Information processing device, its control method, and program

Abstract

To allow users to easily determine whether or not a particular measuring instrument or chart is suitable for printer color verification. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present disclosure is an information processing device for verifying the color of a printer by measuring the color patches arranged on a chart printed out from a printer, and comprises a receiving means for receiving a selection of a measuring instrument for measuring the color patches from a plurality of measuring instruments available for the color verification from a user, and a display means for displaying candidates for a chart, wherein the display means displays, based on the configuration of the chart and the selected measuring instrument, candidates for a chart whose configuration cannot be measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state in which the user cannot select, and candidates for a chart whose configuration can be measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state in which the user can select.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for verifying the color accuracy of a printer.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in commercial color printers, color management is regularly performed to ensure a certain color reproducibility. Color management is performed by comparing the target color defined by standards such as ISO (target color) with the color actually printed by the printer (printed color) and checking that the color accuracy meets the acceptance criteria. If the color accuracy does not meet the acceptance criteria, in order to improve the color accuracy, it is necessary to recreate the print profile or perform correction processing using the color correction function of the printer, but these are time-consuming operations, so it is required to perform them efficiently. In this regard, a technique has been proposed in which the verification of the color accuracy (color verification) of a printer is performed at multiple printing times, the execution cycle of the correction work is determined based on the verification results, and the history of the verification results is displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In color verification, when obtaining print colors, a chart with color patches corresponding to the target color is printed using a printer, and the color value of each color patch is measured using a measuring instrument. However, if the size or number of color patches does not match the specifications of the measuring instrument, measurement cannot be performed. Therefore, generally, a standard chart defined by ISO or other standards that meets the specifications of the measuring instrument being used is used. However, there are cases where the measuring instrument used for measurement changes, or where a user wants to perform color verification using a custom chart they have defined themselves. In these cases, the user had to confirm for themselves whether the measuring instrument they wanted to use was compatible with the standard chart, or whether the custom chart met the specifications of the measuring instrument. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device relating to this disclosure is an information processing device for verifying the color of a printer by measuring the color of color patches arranged on a chart printed out from a printer, and comprises: a receiving means for receiving a selection of a measuring instrument for measuring the color of the color patches from a plurality of measuring instruments available for the color verification, and a display means for displaying candidate charts, wherein the display means displays candidate charts with configurations that cannot be measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state where the user cannot select them, and displays candidate charts with configurations that can be measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state where the user can select them, based on the configuration of the chart and the selected measuring instrument. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The technology disclosed herein makes it easy to determine whether or not measuring instruments and charts necessary for printer color verification can be used. This improves user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the color verification system. [Figure 2](a) is a diagram showing an example of a chart, (b) is a diagram showing an example of target color values ​​for a patch, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of colorimetric data. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the color verification device and control device. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the main functional configuration of a color verification device. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram showing the processing flow in a color verification system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the main menu screen, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the chart registration screen, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the chart input screen. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a printer selection screen, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a measuring instrument selection screen, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a chart selection screen. [Figure 8] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a color verification settings screen, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a report results screen. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing examples of UI screens that indicate the reason why a chart cannot be selected, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen that indicates the reason why a measuring instrument cannot be selected. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the flow of the color measurement feasibility determination process according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the details of the specification compliance determination process. [Figure 12] A sequence diagram showing the processing flow in a color verification system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing the flow of the color measurement feasibility determination process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the details of the chart configuration suitability determination process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out 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, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the color verification system according to the present embodiment. When verifying color accuracy, first, a predetermined chart is printed and output from the target printer. Next, the color patches on the printed chart are color-measured, and the obtained color-measurement data is transmitted to the color verification device 100. Then, the color verification device 100 checks the deviation (color accuracy) between the printed color and the target color. Note that the color patches arranged on the chart are also called color samples or color specimens, and are simply referred to as "patches" in this specification.

[0010] In the color verification system shown in FIG. 1, the color verification device 100 and bases 1 to 3 are connected by a network 160. Base 1 includes a control device 110, a monitor 120, printers 1 to 3 (130a to 130c), and measuring instruments 1 to 3 (150a to 150c). Also, bases 2 and 3 each include a control device, a monitor, a printer, and a measuring instrument. Hereinafter, the relationship between base 1 and the color verification device 100 will be described as an example.

[0011] The color verification device 100 compares a predefined target color (target color) with the color when actually printed by the printer (printed color), and verifies whether the color accuracy meets the pass criteria. The color verification device 100 is communicably connected to the control device 110 via the network 160.

[0012] The control device 110 is communicably connected to printers 130a to 130c within base 1 via a communication network such as an intranet, etc., and in addition to giving a print instruction to each printer, it also performs unified management of the color accuracy of each printer. Also, in the print instruction, for example, it receives a print job from a client terminal (not shown), divides the print job into predetermined units (for example, unit of part or unit of page), and can distribute and give a print instruction to a plurality of printers. The print job includes a PDL data part that describes drawing instructions of objects of each attribute such as text, graphics, and photographs in page units, and print setting information that specifies print conditions such as paper size, type, double-sided / single-sided printing, etc. By distributing and giving a print instruction of one print job to a plurality of printers, the printing required time and the printing waiting time can be shortened.

[0013] The monitor 220 is connected to the control device 110 and displays various user interface screens (UI screens).

[0014] Printers 1 to 3 (130a to 130c) print a color image on paper based on a print job from the control device 110, for example, using an electrophotographic process technology. Printers 1 to 3 may be monochrome printers or may be printers based on other image forming technologies such as inkjet. Also, printers 1 to 3 may be multifunction devices having a copy function and a FAX function in addition to the print function.

[0015] Measuring instruments 1 to 3 (150a to 150c) are spectrophotometers that measure the color value of an object based on the reflectance or transmittance of visible light having a wavelength of about 400 nm to 700 nm. Measuring instruments 1 to 3 are prepared, for example, for each base, and the wavelengths obtained for each patch of the chart printed and output from printers 1 to 3 are, for example, L * a * b *The values ​​are converted to values ​​in a color space or XYZ color space to obtain color measurement data. Figure 2(a) is 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 1 to 3 may be portable (handheld type) or inline type integrated into printers 1 to 3. In the case of portable measuring instruments, they are connected to the control device 110 by means of, for example, USB, and measure the color values ​​of each patch on the chart printed from the target printer to obtain color measurement data as shown in Figure 2(c). The acquired color measurement data is transmitted to the color verification device 100 via the control device 110. Alternatively, if the color verification device 100 is installed at one of the locations 1 to 3, the color verification device 100 and the measuring instruments may be directly connected, allowing the color verification device 100 to acquire color measurement data without going through the control device 110.

[0016] Network 160 can be, for example, a local area network (LAN), the internet, or an intranet, and can be either wired or wireless.

[0017] Locations 1-3 (170a-170c) correspond to the locations of printing companies where printers are installed. For example, Location 1 might be a printing facility in Tokyo, Location 2 in Osaka, and Location 3 in Fukuoka.

[0018] Note that the color verification system configuration shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and the number of locations and the configuration of equipment within each location can be changed as appropriate. For example, the color verification device 100 can be directly connected to the control device 110 and measuring instruments 1-3 via a communication network such as an intranet, and the configuration can be used to manage the color accuracy of multiple printers 1-3. Alternatively, for example, an information processing device equipped with the functions of both the color verification device 100 and the control device 110 can be provided at each location, and this information processing device can manage the color accuracy of multiple printers within that location.

[0019] [Hardware configuration of color verification device / control device] The color verification device 100 and control device 110 described above are both information processing devices, and can be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose notebook / desktop personal computer or tablet terminal. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the color verification device 100 / control device 110, and includes a CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, HDD 104, display unit 105, operation unit 106, network I / F 107, and external device I / F 108. The parts 101 to 108 shown in Figure 3 are interconnected via a system bus 109.

[0020] The CPU 101 is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the entire device and executes the image processing described later based on the program stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory that stores boot programs, processing programs, character data, character code information, etc. The RAM 103 is a random access memory and is used as work memory when the CPU 101 executes various programs. It is also used as a data storage area for image files received from the network I / F 109. The HDD 104 is used to store the results of arithmetic processing performed by the CPU 101, various programs, various information files, etc. The display unit 105 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays a user interface screen for making various settings and checking the device status. The operation unit 106 is composed of a keyboard and buttons and is used by the user to input various setting values ​​and resets, etc. The network I / F 107 is an interface for connecting the device to the network 160. Through this network I / F 107, the color verification device 110 and the control device 110 can send and receive various information with external devices, respectively.

[0021] External device I / F108 is an interface for connecting external devices such as measuring instruments 1-3 via a communication bus such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0022] <Software configuration of color verification device> Next, the software configuration of the color verification device 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the color verification device 100 according to this embodiment. The color verification device 100 includes a chart registration unit 401, a UI control unit 402, a data acquisition unit 403, a color measurement and determination unit 404, a verification processing unit 405, and a setting processing unit 406. Each of these functional units is realized by the CPU 101 executing a predetermined program. Each functional unit will be described below.

[0023] The chart registration unit 401 registers charts of various colors, each containing patches corresponding to a target color value, for each type. Specifically, it associates image data of the chart to be registered with information indicating the chart's configuration, such as the number and size of patches (chart configuration information), assigns a uniquely identifiable ID to the chart, and saves it to the HDD 104. As mentioned above, charts are broadly divided into default charts that conform to standards such as those of the International Standards Organization (IOC), and custom charts defined by the user. Default charts are registered in advance, for example, when installing a color verification program, prior to the start of use. Custom charts are registered at any time based on user input via the operation unit 106.

[0024] The UI control unit 402 controls the display of a user interface 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 commands to start various processes. The user interface screen that is displayed will be described later.

[0025] The data acquisition unit 402 acquires various information and data to be used by the colorimetric determination unit 404 and the verification processing unit 405, which will be described later.

[0026] The colorimetric determination unit 404 determines whether the color values ​​of each patch on the chart can be measured without problems by the measuring instrument, based on chart configuration information indicating the structure of the chart and specification information indicating the specifications of the measuring instrument. In this embodiment, it determines whether each chart conforms to the specifications of the measuring instrument selected by the user.

[0027] The verification processing unit 405 uses the color measurement data received from the measuring instrument to perform a verification process to determine whether the color accuracy of the target printer meets the acceptance criteria.

[0028] The configuration processing unit 406 sets various parameters related to the verification process based on user selections made via a predetermined user interface screen.

[0029] <Overall system processing flow> Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow in the color verification system according to this embodiment. Below, the overall processing flow of the color verification system will be explained following the sequence diagram in Figure 5, using the case where the color accuracy of printer 1 is verified using a custom chart defined by the user as an example. In the following explanation, the symbol "S" represents a step.

[0030] Processes S501 through S510 are all performed in the color verification device 100. First, the chart registration unit 401 registers a custom chart based on user input (S501). When a user who wants to register a custom chart presses the chart registration button 601 on the main menu screen shown in Figure 6(a), the user transitions to the chart registration screen shown in Figure 6(b). These UI screens are controlled by the UI control unit 402. "Chart 1" and "Chart 2" in the display area 603 of the chart registration screen in Figure 6(b) are pre-registered standard charts defined by ISO and other standards. When a user presses the chart input button 604, the user transitions to the chart input screen shown in Figure 6(c). On the chart input screen in Figure 6(c), the user inputs various information necessary for registering 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 in the corresponding input fields 605 to 608. Furthermore, the upload button 609 allows you to upload image data for custom charts. Chart images are created in file formats such as TIFF, PDF, and JPEG.

[0031] When a user who has finished entering the necessary information for the custom chart and uploading the chart image returns to the main menu screen in Figure 6(a) and presses the color verification button 602, color verification begins (S502).

[0032] First, the data acquisition unit 403 acquires a list of printers 1 to 3 managed by the control device 110, and information indicating the status of each printer (hereinafter referred to as "printer status information") (S503). Here, the printer status information includes information such as power status (ON / OFF), whether there is a malfunction, and the processing status of the print job (printing / waiting). This printer status information is acquired and maintained by the control device 110 by periodically accessing printers 1 to 3. The list of printers and the printer status information for each printer will be collectively referred to as "printer information".

[0033] After acquiring printer information, the next step is to accept the selection of the printer to be color-verified (hereinafter referred to as the "target printer") (S504). Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 105, and the setting processing unit 406 sets the printer related to the selection (in this case, printer 1) as the target printer. Figure 7(a) shows the printer selection screen when the user selects the target printer. In the display area 701 of the printer selection screen, a list of printers that may be subject to processing (in this case, printers 1 to 3) is displayed according to the printer information acquired in S503. At this time, based on the printer status information, a display process is performed to indicate whether the printer is in a printable state or not, for example, printers that are in a printable state are grayed out. In the printer selection screen of Figure 7(a), only printer 2 is grayed out, indicating that printer 2 is in a printable state.

[0034] Following the selection of the target printer, the data acquisition unit 403 acquires a list of measuring instruments 1 to 3 managed by the control device 110, along with specification information for each measuring instrument and information indicating the status of each measuring instrument (hereinafter referred to as "measuring instrument status information") (S505). Here, the specification information is information indicating the specifications of each measuring instrument, such as the compatible paper size, minimum patch size, and minimum / maximum number of patches per sheet of paper (per page). In addition, for measuring instruments with accessories, the specification information also includes differences in specifications depending on the presence or absence of accessories. Here, accessories refer to measuring rulers, automatic paper feed units, etc. A measuring ruler is a device that assists the sliding motion during measurement, enabling stable color measurement in handheld measuring instruments. A sensor installed on the back of the measuring instrument detects the stripe pattern of the measuring ruler, allowing the user to detect the direction in which they are measuring (measuring from left to right, or from right to left, etc.). The automatic paper feed unit is a device that automatically takes in charts printed from the printer into the measuring instrument, enabling continuous color measurement. The usage conditions (e.g., compatible paper sizes and minimum patch sizes) may change depending on whether these accessories are used. The instrument status information includes information such as power status (ON / OFF) and connection status. The control device 110 is assumed to have acquired and retained the specification information and instrument status information by accessing instruments 1-3 in advance or periodically. The list of instruments, along with the specification information and instrument status information for each instrument, will be collectively referred to as "instrument information."

[0035] After acquiring the instrument information, the next step is to accept the selection of the instrument to be used to measure the color values ​​of the chart (S506). Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 105, and the setting processing unit 406 sets the selected instrument as the instrument to be used for chart measurement. Figure 7(b) shows the instrument selection screen when the user selects an instrument. The instrument selection screen has two display areas. Display area 702 displays a list of buttons corresponding to candidate instruments according to the instrument information acquired in S505. At this time, based on the instrument status information, buttons for instruments that are unavailable are grayed out so that it is clear whether they are available or unavailable, similar to the printer selection screen described above. Display area 703 displays buttons to specify whether to use accessories if the selected instrument corresponds to an accessory.

[0036] Following the selection of the measuring instrument, the data acquisition unit 403 acquires a list of registered charts (pre-registered default charts and custom charts registered by the user in S501) and the chart configuration information described above, which shows the configuration of each chart (S507). The list of registered charts and the chart configuration information for each chart will be collectively referred to as "chart information".

[0037] Upon acquiring chart information, the colorimetric determination unit 404 performs a process to determine, for each chart included in the chart list, whether or not color measurement of the patches on the chart is possible using the measuring instrument selected in S506 (S508). Details of this measuring instrument-based colorimetric feasibility determination process will be described later.

[0038] Once the color measurement feasibility determination process is complete, a process is performed to accept the selection of a chart to be used for color verification from among the charts that have been determined to be compatible with the specifications of the selected measuring instrument and usable (S509). Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 105, and the setting processing unit 406 sets the selected chart as the chart to be used for color verification. Figure 7(c) shows the chart selection screen when the user selects a chart to use. Registered charts are listed in the display area 704 of the chart selection screen. At this time, based on the result of the determination process in S508, display processing is performed so that the user can see whether the chart is compatible with the specifications of the measuring instrument selected by the user or not, for example, by graying out charts that are not compatible. In the chart selection screen of Figure 7(c), chart 2 is grayed out, indicating that it is a chart that is not compatible with the specifications of the selected measuring instrument and cannot be used. Alternatively, instead of (or in conjunction with) the grayed-out display, a UI screen showing the reason why a chart cannot be selected, such as shown in Figure 9(a), may be displayed as a pop-up when the mouse hovers over the corresponding button. At this point, it may be indicated which of the selected measuring instrument's specifications (usage conditions) are not met. Alternatively, information to adapt the chart to the selected measuring instrument's specifications may be displayed, for example, as shown in the UI screen in Figure 9(b). Furthermore, guidance on the measurement direction (scan direction) may be displayed based on information such as whether accessories are being used and the user's dominant hand. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the "Custom A" chart has been selected.

[0039] Once the target printer and the measuring instrument and chart to be used for color verification are determined, image data of the chart is provided to the target printer. In this embodiment, the determined chart image data is first transmitted to the control device 110 via the network I / F 107 (S510). The control device 110 then sends a print job for the chart to the target printer based on the received image data (S511). The target printer, upon receiving the print job, performs the printing process based on the print job and outputs the chart (S512).

[0040] Next, the control device 110 prompts the user to measure the color of the chart printed from the target printer (S513). Specifically, it displays a guidance screen as shown in Figure 8(a) to prompt the user to set the printed chart on the measuring instrument. When the user sets the chart and instructs the start of measurement, the selected measuring instrument (in this case, measuring instrument 1) measures the color value of each patch on the chart (S514). After the measurement is complete, the selected measuring instrument transmits the obtained color measurement data to the control device 110 (S515). The control device 110, having received the color measurement data from the selected measuring instrument, transfers the color measurement data to the color verification device 100 (S516).

[0041] Upon receiving the color measurement data, the color verification device 100 performs a verification processing unit 405 to verify the color accuracy of the target printer using the color measurement data (S517). The specific verification procedure is as follows.

[0042] First, the verification data is read from HDD104. Here, the verification data consists of data such as the target color values ​​and verification items for each patch in the chart used. Verification items include, for example, the average value of the color difference ΔE for each patch, the maximum value of the color difference ΔE, and the color difference ΔE of the primary colors (CMYK), and tolerance values ​​are set according to each verification item. Figure 8(b) shows the color verification settings screen for setting tolerance values ​​according to the verification items. The user sets the tolerance values ​​according to the verification items in advance through such a UI screen. Here, the color difference ΔE is L * a* b * This is the straight-line distance between the target color value in the color space and the color value (measured value) indicated by the colorimetric data, and can be calculated, for example, using the following formula (1).

[0043]

number

[0044] Let's assume that tolerance values ​​for color difference are set for each verification item, as shown in the color verification settings screen in Figure 8(b). 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) is within ±5.0, it will pass (OK). If any of the verification items exceed the tolerance value, it will fail (NG).

[0045] The UI control unit 402 then displays the verification results on the display unit 105 (S518). Figure 8(c) shows the report results screen displaying the verification results. As shown in Figure 8(c), the average value, maximum value, and primary color (CMYK) color difference for each patch are displayed, along with the pass / fail (OK / NG) result for each verification item. This report results screen allows the user to understand the color variation status of the target printer. If the verification result is unsuccessful (NG), the printer's color variation can be suppressed to within specifications by recreating the print profile or performing correction work using the printer's color correction function.

[0046] The above describes the overall processing flow in the color verification system according to this embodiment. The control device 110 may, in conjunction with a display prompting the user to measure the color of the chart, issue a preparation instruction to the selected measuring instrument and perform calibration before the start of measurement.

[0047] <Color measurement feasibility determination process> Next, the color measurement feasibility determination process (S508) based on the measuring instrument will be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 10 are realized when the CPU 101 of the color verification device 100 loads the program corresponding to the color measurement determination unit 404 from the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executes it. In the following explanation, the symbol "S" means step.

[0048] In S1001, the specifications of the measuring instrument selected by the user (in this case, measuring instrument 1) are read from HDD104, etc. Let's assume that the specifications of measuring instrument 1 are as shown in Table 1 below.

[0049] [Table 1]

[0050] In the next step, S1002, the contents of the chart information acquired in S507, namely the list of registered charts and the chart configuration information of each chart included in that list, are read from HDD104 or the like.

[0051] In the subsequent S1003, for each chart in the chart list read in S1002, it is determined whether or not it conforms to the specifications of the selected measuring instrument, measuring instrument 1, based on the read specification information and chart configuration information. If it conforms, it is deemed usable for color measurement; otherwise, it is deemed unusable for color measurement. Details of this determination process (hereinafter referred to as the "specification conformance determination process") will be described later.

[0052] The above describes the process for determining whether color measurement is possible or not based on the measuring instrument standard in S508.

[0053] ≪Specification compliance determination process≫ Figure 11 is a flowchart detailing the specification compliance determination process, which determines whether a chart conforms to the specifications of a selected measuring instrument. This determination process selects a chart of interest from the list of charts and is executed on a chart-by-chart basis. Now, assuming that Custom A has been selected as the chart of interest and the contents of Table 2 below have been read as its chart configuration information, the details of the specification compliance determination process will be explained following the flowchart in Figure 11.

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] ≪Specification compliance determination process≫ In S1101, it is determined whether the paper width, length, and thickness of the chart of interest meet the paper conditions specified in the specifications of the selected measuring instrument. If all paper conditions are met, the process proceeds to S1102; otherwise, it proceeds to S1105. For Custom A, the paper size is "A4", the paper type is "plain paper", the paper width is 210 mm, the paper length is 297 mm, and the paper thickness is 0.09 mm. The conditions specified in the specifications of measuring instrument 1 are that the paper width is within the range of 45-330 mm, the paper length is within the range of 170-1500 mm, and the paper thickness is within the range of 0.05-0.45 mm. In this case, since the paper width, length, and thickness all meet the conditions, the process proceeds to S1102.

[0056] In S1102, it is determined whether the patch size of the chart of interest meets the patch size requirement (minimum patch size) specified in the specifications of the selected measuring instrument. If the patch size requirement is met, the process proceeds to S1103; otherwise, it proceeds to S1105. Currently, the patch size of Custom A is 10x10mm. The minimum patch size of measuring instrument 1 is 6x6mm. In this case, the patch size requirement is met, so the process proceeds to S1103.

[0057] In S1103, it is determined whether the number of patches in the chart of interest meets the patch count condition (maximum number of patches) specified in the specifications of the selected measuring instrument. If the patch count condition is met, the process proceeds to S1104; otherwise, it proceeds to S1105. Currently, the number of patches in Custom A is 32 × 23 = 736. The maximum number of patches for measuring instrument 1 is 1394. In this case, the patch count condition is met, so the process proceeds to S1104.

[0058] In S1104, it is determined that the chart of interest conforms to the specifications of the selected measuring instrument and can be used for color measurement, and the process proceeds to S1106. On the other hand, in S1105, it is determined that the chart of interest does not conform to the specifications of the selected measuring instrument and cannot be used for color measurement, and the process proceeds to S1106.

[0059] In S1106, it is determined whether all charts included in the chart list have been processed. If there are any unprocessed charts, the process returns to S1101 to determine the next chart of interest and continues processing. On the other hand, if all charts have been processed, the process is exited.

[0060] The above describes the specification compliance determination process. In addition to the conditions S1101 to S1103 described above, the measurement conditions of the selected measuring instrument may also be considered. For example, the setting values ​​of M0, M1, and M2, lighting conditions (D50 or D65), and density conditions (STATUS-A, STATUS-T, etc.) when measuring paper containing a fluorescent whitening agent may be added as determination factors to determine whether the current colorimetric environment meets these conditions. In this case, the user may be asked to input information about the colorimetric environment corresponding to the above measurement conditions separately or in advance.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, charts that meet the specifications of the measuring instrument selected by the user are automatically displayed when a chart is selected from among the pre-registered charts. As a result, even when a user uses a custom-defined chart, they do not need to verify whether it meets the specifications of the measuring instrument.

[0062] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, a list of charts that met the specifications of a selected measuring instrument was displayed, and the desired chart was selected from the list. In other words, the measuring instrument was determined first, and the chart was restricted based on that instrument. However, restricting the chart makes it difficult to handle use cases such as when a custom chart is absolutely necessary for color verification. Therefore, Embodiment 2 describes an embodiment in which the chart is determined first, and the measuring instrument is restricted based on that chart. Note that the explanation of the basic configuration of the color verification system, which is the same as in Embodiment 1, will be omitted.

[0063] <Overall system processing flow> Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow in the color verification system according to this embodiment. Below, the overall processing flow of the color verification system in this embodiment will be explained following the sequence diagram in Figure 12, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0064] The process from registering the custom chart (S1201) to receiving the selection of the target printer (S1204) is the same as in Embodiment 1 (corresponding to S501 to S504 in the sequence diagram in Figure 5), so the explanation is omitted.

[0065] Following the selection of the target printer, the data acquisition unit 403 acquires chart information consisting of a list of registered charts and chart configuration information for each chart included in the list (S1205). This process corresponds to process S507 in the sequence diagram of Figure 5.

[0066] After acquiring chart information, the next step is to accept the selection of the chart to be used for color verification (S1206). Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 105, and the setting processing unit 406 sets the selected chart as the chart to be used for color verification. This process corresponds to S509 in the sequence diagram of Figure 5, but differs from Embodiment 1 in that all registered charts are displayed for user selection.

[0067] Following the selection of the chart, the data acquisition unit 403 acquires instrument information consisting of a list of measuring instruments 1 to 3 managed by the control device 110, as well as the specifications and status information of each measuring instrument (S1207). This process corresponds to S505 in the sequence diagram of Figure 5.

[0068] Upon acquiring the measuring instrument information, the colorimetric determination unit 404 performs a process to determine, for each measuring instrument included in the measuring instrument list, whether or not color measurement of the patches on the chart is possible when using the chart selected in S1206 (S1208). Details of this chart-based colorimetric feasibility determination process will be described later.

[0069] Once the color measurement feasibility determination process is complete, a process is performed to accept the selection of a measuring instrument to be used for color measurement from among the measuring instruments determined to have the specifications to measure the color of the selected chart patches (1209). Specifically, the UI control unit 402 accepts the user's selection via the UI screen displayed on the display unit 105, and the setting processing unit 406 sets the measuring instrument related to the selection as the measuring instrument to be used for color measurement. At this time, on the measuring instrument selection screen, the available measuring instruments are displayed in a list based on the results of the color measurement feasibility determination process described later. That is, measuring instruments that do not match the selected chart are displayed in a way such as being grayed out. In addition, the feasibility of selecting accessories is also displayed in a similar way based on the results of the chart configuration determination process described later. As in Embodiment 1, instead of (or in conjunction with) the grayed-out display, a UI screen showing the reason why selection is not possible and / or the conditions for making measurement possible, such as shown in Figure 9(c), may be displayed. In addition to patch size, information related to the necessity of accessories, such as whether multiple measurements are required by switching measurement lighting conditions, whether a sensor for the measurement ruler is supported, and whether the minimum number of patches and scannable area conditions are met, may also be displayed.

[0070] The subsequent steps from the transmission of the chart image (S1210) to the display of the verification results (S1218) are the same as in Embodiment 1 (corresponding to S510 to S518 in the sequence diagram of Figure 5), so the explanation will be omitted.

[0071] <Color measurement feasibility determination process> Next, the color measurement feasibility determination process (S1208) based on the chart will be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart in Figure 13. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 13 are realized when the CPU 101 of the color verification device 100 loads the program corresponding to the color measurement determination unit 404 from the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and executes it. In the following explanation, the symbol "S" means step.

[0072] In S1301, the chart configuration information of the chart selected by the user is read from HDD104, etc. Let's assume that the chart configuration information shown in Table 3 below has been read.

[0073] [Table 3]

[0074] In the next step, S1302, the contents of the measuring instrument information acquired in S1207, namely the list of measuring instruments and the specifications of each measuring instrument included in that list, are read from HDD104 or the like.

[0075] In the subsequent S1303, it is determined whether each measuring instrument included in the list of measuring instruments read in S1302 is compatible with the chart configuration of the selected chart, Custom B, based on the read chart configuration information and specification information. If compatible, it is determined that it can be used for color measurement; otherwise, it is determined that it cannot be used for color measurement. Details of this determination process (hereinafter referred to as the "chart configuration compatibility determination process") will be described later.

[0076] The above describes the process for determining whether color measurement is possible based on the chart in S1208.

[0077] ≪Chart Configuration Compatibility Determination Process≫ Figure 14 is a flowchart detailing the chart configuration compatibility determination process, which determines whether a measuring instrument is compatible with the chart configuration of a selected chart. This determination process selects a measuring instrument of interest from the list of measuring instruments and is executed on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Let's assume that measuring instrument 2 has been selected as the instrument of interest, and that the contents of Table 4 below have been read as its specification information. We will now explain the details of the chart configuration compatibility determination process following the flowchart in Figure 14.

[0078] [Table 4]

[0079] In S1401, it is determined whether or not the measuring instrument of interest has any accessories. If accessories exist, the process proceeds to S1402; otherwise, it proceeds to S1404. In the case of measuring instrument 2, as shown in Table 4 above, a measuring ruler exists as an accessory, so the process proceeds to S1402.

[0080] In S1402, it is determined whether the specifications of the measuring instrument with accessories (paper width, paper length, paper thickness, minimum patch size, number of patches per sheet (page), etc.) match the selected chart. If they match, the process proceeds to S1405; otherwise, it proceeds to S1403. Then, in S1403, it is determined whether the specifications of the measuring instrument without accessories (paper width, paper length, paper thickness, minimum patch size, number of patches per sheet, etc.) match the selected chart. If they match, the process proceeds to S1405; otherwise, it proceeds to S1406. As shown in Table 3, Custom B matches the specifications of measuring instrument 2 with a measuring ruler, so the process proceeds to S1405.

[0081] In S1404, it is determined whether the specifications of the measuring instrument of interest (paper width, paper length, paper thickness, minimum patch size, number of patches per sheet of paper, etc.) match the selected chart. If they match, the process proceeds to S1405; otherwise, it proceeds to S1406.

[0082] In S1405, the focus measuring instrument is determined to be usable for color measurement of the selected chart, and the determination result is saved to HDD104 or similar. If the focus measuring instrument has any accessories, the determination result is saved in association with whether or not the accessories are present. In S1406, the focus measuring instrument is determined to be unusable for color measurement of the selected chart, and the determination result is saved to HDD104 or similar. If the focus measuring instrument has any accessories, the determination result is saved in association with whether or not the accessories are present.

[0083] In S1407, it is determined whether all measuring instruments included in the list of measuring instruments have been processed. If there are any unprocessed measuring instruments, the process returns to S1401 to determine the next measuring instrument of interest and continues processing. On the other hand, if all measuring instruments have been processed, this process is terminated.

[0084] The above describes the chart configuration adaptation process.

[0085] <Variation> In this embodiment, a measuring instrument selection screen is displayed on the display unit 105 based on the results of a color measurement feasibility determination process using the selected chart, and the user can select the measuring instrument to be used. However, after accepting the user's selection of the desired measuring instrument, a color measurement feasibility determination process may be performed on the selected measuring instrument, and if it does not match the configuration of the selected chart, the user may be forced to make it match. For example, control may be performed to switch from "not used" to "used" for an accessory.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, measuring instruments that match the configuration of the chart selected by the user are automatically displayed. This eliminates the need for the user to manually verify whether a custom-defined chart meets the specifications of the measuring instrument, even when using a custom-defined chart, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0087] (Other examples) This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

Claims

1. An information processing device for measuring the color of color patches placed on a chart printed from a printer and verifying the color of the printer, A receiving means for receiving a selection from the user for a measuring instrument to measure the color of the color patch from among a plurality of measuring instruments available for color verification, It has a display means for displaying chart candidates, The display means, based on the chart configuration and the selected measuring instrument, displays candidate charts with configurations that cannot be color-measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state where the user cannot select them, and displays candidate charts with configurations that can be color-measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state where the user can select them. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means displays the chart in a state where the user can select it if the size or number of the color patches arranged on the chart is compatible with the selected measuring instrument, and displays the chart in a state where the user cannot select it if it is not compatible.

3. The system further includes a registration means for registering chart image data and information indicating the structure of the chart in association with the user's instructions. The display means displays, among the charts registered by the registration means, the candidate charts whose configurations cannot be measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state where the user cannot select them, and displays the candidate charts whose configurations can be measured by the selected measuring instrument in a state where the user can select them. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the registration means registers image data of a chart created by the user in association with information indicating the structure of the chart.

5. The system further includes a transmission means for transmitting image data of a chart selected by the user from the displayed candidates, The chart based on the transmitted image data is printed by the printer, and the color patches placed on the printed chart are measured by the selected measuring instrument. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The display means displays on the screen a selection of candidate charts that can be color-measured by the selected measuring instrument, allowing the user to select one. The reception means accepts the selection of the chart via the screen. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the display means displays on the screen the reason why the user cannot select a chart whose configuration cannot be measured by the selected measuring instrument.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the display means displays on the screen information for adapting a chart to the specifications of the selected measuring instrument for a chart whose configuration cannot be measured by the selected measuring instrument.

9. An information processing device for measuring the color of color patches placed on a chart printed from a printer and verifying the color of the printer, A receiving means for receiving the selection of the chart for color verification from the user, It has a display means for displaying candidates for measuring instruments, The display means, based on the configuration of the selected chart and the measuring instrument used to measure the color patches, displays candidate measuring instruments that cannot measure the color patches arranged on the selected chart in a state where the user cannot select them, and displays candidate measuring instruments that can measure the color patches arranged on the selected chart in a state where the user can select them. An information processing device characterized by the following:

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the display means displays the measuring instrument in a state where the user can select it if the measuring instrument is compatible with the configuration of the selected chart, and displays the measuring instrument in a state where the user cannot select it if it is not compatible.

11. The system further includes a means for obtaining a list of measuring instruments that can be used for the color measurement and information on each measuring instrument included in the list. The display means displays, among the measuring instruments from which the information has been acquired, the candidates for measuring instruments that cannot measure the color patches placed on the selected chart in a state where the user cannot select them, and the candidates for measuring instruments that can measure the color patches placed on the selected chart in a state where the user can select them. The information processing apparatus according to feature 9.

12. The system further includes a transmission means for transmitting the image data of the selected chart to the printer. The chart based on the transmitted image data is printed by the printer, and the color patches placed on the printed chart are measured by the selected measuring instrument. The information processing apparatus according to feature 10.

13. The display means displays on the screen a list of candidate measuring instruments capable of measuring the color patches arranged on the selected chart, allowing the user to select one. The reception means accepts the selection of the measuring instrument via the screen. The information processing apparatus according to feature 9.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the display means displays on the screen the reason why the user cannot select a measuring instrument that cannot measure the color patches arranged on the selected chart.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the display means displays on the screen information for adapting a measuring instrument to the configuration of the selected chart, for measuring instruments that cannot measure the color patches arranged on the selected chart.

16. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the display means displays the candidates based on the minimum patch size or the number of patches per sheet of paper that can be measured by the measuring instrument.

17. The information processing device according to claim 16, characterized in that the display means displays the candidates based on information regarding the differences depending on the presence or absence of accessories for the measuring instrument.

18. The information processing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the accessory is a measuring ruler or an automatic paper feed unit.

19. The system further includes a verification means for obtaining color measurement data from a measuring instrument that measures the color patches placed on the chart output by the printer, and for verifying the color of the printer. The display means further displays the results of the color verification. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the chart configured to be colorimetrically measured by the measuring instrument is characterized in that the size and number of the color patches conform to the specifications of the measuring instrument.

21. A control method for an information processing device that measures the color of color patches placed on a chart printed from a printer and verifies the color of the printer, A receiving process in which the user selects a measuring instrument for measuring the color of the color patch from among a plurality of measuring instruments available for color verification, The process includes a step of displaying chart candidates, In the display step, based on the chart configuration and the selected measuring instrument, candidate charts with configurations that cannot be color-measured by the selected measuring instrument are displayed in a state where the user cannot select them, and candidate charts with configurations that can be color-measured by the selected measuring instrument are displayed in a state where the user can select them. A control method characterized by the following:

22. A control method for an information processing device that measures the color of color patches placed on a chart printed from a printer and verifies the color of the printer, A receiving step of receiving the selection of the chart for performing the aforementioned color verification from the user, It includes a display step that displays candidates for measuring instruments, In the display step, based on the configuration of the selected chart and the measuring instrument used to measure the color patches, candidates for measuring instruments that cannot measure the color patches arranged on the selected chart are displayed in a state where the user cannot select them, and candidates for measuring instruments that can measure the color patches arranged on the selected chart are displayed in a state where the user can select them. A control method characterized by the following:

23. A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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