Information processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Abstract

To prevent registration of a color verification specification in which an inappropriate allowable value is set.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus for verifying color accuracy of an image forming apparatus by measuring colors of color patches arranged in a chart printed out from the image forming apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a setting of a color verification specification related to verification of the color accuracy, and a determination unit configured to determine whether an allowable value set in the received color verification specification is within an allowable range, and register the color verification specification when the set allowable value is within the allowable range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for verifying the color accuracy of an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Commercial color printers typically undergo regular color management to ensure consistent color reproduction. Color management involves comparing target colors (target colors) defined by standards such as ISO with the colors actually printed by the printer (printed colors) to check whether the color accuracy meets the acceptable standards (tolerances). If the color accuracy does not meet the acceptable standards, the printer must re-create a print profile or perform correction using the printer's color correction function to improve the color accuracy. These are time-consuming and laborious tasks, so they must be performed efficiently. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology that, after verifying the printer's color accuracy (color verification), compares the target color gamut with the printer gamut based on the previous color measurement history when the target color is changed, and determines whether the changed target color is likely to meet the color verification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-196723 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the following problems. For example, when a user independently determines tolerances for color verification, if the tolerances exceed the printer's performance and are too strict, the color verification will frequently fail (color verification NG), making it impossible to properly operate the color verification. The present invention has been made in light of these circumstances, and aims to prevent the registration of color verification specifications with inappropriate tolerances set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device for measuring the color of color patches arranged on a chart printed out from an image forming device and verifying the color accuracy of the image forming device, and is characterized by having a receiving means for receiving settings of color verification specifications related to the verification of color accuracy, and a determining means for determining whether the tolerance value set in the received color verification specifications is within an allowable range, and for registering the color verification specifications if the set tolerance value is within the allowable range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent color verification specifications in which inappropriate tolerances are set from being registered. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a color verification system. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of patch signal values ​​and color characteristics of a color verification chart. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a color verification device and a control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main functional configuration of the color verification device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow in the color verification system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen. [Figure 7]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of an error notification screen and an allowable value input screen. [Figure 8] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of processing in S503 and S504 in FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating another example of the processing in S503 and S504 in FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a profile. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a color matching process. [Figure 12] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of the processing in S503 and S504 in FIG. 5 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating upper and lower density limits for a signal value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which, when performing color verification using tolerances set by a user, the validity of the test content (tolerances) to be set is checked in advance when registering color verification specifications (color verification test specifications). In this example, to simulate color conversion errors in software, a threshold is calculated by simulation using a profile, and validity is determined by whether the tolerances satisfy the calculated thresholds (or predetermined thresholds). This prevents the registration of color verification specifications with inappropriate tolerances, and prevents color verification failures (color verification NG) that occur due to inappropriate tolerance settings.

[0010] <System configuration> An example of the configuration of a color verification system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color verification system according to this embodiment. When verifying color accuracy with the color verification system according to this embodiment, first, a predetermined chart is printed out from the printer to be verified. Next, the color patches on the printed out chart are measured using a measuring instrument, and the obtained color measurement data is sent to a color verification device 100. The color verification device 100 then checks the deviation (color accuracy) between the printed color and the target color. The color patches arranged on the chart are also called color charts or color samples, and will be simply referred to as "patches" in this specification.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the color verification system includes a color verification device 100 and locations A to C (170a to 170c) connected via a network 160. Location A 170a includes a control device 110, a monitor 120, printers A to C (130a to 130c), and measuring instruments A to C (150a to 150c). Location B 170b and location C 170c also include a control device, a monitor, a printer, and a measuring instrument, respectively. The following description will be given taking the relationship between location A 170a and color verification device 100 as an example.

[0012] The color verification device 100 compares a predefined target color (target color) with the color actually printed by the printer (printed color) to verify whether the color accuracy meets the acceptance criteria. The color verification device 100 is connected to the control device 110 via a network 160 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0013] The control device 110 is connected to printers 130a-130c within the base A 170a via a communication network such as an intranet, allowing them to communicate with each other. It issues print instructions to each printer and also centrally manages the color accuracy of each printer. In addition, the control device 110 can receive print jobs from, for example, a client terminal (not shown), divide the print job into predetermined units (e.g., by copy or page), and distribute the print jobs to multiple printers. A print job includes a PDL data section that describes drawing commands for objects with various attributes, such as text, graphics, and photos, on a page-by-page basis, and print setting information that specifies printing conditions such as paper size and type, double-sided / single-sided printing, etc. By distributing a single print job to multiple printers and issuing print instructions, the time required for printing and the waiting time for printing can be reduced. The monitor 120 is connected to the control device 110 and displays various user interface screens (UI screens).

[0014] Printers A to C (130a to 130c) print color images on paper using, for example, electrophotographic process technology based on a print job from control device 110. Printers A to C (130a to 130c) are examples of image forming devices. Printers A to C (130a to 130c) may be monochrome printers or printers based on other image forming technologies such as inkjet. Printers A to C (130a to 130c) may also be multifunction devices that have copy and fax functions in addition to print functions.

[0015] Measuring instruments A to C (150a to 150c) are spectrometers that measure the color values ​​of objects based on the reflectance or transmittance of visible light with wavelengths of approximately 400 nm to 700 nm. Measuring instruments A to C (150a to 150c) are provided, for example, at each site. They obtain colorimetric data by converting the wavelengths obtained for each patch of a chart printed out by printers A to C (130a to 130c) into values ​​in, for example, the L*a*b* color space or the XYZ color space. Figure 2(a) shows an example of a chart, and Figure 2(b) shows the target color values ​​(RGB values) defined in the RGB color space corresponding to each patch (patch numbers 1 to 729) of the chart. Measuring instruments A to C (150a to 150c) are measuring instruments equipped with line sensors or area sensors for scanning the chart. For example, a sheet-through type automatic document reading instrument equipped with a line sensor can pre-scan the chart and detect the position of the patch to be measured before performing measurements. Furthermore, if the measuring device is capable of automatic paper feeding and continuous measurement, it can incorporate an area sensor to pre-scan the chart and similarly detect the position of the patch to be measured before measurement. A portable (handheld) measuring device is also possible, but in that case, a separate scanner for scanning the chart must be connected to the control device 110. In the case of a sheet-through type measuring device with automatic document reading, it is connected to the control device 110, for example, via USB, and measures the color values ​​of each patch on the chart printed out by the target printer to obtain colorimetric data such as that shown in FIG. 2(c). The obtained colorimetric data is transmitted to the color verification device 100 via the control device 110. Furthermore, if the color verification device 100 is installed at one of the locations A to C, the color verification device 100 and the measuring device at the location where the color verification device 100 is installed may be directly connected, allowing the color verification device 100 to obtain colorimetric data without going through the control device 110.

[0016] Network 160 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), the Internet, an intranet, etc., and may be wired or wireless. Bases A to C (170a to 170c) correspond to the locations of printing companies where printers are installed. For example, base A 170a is a printing base in Tokyo, base B 170b is a printing base in Osaka, and base C 170c is a printing base in Fukuoka.

[0017] 1 is just one example, and the number of bases and the configuration of the devices within each base can be changed as appropriate. For example, the color verification device 100 may be directly connected to the control device 110 and measuring devices A to C via a communication network such as an intranet, and the color accuracy of multiple printers A to C may be managed. Alternatively, for example, an information processing device equipped with the functions of both the color verification device 100 and the control device 110 may be provided at each base, and the information processing device may manage the color accuracy of multiple printers within the base.

[0018] <Hardware configuration of information processing device (color verification device / control device)> Next, the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. The information processing device according to this embodiment corresponds to at least one of the color verification device 100 and the control device 110 described above, and is realized, for example, by a general-purpose laptop / desktop personal computer or a tablet terminal. The color verification device 100 and the control device 110 may be integrated. Therefore, the color verification device 100 and the control device 110 are examples of information processing devices. The color verification device 100 and the control device 110 each include a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a HDD 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a network I / F 307, and an external device I / F 308. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the HDD 304, the display unit 305, the operation unit 306, the network I / F 307, and the external device I / F 308 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a system bus 309.

[0019] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the entire device and executes various processes (described later) based on programs stored in the ROM 302. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 302 is a read-only memory that stores a boot program, processing programs, character data, character code information, etc. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 is a random access memory that is used as a work memory when the CPU 301 executes various programs. It is also used as a data storage area for image files and the like received from the network I / F 307. The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304 is used to store the results of arithmetic processing executed by the CPU 301, various programs, various information files, etc. The display unit 305 is composed of, for example, an LCD display, and displays a user interface screen (UI screen) for various settings and checking the device status. The operation unit 306 is composed of a keyboard, buttons, etc., and is used by the user to input various setting values, reset, etc. The network I / F 307 is an interface for connecting the device to the network 160. The color verification device 100 and the control device 110 can transmit and receive various information to and from external devices via this network I / F 307. The external device I / F 308 is an interface for connecting external devices such as measuring instruments A to C via a communication bus such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0020] <Software configuration of information processing device (color verification device / control device)> Next, the software configuration of the information processing device (color verification device 100 / control device 110) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. Only the main functional configuration of the information processing device will be described here. Therefore, other configurations are not excluded.

[0021] The color verification device 100 / control device 110 includes a color verification specification registration unit 401, a UI control unit 402, a measurement job generation unit 403, a color verification specification determination unit 404, a colorimetry control unit 405, a verification processing unit 406, and a setting processing unit 407. Each of these functional units 401 to 407 is realized by the CPU 301 executing a predetermined program. Each functional unit will be described below.

[0022] The color verification specification registration unit 401 accepts registration (input) of charts with patches of various colors corresponding to target color values ​​for each type of color verification, the printer that will perform color verification, the measuring instrument and colorimetric conditions used for color verification, and tolerances for color verification. The color verification specification registration unit 401 is an example of a receiving unit. The chart to be registered is associated with image data and information indicating the chart configuration, such as the number and size of patches in the chart (chart configuration information), and the chart is saved in the HDD 304. Charts are broadly classified into prescribed charts that comply with standards such as ISO (International Standard Organization) and custom charts that are uniquely defined by the user. Prescribed charts are registered in advance, for example, prior to the start of use, such as when installing a color verification program. Custom charts are registered at any time based on user input via the operation unit 306. The printer that will perform color verification is registered from among the printers 130a, 130b, and 130c connected to the control device 110. The measuring device to be used for color verification is registered from among measuring devices 150a, 150b, and 150c. The color measurement conditions for color verification are registered as color measurement conditions stipulated in ISO-compliant JapanColor certification or the like. The tolerances for color verification are registered as tolerances based on ISO-compliant JapanColor certification or the like. The tolerances are used to compare a specified target color (target color) with the color actually printed by the printer (printed color) and check whether the color accuracy meets the acceptance criteria (tolerance). For example, when making a judgment based on the difference (color difference) between the color value (target value) of the target color and the color value (measured value) of the printed color, the color difference value is registered as the tolerance. If the difference is within the tolerance, the color accuracy is determined to meet the acceptance criteria. To perform color verification, for example, a user selects a color verification specification from registered color verification specifications, and the measurement job generation unit 403 generates a measurement job corresponding to the selected color verification specification, thereby starting color verification.

[0023] The UI control unit 402 controls the display of a user interface screen (UI screen) that allows the user to check the status of each device in the color verification system, input and select various setting values, and issue instructions to start various processes. The UI screens that are displayed will be described later. The measurement job generation unit 403 generates, as a measurement job, a job that executes color verification using one or more color verification specifications (color verification tests) selected by the user from the registered color verification specifications. Thereafter, a chart is generated based on chart configuration information corresponding to the selected color verification specifications.

[0024] The color verification specification determination unit 404 performs a pre-verification to determine whether the color verification specifications registered via the color verification specification registration unit 401 are appropriate. The color verification specification determination unit 404 is an example of a determination unit. The color verification specification determination unit 404 registers the color verification specifications based on the results of the pre-verification of the color verification specifications. Based on the results of the pre-verification of the color verification specifications, the color verification specification determination unit 404 also provides feedback to the tolerance setting, such as displaying an alert (error notification) or restricting the value range when setting tolerances, as necessary. Note that the value range refers to the range of values ​​that can be entered as tolerances. The colorimetry control unit 405 performs a pre-scan when measuring the color of the chart and performs colorimetry of the chart. The verification processing unit 406 uses the colorimetry data received from the measuring device to perform a verification process to determine whether the color accuracy of the target printer meets the acceptance criteria. The setting processing unit 407 sets various parameters related to the verification process based on user selections via a predetermined user interface screen.

[0025] <Processing flow of the entire system> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a processing sequence for performing color verification in the color verification system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for performing color verification in the color verification system according to this embodiment. In the processing sequence described below, it is assumed that multiple color verifications are performed by outputting multiple charts to the printer A130a using the measuring instrument A150a. Furthermore, various operation screens described below will be described as examples displayed on the display unit 305 of the color verification device 100, but this is not limiting and they may also be displayed on the display unit 305 of the control device 110 or another display unit. In the following description, the symbol "S" denotes a step.

[0026] In S501, the color verification specification registration unit 401 starts registering color verification specifications based on user input. When a user who wants to register color verification specifications presses the color verification specification registration button 601 on the main menu screen shown in Fig. 6(a), the screen transitions to the color verification specification registration screen shown in Fig. 6(b). Note that control of these UI screens, including the control of the UI screen in the following explanation, is performed by the UI control unit 402.

[0027] When a color verification specification to be registered / edited is pressed in display areas 603 to 605 of the color verification specification registration screen in Fig. 6(b), the display area 603 and 604 indicate color verification specifications that have already been registered, while display area 605 indicates that the specification has not yet been registered. When a registered color verification specification is selected, the content can be edited, and when an unregistered specification is selected, a new color verification specification can be registered. The color verification specification detail selection screen in Fig. 6(c) includes display areas 606 to 610, each of which allows settings related to the color verification specification to be made.

[0028] Next, on the detailed selection screen for color verification specifications shown in FIG. 6(c), pressing "Select Chart" in display area 607 transitions to the chart selection screen shown in FIG. 6(d). The user selects a chart to be used for color verification from display areas 611 to 614 of the chart selection screen shown in FIG. 6(d). "Chart 1" and "Chart 2" in display areas 611 and 612 of the chart selection screen shown in FIG. 6(d) are pre-registered charts defined by standards such as ISO. When the user presses the chart input button 615, the user can enter various information required to register a custom chart. Specifically, the user enters the name, number of patches, patch size, and paper size / type of the custom chart to be registered and uploads image data to complete registration. The chart image is created in a file format such as TIFF, PDF, or JPEG. As a result, the chart is registered in "Unregistered" in display areas 613 and 614 of the chart selection screen shown in FIG. 6(d). The list of registered charts and the chart configuration information for each chart are collectively referred to as "chart information."

[0029] In S502, the color verification specification registration unit 401 acquires a list of printers A to C managed by the control device 110 and information indicating the status of each printer (hereinafter also referred to as "printer status information"). Here, the printer status information includes, for example, information such as the power state (ON / OFF), whether there is a malfunction, and the processing status of the print job (printing / waiting). This printer status information is acquired and stored by the control device 110 by periodically accessing the printers A to C. The printer list and the printer status information for each printer are collectively referred to as "printer information."

[0030] Next, the color verification specification registration unit 401 accepts pressing of "Select Printer" in the display area 608 of the color verification specification detail selection screen of FIG. 6(c). Subsequently, the screen transitions to the printer selection screen shown in FIG. 6(e), where processing is performed to accept the selection of the printer to be subjected to color verification (hereinafter also referred to as the "target printer"). Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 305, and the setting processing unit 407 sets the selected printer (here, printer A) as the target printer. FIG. 6(e) shows the printer selection screen when the user selects the target printer. Display areas 616 to 618 of the printer selection screen display a list of printers (here, printers A to C) that can be processed according to the printer information acquired in S502. At this time, based on the printer status information, a display process may be performed in which printers that are not printable are grayed out, for example, so that it is clear whether the printer is printable or not printable. In the printer selection screen of FIG. 6(e), only printer C is grayed out, indicating that printer C is not printable.

[0031] Next, the color verification specification registration unit 401 acquires a list of measuring instruments A to C managed by the control device 110, as well as specification information for each measuring instrument and information indicating its status (hereinafter also referred to as "measuring instrument status information"). Here, specification information indicates the specifications of each measuring instrument, such as the supported paper size, minimum patch size, and minimum / maximum number of patches per sheet (page). For measuring instruments that have accessories, the specification information also includes differences in specifications depending on whether the accessories are included or not. Here, accessories refer to measuring rulers and automatic paper feeders. A measuring ruler is a device that assists the sliding movement during measurement in handheld measuring instruments, enabling stable color measurement. A sensor installed on the back of the measuring instrument detects the stripe pattern on the measuring ruler to detect the direction in which the user is measuring (e.g., measuring from left to right or from right to left). The automatic paper feeder is a device that automatically loads a chart printed from a printer into the measuring instrument, enabling continuous color measurement. The meter status information includes, for example, information such as the power state (ON / OFF) and connection status. The specification information and meter status information are acquired and stored by the control device 110 by accessing the metering devices A to C in advance or periodically. The list of metering devices and the specification information and meter status information for each metering device are collectively referred to as "metering device information."

[0032] Next, the color verification specification registration unit 401 accepts pressing of "Select measuring instrument" in the display area 609 of the color verification specification detail selection screen of FIG. 6(c). The screen then transitions to the measuring instrument selection screen shown in FIG. 6(f), where processing is performed to accept the selection of the measuring instrument to be used to measure the color values ​​of the chart. Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 305, and the setting processing unit 407 sets the measuring instrument related to the selection (here, measuring instrument A) as the measuring instrument to be used for chart measurement. FIG. 6(f) shows the measuring instrument selection screen used when the user selects a measuring instrument. Display areas 619 to 621 of the measuring instrument selection screen display a list of measuring instruments (here, measuring instruments A to C) that can be processed, based on the measuring instrument information acquired in S502. At this time, a display process may be performed in which unavailable measuring instruments are grayed out, for example, so that it is clear whether the measuring instruments are available or unavailable based on the measuring instrument status information. On the meter selection screen in Figure 6(f), only meter B is grayed out, indicating that meter B is unavailable.

[0033] Next, the screen transitions to the colorimetry condition input screen shown in FIG. 6(k), where processing for accepting the colorimetry conditions for colorimetry is performed. Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 305, and the setting processing unit 407 sets the colorimetry conditions related to the selection. FIG. 6(k) shows the colorimetry condition input screen when the user inputs various colorimetry conditions. Examples of colorimetry conditions include, but are not limited to, a white condition 627, a lighting condition 628, an illuminant 629, and a viewing angle 630. The white condition 627 includes a "paper white-white reference" based on the white background of the printing paper and an "absolute white reference" based on the white reference plate (white tile) of the colorimeter. Either one is selected for the white condition 627. The lighting condition 628 represents "M0," "M1," "M2," or "M3" as specified by ISO 13655, and one of these is selected. The illuminant (viewing illuminant) 629 selects the type of light source data incorporated when calculating L*a*b*. Types include "A," "D50," "D65," etc. The field of view 630 relates to the field of view (the size of the object) when a human sees an object, and can be selected from "2 degree field of view," "10 degree field of view," etc., as specified by ISO.

[0034] When color verification is performed in accordance with the JapanColor certification or Fogra certification, which comply with the ISO international standard, color measurement conditions are predetermined according to the type of color certification. Therefore, a configuration may be adopted in which the user is required to register only the type of color certification, and the color verification specification registration unit 401 automatically registers the color measurement conditions according to the type of color certification. In this case, for example, color measurement conditions corresponding to the color certification, such as those shown in Table 1, may be stored in advance as a table, and the color measurement conditions corresponding to the type of color certification may be registered by referencing the table. Note that a configuration may also be adopted in which the user performing color verification or an administrator can register or delete color measurement conditions that they have defined. For example, an administrator may add a color certification described as "Custom: Profile A" in Table 1 to the table in advance. Then, a user performing color verification may select "Custom: Profile A," and the color measurement conditions may be automatically registered within the color verification specification registration unit 401. In this embodiment, since the colorimetric conditions that can be used may differ depending on the measuring device, the colorimetric conditions are registered after selecting the measuring device. However, it is also possible to provide a "Select Colorimetric Conditions" menu on the screen of Figure 6(c) and register the measuring device and colorimetric conditions separately.

[0035] [Table 1]

[0036] Next, the color verification specification registration unit 401 accepts a press of "Input Tolerance Values" in the display area 610 of the color verification specification detail selection screen of FIG. 6(c). The display then transitions to a tolerance value input screen shown in FIG. 6(g), where processing is performed to accept data such as tolerance values ​​for verification items for each patch in the chart used. Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts user input via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 305, and the setting processing unit 407 sets tolerance values ​​for the verification items related to the input. FIG. 6(g) shows the tolerance value input screen when the user inputs tolerance values ​​for the verification items. Examples of verification items include an average color difference ΔE value 622 for each patch, a maximum color difference ΔE value 623, and a color difference ΔE value 624 for the primary colors (CMYK), and tolerance values ​​corresponding to the verification items are set. Here, in CMYK, C is cyan, M is magenta, Y is yellow, and K is black. The user pre-sets tolerance values ​​corresponding to the verification items via this UI screen. Here, the color difference ΔE is the linear distance between the target color value in the L*a*b* color space and the color value (colorimetric value) indicated by the colorimetric data, and can be calculated, for example, by the following equation (1).

[0037]

number

[0038] Let's assume that color difference tolerances are set for each verification item as shown on the tolerance input screen in Figure 6(g). In this case, if the average color difference ΔE for each patch is within ±4.0, the maximum color difference ΔE is within ±10.0, and the color difference ΔE of the primary colors (CMYK) (ΔE_primary colors) is within ±5.0, the color verification will pass (OK). On the other hand, if any of the verification items exceeds the tolerance, the color verification will fail (NG).

[0039] As with the color measurement conditions described above, when color verification is performed in accordance with the JapanColor certification or Fogra certification conforming to the ISO international standard, tolerances are also determined according to the type of color certification. Therefore, a configuration may be adopted in which the user registers only the type of color certification, and the color verification specification registration unit 401 automatically registers tolerances according to the type of color certification. In this case, tolerances corresponding to the color certifications, such as those shown in Table 2, may be stored in advance as a table, and tolerances corresponding to the type of color certification may be registered by referring to the table.

[0040] [Table 2]

[0041] Next, the color verification specification registration unit 401 accepts a press of "Input Target Value" in the display area 606 of the color verification specification detail selection screen shown in FIG. 6(c). The screen then transitions to the target value input screen shown in FIG. 6(l), where a process for accepting target values ​​for each patch in the chart used is performed. Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 305, and the setting processing unit 407 sets the target color value associated with the selection. FIG. 6(l) shows the target value input screen used when the user enters the target value. In this embodiment, color verification in accordance with the JapanColor certification (633) and Fogra certification (634), which comply with the ISO international standard, is used as an example. Therefore, target values ​​are also defined according to the type of color verification. Therefore, the user is prompted to register only the type of color verification, and the color verification specification registration unit 401 automatically registers the target value according to the type of color verification. In this case, the target value corresponding to the color verification is pre-stored in the HDD 304, and the target value corresponding to the type of color verification is registered by referencing that data.

[0042] In S503, the color verification specification determination unit 404 calculates a theoretical measurement value corresponding to the color verification chart (or acquires a predetermined threshold value). Details of the processing flow relating to the calculation of the theoretical measurement value corresponding to the color verification chart will be described later. In S504, the color verification specification determination unit 404 compares the theoretical measurement value calculated in S503 with the target color value acquired in S502, and determines whether or not it is within the tolerance range acquired in S502. If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that it is within the tolerance range (OK), the process of S506 is executed. On the other hand, if the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that it is not within the tolerance range but is outside the range (NG), the process of S505 is executed. This makes it possible to confirm whether or not the tolerance value acquired in S502 is a valid numerical value. The specific processing flow will be described later.

[0043] If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines in S504 that the color verification specification is outside the acceptable range, the UI control unit 402 causes the display unit 305 to display an error notification screen, such as that shown in FIG. 7A, to notify the user that the acceptable value in the color verification specification is too strict. Alternatively, a slider such as that shown in FIG. 7B may be used to limit the range of values ​​used to obtain the acceptable value by setting the theoretical measurement value calculated in S503 as the minimum value and allowing the user to select a value between the minimum and maximum values ​​(the maximum value can be any value). Alternatively, a stepper such as that shown in FIG. 7C may be used to limit the range of values ​​used to obtain the acceptable value by setting the theoretical measurement value calculated in S503 as the minimum value and moving the value up or down by one.

[0044] In S506, if it is determined in S504 that the color verification specifications are within the allowable range, the color verification specifications determination unit 404 officially registers the color verification specifications input in S501 and S502.

[0045] In S507, the measurement job generation unit 403 starts color verification based on user input. When a user who wants to start color verification presses the color verification button 602 on the main menu screen shown in Fig. 6(a), the screen transitions to the color verification specification selection screen shown in Fig. 6(h). In S508, when "Color verification specification 1" or "Color verification specification 2" is pressed in the display areas 625, 626 of the color verification specification selection screen in FIG. 6(h), the measurement job generation unit 403 generates a measurement job corresponding to each color verification specification and sends it to the control device 110. Note that by selecting multiple color verification specifications at the same time, it is possible to generate multiple measurement jobs. When the measurement job is generated, the printer to be subjected to color verification, the measuring device to be used, the colorimetric conditions, the chart to be used for color verification, and the tolerance values, all of which were registered in the processes of S501 to S507, are uniquely determined.

[0046] In S509, the control device 110 transmits a print job for multiple charts to the target printer based on the received image data. At this time, color conversion is performed on the received image data using an input profile and an output profile. The input profile and output profile are determined in advance based on the color verification specifications selected in S508. For example, when performing color verification for JapanColor2011Lab certification (digital authentication), a profile created based on JapanColor2011 is set as the input profile, and an output profile created by the target printer is set as the output profile. This allows color conversion for JapanColor2011Lab certification (digital authentication) to be performed on the image data.

[0047] In S510, the printer A 130a that has received the print job performs printing processing based on the print job and outputs a chart. In S511, the control device 110 displays the chart measurement screen shown in FIG. 6(j) and instructs colorimetry of one or more charts printed out from the target printer. In S512, when the user places one or more printed charts in the measuring instrument and issues an instruction to start measurement, the selected measuring instrument (here, measuring instrument A 150a) measures the color value of each patch on the chart.

[0048] In S513, after the selected measuring device has completed color value measurement for one or more charts, it stores the obtained color measurement data and transmits it to the control device 110. In S514 , the control device 110 receives the colorimetric data from the selected measurement device and transfers the colorimetric data to the color verification device 100 . In S515, the verification processing unit 406 performs processing to verify the color accuracy of the printer using the received color measurement data.

[0049] In S516, the UI control unit 402 displays the verification results by the verification processing unit 406 on the display unit 305. FIG. 6(i) shows a report result screen that displays the verification results. As shown in FIG. 6(i), the average color difference value 825, the maximum value 826, and the color difference of the primary colors (CMYK) for each patch are displayed, along with pass / fail (OK / NG) results 827 to 830 for each verification item. This report result screen allows the user to understand the color fluctuation state of the target printer. If the verification result is NG, the printer's color fluctuation can be suppressed to within specifications by recreating a print profile or performing correction work using the printer's color correction function.

[0050] The above is the overall processing flow in the color verification system according to this embodiment. Note that, in conjunction with the display prompting the user to measure the color of the chart, the control device 110 may issue a preparation instruction to the selected measuring device, causing it to perform calibration before starting measurement.

[0051] <Pre-verification process (1)> Next, an example of the processing in S503 and S504 in Fig. 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 describes an example in which a predetermined threshold value is compared with the tolerance value acquired in S502 to determine whether the color verification specifications (to be set) are appropriate. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 8 are realized by the CPU 301 of the color verification device 100 loading a program corresponding to the color verification specification determination unit 404 from ROM 302 to RAM 303 and executing the program. Note that in the following description, the symbol "S" means step.

[0052] In S801, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires the allowable values ​​for the color verification specifications acquired in S502 of Fig. 5. Here, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires the allowable values ​​for each verification item in the color verification specifications. In S802, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires a predetermined threshold value stored in the HDD 304. Here, the threshold value is, for example, a value according to the color conversion accuracy in the color conversion process of the target printer, and is the lower limit of the controllable color conversion accuracy.

[0053] In S803, the color verification specification determination unit 404 compares the tolerance value acquired in S801 with the threshold value acquired in S802 and determines whether the tolerance value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. That is, the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines whether the tolerance value for each verification item, as shown on the tolerance value input screen of FIG. 6(g), acquired in S502, is within the tolerance range indicated by the threshold value acquired in S802. If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the tolerance value for the verification item is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES), the process of S805 is executed. On the other hand, if the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the tolerance value for the verification item is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (NO), the process of S804 is executed.

[0054] In step S804, which is executed when it is determined that the tolerance value for the verification item is not equal to or greater than the threshold, the color verification specification determination unit 404 displays an error notification screen or the like on the display unit 305 to notify the user of the error. In step S805, which is executed when it is determined that the tolerance for the verification item is equal to or greater than the threshold, the color verification specification determination unit 404 officially registers the color verification specifications input in steps S501 and S502 of FIG.

[0055] This allows the user to verify in advance whether the tolerance value set in the color verification specifications is within the allowable range by comparing the predetermined threshold value with the tolerance value acquired in S502, and to determine whether the tolerance value to be set is appropriate. If the tolerance value to be set is determined to be appropriate, the user can register the color verification specifications, thereby preventing the registration of color verification specifications with inappropriate tolerance values ​​and preventing color verification failures due to inappropriate tolerance values.

[0056] <Pre-verification process (2)> Next, another example of the processing in S503 and S504 in Fig. 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 describes an example in which theoretical measurement values ​​corresponding to a color verification chart are calculated and the theoretical measurement values ​​are compared with target color values ​​to determine whether the color verification specifications (tolerance values ​​to be set) are appropriate. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 9 is realized by the CPU 301 of the color verification device 100 loading a program corresponding to the color verification specification determination unit 404 from ROM 302 to RAM 303 and executing the program. Note that in the following description, the symbol "S" means step.

[0057] In S901, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires the target color value and the tolerance value for the color verification specification acquired in S502 of FIG. In S902, the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines whether the target color value has been registered. If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the target color value has been registered (YES), the process of S904 is executed. If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the target color value has not been registered (NO), the process of S903 is executed. In step S903, which is executed when it is determined that the target color value has not been registered, the color verification specification determination unit 404 displays an error notification screen (not shown) on the display unit 305 to prompt the user to register the target color value, and notifies the user of the error.

[0058] In step S904, which is executed when it is determined that the target color values ​​have been registered, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires an input profile and an output profile for printing the chart used in the processing in step S509 of FIG. 5. The configuration of a profile will now be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a profile. The profile has a header 1010 in which basic information related to various profiles is described, and a table 1020 in which information used in color matching processing is described. The header 1010 stores, for example, ID information 1011, version information 1012, and device class information 1013 indicating the basic type of the output device. The table 1020 stores "B to A" information 1022, 1024, and 1026, which describes color processing parameters related to the process of converting image data B in the PCS space, which is independent of the output device, into image data A, which is dependent on the color space of a certain device. In addition, "A to B" information 1021, 1023, and 1025, which describes color processing parameters related to the process of converting image data A, which is dependent on the color space of a certain device, into image data B in the PCS space, which is independent of the device.

[0059] This "B to A" information and "A to B" information are stored corresponding to each color matching method supported by the color matching processing module. Color matching methods include perceptual color matching, colorimetric color matching, and saturation color matching. Perceptual color matching is suitable for images such as photographs, and emphasizes color gradation. Colorimetric color matching is suitable for images such as logos, and aims to reproduce colorimetrically matched colors. Saturation color matching is suitable for images such as graphs and computer graphics (CG), and emphasizes color vividness. To distinguish the color processing parameters shown in Figure 10 from each other, the numbers "01" for "Perceptual," "02" for "Colorimetric," and "03" for "Saturation" are used to identify the corresponding color matching method.

[0060] In S905, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires signal values ​​(for example, CMYK values) that constitute the color verification chart acquired in S502. In S906, the color verification specification determination unit 404 uses the output profile acquired in S904 to extract "A to B" information and "B to A" information corresponding to the color matching method used when printing the chart.

[0061] In S907, the color verification specification determination unit 404 executes processing to convert the signal values ​​(CMYK values) that constitute the color verification chart acquired in S905 into CMYK data (CMYK' values) that depend on the characteristics of the printer, which is the output device. This processing is executed by the conversion module A1110 shown in FIG. 11. In this processing, the "A to B" information 1131 of the input profile 1130 and the "B to A" information 1142 of the output profile 1140 that corresponds to the specified color matching method are set in the conversion module A1110. Thereafter, the conversion module A1110 executes color conversion using the set information, thereby converting the signal values ​​(CMYK values) that constitute the color verification chart into CMYK data (CMYK' values) that depend on the characteristics of the printer after color conversion.

[0062] In S908, the color verification specification determination unit 404 converts the CMYK data (CMYK' values) dependent on the printer characteristics converted in S907 into PCS data (for example, L*a*b* values) indicating the printer characteristics. This process is performed by the conversion module B 1120 shown in FIG. 11. In this process, the "A to B" information 1141 of the output profile 1140 is set in the conversion module B 1120. Then, the conversion module B 1120 performs color conversion using the set information, thereby converting the CMYK data (CMYK' values) dependent on the printer characteristics into PCS data (hereinafter also referred to as printer L*a*b*) indicating the printer characteristics.

[0063] In S909, the color verification specification determination unit 404 calculates the color difference ΔE using the printer L*a*b* converted in S908 and the L*a*b* of the target color values. The color difference ΔE can be calculated using the above-mentioned formula (1). In S910, the color verification specification determination unit 404 compares the tolerance value acquired in S901 with the color difference ΔE calculated in S909 and determines whether the color difference ΔE is equal to or less than the tolerance value. That is, the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines whether the color difference tolerance value for each verification item is satisfied, as shown on the tolerance value input screen of FIG. 6(g), based on the color difference ΔE calculated in S909. If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the tolerance value for the verification item is satisfied (YES), the process of S912 is executed. On the other hand, if the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the tolerance value for the verification item is not satisfied (NO), the process of S911 is executed.

[0064] In step S911, which is executed when it is determined that the tolerance for the verification item is not satisfied, the color verification specification determination unit 404 displays an error notification screen or the like on the display unit 305 to notify the user of the error. In step S912, which is executed when it is determined that the tolerances for the verification items are satisfied, the color verification specification determination unit 404 officially registers the color verification specifications input in steps S501 and S502 of FIG.

[0065] This allows a simulation using the profile to acquire theoretical measurement values ​​corresponding to the color verification chart, and by comparing the acquired theoretical measurement values ​​with the target color values, it is possible to determine whether the tolerances are met. Therefore, it is possible to verify in advance whether the tolerances set in the color verification specifications are within the allowable range and determine whether the tolerances to be set are appropriate. If it is determined that the tolerances to be set are appropriate, the color verification specifications are registered, thereby preventing the registration of color verification specifications with inappropriate tolerances and preventing color verification failures due to inappropriate tolerance settings.

[0066] According to this embodiment, when performing color verification using tolerances set by a user, the validity of the test content (tolerances) to be set is checked in advance when registering the color verification specifications. For example, to simulate color conversion errors in software, theoretical color values ​​are obtained through a simulation using a profile, and the validity is determined based on whether the tolerances are within the allowable range based on the obtained color values ​​(or predetermined thresholds). This allows tolerances to be set taking into account the color conversion accuracy of the software, preventing the registration of color verification specifications with inappropriate tolerances and preventing unintended color verification failures due to inappropriate tolerances.

[0067] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, as a method for pre-checking whether the test contents (tolerance values) are appropriate when registering color verification specifications, a threshold value (or a predetermined threshold value) obtained by a simulation using a profile is determined based on whether the tolerance value is satisfied. However, printer performance depends not only on color conversion errors in the software, but also on density fluctuations and in-plane unevenness in the engine in the hardware. In the second embodiment, a threshold value is calculated by a simulation using information on density fluctuations and in-plane unevenness in the hardware, and a determination is made based on whether the calculated threshold value satisfies the tolerance value.

[0068] Note that a description of the basic configuration of the color verification system, which has content in common with the first embodiment, will be omitted. The overall configuration of the color verification system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the hardware configurations of the color verification device 100 and the control device 110 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The main functional configurations of the color verification device 100 and the control device 110 according to this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The overall flow of processing in the color verification system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] <Pre-verification process (3)> 5 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 12 describes an example in which a value obtained by simulating using information on density fluctuations and in-plane unevenness is compared with the tolerance acquired in S502 in Fig. 5 to determine whether the tolerance in the color verification specifications is appropriate. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 12 is implemented by the CPU 301 of the color verification device 100 loading a program corresponding to the color verification specifications determination unit 404 from ROM 302 to RAM 303 and executing the program. Note that in the following description, the symbol "S" means step.

[0070] In S1201, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires the density fluctuation data saved during calibration. Here, we explain calibration. Electrophotographic image forming devices suffer from significant fluctuations in image density due to factors such as the temperature and humidity at use, variations in the characteristics of the photoconductor and developer, and the durability of the developing device. Color image forming devices, in particular, suffer from color variations. To address these issues, conventional image forming devices incorporate calibration technology that creates a one-dimensional density correction LUT (Look Up Table) for each of the C, M, Y, and K "single colors." An LUT is a table that displays output data corresponding to input data separated by specific intervals and is capable of expressing nonlinear characteristics that cannot be expressed by mathematical formulas. The one-dimensional density correction LUT represents the printer's output signal values ​​that can represent each of the C, M, Y, and K input signal values. An image is formed on paper using toners that correspond to these output signal values. First, a chart composed of data with different densities corresponding to the C, M, Y, and K toners is prepared and output by the printer. The chart output by the printer is scanned using a scanner or colorimeter, and the scanned values ​​are compared with pre-stored target data to create a one-dimensional LUT for density correction independently for CMYK. This allows the density characteristics of single colors to be matched during calibration. Among the values ​​scanned using a scanner or colorimeter during previous calibrations, the highest and lowest density limits for C, M, Y, and K are stored. For example, the graph shown in FIG. 13(a) represents density versus signal value, and the table shown in FIG. 13(b) summarizes the values ​​of the graph in FIG. 13(a). As shown in FIG. 13(a), for example, the highest and lowest density limits (density upper limit) for black (K) signal values ​​ranging from 0 to 255 are stored. In the process of S1201, for example, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires the stored density upper limit and density lower limit as density fluctuation data stored during calibration.

[0071] Similarly, in-plane unevenness, where density fluctuates with the position in the main scanning direction (or sub-scanning direction) of the paper, can occur. To address this issue, calibration technology is also included that creates an LUT for one-dimensional in-plane unevenness correction corresponding to the "single colors" of C, M, Y, and K. In this case, too, the upper and lower density limits from values ​​read by a scanner or colorimeter during previous calibrations can be saved and acquired as density fluctuation data.

[0072] In S1202, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires the target color value and the allowable value for the color verification specification acquired in S502 of FIG. In S1203, the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines whether the target color value has been registered. If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the target color value has been registered (YES), the process of S1205 is executed. If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the target color value has not been registered (NO), the process of S1204 is executed. In step S1204, which is executed when it is determined that the target color value has not been registered, the color verification specification determination unit 404 displays an error notification screen (not shown) on the display unit 305 to prompt the user to register the target color value, and notifies the user of the error.

[0073] In S1205, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires a density-to-Lab table that has been saved in advance. The density-to-Lab table is a four-dimensional LUT that outputs L*a*b* values ​​for combinations of densities corresponding to the C, M, Y, and K toners. The density-to-Lab table can be created by printing a chart made up of data of different densities corresponding to the C, M, Y, and K toners using a printer and measuring the densities and color values ​​(L*a*b*) using a colorimeter or the like. By performing an interpolation operation using the density-to-Lab table, it is possible to calculate the L*a*b* values ​​for any C, M, Y, or K density. A known, commonly used method may be used for the interpolation operation.

[0074] In S1206, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires signal values ​​(for example, CMYK values) that constitute the color verification chart acquired in S502. In S1207, the color verification specification determination unit 404 acquires upper and lower density limits for the signal values ​​(CMYK values) that make up the color verification chart acquired in S1206, based on the density fluctuation data acquired in S1201. For example, according to the density data shown in Fig. 13(b), if the signal values ​​that make up the color verification chart are CMYK=(0,0,0,240), the upper density limits are CMYK=(0,0,0,1.51) and the lower density limits are CMYK=(0,0,0,1.36).

[0075] In S1208, the color verification specification determination unit 404 converts the upper and lower density limits in the color verification chart acquired in S1207 into L*a*b* values ​​using the density-to-Lab table acquired in S1205. In S1209, the color verification specification determination unit 404 calculates a color difference ΔE1 using the L*a*b* values ​​of the upper density limit converted in S1208 and the L*a*b* values ​​of the target color values ​​acquired in step S1202. The color verification specification determination unit 404 also calculates a color difference ΔE2 using the L*a*b* values ​​of the lower density limit converted in S1208 and the L*a*b* values ​​of the target color values ​​acquired in S1202. The color difference ΔE (color difference ΔE1 and color difference ΔE2) can be calculated using the above-mentioned formula (1).

[0076] In S1210, the color verification specification determination unit 404 compares the tolerance value acquired in S1202 with the color difference ΔE (color difference ΔE1 and color difference ΔE2) calculated in S1209, and determines whether the color difference ΔE is equal to or less than the tolerance value. That is, the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines whether the color difference ΔE1 and color difference ΔE2 calculated in S1209 both satisfy the color difference tolerance value for each verification item as shown on the tolerance value input screen of FIG. 6(g). If the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the tolerance value for the verification item is satisfied (YES), the process of S1212 is executed. On the other hand, if the color verification specification determination unit 404 determines that the tolerance value for the verification item is not satisfied (NO), the process of S1211 is executed.

[0077] In step S1211, which is executed when it is determined that the tolerance for the verification item is not satisfied, the color verification specification determination unit 404 displays an error notification screen or the like on the display unit 305 to notify the user of the error. In step S1212, which is executed when it is determined that the tolerance for the verification item is satisfied, the color verification specification determination unit 404 officially registers the color verification specifications input in steps S501 and S502 of FIG.

[0078] This allows a simulation using density fluctuation information to obtain theoretical values ​​corresponding to the color verification chart, and by comparing the obtained theoretical measurement values ​​with the target color values, it is possible to determine whether the tolerances are met. Therefore, it is possible to verify in advance whether the tolerances set in the color verification specifications are within the tolerance range and determine whether the tolerances to be set are appropriate. If it is determined that the tolerances to be set are appropriate, the color verification specifications are registered, thereby preventing the registration of color verification specifications with inappropriate tolerances and preventing color verification failures due to inappropriate tolerance settings.

[0079] In this embodiment, a simulation using density fluctuation information has been described as an example, but it is also possible to determine whether the tolerance is met using a simulation using in-plane unevenness information with a similar configuration. Furthermore, information on other engine fluctuations that affect color values ​​(for example, streaks, color shifts, etc.) can also be used, rather than being limited to information on density fluctuations and in-plane unevenness.

[0080] According to this embodiment, when performing color verification using tolerances set by a user, the validity of the test content (tolerances) to be set is checked in advance when registering the color verification specifications. For example, color values ​​are calculated through a simulation using information on density variations and in-plane unevenness in the hardware, and the validity is determined based on whether the tolerances are within the allowable range based on the calculated color values. This prevents the registration of color verification specifications in which tolerances are set that exceed the calibration accuracy of the target printer. This allows tolerances to be set that take into account density variations and in-plane unevenness in the hardware engine, preventing the registration of color verification specifications in which inappropriate tolerances are set and preventing unintended color verification failures due to inappropriate tolerances.

[0081] In the first and second embodiments described above, examples have been described in which the validity of the test content (tolerances) set when registering color verification specifications (color verification test specifications) is checked in advance. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which a pre-verification of the test content (tolerances) for registered color verification specifications is periodically performed according to an automatic schedule set by the user, and a notification is issued if the content is found to be invalid. Furthermore, a configuration may also be adopted in which a pre-verification of the test content (tolerances) for registered color verification tests is performed again in advance when a consumable such as toner is replaced or calibration is performed, and a notification is issued if the content is found to be invalid. Furthermore, if the color verification specifications (measuring instruments, charts, printers, etc.) used during color verification are the same and have already been pre-verified against the tolerances, the pre-verification may be skipped and the color verification may be registered.

[0082] (Another embodiment of the present invention) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0083] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0084] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, etc. (Configuration 1) 1. An information processing device for measuring color patches arranged on a chart printed out from an image forming device, and verifying color accuracy of the image forming device, comprising: a receiving means for receiving a setting of a color verification specification relating to verification of color accuracy; and determining whether a tolerance value set in the received color verification specification is within a tolerance range, and registering the color verification specification if the tolerance value is within the tolerance range. (Configuration 2) 2. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the determining means registers the color verification specifications if the tolerance set in the received color verification specifications is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. (Configuration 3) The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the determination means acquires color values ​​corresponding to a verification chart used in verifying color accuracy by simulation, and if the color difference between the color values ​​corresponding to the acquired verification chart and the target color value is equal to or less than the tolerance set in the accepted color verification specification, registers the color verification specification. (Configuration 4) 4. The information processing apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the determining means acquires color values ​​corresponding to the verification chart through a simulation using a profile. (Configuration 5) The information processing device described in configuration 3 or 4, characterized in that the determination means acquires color values ​​corresponding to the verification chart through a simulation using an upper density limit value and a lower density limit value of at least one of density fluctuation and in-plane unevenness in the image forming device. (Configuration 6) 6. The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the determination means performs control to issue an error notification if the tolerance value set in the received color verification specifications is outside the tolerance range. (Configuration 7) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the determination means performs control to limit the range of values ​​when setting the tolerance based on the received color verification specifications and a predetermined tolerance range. (Configuration 8) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the determination means registers the color verification specifications if the tolerance value set in the received color verification specifications does not exceed the color conversion accuracy of the image forming device. (Configuration 9) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the determination means registers the color verification specifications if the tolerance value set in the received color verification specifications does not exceed the calibration accuracy of the image forming device. (Configuration 10) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the determination means determines, at a set timing, whether or not the tolerance set in the registered color verification specifications is within the tolerance range. (Configuration 11) The information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the determination means determines whether or not the tolerance set in the registered color verification specifications is within the tolerance range when a consumable item is replaced or calibration is performed. (Method 1) 1. A method for controlling an information processing device for verifying color accuracy of an image forming device by measuring color patches arranged on a chart printed out from the image forming device, the method comprising: a receiving step of receiving a setting of color verification specifications related to verification of color accuracy; a determination step of determining whether a tolerance value set in the received color verification specification is within a tolerance range, and registering the color verification specification if the set tolerance value is within the tolerance range. (Program 1) a computer of an information processing device for measuring color patches arranged on a chart printed out from an image forming device and verifying color accuracy of the image forming device; a receiving step of receiving a setting of color verification specifications related to verification of color accuracy; a determination step of determining whether or not a tolerance value set in the received color verification specification is within a tolerance range, and registering the color verification specification if the set tolerance value is within the tolerance range. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100: Color verification device 110: Control device 120: Monitor 130a to 130c: Printer 150a to 150c: Measuring instrument 160: Network 401: Color verification specification registration unit 402: UI control unit 403: Measurement job generation unit 404: Color verification specification determination unit 405: Colorimetry control unit 406: Verification processing unit 407: Setting processing unit

Claims

1. 1. An information processing device for measuring color patches arranged on a chart printed out from an image forming device, and verifying color accuracy of the image forming device, comprising: a receiving means for receiving a setting of a color verification specification relating to verification of color accuracy; and determining whether a tolerance value set in the received color verification specification is within a tolerance range, and registering the color verification specification if the tolerance value is within the tolerance range.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit registers the color verification specifications if the tolerance set in the received color verification specifications is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means acquires color values ​​corresponding to a verification chart used in verifying color accuracy through simulation, and if the color difference between the color values ​​corresponding to the acquired verification chart and the target color value is equal to or less than the tolerance set in the accepted color verification specification, registers the color verification specification.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determining means acquires color values ​​corresponding to the verification chart through a simulation using a profile.

5. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determining unit acquires color values ​​corresponding to the verification chart through a simulation using upper and lower density limits of at least one of density fluctuation and in-plane unevenness in the image forming apparatus.

6. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means performs control to issue an error notification if the tolerance value set in the received color verification specification is outside the tolerance range.

7. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means controls to limit a range of values ​​when setting the tolerance based on the received color verification specification and a predetermined tolerance range.

8. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said determining means registers the color verification specifications if a tolerance set in the received color verification specifications does not exceed the color conversion accuracy of the image forming apparatus.

9. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit registers the color verification specifications if a tolerance set in the received color verification specifications does not exceed the calibration accuracy of the image forming apparatus.

10. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines, at a set timing, whether or not a tolerance set in the registered color verification specifications is within the tolerance range.

11. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether a tolerance set in the registered color verification specifications is within the tolerance range when a consumable item is replaced or calibration is performed.

12. 1. A method for controlling an information processing device for verifying color accuracy of an image forming device by measuring color patches arranged on a chart printed out from the image forming device, the method comprising: a receiving step of receiving a setting of color verification specifications related to verification of color accuracy; a determination step of determining whether a tolerance value set in the received color verification specification is within a tolerance range, and registering the color verification specification if the set tolerance value is within the tolerance range.

13. a computer of an information processing device for measuring color patches arranged on a chart printed out from an image forming device and verifying color accuracy of the image forming device; a receiving step of receiving a setting of color verification specifications related to verification of color accuracy; a determination step of determining whether or not a tolerance value set in the received color verification specification is within a tolerance range, and registering the color verification specification if the set tolerance value is within the tolerance range.

Images