used for various devices. For example, in this embodiment, a display profile corresponding to the display used as the display unit 10d can be used.

[0032] The output-side model that performs color conversion on the output side is a model that converts between colors in a device-dependent color space, that is, CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​that indicate the color materials used by the printing device 30, and HSV values ​​that indicate colors in a device-independent color space. In this embodiment, the output-side model includes a model that converts the amount of color material used into color values ​​(hereinafter referred to as a color prediction model) and an optimization module.

[0033] Here, the color prediction model includes a model that converts CMYKGGyROr gradation values, which indicate the amount of colorant used, into spectral reflectance. The model is generated, for example, by preparing training data in advance that associates CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​with spectral reflectance, and then performing machine learning on a neural network that converts CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​into spectral reflectance based on the training data. Note that spectral reflectance can be determined, for example, by measuring printed colors based on CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​using a colorimeter 20. Furthermore, spectral reflectance can be converted into color values ​​using known calculation methods, and this conversion is also included in the color prediction model. Therefore, the color prediction model is a model that converts CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​into color values ​​via spectral reflectance.

[0034] The optimization module is used to convert the color values ​​of the conversion target into color material usage amounts using a color prediction model. Specifically, the optimization module converts the color values ​​of the conversion target into provisional color material usage amounts, which are input into the color prediction model and converted into color values. The color values ​​obtained by this conversion are called predicted color values. If the color difference between the predicted color values ​​and the color values ​​of the conversion target is equal to or less than a reference value, the optimization module considers them to match. In this case, the color values ​​of the conversion target have been converted into provisional color material usage amounts.

[0035] On the other hand, if the color difference between the predicted color values ​​and the color values ​​of the conversion target is greater than the reference value, the optimization module modifies the provisional color material usage. Furthermore, the optimization module inputs the modified provisional color material usage into the color prediction model and determines whether the color difference between the obtained predicted color values ​​and the color values ​​of the conversion target is equal to or less than the reference value. The optimization module repeats the above process until the color difference between the predicted color values ​​and the color values ​​of the conversion target is equal to or less than the reference value. When the color difference between the predicted color values ​​and the color values ​​of the conversion target is equal to or less than the reference value, the optimization module considers the color values ​​of the conversion target to have been converted to the provisional color material usage. As described above, the output-side model of color conversion model 10c1 can convert CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​using the color prediction model. Furthermore, HSV values ​​can be converted to CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​using the color prediction model and the optimization module.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when converting using the output model of the color conversion model 10c1, it is possible to impose constraints to limit the color materials used by the printing device 30. Specifically, when converting the color values ​​to be converted into color material usage amounts, the optimization module sets provisional color material usage amounts. At this time, it is possible to set a specific color material not to be used. For example, if at least one color of each color material of CMYKGGyROr is not used, the usage amount of that color material is fixed to 0. With this configuration, the optimization module identifies provisional color material usage amounts such that the color difference between the predicted color values ​​and the color values ​​to be converted is equal to or less than a reference value when the usage amount of that color material is fixed to 0. Therefore, once provisional color material usage amounts such that the color difference between the predicted color values ​​and the color values ​​to be converted is equal to or less than a reference value are identified, the color values ​​can be converted into color material usage amounts while restricting the use of specific color materials. Note that when converting color material usage amounts into color values, the usage amounts of unused color materials can be set to 0 and input into the prediction model.

[0037] The color conversion using the color conversion model 10c1 is merely an example, and color conversion may be performed using various functions or lookup tables. However, using the color conversion model 10c1 can reduce the resources required for the information processing device 10 and the man-hours required for data generation. For example, a lookup table is data that associates HSV values ​​with colors in a device-dependent color space for multiple representative points, and the number of representative points is generally very large. In particular, when associating CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​with HSV values, the CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​are eight-dimensional coordinate values, and it is necessary to associate many points in the eight-dimensional coordinate space with coordinate values ​​in the three-dimensional HSV space, resulting in a very large amount of data. Furthermore, in the case of a lookup table, in order to limit color materials, it is necessary to create lookup tables for all possible cases after the limitation. For example, when limiting cyan or magenta, it is necessary to create a lookup table for each case.

[0038] On the other hand, although a trained model obtained by machine learning may require a large amount of data for creation, the amount of data is generally smaller than that of a lookup table. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is no need to create a different trained model for each condition in order to limit the color materials. Therefore, assuming a situation in which there are multiple conditions under which a specific color material is not used and a color conversion model 10c1 and a lookup table corresponding to each condition are prepared, when the color conversion model 10c1 is prepared, the amount of data can be reduced compared to when a lookup table is prepared.

[0039] Furthermore, creating a lookup table generally requires a significant number of steps. And preparing a lookup table for each condition also requires an extremely large number of steps. However, to generate an output model for the color conversion model 10c1 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to generate a different model for each condition. Therefore, the color conversion model 10c1 can be generated with fewer steps than creating a lookup table.

[0040] When generating an output model for the color conversion model 10c1, the training data used to train the color prediction model is prepared for tone values ​​where the amount of color material used falls within a practical range. In other words, excessive color material use can cause wrinkles on the print medium or color material runoff, potentially resulting in poor print quality. For this reason, the amount of color material that can be used per unit area of ​​the print medium is limited, and a range of tone values ​​that falls within this limit is specified in advance for the combination of CMYKGGyROr tone values.

[0041] The training data is data in which CMYKGGyROr tone values ​​and HSV values ​​are associated with combinations of tone values ​​that fall within the limits. Therefore, for tone values ​​outside the limits, there is a possibility that accurate color conversion will not be performed by the machine-learned color conversion model 10c1. In other words, in this embodiment, training data is not prepared for all possible combinations of CMYKGGyROr tone values, but rather training data is prepared for tone values ​​within a predetermined limited range so as not to degrade print quality. In this way, the range of CMYKGGyROr tone values ​​for which training data is prepared is called the training range.

[0042] In this embodiment, a determination index for determining whether a usage amount of color materials is the second usage amount that is subject to a warning or the first usage amount that is not subject to a warning is determined according to the learning range of the output side model of color conversion model 10c1. That is, in this embodiment, if the CMYKGGyROr gradation value corresponding to the usage amount of color materials is outside the learning range, it is considered to be the second usage amount.

[0043] The image data 10c2 represents an image to be printed. As described above, the image data 10c2 includes image data for multiple plates. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there is at least one process color plate and one spot color plate. Therefore, the image data 10c2 includes data for process color plates, in which the color of each pixel is specified using RGB gradation values ​​or CMYK gradation values. The image data 10c2 also includes data for spot color plates, which include RGB gradation values ​​or CMYK gradation values ​​of a representative color specified in the header and gradation values ​​for each pixel indicating the relative density difference from the representative color. Of course, this configuration is merely an example, and the number of plates that can exist is not limited; multiple plates may exist, or no specific plate may exist. The image data 10c2 also includes information indicating a weighting coefficient for overlaying each plate, and the image to be printed is specified by overlaying the data for each plate using this weighting coefficient.

[0044] The print data 10c3 is data for printing by the printing device 30. In this embodiment, the processor 10a generates the print data 10c3 by performing image processing, including color conversion using the color conversion model 10c1, based on the image data 10c2. Specifically, the image data 10c2 includes a printer description language, and the processor 10a performs rendering processing, including analysis based on the printer description language and conversion to raster data. After rasterization, the processor 10a also converts the raster data using the color conversion model 10c1 to obtain the amount of each colorant required to print the color of each pixel. For example, for process color plates, the processor 10a converts the RGB or CMYK values ​​of each pixel to HSV values ​​using an input model or ICC profile, and then converts the HSV values ​​of each pixel to CMYKGGyROr gradation values ​​using an output model. For spot color plates, the processor 10a obtains the CMYKGGyROr gradation value of each pixel based on the CMYKGGyROr gradation value of the representative color and the gradation value of each pixel. Then, the processor 10a performs page layout determination processing on the print medium, halftone processing, etc. to generate print data 10c3. Once the print data 10c3 is generated, the print data 10c3 is sent to the printing device 30, where printing is performed.

[0045] The display unit 10d is a display device that displays any image. The input unit 10e is a device through which a user performs input operations. The information processing device 10 can be realized in various forms, and may be a desktop computer or a portable computer. In the former case, the display unit 10d can be configured, for example, as a display independent of the computer main body, and the input unit 10e can be configured, for example, as a keyboard and mouse independent of the computer main body. In the latter case, the display unit 10d and the input unit 10e can be configured, for example, as a touch panel display integrated with the computer main body. In either case, the user can operate the input unit 10e to input their intentions while viewing the images and text displayed on the display unit 10d. In the following description of this embodiment, it is assumed that the information processing device 10 is a desktop computer.

[0046] The processor 10a is capable of executing an information processing program (not shown). The information processing program according to this embodiment causes the display unit 10d to display a screen for making settings when printing a spot color plate so as to reproduce a sample color measured by the colorimeter 20. The user can use this screen to print a color chart including patches of the reference color and surrounding colors, and specify the representative color of the spot color plate by selecting a patch on the color chart.

[0047] In this embodiment, the information processing program has a function for performing color matching using the color chart. When the information processing program is executed, the processor 10a functions as a color information acquisition unit 10a1, a warning unit 10a2, and a generation unit 10a3.

[0048] The color information acquisition unit 10a1 is a function that acquires the amounts of color materials to be used when printing a reference color with the printing device 30, based on input to a usage amount specification screen that specifies the amounts of color materials to be used. When a user has a specific reference color in mind, it is difficult for the user to estimate the amounts of color materials to be used when printing that reference color with the printing device 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, a color sample of the reference color is measured with the colorimeter 20, and the amounts of color materials to be used to reproduce the color measurement results can be displayed as initial values. The usage amount specification screen will be described in detail later.

[0049] For this purpose, the user measures the sample color using the colorimeter 20. The color information acquisition unit 10a1 acquires the color values ​​(HSV values) of the sample color measured by the colorimeter 20, converts the color values ​​into usage amounts for each color material using the output model of the color conversion model 10c1, and regards these values ​​as initial values. Note that the HSV values ​​are values ​​in a device-independent color space. The color information acquisition unit 10a1 controls the display unit 10d to display a usage amount specification screen and causes the usage amount specification screen to display initial usage amounts. The user can modify the usage amounts displayed on the usage amount specification screen or limit the color materials to be used, thereby specifying the usage amounts of the desired color materials to desired values. The color specified in this manner is the reference color, and the first usage amount and second usage amount, which are examples of color material usage amounts, are values ​​that the user may specify via the usage amount specification screen.

[0050] Once the reference color is specified, the user specifies the parameters to be changed among the parameters used to specify the reference color. These parameters to be changed are called change parameters. The change parameters may be of various types, and in this embodiment, the user can select three types of change parameters from among the hue value (H value), saturation value (S value), brightness value (V value), and colorant usage amount.

[0051] The user further specifies the range of change in the value of the change parameter. The color information acquisition unit 10a1 generates surrounding colors by changing the value of the change parameter among the parameter values ​​of the reference color according to the change range. The number of surrounding colors generated according to the change range may be fixed or may be specified by the user. If the change parameters include the amount of colorant used, the color information acquisition unit 10a1 converts the amount of use into a color value based on the output model of the color conversion model 10c1. With the above configuration, the user can generate surrounding colors by changing the reference color in a desired manner, and achieve a state in which the color value of the surrounding colors is specified. Details of the creation condition specification screen for accepting the user's specification of change parameters and change range will be described later.

[0052] Once the color values ​​of the reference color and the surrounding colors are identified, each color is considered to be a color value that indicates the color of multiple color patches. In other words, through the above process, the color values ​​of multiple color patches consisting of the reference color and the surrounding colors are obtained.

[0053] Warning unit 10a2 has a function of displaying a warning when the amount of color material used when printing the reference color with printing device 30, as acquired by color information acquisition unit 10a1, is excessive and there is a possibility that the reproducibility of the reference color will decrease. Specifically, warning unit 10a2 does not display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the amount of color material used when printing the reference color with printing device 30 is a first usage amount. On the other hand, warning unit 10a2 controls display unit 10d to display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the amount of color material used when printing the reference color with printing device 30 is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount.

[0054] In this embodiment, whether the reproducibility of the reference color may decrease is evaluated based on the amount of color material used. Therefore, in this embodiment, a threshold value is set in advance to determine whether the amount of color material used is excessive. When the amount of color material used is greater than the threshold value, i.e., when the amount used is the second amount used, the warning unit 10a2 displays a warning on the display unit 10d. When the amount of color material used is less than the threshold value, i.e., when the amount used is the first amount used, the warning unit 10a2 does not display a warning on the display unit 10d.

[0055] As described above, the threshold for determining whether the amount of colorant usage is the second usage amount that is subject to a warning is determined according to the learning range of the output model of the color conversion model 10c1. That is, in this embodiment, if the CMYKGGyROr gradation value corresponding to the amount of colorant usage is outside the learning range, it is considered to be the second usage amount. As described above, in this embodiment, training data is not prepared for all combinations of values ​​that can be set as CMYKGGyROr gradation values, but the gradation values ​​of the data prepared as training data are limited to gradation values ​​within a predetermined learning range.

[0056] Therefore, gradation values ​​within the learning range can be accurately color converted by the output model of color conversion model 10c1, but gradation values ​​outside the learning range cannot be accurately color converted by the output model of color conversion model 10c1. For this reason, in this embodiment, gradation values ​​corresponding to the boundaries inside and outside the learning range are specified in advance, and thresholds are determined in advance for the amounts of color materials used that correspond to those gradation values.

[0057] The threshold may be set for each of the multiple color materials used by the printing device 30, or may be set for the total amount used. In this embodiment, a threshold is set in advance for determining whether or not the use of each color material alone falls outside the learning range, and a threshold is set in advance for determining whether or not the total amount used of the color materials falls outside the learning range. The above configuration makes it possible to determine whether or not the color is outside the learning range, i.e., whether or not the color reproducibility is low, with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the user can easily recognize whether or not the color reproducibility is low.

[0058] The generation unit 10a3 has a function for generating print data 10c3 for printing a color chart. Specifically, the generation unit 10a3 generates print data 10c3 for printing a color chart including the reference color and surrounding colors, which are colors generated by changing the value of a change parameter for the reference color. That is, the generation unit 10a3 generates print data 10c3 for printing a color chart including the reference color and surrounding colors and stores the print data in the non-volatile memory 10c. Note that in this embodiment, the generation unit 10a3 generates print data 10c3 so that color patches whose color difference between the color values ​​representing the reference color and surrounding colors and the color values ​​representing the color of the color patch to be printed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value can be distinguished from color patches whose color difference is smaller than the predetermined value. Specifically, the generation unit 10a3 surrounds color patches whose color difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value with a dashed frame to warn of low color reproducibility. Color patches whose color difference is greater than the predetermined value are not surrounded by a dashed frame. In this embodiment, the print data 10c3 is generated so that each color patch is printed in association with a character string indicating the identification information of the color patch. Specific examples of such color patches will be described later.

[0059] When the user issues a print instruction after the print data 10c3 has been generated, the processor 10a transmits the print data 10c3 to the printing device 30 via the communication unit 10b. The printing device 30 receives the print data 10c3 via the communication unit 30b and executes printing based on the print data 10c3. As a result, a color chart including the reference color and surrounding colors is printed. The user compares the color patches on the color chart, identifies the color patch that is the desired color, and specifies identification information using the input unit 10e.

[0060] The processor 10a identifies a color patch based on the identification information specified by the user, identifies the color value and the amount of each color material used for that color patch, and acquires it as the representative color of the spot color plate. That is, it records the color value or the amount of each color material used in the header indicating the representative color of the spot color plate.

[0061] As a result, the user's settings are reflected when printing spot color plates thereafter. Specifically, when printing spot color plates, the representative color is printed in the color of the color patch specified by the user. Furthermore, colors other than the representative color are printed as colors in which the density of the color patch specified by the user is increased or decreased based on the gradation value associated with the pixel.

[0062] In the above configuration, when specifying a reference color, a warning is issued if the color conversion by color conversion model 10c1 is inaccurate, allowing the user to recognize whether the color value of the reference color corresponds to the amount of color material used that was specified. In addition, since the surrounding colors generated based on the color value of the reference color are also affected by the color value of the reference color, the user can recognize whether the surrounding colors on the color chart have changed within the range of change that the user intended.

[0063] (2) Printing control process: Next, the print control process for a color chart will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. Before starting the print control process, the user prepares image data 10c2 to be printed and saves it in the non-volatile memory 10c. When starting printing, the user operates the input unit 10e of the information processing device 10 to cause the processor 10a to execute the print control program.

[0064] When the print control program is started, the color information acquisition unit 10a1 controls the display unit 10d to display a usage amount specification screen (step S100). The usage amount specification screen is a screen for specifying the color value of the reference color and the usage amount of each color material to be used when printing the reference color with the printing device 30.

[0065] Figure 6 is an example of a usage amount specification screen. At the top of this screen, a character string indicating that this is a screen for creating a color chart is displayed, and two tabs are displayed below that, allowing the user to switch between screens. The tabs include one for setting a reference color and another for specifying color creation conditions. The screen shown in Figure 6 shows the state in which the tab for setting a reference color is selected, and this screen is the default display screen for the usage amount specification screen.

[0066] In the example shown in Fig. 6, a character string indicating the spot color to be applied is displayed on the left side of the screen, and information about the reference color is displayed on the right side of the screen. The spot color plates included in the image data 10c2 are listed on the left side of the screen, with the selected spot color plate colored gray. On the right side of the screen, an icon I that resembles the reference color is displayed at the top, and a user interface for specifying the amount of each color material to be used is displayed at the bottom. The icon I that resembles the reference color is a rectangular sample that resembles a color corresponding to the color value indicating the reference color, and is not displayed on the initial screen.

[0067] In the user interface for specifying the amount of each colorant to be used, the names of colorants usable by the printing device 30 are displayed as a list, and check boxes for specifying whether or not to use each colorant are associated with the name of the colorant. A colorant designated as a colorant to be used by a checkbox is called a "used colorant." Each colorant name is associated with an icon that resembles the color of the colorant and an input box that indicates the amount of colorant to be used. The amount of colorant to be used can be designated as a value between 0 and 100%, but no numerical value is displayed on the initial screen. In this embodiment, the percentage value indicating the amount of each colorant to be used is associated in advance with a gradation value. Of course, the amount of colorant to be used may also be designated by a gradation value.

[0068] The user can specify the amount of color material to be used to specify the reference color using various methods, but in this example, the amount of color material to be used corresponding to the color value, which is the color measurement result by the colorimeter 20, is presented as the initial value. Therefore, the user operates the colorimeter 20 to measure the sample color. After the color measurement is performed, the processor 20a of the colorimeter 20 acquires the colorimetric data 20c1 (step S200) and stores it in the non-volatile memory 20c.

[0069] Next, the processor 20a of the colorimeter 20 transmits the colorimetric data 20c1 to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 20b (step S205). The processor 10a of the information processing device 10 receives the colorimetric data 20c1 via the communication unit 10b using the function of the color information acquisition unit 10a1 (step S105) and stores it in the non-volatile memory 10c. Furthermore, the processor 10a refers to the input model or display profile of the color conversion model 10c1 and converts the HSV values ​​indicated by the colorimetric data 20c1 into RGB gradation values. The processor 10a then controls the display unit 10d (e.g., a display) to display an icon I using the RGB gradation values.

[0070] Next, color information acquisition unit 10a1 acquires the usage amount for each color material used (step S110). The user determines the color materials to be used and operates input unit 10e to check the checkboxes displayed on the right side of the usage amount specification screen shown in FIG. 6. This configuration allows the user to specify all or some of the color materials available in printing device 30 as the color materials to be used. Color information acquisition unit 10a1 acquires the checked color materials as the color materials to be used.

[0071] Furthermore, the color information acquisition unit 10a1 converts the color values ​​acquired in step S105 into the usage amounts of each color material, with reference to the output model of the color conversion model 10c1 and with the constraint that the used color materials are used and that color materials other than the used color materials are not used. The color information acquisition unit 10a1 controls the display unit 10d to display the usage amounts obtained by the conversion as initial values ​​in the input boxes indicating the usage amounts of the color materials. In this state, the user can operate the input unit 10e to modify the usage amounts in the input boxes. If the usage amounts are modified by the user, the color information acquisition unit 10a1 converts the usage amounts of each color material into color values ​​and regards them as the color values ​​of the reference color. Here, if the usage amounts are modified by the user, i.e., if the usage amounts of the color materials for printing the reference color are specified by the user, the usage amounts of the color materials may be excessive. For example, if the usage amounts of the color materials are excessive, such as the second usage amount, they will exceed the usage amounts of the color materials corresponding to the tone values ​​in the learning range of the color conversion model 10c1. As a result, even if a color chart is printed, the colors of the color patches included in the color chart may be colors that the user does not intend.

[0072] The user can select a tab for specifying color creation conditions on the usage amount specification screen shown in FIG. 6. The color information acquisition unit 10a1 determines whether the user has selected a tab for specifying color creation conditions by operating the input unit 10e (step S115). If it is determined that the user has selected a tab for specifying color creation conditions, the color information acquisition unit 10a1 displays a creation condition specification screen (step S120). FIG. 7 is an example of the creation condition specification screen. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a diagram that schematically shows a color chart is displayed on the left side of the screen, and a user interface for specifying creation conditions when generating surrounding colors by changing a reference color is displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the user interface is a screen for configuring three change parameters. The three change parameters are associated with the letters X, Y, and Z. Each change parameter is associated with a type, a change width, and a quantity, allowing the user to specify the respective parameters. The type indicates the type of change parameter, and selecting the type allows the user to specify which parameters of the reference color are to be changed. In this embodiment, the user can specify any three of the colorant usage, hue, saturation, and lightness as change parameters. Here, the hue, saturation, and lightness are parameter values ​​in a device-independent color space, while the colorant usage is a parameter value in a device-dependent color space. When the change parameter is the colorant usage, the user can select the color of the colorant to be changed. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , magenta is selected.

[0074] The change width is the amount of one step when gradually changing the value of the change parameter. For example, the user can specify the change width by the percentage of usage or hue value. The number indicates the number of color patches generated by changing the change parameter. The user can specify the number using a number or a slide bar.

[0075] When the variation width and number are specified, the manner in which the color patches are arranged is determined. Specifically, the variation parameter associated with X is a parameter that changes when the position of the color patch changes horizontally, and the variation parameter associated with Y is a parameter that changes when the position of the color patch changes vertically. These X and Y correspond to the horizontal and vertical axes, and color patches generated by changing the variation parameter associated with X are arranged horizontally in the number specified for that variation parameter. Color patches generated by changing the variation parameter associated with Y are arranged vertically in the number specified for that variation parameter.

[0076] The color patches arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions in the specified number as described above are called a block. For example, if the number of both the change parameter associated with X and the change parameter associated with Y is specified as three, three color patches will be arranged vertically and horizontally in one block. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the block in the center is surrounded by a solid line and is displayed with the letter Z. The change parameter associated with Z is a parameter that changes in different blocks. In other words, the value of the change parameter associated with Z will be different depending on the block.

[0077] Furthermore, when comparing such color patches, the change parameters associated with X, Y, and Z each change by a change width. For example, the colors of horizontally adjacent color patches are colors in which the value of the change parameter associated with X differs by the change width. The colors of vertically adjacent color patches are colors in which the value of the change parameter associated with Y differs by the change width. Furthermore, colors included in different blocks are generated by changing the value of the change parameter associated with Z by the change width.

[0078] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of color patches generated when the settings for X, Y, and Z are the example shown in Fig. 7. In this example, the numbers for X and Y are 3 and 3, respectively, so the number of color patches arranged in one block is 9. In the example shown in Fig. 8, each color patch is printed with a corresponding numerical value (01 to 81) that serves as identification information.

[0079] In the color patch diagram shown in FIG. 8, the color patch with identification information 41 located at the center is the color patch of the reference color. Block B1, which includes the reference color, is made up of nine color patches. The amount of magenta used, which is the associated variation parameter X, varies horizontally by a variation width ΔX. Therefore, for example, the color patch with identification information 42 is printed with an amount of magenta that is ΔX greater than the reference color, and the color patch with identification information 40 is printed with an amount of magenta that is ΔX less than the reference color.

[0080] In the vertical direction, the brightness value, which is the associated variation parameter of Y, varies by a variation width ΔY. Therefore, for example, the color patch of identification information 37 is printed with a usage amount corresponding to a color value whose brightness value is ΔY greater than that of the color patch of identification information 40, and the color patch of identification information 43 is printed with a usage amount corresponding to a color value whose brightness value is ΔY smaller than that of the color patch of identification information 40.

[0081] 8, nine blocks are arranged, and in each block, the saturation value, which is the associated change parameter Z, changes by a change width ΔZ. Therefore, for example, the color patch of identification information 72 in block B2 has a saturation value ΔZ greater than the color patch of identification information 45 in block B1, and the color patch of identification information 16 in block B3 is printed at a usage amount corresponding to a color value whose saturation value is ΔZ less than the color patch of identification information 43 in block B1. Note that the dot-dash lines, character strings B1, B2, B3, ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ, and arrows indicating the blocks in FIG. 8 are for explanatory purposes only and are not printed on the color chart.

[0082] As described above, the color chart shown in FIG. 8 includes a reference color and peripheral colors, but in this embodiment, the user can also print a color patch for only the reference color. That is, the user can print one color patch for the reference color using the amount of each colorant specified in step S110. In this case, the user does not select a tab for specifying color creation conditions. Therefore, the processor 10a skips steps S120 and S125 after making the determination in step S115.

[0083] If it is not determined that the user has selected a tab for specifying color creation conditions, or if step S125 has been executed, the warning unit 10a2 determines whether the change parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space (step S130). Specifically, if the change parameters specified by the user in step S125 include at least one of hue, saturation, and lightness, the warning unit 10a2 determines that the change parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space. On the other hand, if the user specifies only the colorant usage amount as a change parameter and does not specify any other change parameters in step S125, the warning unit 10a2 does not determine that the change parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space. Similarly, if it is not determined in step S115 that the user has selected a tab for specifying color creation conditions, the warning unit 10a2 also does not determine that the change parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space.

[0084] If it is determined in step S130 that the change parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space, the warning unit 10a2 determines whether at least one of the total amount of color material used and the amount of each individual color material used is greater than a threshold (step S135). As described above, the threshold values ​​are preset values ​​for the total amount of color material used and the amount of each color material used.

[0085] If it is determined in step S135 that at least one of the total amount of color material used or the individual amount of each color material used is greater than the threshold, the warning unit 10a2 determines that the amount of color material used is the second amount and is subject to a warning. The warning unit 10a2 then controls the display unit 10d to display a warning (step S140). The warning may be of various types, such as a message indicating that the amount of color material used is excessive or a message indicating that the print medium will ripple if the specified amount is used. FIGS. 10 and 11 show examples of the display of a message M1 indicating that the amount of color material used exceeds the upper limit and that appropriate colors should be reproduced, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0086] On the other hand, if neither the total amount of color material used nor the individual amount of each color material used is determined to be greater than the threshold in step S135, warning unit 10a2 determines that the amount of color material used is the first amount of color material used and does not require a warning. In this case, warning unit 10a2 skips step S140. With the above configuration, the user is warned if the specified amount of color material used is excessive, and is able to recognize that the amount of color material used is excessive.

[0087] If it is determined in step S130 that the change parameters do not include parameters of a device-independent color space, warning unit 10a2 skips steps S135 and S140. As a result, no warning is issued. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the change parameters include the amount of color material used but do not include parameters of a device-independent color space, warning unit 10a2 does not display a warning, regardless of whether the amount of color material used is the first amount or the second amount.

[0088] As described above, in this embodiment, if the change parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space, a warning is displayed according to the amount of color materials used. However, if the change parameters do not include parameters of a device-independent color space, no warning is displayed regardless of the amount of color materials used. If the change parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space, the surrounding color is generated by changing the color value of the reference color. The color value of the reference color is obtained by converting the amount of color materials used using the output model of color conversion model 10c1. Furthermore, the accuracy of the conversion using the output model of color conversion model 10c1 decreases if the amount of color materials used is excessive. Therefore, if conversion is performed using the output model of color conversion model 10c1, i.e., if parameters of a device-independent color space are included, a warning according to the amount of color materials used may be displayed.

[0089] However, if the change parameters do not include parameters of a device-independent color space, either the surrounding colors are printed without conversion using the output model of color conversion model 10c1, or only the reference color is printed. In either case, conversion using the output model of color conversion model 10c1 is not performed, so no warning based on usage is issued. With the above configuration, a warning can be issued when a decrease in accuracy occurs due to the use of the output model of color conversion model 10c1, and no warning is issued when a decrease in accuracy does not occur. Therefore, issuing a warning when a decrease in color conversion accuracy does not occur can prevent the user from feeling annoyed.

[0090] If it is determined in step S130 that the change parameters do not include parameters of a device-independent color space, or if it is determined in step S135 that neither the total amount of color material used nor the individual amount of color material used is greater than the threshold, or if step S140 has been performed, the generation unit 10a3 generates print data 10c3 of the color chart (step S145). Specifically, the generation unit 10a3 generates image data of the color patches. If no creation conditions are specified on the creation condition specification screen, the generation unit 10a3 generates image data for printing in an area of ​​a predetermined size using the usage amounts acquired in step S110.

[0091] When the creation conditions are specified on the creation condition specification screen, the generation unit 10a3 generates surrounding colors by changing the reference color in accordance with the instructions on the creation condition specification screen. At this time, the generation unit 10a3 obtains the total number of color patches to be printed on the color chart based on the specified numbers for each of the three change parameters corresponding to X, Y, and Z. The generation unit 10a3 then associates identification information with each of these color patches.

[0092] Furthermore, the generation unit 10a3 acquires the color values ​​of the color patches of each piece of identification information. That is, the generation unit 10a3 acquires the color values ​​and the usage amounts of each color material acquired for the reference color in step S110. Furthermore, the generation unit 10a3 identifies the change width of the change parameter to be changed from the reference color and the number of changes within that change width based on the change width specified in step S125.

[0093] For example, when generating a color patch for identification information 45 in the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the generation unit 10a3 determines the amount of magenta used when the amount of the reference color is increased once by a change width ΔX. Furthermore, the generation unit 10a3 references the output model of the color conversion model 10c1 and converts the obtained amount of each colorant into a color value. The generation unit 10a3 then decreases the obtained color value once by a change width ΔY and regards it as the color value of the color patch for identification information 45, which is the target patch. Furthermore, for example, if the target patch is a color patch for identification information 72, the generation unit 10a3 increases the saturation value of the color patch for identification information 45 once by a change width ΔZ and regards it as the color value of the color patch for identification information 72, which is the target patch.

[0094] As described above, when generating the ambient color, if the change parameters include parameters in a device-independent color space, the amount of color material used in the reference color is converted to the parameter value in the device-independent color space, and the parameter is changed. Therefore, if the change parameters include parameters in a device-independent color space, conversion using the output model of color conversion model 10c1 is also performed. In this case, the warning of step S140 may be issued depending on the amount of color material used. This allows the user to recognize whether the amount of color material used is excessive, which would reduce the conversion accuracy of the output model of color conversion model 10c1.

[0095] Furthermore, the generation unit 10a3 converts the color values ​​into amounts of color materials used. That is, the generation unit 10a3 refers to the output model of the color conversion model 10c1 and converts the color values ​​into amounts of color materials used. The generation unit 10a3 then generates image data for printing uniform rectangular color patches of a predetermined size using each color material at the converted amounts. The generation unit 10a3 then arranges all color patch images to be printed on the color chart in the order shown in FIG. 8. That is, the generation unit 10a3 arranges the color patches so that when the horizontal position of an adjacent color patch changes, the change parameter corresponding to X changes by the change width, and when the vertical position of an adjacent color patch changes, the change parameter corresponding to Y changes by the change width. In this way, blocks are formed. The generation unit 10a3 arranges the blocks so that the change parameter corresponding to Z changes by the change width between adjacent blocks. The generation unit 10a3 then generates print data 10c3 for printing each of the arranged color patches with the amount of color materials used in each color patch.

[0096] Next, generation unit 10a3 determines whether a print instruction has been issued (step S150). Specifically, when the user operates input unit 10e to issue an instruction using print button Bp shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, generation unit 10a3 determines that a print instruction has been issued. If it is determined in step S150 that a print instruction has been issued, generation unit 10a3 outputs print data 10c3 (step S155). That is, generation unit 10a3 outputs print data 10c3 to printing device 30 via communication unit 10b.

[0097] The processor 30a of the printing device 30 acquires the print data 10c3 via the communication unit 30b and prints a color chart (step S300). The user selects a desired color patch from the color patches printed on the color chart and operates the input unit 10e to input the identification information of the selected color patch. The processor 10a considers the representative color to be specified by the color value and color material usage amount of the color patch corresponding to the input identification information. With the above configuration, the user can set the desired color as the representative color of the spot color plate.

[0098] In the above configuration, if the user sets an excessive amount of base material to be used, a warning is issued, so the user can know whether the accuracy of color conversion when generating surrounding colors is decreasing as a result of specifying an excessive amount of use.

[0099] (3) Other embodiments: The above embodiment is one example for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments are also possible. For example, the information processing device 10 and other devices (at least one of the colorimeter 20 and the printing device 30) may be integrated. Furthermore, the connection between the devices is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and communication between any devices may be performed via any network. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of each device may be distributed among multiple devices; for example, at least some of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by a cloud server. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by other devices, and configured as an information processing system.

[0100] The color information acquisition unit may acquire the amount of color material to be used when printing a reference color using a printing device based on input to a usage amount specification screen that specifies the amount of color material to be used. That is, the color information acquisition unit can accept the user's specification of the amount of color material to be used via the usage amount specification screen and acquire the amount to be used when printing the reference color using the usage amount specification screen. The color material may be any material that colors the print medium using a printing device, and is not limited to ink, but may also be toner, etc. Furthermore, color materials usable by a printing device can be distinguished by their color (hue). However, if inks of the same color family but with different shades can be distinguished and used, they may be distinguished as different color materials. Furthermore, if color materials are stored in cartridges, color materials stored in different cartridges may be distinguished as different color materials.

[0101] The amount of color material used may be specified in various ways. It is not limited to the configuration in which it is specified in percentages as in the above-described embodiment, but may also be specified by gradation values ​​or the like, or by using a slide bar or the like. The reference color may be any color for which the user specifies the amount of color material used, and is not limited to a color that represents a spot color plate. For example, a specific color included in a process color plate may be the reference color.

[0102] The warning unit may be configured to not display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a first usage amount, and to display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount. In other words, the warning unit may be configured to display a warning when the second usage amount, which is excessive compared to the first usage amount, is specified.

[0103] When printing by specifying the amount of color material to be used, the user expects the color printed with the specified amount to be the desired color. Therefore, if the printed color does not match the expected color, it can be said that the reproducibility is low. The reproducibility may be an index that evaluates the degree to which the printed color matches the expected color. There are no limitations on the manner in which the reproducibility is displayed, and it may be displayed by color difference or whether or not the color is within the color gamut.

[0104] The warning unit may be configured not to issue a warning when the first usage amount is specified, but to issue a warning when the second usage amount is specified. That is, a warning may be issued when a situation occurs in which the reproducibility is relatively reduced due to excessive usage of color materials.

[0105] The generation unit is only required to acquire print data for printing a color chart including the reference color and surrounding colors, which are colors generated by varying the values ​​of the variation parameters for the reference color. In other words, the generation unit is only required to generate print data for printing a color chart including the reference color and surrounding colors. The surrounding colors are colors generated by varying a variation parameter, which is one of the parameters for identifying a color, using the reference color as a reference. The variation parameter may be a parameter of a device-independent color space (e.g., CIELAB values, HSV values, XYZ values, etc.) or a parameter of a device-dependent color space (e.g., the amount of each colorant used). The parameter may be a variable for identifying a color, and a color is identified by determining the values ​​of multiple parameters. While the number of parameters is assumed to be, for example, three, a color may also be identified by four or more parameters, such as the amount of colorant used.

[0106] Furthermore, the process for detecting excessive color material usage is not limited to issuing a warning. For example, printing may be prohibited when excessive color material usage is detected. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by the information processing device 100 shown in FIG. 9. The colorimeter 20 and the printing device 30 may have the same configuration as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0107] The information processing device 100 shown in Fig. 9 has a similar configuration to the information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 4, but some of the configuration is different. That is, a control unit 10a4 exists as a function that can be implemented in the processor 10a instead of the warning unit 10a2. The control unit 10a4 has a function that enables printing of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a first usage amount, and prohibits printing of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount.

[0108] Specifically, the information processing device 100 also executes a print control process similar to that shown in Fig. 5, but if it is determined in step S135 that neither the total amount of colorant usage nor the individual amount of each colorant usage is greater than the threshold, printing is prohibited. In this case, the processor 10a repeats the process from step S115 onwards without determining whether a print instruction has been issued in step S150. According to the above process, if the user sets an excessive amount of base material usage, the color chart cannot be printed.

[0109] Furthermore, the above-mentioned systems, programs, and methods may be realized as a single device or may be realized using components of multiple devices, and include various embodiments. They may also be modified as appropriate, such as being partly software and partly hardware. Furthermore, the invention may also be realized as a recording medium for a program that controls a device or system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor memory, and any recording medium developed in the future may be considered in the same way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10...information processing device, 10a...processor, 10a1...color information acquisition unit, 10a2...warning unit, 10a3...generation unit, 10a4...control unit, 10b...communication unit, 10c...non-volatile memory, 10c1...color conversion model, 10c2...image data, 10c3...printing data, 10d...display unit, 10e...input unit, 16...identification information, 20...colorimeter, 20a...processor, 20b...communication unit, 20c...non-volatile memory, 20c1...colorimetric data, 20d...sensor, 20e...UI unit, 30...printing device, 30a...processor, 30b...communication unit, 30c...non-volatile memory, 30d...printing unit, 30e...UI unit

Claims

1. a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material to be used when printing a reference color with a printing device, based on an input to a usage amount designation screen that designates the amount of color material to be used; a warning unit that does not display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a first usage amount, and displays a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount; An information processing device comprising:

2. The color information acquisition unit acquiring a change parameter, which is a parameter to be changed, from among the parameters for specifying the reference color; The warning unit when the change parameters include parameters of a device independent color space, not displaying a warning when the usage amount of the color material is the first usage amount, and displaying a warning when the usage amount of the color material is the second usage amount; a generating unit that generates print data for printing a color chart including the reference color and surrounding colors that are colors generated by changing the value of the variation parameter in the reference color; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The warning unit when the change parameters include the usage amounts of the color materials but do not include parameters of the device-independent color space, not displaying a warning when the usage amounts of the color materials are the first usage amounts and not displaying a warning when the usage amounts of the color materials are the second usage amounts; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the first usage amount and the second usage amount are total usage amounts of the plurality of color materials used by the printing device; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The generation unit If the variation parameters include parameters of a device-independent color space, converting the colorant usage amounts into values ​​of parameters of the device-independent color space, and varying the values ​​of the variation parameters to generate the ambient color. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The generation unit converting the color material usage amounts into parameter values ​​of the device-independent color space using a color conversion model that has been machine-learned to input the color material usage amounts and output parameter values ​​of the device-independent color space; whether the usage amount of the color material is the second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount is determined according to a learning range of the color conversion model. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material to be used when printing a reference color with a printing device, based on an input to a usage amount designation screen that designates the amount of color material to be used; a control unit that enables printing of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a first usage amount, and prohibits printing of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount; An information processing device comprising:

8. Computer, a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material to be used when printing a reference color with a printing device, based on an input to a usage amount designation screen that designates the amount of color material to be used; a warning unit that does not display a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a first usage amount, and displays a warning regarding the reproducibility of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount; An information processing program that functions as a

9. Computer, a color information acquisition unit that acquires the amount of color material to be used when printing a reference color with a printing device, based on an input to a usage amount designation screen that designates the amount of color material to be used; a control unit that enables printing of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a first usage amount, and prohibits printing of the reference color when the usage amount of the color material is a second usage amount that is greater than the first usage amount; An information processing program that functions as a

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