Information processing systems and information processing programs

Abstract

The objective is to provide an information processing system and program that predict information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image. [Solution] When the estimation unit 106 receives input information including information about a print job, it outputs information about the color difference between a print image formed on a printed material by the execution of the print job and a target image that is the object of printing in the print job by inputting new input information including information about a newly processed print job into a pre-trained model that has been trained in advance to output information about the color difference between a print image that may be formed by the execution of the newly processed print job and a target image that is the object of printing in the newly processed print job.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printed matter inspection system including a processor that inspects the quality of a printed matter and a display unit that displays the result of the inspection. The processor reads and executes a program to compare a printed image obtained by scanning a printed matter of a page to be inspected among the pages constituting a job with a reference image created using the rasterized data of the page to be inspected, and inspects a first defect present in the printed image at a first inspection level that is a preset initial level or a level set by the user, automatically inspects a second defect present in the printed image at a second inspection level different from the first inspection level, and displays the first defect and the second defect on the display unit so that they can be distinguished.

[0003] <0*********2>When processing a printing job, even if the settings of the printing job are the same, due to variations in the printing environment such as room temperature and humidity, the type of printing paper, and continuous printing, the color tone of the printed image formed on the printed matter varies. Due to the variation in the color tone of the printed image, the color difference between the printed image and the target image that is the object of printing in the printing job varies. When this color difference exceeds the allowable amount, an inspection NG occurs. When it becomes easy for an inspection NG to occur, waste paper is generated.

[0004] In order for the color difference not to exceed the allowable amount, in a printing factory, an operation to restore the color tone variation called calibration is regularly performed, for example, before the first printing job of the day.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] Since printing is not possible during calibration, it would be preferable from a productivity standpoint to perform calibration at the time when the color difference exceeds the acceptable limit. However, the color difference cannot be confirmed without actually printing, and it was not possible to obtain information about the color difference between the print image and the target image before printing.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing system and an information processing program that can predict information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a processor, which, upon receiving input information including information about a print job, outputs information about the color difference between a print image formed on a printed material by the execution of the print job and a target image that is the object of printing in the print job, by inputting new input information including information about a newly processed print job into a pre-trained model that has been trained in advance to output information about the color difference between a print image that may be formed by the execution of the newly processed print job and a target image that is the object of printing in the newly processed print job.

[0009] The information processing system according to the second embodiment includes, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, information relating to the print job includes information relating to the target image that is the subject of printing in the print job.

[0010] The information processing system according to the third embodiment is an information processing system according to the first embodiment in which the information relating to the print job includes information relating to the settings of the print job.

[0011] The information processing system according to the fourth embodiment is an information processing system according to the first embodiment in which the information regarding the setting of the print job includes information regarding the paper used for printing.

[0012] The information processing system according to the fifth embodiment is an information processing system according to the first embodiment in which the information relating to the print job includes information relating to a printing device that processes the print job.

[0013] The information processing system according to the sixth embodiment is an information processing system according to the first embodiment in which the information regarding the print job includes information regarding the timing of the calibration performed immediately before the print job.

[0014] The information processing system according to the seventh embodiment is an information processing system according to the first embodiment in which the information relating to the print job includes information relating to the environment in which the print job is processed.

[0015] The information processing system according to the eighth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, includes information regarding the color difference for each of the print jobs processed prior to the print job.

[0016] The information processing system according to the ninth embodiment further outputs a notification recommending calibration based on the results of comparing the color difference information output for the newly processed print job with a predetermined threshold, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0017] The information processing system according to the tenth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, outputs information regarding the color difference for each of the multiple print jobs to be processed sequentially by inputting the new input information to the trained model, and for each of the multiple print jobs to be processed sequentially, outputs a notification recommending that calibration be performed based on the result of comparing the outputted information regarding the color difference with a predetermined threshold.

[0018] The information processing system according to the 11th embodiment, in the information processing system according to the 10th embodiment, outputs a screen that accepts the choice of whether to stop processing immediately before the print job in which the outputted color difference information exceeds the threshold, or to recommend performing the calibration before processing a new set of print jobs to be processed consecutively.

[0019] The information processing program according to the 12th embodiment takes input information including information about a print job as input and causes a computer to output information about the color difference between a print image formed on a printed material by the execution of the print job and a target image that is the target of printing in the print job, by inputting new input information including information about a newly processed print job. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to predict information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that occurs in a print job.

[0021] According to the second embodiment, based on information about the target image that is the subject of printing in the print job, it is possible to predict information about the color difference between the printed image and the target image that occurs in the print job.

[0022] According to the third embodiment, based on information regarding the settings of the print job, it is possible to predict information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that occurs in the print job.

[0023] According to the fourth embodiment, based on information about the printing paper, it is possible to predict information about the color difference between the printed image and the target image that occurs in a print job.

[0024] According to the fifth aspect, information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image generated in a print job can be predicted based on information regarding the printing apparatus.

[0025] According to the sixth aspect, information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image generated in a print job can be predicted based on information regarding the timing of the calibration executed immediately before.

[0026] According to the seventh aspect, information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image generated in a print job can be predicted based on information regarding the environment for processing the print job.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect, information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image generated in a print job can be predicted based on information regarding the color difference for each of the print jobs processed in the past.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to recommend performing calibration according to information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image generated in a print job predicted for a newly processed print job.

[0029] According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to recommend performing calibration according to information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image generated in a print job predicted for each of the newly and continuously processed print jobs.

[0030] According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to select the timing for performing calibration.

[0031] According to the twelfth aspect, information regarding the color difference between a printed image and a target image generated in a print job can be predicted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] [Figure 1]This figure shows the schematic configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of a printing apparatus in the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of the management device and client computer in the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the client computer in the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a pre-trained neural network model. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the learning process flow performed on the client computer of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of estimation processing performed on the client computer of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Hereinafter, an example of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an information processing system in which a management device, a printing device, and client computers are connected via various communication lines such as networks will be described as an example. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment includes a management device 11, a printing device 12, an inspection device 13, and a client computer 14. The management device 11, printing device 12, inspection device 13, and client computer 14 are each connected via a communication line 18 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or an intranet. The management device 11, printing device 12, inspection device 13, and client computer 14 are each capable of sending and receiving various types of data to and from each other via the communication line 18. In this embodiment, the client computer 14 issues a printing instruction to the printing device 12 via the management device 11, and the printing device 12 performs printing according to the print instruction.

[0035] In Figure 1, the management device 11, printing device 12, inspection device 13, and client computer 14 are shown as one each, but there may be multiple of each, or any one of them may be multiple.

[0036] The printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment has multiple functions, such as a printing function that performs printing on continuous forms of paper and a post-processing function that performs post-processing on printed paper. The multiple functions may include a reading function that reads a document and obtains image information representing the document, a copying function that copies the image recorded on the document onto paper, a facsimile function that sends and receives various data via a telephone line (not shown), a transfer function that transfers document information such as image information read by the reading function, etc., and a storage function that stores document information such as image information that has been read.

[0037] In the following explanation, the facsimile function may be referred to as "fax," the reading function as "scan," the printing function as "print," and the copying function as "copy."

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the printing device 12 in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0040] On the other hand, the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes an HDD (hard disk drive) 26 for storing various data and application programs. The printing apparatus 12 also includes a display control unit 28 connected to a user interface 22, which controls the display of various operation screens on the user interface 22's display. The printing apparatus 12 also includes an operation input detection unit 30 connected to the user interface 22, which detects operation instructions input via the user interface 22. In the printing apparatus 12, the HDD 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to a system bus 42. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 12 uses an HDD 26 as the storage unit, but it is not limited to this, and a non-volatile storage unit such as flash memory may be used. In this embodiment, the user interface 22 is a touch panel capable of display and operation input, but it is not limited to this, and a separate user interface with a display and operation unit may be used.

[0041] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a print control unit 34 that controls the printing process by the printing unit 24, the transport of paper to the printing unit 24 by the transport unit 25, post-processing by the post-processing unit 46, and the reading process of the printed material by the inspection unit 48. The printing apparatus 12 may also include a reading control unit that controls the optical image reading operation by the document reading unit and the document feeding operation by the document transport unit. The printing apparatus 12 also includes a communication line I / F (interface) unit 36 ​​connected to a communication line 18, which transmits and receives communication data with other external devices such as a client computer 14 connected to the communication line 18. The printing apparatus 12 may also include a facsimile I / F (interface) unit connected to a telephone line (not shown), which transmits and receives facsimile data with a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The printing apparatus 12 may also include a transmit / receive control unit that controls the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit. In the printing apparatus 12, the print control unit 34 and the communication line I / F unit 36 ​​are electrically connected to a system bus 42.

[0042] With the above configuration, the printing apparatus 12 according to this embodiment controls the display of information such as operation screens and various messages on the user interface 22 display via the display control unit 28, using the control unit 20. The printing apparatus 12 also controls the operation of the printing unit 24, transport unit 25, and post-processing unit 46 via the print control unit 34, and controls the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 36, using the control unit 20. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 12 grasps the operation content on the user interface 22 based on the operation information detected by the operation input detection unit 30, using the control unit 20, and performs various controls based on this operation content.

[0043] In this embodiment, an example of an application stored on HDD26 is an application that performs functions such as printing.

[0044] The inspection device 13 inspects the printed material by comparing the target image represented by the print information with the printed image obtained by scanning the printed material with the inspection unit 48 when the printing device 12 prints based on the print information.

[0045] Next, the main electrical components of the management device 11 and client computer 14 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the management device 11 and client computer 14 in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. Since the management device 11 and client computer 14 have a general computer configuration, the management device 11 will be described as a representative example below.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the management device 11 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 11A as an example of a processor, ROM 11B, RAM 11C, storage 11D, operation unit 11E, display unit 11F, and communication line I / F (interface) unit 11G. The CPU 11A controls the overall operation of the management device 11. The ROM 11B stores various control programs and parameters in advance. The RAM 11C is used as a work area when the CPU 11A executes various programs. The storage 11D stores various data and application programs. The operation unit 11E is used to input various information. The display unit 11F is used to display various information. The communication line I / F unit 11G is connected to the communication line 18 and transmits and receives various data with other devices connected to the communication line 18. The communication line I / F unit 11G may also be configured to communicate directly with each device using various well-known wireless communication methods. The various components of the management device 11 are electrically interconnected by a system bus 11I. In this embodiment of the management device 11, storage 11D is used as the storage unit, but examples of storage include non-volatile storage units such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and flash memory.

[0047] With the above configuration, the management device 11 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 11A to access the ROM 11B, RAM 11C, and storage 11D, acquire various data via the operation unit 11E, and display various information on the display unit 11F. In addition, the management device 11 uses the CPU 11A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 11G.

[0048] In the information processing system 10 configured in this way, the management device 11 manages a series of manufacturing processes. The series of manufacturing processes include, for example, a production process, a prepress process, a plate-making process, a printing process, a processing process, and a delivery process.

[0049] Next, we will describe the functional configuration of the client computer 14. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the client computer 14.

[0050] Functionally, the client computer 14 is configured to include a data collection unit 101, a learning data storage unit 102, a learning unit 103, a model storage unit 104, a reception unit 105, an estimation unit 106, and an output unit 107, as shown in Figure 4.

[0051] The collection unit 101 collects learning data that includes input information containing information about past print jobs and pairs of information regarding the color difference between the printed image formed on the printed material by the execution of the past print job and the target image that was the subject of printing in the past print job.

[0052] The print job information included in the input information may include information about the target image to be printed in the print job. Specifically, the information about the target image may include a raster image that is generated by rasterization before printing.

[0053] The management device 11 has historical information for managing information about past print jobs, manufacturing information, and inspection history.

[0054] The collection unit 101 collects information about the target image in past print jobs from the history information held by the management device 11.

[0055] The information about the print job included in the input information may include information about the print job settings. Specifically, the information about the print job settings may include information about the paper used for printing. This information may include, for example, the type of paper or the color of the paper.

[0056] The collection unit 101 collects information regarding past print job settings from the history information held by the management device 11.

[0057] The information about the print job included in the input information may include information about the printing device 12 that processes the print job. Specifically, the information about the printing device 12 may include information about the configuration of the printing device 12, or information about the cumulative amount of printing by the printing device 12. Information about the configuration of the printing device 12 may include, for example, the distance over which the printing paper is transported in the printing device 12, the distance between devices in each process of the printing device 12, the average distance, or the sum of the distances, or the type of printing device 12. Information about the cumulative amount of printing by the printing device 12 may include, for example, the cumulative number of sheets printed by the printing device 12, or the cumulative printing area by the printing device 12.

[0058] The collection unit 101 collects information from the printing device 12 regarding the printing device 12 that processed past print jobs.

[0059] The print job information included in the input information may include information about when the calibration was performed immediately before the previous print job. Specifically, the information about the calibration may include the date and time the calibration was performed, the processing date and time of the previous print job, or the elapsed time from the time of the immediately preceding calibration to the processing time of the previous print job.

[0060] The collection unit 101 collects information from the history information held by the management device 11 regarding the timing of calibration performed immediately before past print jobs.

[0061] The information about print jobs included in the input information may include information about the environment in which past print jobs were processed. Specifically, this information about the environment in which print jobs are processed may include, for example, temperature or humidity.

[0062] The data collection unit 101 collects information about the environment in which past print jobs were processed from sensor information held by the printing device 12 or from history information held by the management device 11.

[0063] The information about print jobs included in the input information may include information about the color difference for each print job processed even earlier than the previous print job. Specifically, the information about the color difference for each previously processed print job includes information about the color difference between the target image obtained by the inspection device 13 and the printed image for each print job processed within a certain period in the past. The information about the color difference may include, for example, the average color difference for each pixel, or the maximum color difference.

[0064] The inspection history held by the inspection device 13 includes information regarding the color difference detected by the inspection device 13 for each past print job.

[0065] The collection unit 101 collects information regarding the color difference of each print job that was processed even earlier than previous print jobs, from the inspection information held by the inspection device 13.

[0066] Furthermore, the collection unit 101 acquires information regarding color differences in past print jobs from the inspection information held by the inspection device 13.

[0067] The learning data storage unit 102 stores multiple learning data collected by the collection unit 101.

[0068] The learning unit 103 constructs a neural network model for estimating color difference information in past print jobs, using input information about past print jobs as input, based on multiple training data.

[0069] Specifically, the trained neural network model accepts input information that includes at least one of the following: information about the target image, information about the printing paper, information about the printing device 12, information about the timing of calibration, information about the environment, and information about past color differences, and outputs color difference information corresponding to the input information (see Figure 5). Deep learning can be used as an example of a training algorithm, and the neural network model may be constructed so that when input information of training data is input, color difference information of the training data is output.

[0070] More specifically, the input information of the training data may be used as input, information about color difference may be estimated as the output of the model, the estimated information about color difference may be compared with the information about color difference in the training data to calculate the error in the information about color difference, and the model parameters may be updated to minimize the value of the error.

[0071] Here, we will explain the correlation between the various types of information included in the input data and the information regarding color difference.

[0072] First, the target image for a print job influences color variation during printing because differences in pixel or density affect the color variation characteristics of the image. Thus, there is a correlation between the target image and information regarding color difference.

[0073] Even with the same image, the way colors are printed differs depending on the type or color of the printing paper; therefore, the type or color of the printing paper affects the color variation during printing. Thus, there is a correlation between information about the printing paper and information about color difference.

[0074] Because the color variation characteristics differ depending on the configuration of the printing device 12 used and the amount of cumulative printing, the configuration of the printing device 12 and the amount of cumulative printing affect the color variation during printing. Thus, there is a correlation between information about the printing device 12 and information about color difference.

[0075] The longer the time elapsed since the last calibration, the greater the color variation; therefore, the timing of the last calibration affects the color variation during printing. Thus, there is a correlation between information regarding the timing of calibration and information regarding color difference.

[0076] Because the temperature or humidity of the environment in which the printing device 12 is installed affects printing characteristics such as toner charge, the temperature or humidity of the printing environment influences color variations during printing. Thus, there is a correlation between information about the environment and information about color difference.

[0077] Furthermore, by managing the trends in color difference information for each print job, it is possible to predict how much color difference will occur during the processing of the next print job. In this way, there is a correlation between past color difference information and current color difference information.

[0078] The model memory unit 104 stores the trained neural network model.

[0079] The reception unit 105 receives input information regarding the new print job to be estimated.

[0080] The input information may include information about the target image to be printed in the print job. Specifically, the receiving unit 105 receives the raster image for the print job, which is acquired from the management device 11.

[0081] Furthermore, the input information may include information regarding the settings of the print job. Specifically, the information regarding the settings of the print job may include information regarding the printing paper. This information may include, for example, the type of printing paper or the color of the printing paper. For example, the receiving unit 105 receives the type of printing paper, "plain paper," or the color of the printing paper, "white," which is obtained from the management device 11.

[0082] Furthermore, the input information may include information about the printing device 12 that processes the print job. Specifically, the information about the printing device 12 may include information about the configuration of the printing device 12, or information about the cumulative amount of prints made by the printing device 12. For example, the receiving unit 105 receives information from the printing device 12, such as "the distance between devices is 10m" or "1000 sheets" regarding the cumulative amount of prints made by the printing device 12.

[0083] Furthermore, the input information may include information regarding the timing of calibration performed immediately before the print job. Specifically, the information regarding the timing of calibration may include the date and time of the calibration, the processing date and time of the past print job, or the elapsed time from the time of the immediately preceding calibration to the processing date and time of the past print job. For example, the receiving unit 105 receives the date and time of the calibration performed immediately before the print job, the processing date and time of the print job, or the elapsed time from the time of the immediately preceding calibration, which is obtained from the management device 11.

[0084] The input information may include information about the environment in which the print job is processed. Specifically, information about the environment in which the print job is processed may include, for example, temperature or humidity. For example, it accepts a temperature of "18 degrees" and a humidity of "50%" obtained from the printing device 12.

[0085] The input information may include information about the color difference for each of the previously processed print jobs. Specifically, the information about the color difference for each of the previously processed print jobs includes information about the color difference between the target image obtained by the inspection device 13 and the printed image for each of the print jobs processed within a certain period in the past. The information about the color difference includes, for example, the average or maximum color difference for each pixel. For example, the receiving unit 105 receives the average or maximum color difference for each of the print jobs processed within a certain period in the past from the print job in question, which is obtained from the inspection device 13.

[0086] The estimation unit 106 uses a trained neural network model stored in the model storage unit 104 to estimate information about the color difference corresponding to the received input information.

[0087] Specifically, the various pieces of information contained in the received input are converted into data structures (e.g., scalar values, vectors, etc.) that can be input into a pre-trained neural network model, and then input into the pre-trained neural network model. From the output of the pre-trained model, information regarding color difference is estimated.

[0088] The output unit 107 outputs a notification recommending calibration based on the results of comparing the estimated color difference information for the newly processed print job with a predetermined threshold. Specifically, if the estimated color difference information exceeds the threshold, it outputs a notification recommending calibration.

[0089] In this embodiment, the estimation unit 106 outputs color difference information for each of the multiple print jobs to be processed consecutively by inputting the input information related to that print job into the trained model. The output unit 107 then outputs a notification recommending calibration for each of the multiple print jobs to be processed consecutively, based on the result of comparing the outputted color difference information with a predetermined threshold. When outputting the notification recommending calibration, the output unit 107 outputs a screen that allows the user to choose whether to stop processing immediately before a print job in which the outputted color difference information exceeds the threshold, or to recommend calibration before processing the multiple print jobs to be processed consecutively. The threshold may be set by obtaining the threshold set by the inspection device 13.

[0090] Next, we will describe the specific processes performed in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, which is configured as described above.

[0091] First, in the client computer 14, the CPU 14A reads the learning program from ROM 14B or storage 14D, loads it into RAM 14C, and executes it, thereby performing the learning process shown in Figure 6.

[0092] In step S100, the CPU 14A, acting as the data collection unit 101, collects learning data that includes pairs of input information about past print jobs and color difference information corresponding to those past print jobs, and stores it in the learning data storage unit 102.

[0093] In step S102, the CPU 14A, acting as the learning unit 103, learns a neural network model based on multiple training data, using the input information as input to estimate information about the color difference corresponding to the input information. The model is then stored in the model storage unit 104, and the learning process is terminated.

[0094] Next, in the client computer 14, the CPU 14A reads the estimation program from ROM 14B or storage 14D, loads it into RAM 14C, and executes it, thereby performing the estimation process shown in Figure 7. Here, the estimation process is performed for each of the newly registered print jobs to be processed consecutively as part of the job schedule. It is assumed that various information contained in the input information for the print job has been input.

[0095] In step S110, the CPU 14A, acting as a reception unit 105, receives input information from the user regarding the print job to be estimated.

[0096] In step S112, the CPU 14A, acting as an estimation unit 106, uses a trained neural network model stored in the model storage unit 104 to estimate information about the color difference corresponding to the received input information.

[0097] In step S114, the CPU 14A, acting as the output unit 107, determines whether the estimated color difference information exceeds a threshold. If the estimated color difference information does not exceed the threshold, the estimation process is terminated. On the other hand, if the estimated color difference information exceeds the threshold, the process proceeds to S116.

[0098] In step S116, the CPU 14A outputs a notification via the output unit 107 recommending that calibration be performed, and then terminates the estimation process.

[0099] By performing this process, it is possible to predict information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that will occur in the print job before the print job is processed. Furthermore, it is possible to suggest the optimal calibration timing to the user.

[0100] <Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0101] For example, the explanation described a case where various types of input information are accepted and information regarding color difference is estimated. However, it is also possible to accept only some of the various types of input information and estimate information regarding color difference, rather than accepting all of it.

[0102] Furthermore, although the example described shows a client computer 14 learning a model and estimating information about color differences, the system may also be configured as a learning device for learning the model and an estimation device for estimating information about color differences.

[0103] Furthermore, although the "system" in this embodiment is described as being composed of multiple devices as an example, it may also be composed of a single device that has some of the functions of multiple devices.

[0104] Furthermore, the processing performed by the printing apparatus 12 according to the above embodiment may be performed by software, by hardware, or by a combination of both. Also, the processing performed by the printing apparatus 12 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0105] In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Furthermore, any computer may execute these processes using a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Also, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0106] A processor may consist of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0107] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on physically separate devices. The program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. The program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. The program of this application may also be provided as a program product.

[0108] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its intent.

[0109] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (((1))) A processor is provided, and the processor, upon receiving input information including information about a print job, outputs information about the color difference between the print image formed on the printed material by the execution of the print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the print job. By inputting new input information including information about a newly processed print job into a pre-trained model that has been trained to output information about the color difference between the print image that may be formed by the execution of the newly processed print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the newly processed print job, the processor outputs information about the color difference between the print image that may be formed by the execution of the newly processed print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the newly processed print job. Information processing system.

[0110] (((2))) The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the target image that is to be printed in the print job. The information processing system described in (((1))).

[0111] (((3))) The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the settings of the print job. The information processing system described in (((1))) or (((2))).

[0112] (((4))) The information regarding the settings of the print job includes information regarding the paper used for printing. An information processing system described in any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0113] (((5))) The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the printing device that processes the print job. An information processing system described in any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0114] (((6))) The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the timing of the calibration performed immediately before the print job. An information processing system described in any one of (((1))) to (((5))). (((7))) The information processing system described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))) includes information relating to the print job, which includes information relating to the environment in which the print job is processed.

[0115] (((8))) An information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))) wherein the information relating to the print job includes the information relating to the color difference for each of the print jobs processed prior to the print job.

[0116] (((9))) The aforementioned processor further, An information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))) that outputs a notification recommending calibration based on the result of comparing the color difference information output for the newly processed print job with a predetermined threshold.

[0117] (((10))) The aforementioned processor, For each of the multiple print jobs to be processed sequentially, the trained model is provided with the new input information to output information regarding the color difference. An information processing system according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))) that, for each of the aforementioned new print jobs to be processed in succession, outputs a notification recommending calibration based on the result of comparing the outputted color difference information with a predetermined threshold.

[0118] (((11))) The information processing system according to (((10))) where the processor outputs a screen that accepts the choice of whether to stop processing immediately before the print job in which the outputted color difference information exceeds the threshold, or to recommend performing the calibration before processing a new set of print jobs to be processed consecutively.

[0119] (((12))) When input information containing information about a print job is input, a pre-trained model that has been trained to output information about the color difference between the printed image formed on the printed material by the execution of the print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the print job is input. When new input information containing information about a newly processed print job is input, the model outputs information about the color difference between the printed image that may be formed by the execution of the newly processed print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the newly processed print job. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a task.

[0120] According to (((1))), it is possible to predict information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that occurs in a print job.

[0121] According to (((2))), based on information about the target image that is to be printed in a print job, it is possible to predict information about the color difference between the printed image and the target image that will occur in the print job.

[0122] According to (((3))), based on information regarding the print job settings, it is possible to predict information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that will occur in the print job.

[0123] According to (((4))), based on information about the printing paper, it is possible to predict information about the color difference between the printed image and the target image that will occur in the print job.

[0124] According to (((5))), based on information about the printing device, it is possible to predict information about the color difference between the printed image and the target image that occurs in a print job.

[0125] According to (((6))), information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that will occur in the print job can be predicted based on information regarding the timing of the calibration performed immediately beforehand.

[0126] According to (((7))), based on information about the environment in which the print job is processed, it is possible to predict information about the color difference between the printed image and the target image that will occur in the print job.

[0127] According to ((8)), based on color difference information for each print job processed in the past, it is possible to predict information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that will occur in the print job.

[0128] According to (((9))), calibration may be recommended based on information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that is predicted to occur in the print job for the newly processed print job.

[0129] According to (((10))), calibration can be recommended for each newly processed print job, based on the information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that is predicted to occur in the print job.

[0130] According to (((11))), you can choose when to perform the calibration.

[0131] According to (((12))), it is possible to predict information regarding the color difference between the printed image and the target image that occurs in a print job. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 10. Information Processing Systems 11 Management device 12 Printing device 13 Inspection equipment 14 client computers 101 Collection Department 102 Learning Data Storage Unit 103 Learning Department 104 Model Memory Unit 105 Reception Department 106 Estimation part 107 Output section

Claims

1. The processor comprises, When input information containing information about a print job is input, a pre-trained model that has been trained to output information about the color difference between the printed image formed on the printed material by the execution of the print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the print job is input. When new input information containing information about a newly processed print job is input, the model outputs information about the color difference between the printed image that may be formed by the execution of the newly processed print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the newly processed print job. Information processing system.

2. The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the target image that is to be printed in the print job. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the settings of the print job. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The information regarding the settings of the print job includes information regarding the paper used for printing. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the printing device that processes the print job. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. The information relating to the print job includes information relating to the timing of the calibration performed immediately before the print job. The information processing system according to claim 1.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the print job includes information relating to the environment in which the print job is processed.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the print job includes information relating to the color difference for each of the print jobs processed prior to the print job.

9. The aforementioned processor further, The information processing system according to claim 1, which outputs a notification recommending calibration based on the result of comparing the color difference information output for the newly processed print job with a predetermined threshold.

10. The aforementioned processor, For each of the multiple print jobs to be processed sequentially, the trained model is provided with the new input information to output information regarding the color difference. The information processing system according to claim 1, which outputs a notification recommending calibration for each of the aforementioned new, sequentially processed print jobs, based on the result of comparing the outputted color difference information with a predetermined threshold.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein the processor outputs a screen that allows the user to choose whether to stop processing immediately before the print job in which the outputted color difference information exceeds the threshold, or to recommend performing the calibration before processing a new set of print jobs to be processed consecutively.

12. When input information containing information about a print job is input, a pre-trained model that has been trained to output information about the color difference between the printed image formed on the printed material by the execution of the print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the print job is input. When new input information containing information about a newly processed print job is input, the model outputs information about the color difference between the printed image that may be formed by the execution of the newly processed print job and the target image that is the target of printing in the newly processed print job. An information processing program that causes a computer to perform a task.

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