Print job management method, print job management device, and program

Abstract

Use the appropriate scanner profile for each image formation condition. [Solution] The print job management device manages print jobs executed by the image forming unit (image forming engine) of the image forming apparatus. The print job management device sets a scanner profile in association with the image forming conditions. The print job management device acquires information for a first scanner profile for converting the read data of a printed material that is formed under first image forming conditions, and sets a first scanner profile in association with the first image forming conditions based on the acquired information for the first scanner profile. The print job management device acquires information for a second scanner profile for converting the read data of a printed material that is formed under second image forming conditions, and sets a second scanner profile in association with the second image forming conditions based on the acquired information for the second scanner profile.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print job management method, a print job management device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In color management of printed materials formed by an image forming apparatus, a scanner installed along the transport path of the printed material is used. The read data (RGB values) obtained by the scanner is used to measure the colorimetric values ​​(L) using a scanner profile. * a * b * The values ​​are converted to XYZ values, etc. Color measurement results based on readings using a scanner are less accurate than those measured by an optical colorimeter. Therefore, for example, the decrease in reading accuracy by the scanner is suppressed by calibrating the scanner based on the results measured by an optical colorimeter (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-226128 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, with advances in image formation technology, the variations in image formation processes have increased, including printing with spot colors, decorative printing, and printing on special papers. Consequently, the optimal scanner profile differs depending on the image formation conditions under which the printed material was formed. Therefore, even with calibration using the aforementioned optical colorimeter, it has been difficult to meet the needs of customers demanding high print quality in color management (color adjustment, color verification, etc.) using scanners.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the prior art described above, and aims to use a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a print job management method for managing print jobs executed by an image forming engine, comprising: acquiring information for a first scanner profile for converting read data of a printed material whose image is formed under first image forming conditions; setting the first scanner profile in association with the first image forming conditions based on the acquired information for the first scanner profile; acquiring information for a second scanner profile for converting read data of a printed material whose image is formed under second image forming conditions; and setting the second scanner profile in association with the second image forming conditions based on the acquired information for the second scanner profile.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is a print job management method described in claim 1, wherein the first image forming condition is an image forming condition that includes colorants other than the four colorants cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the second image forming condition is an image forming condition that does not include colorants other than the four colorants.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is a print job management method described in claim 2, wherein the colorants other than the four colorants are white colorants in the same image forming method as the four colorants.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the printing job management method described in claim 2, wherein the colorants other than the four colorants are decorative materials.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is a print job management method described in claim 1, wherein the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched according to an area on a single printed material.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is the printing job management method according to claim 5, wherein the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the single printed matter is conveyed when reading the single printed matter.

[0012] The invention according to claim 7 is the printing job management method according to claim 5, wherein the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched in the direction in which the single printed matter is conveyed when reading the single printed matter.

[0013] The invention according to claim 8 is the printing job management method according to claim 1, wherein the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched for each page included in the printing job to be processed.

[0014] The invention according to claim 9 is the printing job management method according to claim 1, wherein the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched according to the printing job to be processed.

[0015] The invention according to claim 10 is the printing job management method according to claim 1, wherein the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched based on the print data corresponding to the printing job to be processed.

[0016] The invention according to claim 11 is a printing job management apparatus including a control unit that executes the printing job management method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0017] The invention according to claim 12 is a program for causing a computer that controls a printing job management apparatus to execute the printing job management method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, a suitable scanner profile can be used for each image formation condition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a color management system in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This figure shows the external configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of a PC. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the printer controller. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the color management device. [Figure 7] This is an example of a correspondence table showing the relationship between profile names and profile data. [Figure 8] This is an example of a correspondence table showing the relationship between image formation conditions and profile names. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example where different image formation conditions are set for each region that makes up the print data. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a scanner profile applied to each area of ​​the scanned data. [Figure 11] This is a ladder chart illustrating the inspection process performed in a PC and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 12] This is an example of a job management screen displayed on a PC. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the scanner profile setup process. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the scanner profile setup process. [Figure 15] This is a ladder chart showing the color parameter creation process performed in the color management apparatus and image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. [Figure 16]This is an example of a color parameter creation screen displayed on a color management system. [Figure 17] This is a ladder chart showing the color verification process performed in the color management apparatus and image forming apparatus of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This is an example of a settings screen related to color verification displayed on a color management device. [Figure 19] This is a ladder chart showing the color matching process based on color samples that is performed in the color management apparatus and image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a ladder chart showing the color matching process based on color samples that is performed in the color management apparatus and image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The advantages and features provided by the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or illustrations disclosed below.

[0021] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the color management system 100 in the first embodiment. The color management system 100 comprises a PC (Personal Computer) 10, a printer controller 20, an image forming apparatus 30, and a color management device 50. Each device constituting the color management system 100 is connected via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to enable data communication. The number of each device is not particularly limited. The color management system 100 is used, for example, in a print shop that provides printed materials to customers.

[0022] The PC10 has the printer driver program 121 (see Figure 4) installed. The PC10 issues print instructions to the printer controller 20 or the image forming apparatus 30 via the printer driver. Specifically, the PC10 generates print instruction data described in a page description language (PDL) or the like that can be interpreted by the printer controller 20, in response to the operator's actions. The PC10 then sends the generated print instruction data to the printer controller 20.

[0023] The printer controller 20 has the printer controller program 221 (see Figure 5) installed. The printer controller 20 receives print command data from the PC 10. The printer controller 20 also receives chart data from the color management device 50. The printer controller 20 performs RIP (Raster Image Processing) on ​​the print command data or chart data to generate printable image data (raster data). The printer controller 20 also performs image processing such as color conversion and screening on the printable image data. The printer controller 20 transmits the processed image data (raster data) to the image forming apparatus 30. The printer controller 20 may be built into the image forming apparatus 30. Alternatively, the printer controller 20 and the image forming apparatus 30 may be connected via a dedicated line, such as a PCI connection.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 30 forms an image on paper based on raster data (image data in bitmap format). The paper includes printing paper and various types of film. Types of paper include plain paper, fine paper, gloss coated paper, matte coated paper, etc.

[0025] The color management device 50 has a color management application program 521 (see Figure 6) installed for managing the colors of the image forming apparatus 30. The color management device 50 performs color verification, color adjustment, instructions for color matching based on color samples, data analysis, history management, etc., in the image forming apparatus 30.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 30. Figure 3 shows the external configuration of the image forming apparatus 30. The image forming apparatus 30 is capable of image formation using four toner colors: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), as well as a special color toner, white (W).

[0027] The image forming apparatus 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a storage unit 32, a display unit 33, an operation unit 34, a communication unit 35, an image forming unit 36, a platen scanner 37, a paper feeding unit 38, an inline scanner 39, a colorimeter 40, and a decorative forming unit 41.

[0028] The CPU 31 comprehensively controls the processing operations of each part of the image forming apparatus 30. The CPU 31 reads various processing programs stored in the memory unit 32 and performs various processing operations in cooperation with those programs.

[0029] The storage unit 32 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 32 stores various processing programs, data related to various processing, etc. For example, the storage unit 32 stores paper information related to the image forming apparatus 30. The storage unit 32 also stores target profiles, printer profiles, scanner profiles, etc.

[0030] The display unit 33 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 33 displays various screens according to the instructions of the display signals input from the CPU 31. The control unit 34 receives various operations from the operator and outputs operation signals based on those operations to the CPU 31. The control unit 34 is equipped with a touch screen, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like.

[0031] The communication unit 35 performs data communication with external devices. For example, the communication unit 35 receives raster data from the printer controller 20. The communication unit 35 also receives instructions to print charts, read charts, etc., from the color management device 50.

[0032] The image forming unit 36 ​​forms an image on paper using an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 36 ​​includes photoreceptor drums 361C, 361M, 361Y, 361K, and 361W corresponding to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and white (W), an intermediate transfer belt 362, a fixing unit 363, an inversion unit 364, etc. For example, the image forming unit 36 ​​uniformly charges the photoreceptor drum 361C corresponding to cyan, and then scans and exposes the photoreceptor drum 361C with a laser beam based on cyan image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The image forming unit 36 ​​then deposits cyan toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 361C and develops it. The processing for other colors is the same as the processing for cyan. The image forming unit 36 ​​sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on the corresponding photoreceptor drums 361C, 361M, 361Y, 361K, and 361W onto the intermediate transfer belt 362 (primary transfer). That is, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 362 by superimposing the toner images of multiple colors. The image forming unit 36 ​​then transfers the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 362 onto the paper all at once (secondary transfer). The fixing unit 363 fixes the color toner image to the paper by heating and pressurizing. When image formation is performed on both sides of the paper, the inversion unit 364 inverts the paper with the image fixed on the front side and transports it back to the image forming unit 36. The CPU 31 controls the image forming unit 36 ​​based on the image data to form the image. Figure 3 shows an example of an image forming unit 36 ​​that forms an image using five toners: cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and white (CMYKW). Alternatively, the toner used in the image forming unit 36 ​​does not have to include white, and may also include spot colors other than white.

[0033] The platen scanner 37 reads paper, color samples, etc., placed on the document glass and generates scan data containing pixel values ​​for red (R), green (G), and blue (B).

[0034] The paper feeding unit 38 is equipped with multiple paper trays and supplies the paper stored in each paper tray to the image forming unit 36.

[0035] The inline scanner 39 is located on the transport path downstream of the image forming unit 36 ​​in the paper transport direction. The inline scanner 39 is capable of reading the entire sheet of paper across the paper width direction, which is perpendicular to the paper transport direction. The inline scanner 39 reads the transported paper and generates read data having pixel values ​​for red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The inline scanner 39 is, for example, a line-type CCD sensor.

[0036] The colorimeter 40 is located on the transport path downstream of the image forming unit 36 ​​in the paper transport direction. The colorimeter 40 is a spectrophotometer and measures the colorimetric value (L * a * b * It outputs values ​​(XYZ values, etc.). The colorimeter 40 is configured to be movable in the paper width direction. For example, the colorimeter 40 is used to calibrate the inline scanner 39 (create a scanner profile).

[0037] The decoration forming unit 41 applies a decorative finish to the paper using a decorative material. For example, the decoration forming unit 41 is a coated image forming unit. In this case, the decoration forming unit 41 has the function of applying a clear varnish to the paper based on the decorative image data. The clear varnish is a translucent coating agent and is a UV-curable varnish. The decoration forming unit 41 coats the image (paper) by applying the varnish to the paper, irradiating the varnish with ultraviolet light (UV), and curing the varnish. In addition to clear varnish, decorative processes include foil stamping and the formation of a glossy layer with metallic varnish. Foil stamping is a decorative process in which a resin film with a pre-deposited metal layer is pressed onto the paper to be processed, transferring the foil (metal layer) to any location on the paper. The decorative image data is included in the image data (raster data, etc.) related to image formation. The decorative image data has information indicating whether or not to apply a decorative finish to each pixel.

[0038] Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of PC10. PC10 comprises a CPU 11, a storage unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the processing operations of each part of the PC 10. The CPU 11 reads various processing programs stored in the memory unit 12 and performs various processes in cooperation with those programs. The storage unit 12 includes an HDD, SSD, non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 12 stores various processing programs such as the printer driver program 121, data related to various processing, etc.

[0039] The display unit 13 is composed of an LCD. The display unit 13 displays various screens according to the instructions of the display signals input from the CPU 11. The control unit 14 includes a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. The control unit 14 outputs operation signals input by key operations on the keyboard and operations on the pointing device to the CPU 11. The communication unit 15 performs data communication with external devices.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the hardware configuration of the printer controller 20. The printer controller 20 comprises a CPU 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a communication unit 25. Since each part of the printer controller 20 is the same as each part of the PC 10, the differences from the PC 10 will be explained. The storage unit 22 stores the printer controller program 221. The storage unit 22 also stores the target profile, printer profile, and other related information.

[0041] Figure 6 shows the hardware configuration of the color management device 50. The color management device 50 comprises a CPU 51, a storage unit 52, a display unit 53, an operation unit 54, and a communication unit 55. Since each part of the color management device 50 is the same as each part of the PC 10, the differences from the PC 10 will be explained.

[0042] The memory unit 52 stores a color management application program 521. The color management application is realized through the cooperation of the CPU 51 and the color management application program 521. The color management application provides a user interface for issuing execution instructions for color management of the image forming apparatus 30, checking color verification results, calculating correction values, etc. Note that the method of using the color management application is not limited to when the program is installed locally. Alternatively, the color management application on the cloud may be used as a SaaS (Software as a Service) type service, accessed from the color management device 50 via a browser.

[0043] In the first embodiment, we will describe the case where PC10 (printer driver) is the print job management device according to the present invention. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the inspection of print jobs will be described as an operating mode in which the inline scanner 39 is used in the image forming apparatus 30.

[0044] Print job inspection is a process in which an image forming apparatus 30 prints an image such as an illustration or a nature image and checks whether the print is as intended. For example, print job inspection includes determining whether the color of the printed material is as intended, whether there is any misalignment, image defects, or smudges.

[0045] When inspecting a print job, spot colors or substitute colors within the printed material may also be included in the inspection process. Spot colors are specified in the image data (original data) using the color of a special toner or ink. Spot colors are colors that require high color reproduction accuracy. Examples of spot colors include corporate colors and logo colors. When a spot color is specified in the image data, the spot color is replaced with an approximate color created by combining process colors (CMYK values). Spot color inspection includes, for example, determining whether the color difference between the color printed with the approximate color (CMYK value) and the spot color is below the acceptable limit. Substitute colors are the colors that are replaced in a function that replaces any set color with a specified color. Inspecting substitute colors includes determining whether the color printed with the replaced color (CMYK value) is the intended color (specified color).

[0046] The CPU 11 (control unit) of PC 10 manages the print jobs executed by the image forming unit 36 ​​(image forming engine) of the image forming apparatus 30. The CPU 11 sets the scanner profile in correspondence with the image forming conditions when the print material is formed. "Setting the scanner profile in correspondence with the image forming conditions" may mean saving information indicating the correspondence between the image forming conditions and the scanner profile, or it may mean notifying other devices of the information indicating the correspondence between the image forming conditions and the scanner profile.

[0047] The storage unit 12 of PC10 stores correspondence tables T1 and T2. Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of the correspondence table T1. The correspondence table T1 has a pre-associated relationship between profile names and profile data. The profile name is the name of the scanner profile. The profile data is the data of the scanner profile. Profile data A1 to D1 may be stored in the storage unit 12 (correspondence table T1) as individual data beforehand. Alternatively, for example, only profile data A1 may be registered in the storage unit 12, and profile data B1 to D1 may be generated based on profile data A1. In that case, it is conceivable to generate the profile data using generation AI.

[0048] Figure 8 shows an example of the data structure of correspondence table T2. Correspondence table T2 has pre-associated image formation conditions and profile names. Image formation conditions include the toner color used for image formation (CMYK, K, CMYKW, W, etc.), the presence or absence of decorative processing (clear varnish, foil stamping, metallic varnish, etc.), and single-sided / double-sided printing. The correspondence between image formation conditions and scanner profiles does not need to be one-to-one; it is possible to associate the same scanner profile with different image formation conditions. In the example in Figure 8, the same profile A0 is associated with image formation conditions A2 and C2. The association between image formation conditions and profile data may be via the profile name, or the profile data may be directly associated with the image formation conditions. CPU11 manages multiple scanner profiles in association with image formation conditions.

[0049] The CPU 11 obtains information for a first scanner profile to convert the scanned data of a printed document whose image is formed under first image formation conditions. Based on the obtained information for the first scanner profile, the CPU 11 sets the first scanner profile in association with the first image formation conditions. The CPU 11 acquires information for a second scanner profile to convert the scanned data of the printed material, which is formed under the second image formation conditions. Based on the acquired information for the second scanner profile, the CPU 11 sets the second scanner profile in association with the second image formation conditions.

[0050] For example, the first image forming condition is an image forming condition that includes colorants other than the four colorants (CMYK toners) of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The second image formation condition is one in which no colorants other than the four colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are included.

[0051] Other colorants besides the four CMYK toners may be white colorants (white toner) in the same image forming method as the four CMYK toners. In this case, the CPU 11 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image forming condition, depending on whether the image forming condition includes white toner (spot color) or does not include white toner.

[0052] Furthermore, colorants other than the four colorants (CMYK toner) may be decorative materials (clear varnish, foil stamping, metallic varnish, etc.). In this case, the CPU 11 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition, depending on whether the image formation condition includes decorative materials or does not.

[0053] The CPU 11 switches between a first scanner profile and a second scanner profile depending on the area on the single printout if the single printout contains multiple areas with different image formation conditions. Here, a single printout is a single sheet of paper (same page) with an image formed on it. For example, when scanning a single printed document, the CPU 11 switches between a first scanner profile and a second scanner profile in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the single printed document is transported (paper width direction, main scanning direction). The CPU 11 switches between a first scanner profile and a second scanner profile in the direction in which a single printed document is transported (paper transport direction, sub-scanning direction) when scanning that single printed document.

[0054] If the image formation conditions may differ for each page in the print job being processed, the CPU 11 switches between the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile for each page.

[0055] If the image formation conditions may differ for each print job being processed, the CPU 11 switches between the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile depending on the print job being processed.

[0056] The CPU 11 switches between a first scanner profile and a second scanner profile based on the print data corresponding to the print job being processed. The print data includes image data to be formed, image formation conditions, etc. The CPU 11 sets the scanner profile based on the content of the image formation conditions included in the print data. The CPU 11 switches the scanner profile for each print job, each page, and each area based on the print data.

[0057] Figure 9 shows an example in which different image formation conditions are set for each region 61 and 62 that constitute the print data 60. Region 61 is the region in which decorative printing is performed by the decorative forming unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 30. Region 62 is the region in which printing with CMYK toner is performed by the image forming unit 36 ​​of the image forming apparatus 30. The paper width direction shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the main scanning direction when the printed material, whose image is formed based on the print data 60, is read by the inline scanner 39. The paper transport direction shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the sub-scanning direction when the printed material, whose image is formed based on the print data 60, is read by the inline scanner 39. The same applies to the paper width direction and paper transport direction shown in Figure 10.

[0058] Figure 10 shows an example of read data 63 generated by reading a printed document whose image has been formed based on print data 60. A first scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for decorative printing is applied to region 64 of the read data 63. A second scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for CMYK printing is applied to region 65 of the read data 63.

[0059] Next, the operation of the color management system 100 in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a ladder chart showing the inspection process performed in the PC 10 and the image forming apparatus 30.

[0060] First, on PC10, CPU11 accepts the selection of the print job to be processed (step S1). For example, CPU11 displays the job management screen 70 shown in Figure 12 on the display unit 13. The job management screen 70 includes a job list field 71, a preview field 72, etc. The job list column 71 displays a list of print jobs managed by the color management system 100. The preview area 72 displays a preview image related to the print job selected in the job list area 71. When an operator selects a print job from the job list field 71 via the control unit 14, the CPU 11 displays a preview image related to the selected print job in the preview field 72.

[0061] Next, CPU 11 performs the scanner profile setting process (step S2). Here, the scanner profile setting process will be explained with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

[0062] First, the CPU 11 analyzes the print data corresponding to the print job (step S11). Specifically, the CPU 11 obtains the image formation conditions related to image formation in the image forming apparatus 30 from the print data. For example, the CPU 11 determines, based on the print data, whether the image formation conditions include white toner or do not include white toner. The CPU 11 may also distinguish between image formation conditions that include only K toner or only white toner. Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether the image formation conditions include decorative materials or do not. By analyzing the print data, the CPU 11 obtains information on which areas (coordinates) in the printed material are affected by which image formation conditions. In the first embodiment, the print job in step S11 is a job that forms an image on the printed material to be inspected.

[0063] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether the image formation conditions within the print job are the same (step S12). The CPU 11 determines whether the image formation conditions are common across the entire print job.

[0064] If the image formation conditions within the print job are the same (step S12; YES), the CPU 11 obtains a scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions related to the print job (step S13). Specifically, the CPU 11 refers to correspondence table T2 to obtain the profile name corresponding to the image formation conditions related to the print job. The CPU 11 may also refer to correspondence table T1 to obtain the profile data corresponding to the said profile name.

[0065] Next, the CPU 11 sets the acquired scanner profile for the entire print job, corresponding to the image formation conditions (step S14). For example, the CPU 11 stores information in the storage unit 12 that shows the correspondence between the print job, the image formation conditions, and the scanner profile identification information (profile name, etc.). The CPU 11 sets the scanner profile for the entire print job according to the image formation conditions.

[0066] In step S12, if the image formation conditions within the print job are not the same (step S12; NO), the CPU 11 selects the pages to be processed (target pages) from the print data (step S15).

[0067] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether the image formation conditions within the target page are the same (step S16). The CPU 11 determines whether the image formation conditions are common across the entire target page.

[0068] If the image formation conditions within the target page are the same (step S16; YES), the CPU 11 obtains a scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for the target page (step S17). Specifically, the CPU 11 obtains the profile name corresponding to the image formation conditions for the target page by referring to the correspondence table T2. The CPU 11 may also further obtain the profile data corresponding to the profile name by referring to the correspondence table T1.

[0069] Next, the CPU 11 sets the acquired scanner profile for the target page, corresponding to the image formation conditions (step S18). For example, the CPU 11 stores information in the storage unit 12 that shows the correspondence between the target page of the print job, the image formation conditions, and the scanner profile identification information (profile name, etc.). The CPU 11 sets the scanner profile for the target page according to the image formation conditions.

[0070] In step S16, if the image formation conditions within the target page are not the same (step S16; NO), the process proceeds to step S20 in Figure 14. In step S20, the CPU 11 divides the target page into regions according to the image formation conditions.

[0071] Next, the CPU 11 selects the region to be processed (target region) from among the divided regions (step S21).

[0072] Next, the CPU 11 obtains a scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for the target area (step S22). Specifically, the CPU 11 obtains the profile name corresponding to the image formation conditions for the target area by referring to the correspondence table T2. The CPU 11 may also further obtain the profile data corresponding to the profile name by referring to the correspondence table T1.

[0073] Next, the CPU 11 sets the acquired scanner profile for the target area of ​​the target page, in association with the image formation conditions (step S23). For example, the CPU 11 stores information in the storage unit 12 that shows the correspondence between the target area (coordinates) of the target page, the image formation conditions, and the scanner profile identification information (profile name, etc.). The CPU 11 sets the scanner profile for the target area of ​​the target page according to the image formation conditions.

[0074] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether processing has been completed for all of the multiple regions divided in step S20 (step S24). If there are areas that have not yet been processed (step S24; NO), the process returns to step S21. The CPU 11 selects a different area as the target area and repeats the process from steps S21 to S24.

[0075] In step S24, if processing is completed for all areas (step S24; YES), or after step S18 in Figure 13, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the CPU 11 determines whether processing is complete for all pages. If there are pages that have not yet been processed (step S19; NO), the process returns to step S15. CPU 11 selects another page as the target page and repeats the process from step S15 onward.

[0076] If processing is completed for all pages after step S14, or in step S19 (step S19; YES), the scanner profile setting process is terminated. As described above, in the scanner profile setting process, the CPU 11 sets a scanner profile for each image formation condition for the print job (job to be inspected) selected in step S1, in association with that image formation condition.

[0077] Returning to Figure 11, the CPU 11 of the PC 10 sends a print job with a scanner profile set for each image forming condition to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 15 (step S3). RIP processing and other related operations for the print job are performed by the printer controller 20. Specifically, the CPU 11 of the PC 10 sends a print job with a scanner profile set for each image forming condition to the printer controller 20 via the communication unit 15. The CPU 21 of the printer controller 20 performs RIP processing and other operations on the print instruction data related to the print job and sends the processed image data (raster data) to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 25.

[0078] The CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 acquires, via the communication unit 35, a print job in which a scanner profile is set for each image forming condition from the PC 10. The CPU 31 may acquire, via the printer controller 20, a print job in which a scanner profile is set for each image forming condition. The CPU 31 causes the storage unit 32 to store information indicating the correspondence between the image forming conditions and the scanner profiles, which is set for the entire print job, for each page, or for each area within a page. The CPU 31 controls the image forming unit 36 based on the raster data related to the print job to form an image on the paper (step S4). Further, the CPU 31 controls the decoration forming unit 41 as necessary to form a decoration on the paper. In step S4, the CPU 31 creates a printed matter for one sheet of paper.

[0079] Next, the CPU 31 controls the in-line scanner 39 to read the printed matter on which the image has been formed (step S5). The CPU 31 acquires the read data (RGB values) of the printed matter from the in-line scanner 39.

[0080] Next, the CPU 31 uses the scanner profile associated with each image forming condition related to the image formation of the printed matter to convert the read data (RGB values) of the printed matter into colorimetric values (L * a * b * values) (step S6). Hereinafter, the case where L * a * b * values are used will be described as an example, but XYZ values or the like may also be used. The storage unit 32 stores scanner profiles that can be set in the PC 10. For example, the CPU 31 specifies the scanner profile to be used from the scanner profiles stored in the storage unit 32 based on the identification information (such as the profile name) of the scanner profile associated with each image forming condition.

[0081] If a scanner profile is set for the entire print job, associated with the same image formation conditions, the CPU 31 applies the scanner profile corresponding to those image formation conditions to the entire scanned data of the print job. If scanner profiles are set up on a page-by-page basis and associated with the same image formation conditions, the CPU 31 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for each page to the scanned data of that page. If a scanner profile is set for each area within a page, corresponding to each image formation condition, the CPU 31 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation condition for each area of ​​the scanned data of the printed material.

[0082] Next, the CPU 31 inspects the printed material based on the reading data converted into colorimetric values ​​(step S7). For example, the CPU 31 determines whether the image was formed correctly by comparing the reading data (colorimetric values) of the printed material with reference image data. The reference image data may be the original data used for image formation, or it may be the reading data of a printed material for which the image was formed correctly, converted into colorimetric values. If the CPU 31 determines during the inspection of the printed material that it is not the intended printed material, it discharges the inspected printed material as waste paper to a tray different from the normal discharge destination.

[0083] Here, CPU31 determines whether the job has finished or not (step S8). If the job has not finished (step S8; NO), the process returns to step S4. Note that the processes in steps S4 to S7 may overlap in time with the processes in the preceding and following steps S4 to S7. If the job is completed in step S8 (step S8; YES), the inspection process is terminated.

[0084] According to the first embodiment, the CPU 11 of the PC 10 sets a scanner profile in association with the image formation conditions when the printed material is image-formed. As a result, the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 can apply a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition to the read data of the printed material that is image-formed under each image formation condition. Therefore, the color management system 100 can use a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition.

[0085] For example, the CPU 11 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition, depending on whether the image formation condition includes white toner other than CMYK toner or does not include white toner. When using special color toners such as white toner, using the same scanner profile as when using only CMYK toner may reduce the reading accuracy of the inline scanner 39. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the reduction in reading accuracy of the inline scanner 39.

[0086] Furthermore, the CPU 11 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition, depending on whether the image formation condition includes decorative materials or does not. When decorative materials are used, using the same scanner profile as when only CMYK toner is used may reduce the reading accuracy of the inline scanner 39. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the reduction in reading accuracy of the inline scanner 39.

[0087] Furthermore, if a single printout contains multiple areas with different image formation conditions, the CPU 11 can switch scanner profiles according to the area on the single printout. The CPU 11 can switch scanner profiles in the paper width direction or the paper transport direction when reading the printout. This enables the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 to perform color conversion to measured values ​​with high accuracy.

[0088] When a print job to be processed includes multiple pages, special printing techniques (such as spot color toner or foil stamping) or colored paper may be used for the cover, frontispiece, and title page. In this case, using the same scanner profile for all pages could result in pages with poor scanning accuracy by the inline scanner 39. According to the first embodiment, the CPU 11 can switch scanner profiles for each page if the image formation conditions may differ for each page included in the print job to be processed.

[0089] Furthermore, if the image formation conditions may differ for each print job being processed, the CPU 11 can switch scanner profiles according to the print job being processed.

[0090] Furthermore, the CPU 11 can accurately obtain image formation conditions from the print data corresponding to the print job being processed. This allows the color management system 100 to use a suitable scanner profile for each image formation condition.

[0091] In particular, in the first embodiment, the CPU 11 of the PC 10 can set a scanner profile in association with each image formation condition used in the print job to be inspected.

[0092] Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 30 may have a CPU 31 that acquires scanner profile information for converting the read data of the printed material formed under each image forming condition, and set the scanner profile in association with the image forming condition based on the acquired scanner profile information.

[0093] Furthermore, the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 may set a scanner profile based on the image forming conditions when the printed material was actually formed. Alternatively, the CPU 31 may convert the scanned data of the printed material using a scanner profile that corresponds to the image forming conditions when the printed material was actually formed.

[0094] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the color management system in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the color management system 100 shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. The configurations and processes characteristic of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0095] In the second embodiment, we will describe the case where the color management device 50 is a print job management device according to the present invention. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the creation of color parameters for the image forming apparatus 30 will be described as an operating mode in which the inline scanner 39 is used in the image forming apparatus 30.

[0096] The CPU 51 (control unit) of the color management device 50 manages the print jobs executed by the image forming unit 36 ​​(image forming engine) of the image forming apparatus 30. The CPU 51 sets the scanner profile in correspondence with the image forming conditions when the printed material is image formed.

[0097] The image forming unit 36 ​​of the image forming apparatus 30 prints a predetermined color parameter creation chart (patch). The inline scanner 39 of the image forming apparatus 30 reads the color parameter creation chart (printed material) and generates read data.

[0098] The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 creates color parameters for the image forming apparatus 30 based on the data read from the color parameter creation chart. The color parameters include ICC profiles, maximum density settings, one-dimensional tables, density balance tables, etc. An ICC profile is a profile that conforms to the ICC standard and is a series of data that shows the color characteristics of input / output devices related to color. Here, the CPU 51 creates ICC profiles such as the printer profile and device link profile for the image forming apparatus 30. The maximum density setting is setting information for adjusting the maximum density for each CMYKW color. A one-dimensional table is a table showing the correspondence between input and output for each CMYKW color, as well as tone curves, etc. The density balance table is a correction table for each CMYKW color to suppress in-plane uniformity.

[0099] The storage unit 52 of the color management device 50 stores correspondence tables T1 and T2. Correspondence tables T1 and T2 are the same as those shown in Figures 7 and 8, respectively. CPU51 manages multiple scanner profiles in association with image formation conditions.

[0100] The CPU 51 acquires information for a first scanner profile to convert the scanned data of a printed document whose image is formed under first image formation conditions. Based on the acquired information for the first scanner profile, the CPU 51 sets the first scanner profile in association with the first image formation conditions. The CPU 51 acquires information for a second scanner profile to convert the scanned data of the printed material, which is formed under the second image formation conditions. Based on the acquired information for the second scanner profile, the CPU 51 sets the second scanner profile in association with the second image formation conditions.

[0101] For example, the first image forming condition is an image forming condition that includes colorants other than the four colorants (CMYK toners) of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The second image formation condition is one in which no colorants other than the four colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are included.

[0102] Other colorants besides the four CMYK toners may be white colorants (white toner) in the same image forming method as the four CMYK toners. In this case, the CPU 51 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image forming condition, depending on whether the image forming condition includes white toner (spot color) or does not include white toner.

[0103] Furthermore, colorants other than the four colorants (CMYK toner) may be decorative materials (clear varnish, foil stamping, metallic varnish, etc.). In this case, the CPU 51 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition, depending on whether the image formation condition includes decorative materials or does not.

[0104] When a single printout contains multiple areas with different image formation conditions, the CPU 51 switches between a first scanner profile and a second scanner profile depending on the area on the single printout. For example, when scanning a single printed document, the CPU 51 switches between a first scanner profile and a second scanner profile in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the single printed document is transported. The CPU 51 switches between a first scanner profile and a second scanner profile in the direction in which a single printed document is transported when scanning that document.

[0105] If the image formation conditions may differ for each page in the print job being processed, the CPU 51 switches between the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile for each page.

[0106] If the image formation conditions may differ for each print job being processed, the CPU 51 switches between the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile depending on the print job being processed.

[0107] The CPU 51 switches between the first and second scanner profiles based on the print data corresponding to the print job being processed. The CPU 51 sets the scanner profile based on the image formation conditions contained in the print data. The CPU 51 switches the scanner profile for each print job, each page, and each area based on the print data.

[0108] Next, the operation of the color management system 100 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a ladder chart showing the color parameter creation process performed in the color management device 50 and the image forming apparatus 30.

[0109] First, in the color management device 50, the CPU 51 accepts the selection of the color parameters to be created (step S31). For example, the CPU 51 displays several types of color parameters on the display unit 53. The operator selects one of the color parameters by operating the control unit 54.

[0110] Next, the CPU 51 accepts the selection of a color parameter creation chart, etc. (step S32). For example, as shown in Figure 16, the CPU 51 displays a color parameter creation screen 80 related to the color parameter to be created on the display unit 53. The color parameter creation screen 80 includes a colorimetric chart selection field 81, a black plate level selection field 82, a scanner profile selection field 83, etc.

[0111] The colorimetric chart selection area 81 is an area for selecting a colorimetric chart (a chart for creating color parameters). The operator selects one of the colorimetric charts in the colorimetric chart selection area 81 by operating from the control unit 54. The black plate level selection area 82 is an area for selecting the level for UCR / GCR. UCR (Under Color Removal) replaces the CMY in the shadow areas with black (K). GCR (Gray Component Replacement) replaces the CMY in all tonal areas, from the highlights to the shadows, with black (K). The operator selects one of the levels in the black plate level selection area 82 by operating from the control panel 54. The scanner profile selection area 83 is an area for selecting a scanner profile. If the operator wishes to specify a scanner profile directly, they select one of the scanner profiles in the scanner profile selection area 83 by operating the control unit 54.

[0112] Next, the CPU 51 executes the scanner profile setting process (step S33). The process in step S33 is the same as the scanner profile setting process (see Figures 13 and 14), except that the CPU 51 is the main operator. Here, the job that prints the chart used to create the color parameters selected in step S31 is the "print job" in the scanner profile setting process. For the print job that prints the chart for creating color parameters, the CPU 51 sets the scanner profile for each image formation condition, corresponding to that image formation condition. The CPU 51 stores in the storage unit 52 information showing the correspondence between the image formation conditions and the scanner profile, which is set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page.

[0113] Next, the CPU 51 sends a print command for the chart (color parameter creation chart) to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S34). The print command for the chart may also be sent from the color management device 50 to the image forming apparatus 30 via the printer controller 20, if necessary.

[0114] The CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 receives a chart printing instruction from the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. Based on the chart printing instruction, the CPU 31 controls the image forming unit 36 ​​to print a color parameter creation chart on paper (step S35). The color parameter creation chart may include portions that have been decorated by the decoration forming unit 41.

[0115] Next, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 sends a reading instruction for the chart (color parameter creation chart) to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S36).

[0116] The CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 receives a chart reading instruction from the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. The CPU 31 controls the inline scanner 39 to read the color parameter creation chart (printed material) (step S37). The CPU 31 obtains the chart reading data (RGB values) from the inline scanner 39. Next, the CPU 31 transmits the data read from the chart (color parameter creation chart) to the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35 (step S38).

[0117] The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 acquires chart reading data from the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S39). Next, the CPU 51 uses scanner profiles associated with each image formation condition related to the image formation of the color parameter creation chart to measure the colorimetric values ​​(L) from the read data (RGB values) of the color parameter creation chart. * a * b * The value is converted (step S40). For example, the CPU 51 identifies the scanner profile to be used from among the scanner profiles stored in the storage unit 52 based on the identification information (profile name, etc.) of the scanner profile associated with each image formation condition.

[0118] If a scanner profile is set for the entire color parameter creation chart, associated with the same image formation conditions, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to those image formation conditions to the entire read data of the chart. If a scanner profile is set up on a page-by-page basis in the color parameter creation chart, corresponding to the same image formation conditions, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for each page to the read data of that page. If a scanner profile is set for each region of a color parameter creation chart, corresponding to each image formation condition, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation condition for each region of the read data for that chart.

[0119] Next, the CPU 51 creates the color parameters selected in step S31 based on the reading data (colorimetric values) from the color parameter creation chart (step S41). Each patch included in the color parameter creation chart has a target value (L * a * b * The value is predetermined. The CPU 51 creates color parameters based on the difference between the reading result (colorimetric value) and the target value for each patch. For example, the CPU 51 creates a printer profile, a device link profile, etc., for the image forming apparatus 30. The CPU 51 may also create a maximum density setting, a one-dimensional table, a density balance table, etc., for the image forming apparatus 30. The CPU 51 transmits the created color parameters to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55. In the image forming apparatus 30, the CPU 31 stores the color parameters in the storage unit 32. This completes the color parameter creation process.

[0120] According to the second embodiment, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 sets a scanner profile in association with the image formation conditions when an image is formed on a printed material. This allows the CPU 51 to apply a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition to the read data of the printed material that is formed under each image formation condition. Therefore, the CPU 51 can use a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition.

[0121] For example, the CPU 51 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition, depending on whether the image formation condition includes white toner other than CMYK toner or does not include white toner. This allows the CPU 51 to suppress a decrease in reading accuracy by the inline scanner 39.

[0122] Furthermore, the CPU 51 sets a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition, depending on whether the image formation condition includes decorative material or does not. This allows the CPU 51 to suppress a decrease in reading accuracy by the inline scanner 39.

[0123] Furthermore, if a single printout contains multiple areas with different image formation conditions, the CPU 51 can switch scanner profiles according to the area on the single printout. The CPU 51 can switch scanner profiles for the read data in the paper width direction or the paper transport direction when reading the printout. This enables the CPU 51 to perform color conversion to measured values ​​with high accuracy.

[0124] Furthermore, if the image formation conditions may differ for each page included in the print job being processed, the CPU 51 can switch scanner profiles for each page.

[0125] Furthermore, if the image formation conditions may differ for each print job being processed, the CPU 51 can switch scanner profiles according to the print job being processed.

[0126] Furthermore, the CPU 51 can accurately obtain image formation conditions from the print data corresponding to the print job being processed. This allows the CPU 51 to use an appropriate scanner profile for each image formation condition.

[0127] In particular, in the second embodiment, the CPU 51 can set a scanner profile in correspondence with each image formation condition used in printing the color parameter creation chart.

[0128] In the color parameter creation process (see Figure 15), the case where the color management device 50 converts the read data to colorimetric values ​​in step S40 was described. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 30 may convert the read data to colorimetric values. In this case, after step S33 and before step S38, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 transmits information to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 indicating the correspondence between the image forming conditions set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page, and the scanner profile. The information indicating the correspondence between the image forming conditions set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page, is the information generated in step S33. Then, in step S38, the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 converts the read data to colorimetric values ​​using the scanner profile associated with the image forming conditions set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page, and transmits it to the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 creates color parameters based on the read data converted into colorimetric values ​​on the image forming apparatus 30 side.

[0129] Alternatively, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 may obtain the image formation conditions from the image forming device 30 when the printed material (color parameter creation chart) is actually image-formed. In this case, the CPU 51 sets a scanner profile based on the image formation conditions obtained from the image forming device 30 and uses the scanner profile to convert the scanned data of the printed material.

[0130] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the color management system in the third embodiment has the same configuration as the color management system 100 shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0131] In the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the case in which the color management device 50 is the print job management device according to the present invention will be described. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the color verification of the image forming apparatus 30 will be described as an operating mode in which the inline scanner 39 is used in the image forming apparatus 30.

[0132] The image forming unit 36 ​​of the image forming apparatus 30 prints a predetermined color verification chart (patch). The inline scanner 39 of the image forming apparatus 30 reads the color verification chart (printed material) and generates reading data.

[0133] The memory unit 52 of the color management device 50 stores the target value (reference value) used in color verification. The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 verifies whether the color reproduction of the image forming apparatus 30 conforms to the standard based on the reading data of the color verification chart. Specifically, the CPU 51 uses the reading data (RGB values) of the color verification chart generated by the inline scanner 39 to measure colorimetric data (L * a * b * Convert to a value. CPU 51 performs color verification by comparing the color measurement data with the target value.

[0134] Next, the operation of the color management system 100 in the third embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a ladder chart showing the color verification process performed in the color management device 50 and the image forming apparatus 30.

[0135] First, in the color management device 50, the CPU 51 accepts the selection of a color verification function (step S51). For example, the CPU 51 displays a menu screen on the display unit 53. The operator selects the color verification function by operating from the control unit 54.

[0136] Next, the CPU 51 accepts various settings related to color verification (step S52). For example, as shown in Figure 18, the CPU 51 displays a setting screen 90 related to color verification on the display unit 53. The setting screen 90 related to color verification includes a colorimetric chart selection field 91, a target profile selection field 92, a printer profile selection field 93, a scanner profile selection field 94, a tolerance value setting field 95, and the like.

[0137] The colorimetric chart selection area 91 is an area for selecting a colorimetric chart (color verification chart). The operator selects one of the colorimetric charts in the colorimetric chart selection area 91 by operating from the control unit 54. The target profile selection area 92 is an area for selecting a target profile. The operator selects one of the target profiles in the target profile selection area 92 by operating from the control unit 54. The printer profile selection area 93 is an area for selecting a printer profile. The operator selects one of the printer profiles in the printer profile selection area 93 by operating from the control unit 54. The scanner profile selection area 94 is an area for selecting a scanner profile. If the operator wishes to specify a scanner profile directly, they select one of the scanner profiles in the scanner profile selection area 94 by operating the control unit 54. The tolerance value setting area 95 is an area for setting tolerance values ​​for each item. The operator may set various tolerance value settings all at once by selecting the tolerance value name in the tolerance value setting area 95 using the operation unit 54. Alternatively, the operator may set tolerance values ​​individually for each item using the operation unit 54.

[0138] Next, the CPU 51 executes the scanner profile setting process (step S53). The process in step S53 is the same as the process in step S33 in the color parameter creation process (see Figure 15). Here, the job that prints the chart used for color verification is the "print job" in the scanner profile setting process. For the print job that prints the color verification chart, the CPU 51 sets the scanner profile for each image formation condition, corresponding to that image formation condition. The CPU 51 stores in the storage unit 52 information showing the correspondence between the image formation conditions and the scanner profile, which is set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page.

[0139] The processing in steps S54 to S59 is the same as the processing in steps S34 to S39 in the color parameter creation process (see Figure 15), except that the chart is a color verification chart.

[0140] After step S59, the CPU 51 uses scanner profiles associated with each image formation condition related to the image formation of the color verification chart to measure the colorimetric value (L) from the read data (RGB values) of the color verification chart. * a * b * Convert to value (step S60). For example, the CPU 51 identifies the scanner profile to be used from among the scanner profiles stored in the storage unit 52 based on the identification information (profile name, etc.) of the scanner profile associated with each image formation condition.

[0141] If a scanner profile is set for the entire color verification chart, corresponding to the same image formation conditions, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to those image formation conditions to the entire read data of the chart. If a scanner profile is set for each page of the color verification chart, corresponding to the same image formation conditions, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for that page to the read data of each page. If a scanner profile is set for each area of ​​a color verification chart, corresponding to each image formation condition, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation condition for each area of ​​the read data for that chart.

[0142] Next, the CPU 51 performs color verification of the image forming apparatus 30 based on the reading data (colorimetric values) from the color verification chart (step S61). Specifically, the CPU 51 compares the colorimetric values ​​obtained from the chart printed by the image forming apparatus 30 with the color verification standard and the tolerance values ​​for each item, and determines whether the colors printed by the image forming apparatus 30 meet the color verification criteria. The CPU 51 stores the determination result in the storage unit 52 and also displays the determination result on the display unit 53. This completes the color verification process.

[0143] According to the third embodiment, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 sets a scanner profile in association with the image formation conditions when an image is formed on a printed material. This allows the CPU 51 to apply a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition to the read data of the printed material that is formed under each image formation condition. Therefore, the CPU 51 can use a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition.

[0144] In particular, in the third embodiment, the CPU 51 can set a scanner profile in correspondence with each image formation condition used in printing the color verification chart.

[0145] In the color verification process (see Figure 17), the case where the color management device 50 converts the read data to colorimetric values ​​in step S60 was described. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 30 may convert the read data to colorimetric values. In this case, after step S53 and before step S58, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 transmits information to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 indicating the correspondence between the image forming conditions set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page, and the scanner profile. Then, in step S58, the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 converts the read data to colorimetric values ​​using the scanner profile associated with the image forming conditions set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page, and transmits it to the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 performs color verification based on the read data converted to colorimetric values ​​on the image forming apparatus 30 side.

[0146] Alternatively, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 may acquire the image formation conditions from the image forming device 30 when an image was actually formed from the printed material (color verification chart). In this case, the CPU 51 sets a scanner profile based on the image formation conditions acquired from the image forming device 30 and uses the scanner profile to convert the scanned data of the printed material.

[0147] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the color management system in the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the color management system 100 shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0148] In the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the case in which the color management device 50 is the print job management device according to the present invention will be described. The following description of the fourth embodiment will focus on the differences from the second embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a color matching method based on a color sample (target output) will be described as an operating mode using the inline scanner 39 in the image forming apparatus 30. The color sample is an output received from the customer at the time of submission, and is an actual output, not data. In the fourth embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 adjusts its colors to match the target color sample so that the print is as intended.

[0149] The platen scanner 37 of the image forming apparatus 30 reads the color sample. The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 creates a target profile based on the color sample reading data and the original data corresponding to the color sample. The original data corresponding to the color sample is the image data (CMYK values) input to the target printing press when the color sample is printed on the target printing press.

[0150] The image forming unit 36 ​​of the image forming apparatus 30 prints a printer profile creation chart (patch). The inline scanner 39 of the image forming apparatus 30 reads the printer profile creation chart (printed material) and generates read data.

[0151] The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 creates a printer profile for the image forming apparatus 30 based on the data read from the printer profile creation chart. CPU51 combines the target profile and the printer profile to create a device link profile.

[0152] Next, the operation of the color management system 100 in the fourth embodiment will be described. Figures 19 and 20 are ladder charts showing the color matching process based on color samples performed in the color management device 50 and the image forming apparatus 30.

[0153] First, in the color management device 50, the CPU 51 accepts the selection of a color matching function based on a color sample (step S71). For example, the CPU 51 displays a menu screen on the display unit 53. The operator selects a color matching function based on a color sample by operating from the control unit 54.

[0154] Next, the CPU 51 accepts the selection of original data corresponding to the color sample (step S72). For example, the CPU 51 displays candidate original data on the display unit 53. The operator selects the original data corresponding to the color sample by operating the control unit 54.

[0155] Next, the CPU 51 executes the scanner profile setting process (step S73). The process in step S73 is the same as the process in step S33 in the color parameter creation process (see Figure 15). Here, the "print job" in the scanner profile setting process is the job that prints a chart used for color matching based on a color sample (printer profile creation chart). For the print job that prints the printer profile creation chart, the CPU 51 sets the scanner profile in association with each image formation condition. The CPU 51 stores in the storage unit 52 information showing the correspondence between the image formation conditions and the scanner profile, which is set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page.

[0156] Next, the CPU 51 instructs the display unit 53 to set a color sample in the platen scanner 37 of the image forming apparatus 30. The CPU 51 then transmits a reading instruction for the color sample in the platen scanner 37 to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S74).

[0157] The CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 receives a reading instruction for a color sample from the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. The CPU 31 controls the platen scanner 37 to read the color sample (step S75). The CPU 31 obtains the reading data (RGB values) of the color sample from the platen scanner 37. Next, the CPU 31 transmits the color sample reading data to the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35 (step S76).

[0158] The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 acquires color sample reading data from the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S77). Next, the CPU 51 uses the scanner profile of the platen scanner 37 to measure the color sample data (RGB values) and converts it into colorimetric values ​​(L * a * b * Convert to a color value (L) (step S78). Note that the scanner profile of the platen scanner 37 is assumed to be reliable. The CPU 51 also obtains the color measurement value (L) for the color sample from a colorimeter connected to the color management device 50. * a * b * You may also retrieve the value.

[0159] Next, the CPU 51 creates a target profile (step S79) based on the original data selected in step S72 and the colorimetric values ​​of the color sample converted in step S78. The target profile is based on the original data of the color sample (CMYK values) and the colorimetric values ​​(L) obtained from the color sample. * a * b * This is information showing the correspondence between the values. The CPU 51 shows the CMYK values ​​and L values ​​at the corresponding positions of the color measurement values ​​(read data) of the original data and the color sample. * a * b * A table is created that maps values ​​to each other, and based on this table, a target profile is created to match the color of the color swatch.

[0160] Next, the process moves to Figure 20, where the CPU 51 sends a print command for the chart (printer profile creation chart) to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S80). The print command for the chart may also be sent from the color management device 50 to the image forming apparatus 30 via the printer controller 20, if necessary.

[0161] The CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 receives a chart printing instruction from the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. Based on the chart printing instruction, the CPU 31 controls the image forming unit 36 ​​to print the printer profile creation chart on the paper (step S81). The printer profile creation chart may include portions that have been decorated by the decoration forming unit 41.

[0162] Next, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 sends a reading instruction for the chart (printer profile creation chart) to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S82).

[0163] The CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 receives a chart reading instruction from the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. The CPU 31 controls the inline scanner 39 to read the printer profile creation chart (printed material) (step S83). The CPU 31 obtains the chart reading data (RGB values) from the inline scanner 39. Next, the CPU 31 transmits the data read from the chart (printer profile creation chart) to the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35 (step S84).

[0164] The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 acquires chart reading data from the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 (step S85). Next, the CPU 51 uses the scanner profile associated with each image formation condition related to the image formation of the printer profile creation chart to measure the colorimetric value (L) of the read data (RGB values) of the printer profile creation chart. * a * b * Convert to value (step S86). For example, the CPU 51 identifies the scanner profile to be used from among the scanner profiles stored in the storage unit 52 based on the identification information (profile name, etc.) of the scanner profile associated with each image formation condition.

[0165] If a scanner profile is set up for the entire printer profile creation chart, associated with the same image formation conditions, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to those image formation conditions to the entire read data of the chart. If a scanner profile is set up on a page-by-page basis in the printer profile creation chart, corresponding to the same image formation conditions, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation conditions for each page to the scanned data of that page. If a scanner profile is set up for each area of ​​a printer profile creation chart, corresponding to each image formation condition, the CPU 51 applies the scanner profile corresponding to the image formation condition for each area of ​​the read data for that chart.

[0166] Next, the CPU 51 creates (corrects) a printer profile based on the data (colorimetric values) read from the printer profile creation chart (step S87). The printer profile is created in the image forming apparatus 30 using the image data for printing (CMYK values) output to the image forming unit 36 ​​and the colorimetric values ​​(L) of the printed material formed by the image forming unit 36. * a * b * This information shows the correspondence between the value and the given condition.

[0167] Next, the CPU 51 combines the target profile and the printer profile to create a device link profile (step S88). The CPU 51 transmits the created printer profile and device link profile to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55. In the image forming apparatus 30, the CPU 31 stores the printer profile and the device link profile in the storage unit 32. This completes the color matching process based on the color samples.

[0168] The CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 applies a device link profile when forming an image based on the original data corresponding to the color sample. In other words, the CPU 31 uses the device link profile to convert the original data (CMYK values) into printable image data (CMYK values) output to the image forming unit 36. As a result, the color of the printed material produced by the image forming apparatus 30 matches that of the color sample.

[0169] According to the fourth embodiment, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 sets a scanner profile in association with the image formation conditions when an image is formed on a printed material. This allows the CPU 51 to apply a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition to the read data of the printed material that is formed under each image formation condition. Therefore, the CPU 51 can use a scanner profile suitable for each image formation condition.

[0170] In particular, in the fourth embodiment, the CPU 51 can set a scanner profile in association with the image formation conditions used for printing the printer profile creation chart.

[0171] In the color matching process based on color samples (see Figures 19 and 20), the case where the color management device 50 converts the read data to colorimetric values ​​in step S86 was described. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 30 may convert the read data to colorimetric values. In this case, after step S73 and before step S84, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 transmits information to the image forming apparatus 30 via the communication unit 55 indicating the correspondence between the image forming conditions set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page, and the scanner profile. Then, in step S84, the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 converts the read data to colorimetric values ​​using the scanner profile associated with the image forming conditions set for the entire print job, on a page-by-page basis, and for each area within a page, and transmits it to the color management device 50 via the communication unit 35. The CPU 51 of the color management device 50 creates a printer profile based on the read data converted to colorimetric values ​​on the image forming apparatus 30 side.

[0172] Alternatively, the CPU 51 of the color management device 50 may obtain the image formation conditions from the image forming device 30 when the printed material (printer profile creation chart) is actually image-formed. In this case, the CPU 51 sets a scanner profile based on the image formation conditions obtained from the image forming device 30 and uses the scanner profile to convert the scanned data of the printed material.

[0173] The descriptions in the above embodiments are examples of the print job management method, print job management device, and program according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the device can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, characteristic processes in each embodiment may be combined and executed.

[0174] In each of the above embodiments, the case in which the PC10 (printer driver) or the color management device 50 is the print job management device according to the present invention was described. Alternatively, a printer controller 20 connected to an image forming apparatus 30 equipped with an image forming unit 36 ​​(image forming engine) may be the print job management device according to the present invention. In this case, the CPU 21 of the printer controller 20 sets a scanner profile for each print job received from the PC 10, corresponding to each image forming condition. The details of the processing are the same as in each of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 30, which includes an image forming unit 36 ​​(image forming engine), may also be a print job management device according to the present invention. In this case, the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 sets a scanner profile for each print job to be processed, corresponding to each image forming condition. The details of the processing are the same as in the embodiments described above.

[0175] Furthermore, in each embodiment, the processing performed by the PC 10 (printer driver) or the color management device 50 may be performed by another device within the color management system 100, or by a device that can be connected to the color management system 100. For example, the functions of the color management device 50 may be included in the PC 10, printer controller 20, or image forming apparatus 30, or the color management device 50 may be configured as a standalone device. Furthermore, the color management device 50 may provide only the web application and user interface, while the actual functions and data are included in the PC 10, printer controller 20, or image forming apparatus 30. Alternatively, the PC 10 may provide only the web application and user interface, while the actual functions and data are included in another PC, printer controller 20, or image forming apparatus 30.

[0176] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case in which the inline scanner 39 of the image forming apparatus 30 reads the printed material and generates reading data has been described. Alternatively, the operator may set the printed material in the platen scanner 37 of the image forming apparatus 30 or an external scanner, and the platen scanner 37 or the external scanner may read the printed material and generate reading data. In this case, the scanner profile set in correspondence with the image forming conditions will be the scanner profile of the scanner being used.

[0177] In the embodiments described above, the image forming apparatus 30 is described as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that uses toner to form images, but it is not limited to this. The image forming apparatus 30 may be an image forming apparatus of another printing method, such as an inkjet method.

[0178] The computer-readable medium used to store the programs for executing each process is not limited to the examples above. Furthermore, a carrier wave may be used as the medium for providing program data via a communication line.

[0179] The embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not to limit. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0180] 10 PC 11 CPU 12 Storage section 13 Display section 14 Control section 15 Communications Department 20 Printer Controllers 30 Image forming apparatus 31 CPU 32 Storage section 35 Communications Department 36 Image forming unit 39 Inline Scanners 41 Decorative forming part 50 color management device 51 CPU 52 Storage section 53 Display section 54 Operation section 55 Communications Department 100-Color Management System 121 Printer driver program 221 Printer Controller Program 521 Color Management Application Programs N Communication Network T1 Compatible Table T2 compatible table

Claims

1. A print job management method for managing print jobs executed by an image forming engine, Information of a first scanner profile for converting scanned data of a printed material whose image is formed under first image formation conditions is obtained. Based on the acquired information of the first scanner profile, the first scanner profile is set in association with the first image formation conditions. Information for a second scanner profile is obtained for converting the scanned data of a printed material whose image is formed under second image formation conditions. Based on the acquired information of the second scanner profile, the second scanner profile is set in correspondence with the second image formation conditions. Print job management method.

2. The first image forming condition is an image forming condition that includes colorants other than the four colorants cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The second image forming condition is an image forming condition that does not include any colorants other than the four colorants mentioned above. The print job management method according to claim 1.

3. The colorants other than the four aforementioned colorants are white colorants in the same image forming method as the four aforementioned colorants. The print job management method according to claim 2.

4. The colorants other than the four aforementioned colors are decorative materials. The print job management method according to claim 2.

5. The system switches between the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile depending on the area on a single printed document. The print job management method according to claim 1.

6. When scanning the single printed document, the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the single printed document is transported. The print job management method according to claim 5.

7. When scanning the single printed document, the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched in the direction in which the single printed document is transported. The print job management method according to claim 5.

8. For each page included in the print job to be processed, the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile are switched. The print job management method according to claim 1.

9. Depending on the print job to be processed, the system switches between the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile. The print job management method according to claim 1.

10. The system switches between the first scanner profile and the second scanner profile based on the print data corresponding to the print job to be processed. The print job management method according to claim 1.

11. A print job management device comprising a control unit that performs the print job management method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A program for causing a computer that controls a print job management device to execute the print job management method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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