Information processing apparatus and information processing program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: it is not possible to change the usage of a coloring material desired by a user to print a color patch with a different hue value.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a specified coloring material that is a coloring material specified from a plurality of coloring materials, as a parameter for changing a hue value of a color patch; and a generation unit that generates print data for printing a color chart including a first color patch and a second color patch. The first color patch and the second color patch are different in the usage of the specified coloring material, and the same in the usage of coloring materials other than the specified coloring material.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 is 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 configuration in which a plurality of patches having the same color value but different amounts of color material used are printed as a color chart (for example, 0014 to 0016, FIGS. 3, 10, etc.). [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 the prior art, when printing color patches with different color values, it was not possible to change the color materials specified by the user. In the above-described prior art, color patches with different amounts of color materials are printed, but the color values ​​of each color patch are the same. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to compare multiple patches with different amounts of fluorescent color materials but the same color value. However, it was not possible to print color patches with different color values ​​by changing the amount of color materials used as desired by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information processing device according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires a specified color material, which is a color material specified from among a plurality of color materials, as a parameter for changing the color value of a color patch, and a generation unit that generates print data for printing a color chart including a first color patch and a second color patch, wherein the first color patch and the second color patch have different amounts of the specified color material used and the amounts of color materials other than the specified color material used are the same.

[0006] An information processing program according to one embodiment causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires a specified color material, which is a color material specified from among a plurality of color materials, as a parameter for changing the color value of a color patch, and a generation unit that generates print data for printing a color chart including a first color patch and a second color patch, wherein the first color patch and the second color patch have different amounts of the specified color material used, and the amounts of color materials other than the specified color material used are the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [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 showing an example of a creation condition specification screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of color patches. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of figures written alongside color patches. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 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:

[0009] (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 color value of the reference color.

[0010] (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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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).

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] (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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] (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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The input-side model that performs input-side color conversion is a model that converts between RGB gradation values ​​or CMYK gradation 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 gradation values ​​to HSV values ​​is machine-learned. Furthermore, a model that converts HSV values ​​to RGB gradation values ​​or CMYK gradation 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.

[0030] 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 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The print data 10c3 is data for causing the printing device 30 to execute printing. In this embodiment, the processor 10a performs image processing, including color conversion using the color conversion model 10c1, based on the image data 10c2 to generate the print data 10c3. 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 uses the color conversion model 10c1 to convert the raster data and 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. The processor 10a then performs page layout determination processing on the print medium, halftone processing, etc. to generate print data 10c3. Once the print data 10c3 is generated, it is sent to the printing device 30, where it is printed.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 a reference color (described in detail below) and surrounding colors, and specify the representative color of the spot color plate by selecting a patch on the color chart.

[0042] 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 an acquisition unit 10a1 and a generation unit 10a2.

[0043] The acquisition unit 10a1 has a function of acquiring parameters for changing the color value of a color patch. The parameters can be selected by the user from among a plurality of color materials and color value components (hue, saturation, and brightness).

[0044] The generation unit 10a2 has a function of generating print data for printing a color chart. That is, the generation unit 10a2 generates print data 10c3 for printing a color chart including reference colors and peripheral colors, and stores the data in the nonvolatile memory 10c.

[0045] Specifically, the acquisition unit 10a1 receives information from the user to identify the color values ​​of each of the multiple color patches. In this embodiment, the processor 10a acquires the color values ​​(HSV values) of the sample colors measured by the colorimeter 20, and converts the color values ​​into the usage amounts of each color material using the output model of the color conversion model 10c1. Note that the HSV values ​​are values ​​in a device-independent color space.

[0046] The user can modify the amount of each colorant used or limit the colorants used by inputting information into a screen described below, and can specify the amount of colorant used to the desired value. The color specified in this manner is the reference color. Once the reference color specification is accepted, the user specifies the parameters to be changed among the parameters used to specify the color. These parameters to be changed are called change parameters. The change parameters may be various parameters, and in this embodiment, the user can select three change parameters from hue, saturation, lightness, and colorant. The acquisition unit 10a1 acquires the change parameters specified by the user. Here, if one of the components of the color value—hue, saturation, or lightness—is specified, the specified component is called the "specified component," and if the amount of colorant used is specified, the specified colorant is called the "specified colorant."

[0047] The user further specifies the change range of the values ​​of the specified component and specified colorant, which are change parameters. The acquisition unit 10a1 acquires the change range specified by the user. The generation unit 10a2 selects one change parameter and generates the surrounding color by changing the value of the selected change parameter among the parameter values ​​of the reference color or surrounding color according to the change range. The generation unit 10a2 does not change the values ​​of parameters other than the one not selected.

[0048] For example, when changing a specified colorant, the generation unit 10a2 fixes the amount of colorants other than the specified colorant used when printing the reference color and changes the amount of the specified colorant according to a change range to generate the surrounding color. When changing a specified component, the generation unit 10a2 fixes the values ​​of components other than the specified component among the color value components representing the reference color and changes the value of the specified component according to a change range to generate the surrounding color. After the surrounding color is generated in this manner, the generation unit 10a2 performs further similar processing, changing the value of one change parameter among the parameter values ​​of the surrounding color according to the change range, and changing the amount of colorant used and color value while keeping the other parameters fixed, to generate the surrounding color.

[0049] The number of surrounding colors generated according to the change range may be fixed or may be specified by the user. If a specified colorant is included in the change parameters, the generation unit 10a2 converts the amount of the specified colorant 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.

[0050] Once the color values ​​of the reference color and the surrounding colors are identified, each color is considered to be a color value representing the color of multiple color patches. In other words, the above process results in the color values ​​of multiple color patches being acquired. When two color patches are extracted from these multiple color patches using a specified colorant as a variation parameter, one can be considered the first color patch and the other the second color patch. That is, the first and second color patches differ in the amount of the specified colorant used, but the amount of colorants other than the specified colorant used is the same. The first and second color patches may be any color patches on a color chart, the reference color may be the first or second color patch, and the surrounding colors may be the first and / or second color patches.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] As a result, the user's settings are reflected when printing subsequent spot color plates. 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 values ​​associated with the pixels. With the above configuration, the user can specify a desired color material as a specified color material, change the amount of the specified color material used relative to the reference color, and generate patches of surrounding colors without changing the amount of color materials used other than the specified color material. Since the color patches generated in this manner have different amounts of the specified color material used and the same amounts of color materials used other than the specified color material, the color values ​​when the color patches are printed will be different.

[0054] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to print color patches of different color values ​​by changing the amount of color material used as desired by the user. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to print color patches of different color values ​​by changing the values ​​of the components of the color value as desired by the user. In this way, this embodiment makes it possible to generate color patches by changing both the color material and the color value as desired by the user. The color values ​​according to this embodiment are parameters that are intuitively easy for users to understand, like hue, saturation, and lightness. Therefore, when changing the color value, it is easy for users to intuitively estimate what color will be produced by changing which component and to what extent.

[0055] On the other hand, when changing the amount of colorant used, the change in color value due to an increase or decrease in the amount used is generally complex, making it difficult to generate patches with desired color values ​​by specifying a specific colorant and adjusting the amount used. However, if it is possible to specify a colorant and adjust the amount used, it becomes possible to try reducing a specific colorant as much as possible to, for example, prevent it from appearing grainy, and see if it achieves the desired color. With the above configuration, it becomes possible to intuitively adjust colors based on color values, while also easily adjusting the amount of a specific colorant used.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surrounding color is generated by varying the amount of specified colorant used and the value of the specified component relative to the reference color, so it is clear what color is used as the reference and how the surrounding color is changed to generate it, making it easy to change the color in a desired manner.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user can specify the amount by which the designated colorant and the designated component are changed, thereby enabling the user to generate ambient colors by changing the color in a manner desired by the user.

[0058] (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.

[0059] When the print control program is started, the processor 10a of the information processing device 10 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The user can specify color values ​​using various methods to specify a reference color, but in this example, the color values ​​are obtained using the color measurement results obtained by the colorimeter 20. To do this, the user measures the sample color by operating the colorimeter 20. After the color measurement is performed, the processor 20a of the colorimeter 20 obtains color measurement data 20c1 (step S200) and stores it in the non-volatile memory 20c.

[0064] 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 generation unit 10a2 (step S105) and stores it in the non-volatile memory 10c. Furthermore, the processor 10a refers to the input side model 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 to display an icon I using the RGB gradation values.

[0065] Next, the generation unit 10a2 obtains the usage amount for each colorant used (step S110). The user determines the colorants to be used and operates the 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 colorants available in the printing device 30 as the colorants to be used. The generation unit 10a2 obtains the checked colorants as the used colorants. Note that colorants that are not checked are not obtained as the used colorants and are prohibited from being used when printing color patches. In other words, whether or not a checkbox is checked defines the constraint that the used colorants are used and that colorants that are not the used colorants are not used.

[0066] Furthermore, the generation unit 10a2 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, under the constraint that the used color materials are used and that color materials other than the used color materials are not used. The generation unit 10a2 controls the display unit 10d to display the usage amounts obtained by the conversion in an input box indicating the usage amounts of the color materials. Note that the user may operate the input unit 10e to modify the usage amounts in the input box. If the usage amounts are modified by the user, the generation unit 10a2 converts the usage amounts of each color material into color values ​​with reference to the output model of the color conversion model 10c1, and regards them as the color values ​​of the reference color. With the above configuration, it is possible to determine the usage amounts of color materials required to reproduce the color values ​​acquired in step S105, with the used color materials being used and color materials other than the used color materials being not used.

[0067] Next, the user operates the input unit 10e to select a tab for specifying color creation conditions shown in Fig. 6. In response to this selection, the acquisition unit 10a1 displays a creation condition specification screen (step S115). 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 the reference color is displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user interface is a screen for setting each of three change parameters. The three change parameters are associated with the letters X, Y, and Z. Each change parameter is associated with a type, change width, and number, and the user can specify the content of each. The type is the type of change parameter, and by selecting the type, it is possible to specify which parameter of the color representing the reference color is to be changed. In this embodiment, the user can specify any three of colorant, hue, saturation, and brightness as change parameters. If the change parameter is colorant, the color of the colorant to be changed can be selected. In the example shown in FIG. 7, magenta is selected.

[0069] 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 using a usage percentage or a hue value. In this specification, an example is assumed in which the usage amount of a colorant is expressed as a percentage, with 100% being the upper limit for the usage amount of each colorant and 0% being the state in which no colorant is used, but usage amount may also be expressed using other methods, such as a gradation value. The number indicates the number of color patches generated by changing the change parameter. The user can specify the number using a numerical value or a slide bar.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In the above configuration, the horizontal axis (X-axis) associated with X can be considered the first axis, and the vertical axis (Y-axis) associated with Y can be considered the second axis. In this embodiment, the user can arbitrarily select parameters corresponding to the first and second axes. Therefore, if the user sets the parameter corresponding to the first axis as the designated colorant and the parameter corresponding to the second axis as the designated component, the generation unit 10a2 changes the amount of the designated colorant used in the color patches arranged along the first axis, and changes the value of the designated component in the color patches arranged along the second axis.

[0072] Furthermore, if the user specifies a parameter corresponding to the first axis as a specified color material and a parameter corresponding to the second axis as a specified color material, the acquisition unit 10a1 accepts the first specified color material and the second specified color material as the specified color materials. In this case, the generation unit 10a2 varies the amount of the first specified color material used in the color patches arranged along the first axis, and varies the amount of the second specified color material used in the color patches arranged along the second axis. This configuration allows color patches to be generated by varying multiple color materials as desired by the user.

[0073] In this case, it is preferable that the acquisition unit 10a1 does not allow the same colorant to be specified on different axes. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a creation condition specification screen when accepting a first specified colorant and a second specified colorant. In FIG. 8, an example is assumed in which the user selects to vary the amount of magenta used on the horizontal axis associated with X. Furthermore, when the user selects the amount used on another axis, the acquisition unit 10a1 displays a box for specifying a colorant so that the color of the colorant to be varied can be selected. However, in the example shown in FIG. 8, magenta has already been selected, so the box is displayed so that magenta cannot be selected. In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the box for specifying a specified colorant for the vertical axis associated with Y, magenta is displayed in a box with white text on a black background, indicating that it cannot be selected. Also, in FIG. 8, an example is shown in which the specified colorant for the vertical axis associated with Y is red.

[0074] In this specification, a specified number of color patches arranged vertically and horizontally is called a block. For example, if three is specified for both the change parameter associated with X and the change parameter associated with Y, 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 is different in the color patches included in multiple blocks printed on the color chart.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Fig. 9 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. 9, each color patch is printed with a corresponding numerical value (01 to 81) that serves as identification information.

[0077] In the color patches shown in Figure 9, the color patch with identification information 41 located in the center is the color patch of the reference color. Block B1, which includes the reference color, is made up of nine color patches. In addition, the amount of magenta used, which is the associated change parameter X, varies horizontally by a change width ΔX. Therefore, for example, the color patch with identification information 42 is printed with an amount of magenta used that is ΔX greater than the reference color, and the color patch with identification information 40 is printed with an amount of magenta used that is ΔX less than the reference color.

[0078] For example, assume that the reference color of identification information 41 has a specified colorant magenta usage rate of 20%, and the other colorants are cyan and yellow, each of which is used at 50%. Also assume that the specified colorant magenta has a variation range of 10%. In this case, the peripheral colors of identification information 40 have a magenta usage rate of 10% and cyan and yellow usage rates of 50%. Meanwhile, the peripheral colors of identification information 42 have a magenta usage rate of 30% and cyan and yellow usage rates of 50%.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 9, 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 dashed-dotted lines, the text strings B1, B2, B3, ΔX, ΔY, ΔZ, and arrows indicating the blocks in FIG. 9 are for explanatory purposes only and are not printed on the color chart.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 5, the explanation will continue. To generate the above-described color chart print data 10c3, the acquisition unit 10a1 accepts input on the creation condition specification screen. Then, based on the input, the generation unit 10a2 sets one of the color patches as a target patch and performs the processes of steps S130 to S160 for the target patch. Specifically, the acquisition unit 10a1 sets the target patch (step S130). The target patch is one of the color patches to be printed on the color chart, and is a color patch that is not the target of the loop process of steps S130 to S160.

[0082] The target patch is set, for example, by the following process. The generation unit 10a2 obtains the total number of color patches to be printed on the color chart based on the numbers specified for each of the three change parameters corresponding to X, Y, and Z. The generation unit 10a2 then associates identification information with each of these color patches. The generation unit 10a2 then sorts the color patches based on the identification information, and sequentially selects and sets as the target patch identification information that has not been subject to the loop processing of steps S130 to S160.

[0083] Next, the generation unit 10a2 acquires the color values ​​of the target patch (step S140). That is, the generation unit 10a2 acquires the color values ​​and the usage amounts of each color material acquired for the reference color in steps S100, S105, and S110. Furthermore, the generation unit 10a2 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 S120.

[0084] For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, if the target patch is a color patch with identification information 45, the generation unit 10a2 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 10a2 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 10a2 then decreases the obtained color value once by a change width ΔY and regards it as the color value of the color patch with identification information 45, which is the target patch. Furthermore, if the target patch is a color patch with identification information 72, the generation unit 10a2 increases the saturation value of the color patch with identification information 45 once by a change width ΔZ and regards it as the color value of the color patch with identification information 72, which is the target patch.

[0085] When the color values ​​of the target patch are acquired, the generation unit 10a2 converts the color values ​​into amounts of color materials used (step S150). That is, the generation unit 10a2 converts the color values ​​into amounts of color materials used by referring to the output side model of the color conversion model 10c1.

[0086] Next, the generating unit 10a2 generates image data of the color patch (step S155). Specifically, the generating unit 10a2 generates image data for printing a uniform rectangular color patch of a predetermined size using each color material in the amount acquired in step S150.

[0087] Next, the generation unit 10a2 determines whether all patches have been processed (step S160). That is, the generation unit 10a2 determines that all patches have been processed when the processes of steps S130 to S160 have been performed on all color patches printed on the color chart as target patches. If it is not determined in step S160 that all patches have been processed, the processor 10a repeats the processes from step S130 onwards.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S160 that all patches have been processed, the generation unit 10a2 generates print data 10c3 of the color chart (step S165). Specifically, the generation unit 10a2 arranges the color patch images generated in step S155 in the order shown in FIG. 9. That is, the generation unit 10a2 arranges the color patches so that when the horizontal position changes to the adjacent one, the change parameter corresponding to X changes by the change width, and when the vertical position changes to the adjacent one, the change parameter corresponding to Y changes by the change width. In this way, blocks are formed. The generation unit 10a2 arranges the blocks so that the change parameter corresponding to Z changes by the change width between adjacent blocks. Furthermore, the generation unit 10a2 generates print data 10c3 so that the amount of color material used in each color patch becomes the amount of color material used obtained in step S155.

[0089] Next, generation unit 10a2 determines whether a print instruction has been issued (step S170). Specifically, when the user operates input unit 10e to issue an instruction using print button Bp shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, generation unit 10a2 determines that a print instruction has been issued. If it is determined in step S170 that a print instruction has been issued, generation unit 10a2 outputs print data 10c3 (step S175). That is, generation unit 10a2 outputs print data 10c3 to printing device 30 via communication unit 10b.

[0090] 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 compares the color patches printed on the color chart, selects the desired color patch, and operates the input unit 10e to input the identification information of the selected color patch. The processor 10a determines that the representative color is identified 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.

[0091] (3) Other embodiments: The above embodiment is one example of implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments are 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 implemented by a cloud server. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be implemented by other devices, forming an information processing system. Furthermore, the above-described flowcharts and screen configurations are merely examples, and other configurations may be used, other configurations may be added, or some configurations may be omitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the configuration for specifying colorants to be unused may be omitted.

[0092] The acquisition unit is only required to acquire a designated colorant, which is a colorant designated from among multiple colorants, as a parameter for changing the color value of the color patch. In other words, the user can designate any of multiple colorants available in the printing device as the designated colorant. The designated colorant is also a parameter for changing the color value of the color patch printed on the color chart. Therefore, the amount of the designated colorant used differs between the first color patch and the second color patch, resulting in different color values ​​between the two.

[0093] The colorant 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, colorants usable in a printing device can be distinguished by their color (hue), but if inks of the same color family but with different shades can be distinguished and used, they may be distinguished as different colorants. Furthermore, if colorants are stored in cartridges, colorants stored in different cartridges may be distinguished as different colorants.

[0094] The specified colorant may be specified in various ways, such as by the color name of the colorant, an icon indicating the colorant, or a symbol. The specified colorant is a colorant specified by the user, and one or more of a plurality of colorants may be specified. Multiple specified colorants may be specified. When multiple specified colorants are specified, multiple color patches are printed so that the amount of one of the multiple specified colorants changes while the amount of the other colorants remains unchanged. In such multiple color patches, the color patch is generated so that the amount of one of the multiple specified colorants changes while the amount of the other colorants remains unchanged. The color value may be any value that indicates a color, and may be, in addition to coordinate values ​​in a color space, for example, spectral reflectance.

[0095] The generation unit is only required to generate print data for printing a color chart including a first color patch and a second color patch. However, the first color patch and the second color patch differ in the amount of the specified color material used, and the amount of color materials other than the specified color material used is the same. In other words, the amount of the specified color material used varies between the first color patch and the second color patch, but the amount of color materials other than the specified color material used does not change. Note that the number of patches included in the color chart is not limited to two and may be three or more.

[0096] The first and second axes may correspond to the direction in which the color patches are arranged. Therefore, in addition to the horizontal axis (X axis) and vertical axis (Y axis) as in the above embodiment, an axis such as a hypothetical Z axis may also be included.

[0097] The reference color may be any color that serves as a reference when changing the color value of a color patch, and the color of the color patch may change by changing the value of a specified parameter for the reference color. Therefore, the reference color 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 used as the reference color. Various methods may be used to acquire the color value of the reference color. Therefore, various methods may be employed other than a configuration in which the color of a color sample is measured for the reference color. For example, a color value may be associated with an identification number of a color sample, and the color value may be acquired based on the identification number. Alternatively, the color value may be specified by the user. The color value may be any value that indicates a color, and may be, for example, spectral reflectance in addition to coordinate values ​​in a color space.

[0098] Furthermore, icons, text, or the like may be printed on the color chart to make it easier for the user to recognize the changing parameters. For example, a graphic indicating that the amount of a specified colorant used is changing may be printed on the color chart. More specifically, in the above configuration, the generation unit 10a2 may generate a graphic including a portion that uses the specified colorant and does not use any colorant other than the specified colorant, and print the graphic on the color chart alongside the first color patch and the second color patch.

[0099] FIG. 10 shows an example of this graphic. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing block B1 extracted from an example of printing this graphic on the color chart shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the amount of magenta, a designated colorant, used varies between color patches adjacent in the horizontal direction (X axis). Therefore, the generation unit 10a2 generates a rectangular graphic Pi that uses the designated colorant and includes a portion that does not use any colorants other than the designated colorant, i.e., a monochromatic portion of the designated colorant, and prints it on the color chart. In this example, the two color patches aligned in the X axis direction can be considered the first and second color patches, so the graphic Pi is printed alongside the first and second color patches.

[0100] In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the figure Pi includes a single magenta portion, allowing the user to easily recognize the change in magenta usage along the X-axis. This configuration achieves greater effectiveness as the number of available colorants increases. For example, since the printing device 30 according to the above-described embodiment can use eight colors (CMYKGGyROr), if the specified colorant is red, it is difficult to visually distinguish, by checking the color patches, whether the specified colorant is a magenta, orange, or red. This is particularly difficult when fine-tuning the amount of colorant usage. Therefore, by clearly indicating the specified colorant in the figure Pi, the user can easily recognize the specified colorant and its change direction without having to remember the axis corresponding to the specified colorant.

[0101] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the figure Pi includes the letter M, which indicates the designated colorant, magenta. The letter M may be printed in a color other than the designated colorant, such as black. This letter M allows the user to more easily recognize that the amount of magenta used varies along the X-axis. Of course, information to more clearly indicate the direction in which the designated colorant varies, i.e., the X-axis direction in the example shown in FIG. 10, such as an arrow indicating the X-axis, may also be included.

[0102] Furthermore, while the color conversion model 10c1 is generated by performing colorimetry and machine learning in advance, some functions may be restricted if a user uses the printing device 30 before the color conversion model 10c1 has been generated. For example, if the color conversion model 10c1 has not been generated, the processor 10a may determine that the amount of color material used corresponding to an arbitrary color value cannot be acquired, and may prevent the component of the color value from being selected as a change parameter. In this case, the acquisition unit 10a1 accepts the amount of color material used as a change parameter. The acquisition unit 10a1 accepts the user's specification of the amount of color material used in the reference color, and the generation unit 10a2 generates surrounding colors based on the change width and number specified on the screen shown in FIG. 7.

[0103] 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]

[0104] 10...information processing device, 10a...processor, 10a1...acquisition unit, 10a2...generation unit, 10b...communication unit, 10c...non-volatile memory, 10c1...color conversion model, 10c2...image data, 10c3...printing data, 10d...display unit, 10e...input unit, 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. an acquisition unit that acquires a designated color material, which is a color material designated from among a plurality of color materials, as a parameter for changing the color value of the color patch; a generating unit that generates print data for printing a color chart including the first color patch and the second color patch, The first color patch and the second color patch have different amounts of the specified color material used, and the amounts of color materials other than the specified color material used are the same. Information processing device.

2. The acquisition unit receiving a designated component, which is a component designated from among the components of the color value, as a parameter for changing the color value of the color patch; The generation unit generating print data for printing the color chart by varying the amount of the designated color material used in the color patches arranged along a first axis and varying the value of the designated component in the color patches arranged along a second axis; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The acquisition unit Accepts a reference color as a standard, The generation unit generating print data for printing the color chart including the first color patch and / or the second color patch in which the amount of the specified color material used is changed relative to the amount of the color material used in printing the reference color; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition unit Accepting a change width for changing the designated color material; The generation unit the amount of the specified color material used is changed by the change width to obtain the amount of the color material used in the first color patch and the second color patch; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. The generation unit generating print data for printing a figure including a portion using the specified color material and not using any color material other than the specified color material, along with the first color patch and the second color patch, on the color chart; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

6. The acquisition unit Accepting a first designated colorant and a second designated colorant as the designated colorant; The generation unit The amount of the first specified color material used is changed in the color patches arranged along a first axis, and the amount of the second specified color material used is changed in the color patches arranged along a second axis. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires a designated color material, which is a color material designated from among a plurality of color materials, as a parameter for changing the color value of the color patch; an information processing program that causes a generating unit to generate print data for printing a color chart including a first color patch and a second color patch, The first color patch and the second color patch have different amounts of the specified color material used, and the amounts of color materials other than the specified color material used are the same. Information processing program.

Images