Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This makes it possible to create color verification reference values ​​that correspond to the color processing capabilities of the image forming apparatus without requiring extra effort. [Solution] The information processing device obtains a profile from a controller that controls the image forming apparatus, which includes a color space conversion table for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space, and obtains information from a storage unit that stores information on a color verification chart, which includes multiple color verification patches. The information processing device then creates a reference value for color verification based on the color space conversion table of the profile and the information on the color verification chart.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to information processing technology used for verifying the color quality of printed matter.

Background Art

[0002] As a method for verifying the color quality of printed matter generated by an image forming apparatus, there is a method in which a color verification chart on which verification patches of a plurality of colors are printed is color-measured by a color measuring device, and the color measurement result is compared with industry standards or user-defined criteria. Hereinafter, this method will be referred to as color verification. In color verification, when it is desired to confirm whether the original color processing ability of the image forming apparatus is being exerted, or when it is desired to compare the color processing abilities between image forming apparatuses, criteria corresponding to the color processing ability of the image forming apparatus are used. When using criteria corresponding to the color processing ability, it is necessary to create reference values for each patch of the color verification chart. Here, the reference value is a target value for the value obtained by color-measuring each patch of the color verification chart printed by the image forming apparatus. In order to create this reference value, a reference is required. That is, the reference is information serving as a reference for comparison with the measurement result in performing color verification. The reference is data in which PCS (Profile Connection Space) values corresponding to a plurality of patches defined by CMYK values are described, and the reference value is defined by this reference.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for obtaining reference values for each patch of a chart and using those reference values for updating a printing profile. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for updating a second conversion table included in a profile using the reference values obtained by applying a first color conversion table included in the profile to each patch of the chart and the color measurement values obtained by color-measuring each patch of the chart.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-25128 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] When performing color verification using standards that correspond to the color processing capabilities of an image forming apparatus, as mentioned above, it is necessary to create reference values ​​for each patch of the color verification chart. Creating these reference values ​​requires completing the instrument adjustments to the image forming apparatus and the controller connected to it, printing a color verification chart, and then measuring the color of all the patches on the printed color verification chart, which is a time-consuming process. If it were possible to create reference values ​​without measuring the printed color verification chart, color verification using standards that correspond to the color processing capabilities of the image forming apparatus could be performed without much effort, but existing technologies do not allow for the creation of such reference values.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to enable the creation of color verification reference values ​​that correspond to the color processing capabilities of an image forming apparatus without requiring extra effort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a profile acquisition means for acquiring a profile from a controller that controls an image forming apparatus, which includes a color space conversion table for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space; a chart acquisition means for acquiring information on a color verification chart, which includes multiple color verification patches, from a storage unit that stores information on the color verification chart; and a reference value creation means for creating a reference value for color verification based on the color space conversion table of the profile and the information on the color verification chart. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to create reference values ​​for color verification that correspond to the color processing capabilities of an image forming apparatus without requiring extra effort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic example of a color verification system configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic configuration example of each device on the color verification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of each device in the color verification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of profile information. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a color space conversion table included in an input / output profile. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a color verification chart. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of how to define CMYK values ​​in a patch of a color verification chart. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the settings screen when creating reference values ​​in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the definition data for CMYK values, a conversion table, and a reference example. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the process for creating a reference value that defines a baseline. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the reference value creation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of information regarding the correspondence between profiles and paper types. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the settings screen when creating reference values ​​in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of the reference value creation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows examples of the information contained in a piece of paper. [Figure 16] This diagram shows example screens and information for setting, entering, and revoking permission for paper color. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a warning screen. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the screen displayed when starting color measurement. [Figure 19]It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for instructing a user to perform color measurement operations. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen when creating a reference value in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart of the permission setting process for paper color. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart of the reference value creation process according to the third embodiment. <00%00091> [Figure 23] It is a flowchart of the reference value creation process according to the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and not all combinations of the features described in this embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. The configuration of the embodiment can be appropriately modified or changed according to the specifications of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions (usage conditions, usage environments, etc.). Also, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and functions, and overlapping explanations are omitted. [[ID=!]]

[0011] <The First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a color verification system having a client computer 101, an image forming apparatus 102, a controller 108, and a color verification server 112. The client computer 101 is connected to the controller 108 and the color verification server 112 on the same network 113 via the network 113. The color verification server 112 performs the necessary processing for color verification, such as acquiring information from the controller 108 (explained in Figure 4 below) and issuing print instructions for the chart used for color verification (explained in Figure 6 below). Information on the color verification chart (explained in Figure 7 below) and information on the color verification reference (explained in Figure 9 below) are stored in the color verification server 112, and this information is transmitted to the client computer 101 via the network 113. The reference is information that serves as a standard for comparison with measurement results when performing color verification.

[0012] Furthermore, the information for the color verification chart and the information for the color verification reference may be stored on the client computer 101 instead of the color verification server 112. Also, the processing necessary for color verification, such as acquiring information from the controller 108 and issuing print instructions for the chart used for color verification, may be performed on the client computer 101 instead of the color verification server 112. In other words, the information processing device according to this embodiment may be implemented as a single device that includes the functions of both the color verification server 112 and the client computer 101.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 102 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 102 is connected to the controller 108 via cable 109 and video cable 110. The image forming apparatus 102 includes a UI panel 103, paper feed decks 104 and 105, and an optional paper feed deck 106 consisting of three paper feed decks. The UI panel 103 is a user interface equipped with, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The image forming apparatus 102 is also connected to the paper output device 107 via cable 111. The paper output device 107 has two paper output trays and can stack the output products (printed materials) produced by the image forming apparatus 102 on the paper output trays.

[0014] Print jobs for the image forming apparatus 102 are generated on the client computer 101, sent to the controller 108 via the network 113, and managed by the controller 108. The print jobs are then sent from the controller 108 to the image forming apparatus 102 via cable 109 and video cable 110, and the image forming apparatus 102 performs printing based on those print jobs. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 102 may exist in multiple locations on the network 113, rather than just one. Also, the connection configuration of the client computer 101, image forming apparatus 102, controller 108, and color verification server 112 shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and various other connection configurations are also possible.

[0015] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the client computer 101, image forming apparatus 102, controller 108, and color verification server 112 according to this embodiment. The client computer 101, controller 108, and color verification server 112 are connected to each other via a network 113 so that they can communicate with one another. First, let's explain the configuration of client computer 101. The memory unit 203 stores information processing programs related to the client computer 101. The memory unit 203 also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during client computer operation. RAM202 is a type of general volatile memory that can be accessed directly from CPU201 and is used as the CPU201's work area or other temporary data storage area. The CPU 201 executes programs read from the memory unit 203 and loaded into the RAM 202, thereby performing control and calculations in various parts of the client computer 101 via the system bus 207.

[0016] The network interface (hereinafter referred to as NWI / F) 204 is connected to the NWI / F 229 of the controller 108 via network 113 and communicates with the controller 108. In addition, the NWI / F 204 is also connected to the NWI / F 235 of the color verification server 112 via network 113 and communicates with the color verification server 112. The USB interface (hereinafter referred to as USBI / F) 206 is connected to the USBI / F 241 of the colorimeter 115 via cable 114 and communicates with the colorimeter 115. The display unit 205 is a user interface for visually displaying information handled by the client computer 101. For example, the display unit 205 is a monitor display.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 will be described. The memory unit 210 stores the image forming processing program related to the image forming apparatus 102. The memory unit 210 also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the image forming apparatus. RAM209 is a type of common volatile memory that can be directly accessed by CPU208 and is used as the CPU208's work area or other temporary data storage area. The CPU 208 executes programs read from the memory unit 210 and loaded into the RAM 209, thereby performing control and calculations in various parts of the image forming apparatus 102 via the system bus 219.

[0018] The NWI / F211 is connected to the NWI / F230 of the controller 108 via cable 109 and communicates with the controller 108. The video interface 212 is connected to the video interface 231 of the controller 108 via the video cable 110, and communicates image data with the controller 108. The UI panel 213 is the UI panel 103 in Figure 1, and is a user interface used when the user performs all operations of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0019] The paper feed deck interface 214 communicates with the paper feed deck 215. The paper feed deck 215 includes the paper feed deck 104, paper feed deck 105, and optional paper feed deck 106 shown in Figure 1. The engine interface 216 handles communication and control of the printer engine 217. The accessory interface 218 is connected to the accessory interface 224 of the paper output device 107 via cable 111 and communicates with the paper output device 107.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the paper output device 107 will be described. The storage unit 222 stores the paper ejection processing program related to the paper ejection device 107. The storage unit 222 also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the paper ejection device. RAM221 is a type of general volatile memory that can be accessed directly from CPU220 and is used as the CPU220's work area or other temporary data storage area. The CPU 220 executes programs read from the memory unit 222 and loaded into the RAM 221, thereby performing control and calculations in various parts of the paper output device 107 via the system bus 225. The paper output unit 223 performs the paper output operation to the paper output trays provided by the paper output device 107 and monitors the loading status of each tray.

[0021] Next, we will explain the configuration of controller 108. The memory unit 228 stores the control program for the controller 108. The memory unit 228 also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during controller operation. RAM227 is a type of common volatile memory that can be directly accessed by CPU226 and is used as the CPU226's work area or other temporary data storage area. The CPU 226 executes programs read from the memory unit 228 and loaded into the RAM 227, thereby performing control and calculations in various parts of the controller 108 via the system bus 232.

[0022] The NWI / F229 is connected to the NWI / F235 of the color verification server 112 via network 113 and communicates with the color verification server 112. The NWI / F229 is also connected to the NWI / F204 of the client computer 101 via network 113 and communicates with the client computer 101. The NWI / F230 is connected to the NWI / F211 of the image forming apparatus 102 via cable 109 and communicates with the image forming apparatus 102. The video interface 231 is connected to the video interface 212 of the image forming apparatus 102 via the video cable 110, and communicates image data with the image forming apparatus 102.

[0023] Next, I will explain the color verification server 112. The memory unit 236 stores information processing programs related to the color verification server 112. The memory unit 236 also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the color verification server. RAM234 is a type of common volatile memory that can be accessed directly by CPU233 and is used as the CPU233's work area or other temporary data storage area. The CPU 233 executes programs read from the memory unit 236 and loaded into the RAM 234, thereby performing control and calculations in various parts of the color verification server 112 via the system bus 237.

[0024] The NWI / F235 is connected to the NWI / F204 of the client computer 101 via network 113 and communicates with the client computer 101. The NWI / F235 is also connected to the NWI / F229 of the controller 108 via network 113 and communicates with the controller 108.

[0025] Next, the colorimeter 115 will be described. The memory unit 240 stores the colorimetric processing program related to the colorimetric device 115. The memory unit 240 also functions as a temporary storage area and work memory during the operation of the colorimetric device. RAM239 is a type of general volatile memory that can be directly accessed by CPU238 and is used as the CPU238's work area or other temporary data storage area. The CPU 238 executes programs read from the memory unit 240 and loaded into the RAM 239, thereby performing control and calculations in various parts of the colorimeter 115 via the system bus 243.

[0026] The colorimeter 242 measures the color of a color verification patch on paper and temporarily stores the measurement results in the RAM 239 or the storage unit 240. The USBI / F241 is connected to the USBI / F206 of the client computer 101 via cable 114 and communicates with the client computer 101. The CPU 201 of the client computer 101 acquires the color measurement results temporarily stored in the RAM 239 or memory unit 240 of the colorimeter 115 via USBI / F206, cable 0114, and USBI / F241.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the functional units (software configurations) realized by program execution in the CPUs of the client computer 101, image forming apparatus 102, paper output device 107, controller 108, color verification server 112, and colorimeter 115. Figure 3 also shows the same I / F units as in Figure 1.

[0028] The client computer 101 has a color verification UI control unit 301 as a functional unit formed on RAM 202 by the CPU 201 executing an information processing program. The color verification UI control unit 301 is a module formed on RAM 202 of the client computer 101, and its functions are realized by the CPU 201. The color verification UI control unit 301 controls the display of various user interface (UI) screens, which will be described later.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 102 has a printing processing unit 302 and a printing attribute control unit 303 as functional units formed on the RAM 209 by the CPU 208 executing an image forming processing program. The printing processing unit 302 and the printing attribute control unit 303 are modules formed on the RAM 209 of the image forming apparatus 102, and their functions are realized by the CPU 208. The printing processing unit 302 and the printing attribute control unit 303 control printing to a recording medium such as a sheet based on the print job.

[0030] The paper output device 107 has a post-processing control unit 304 as a functional unit formed on the RAM 221 by the CPU 220 executing a paper output processing program. The post-processing control unit 304 is a module formed on the RAM 221 of the paper output device 107, and its functions are realized by the CPU 220. The post-processing control unit 304 controls the execution of post-processing on the recording medium that has been printed in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0031] The controller 108 has a print job processing unit 305, a print instruction unit 306, and a data management unit 307 as functional units formed on the RAM 227 by the CPU 226 executing a control program. The print job processing unit 305, the print instruction unit 306, and the data management unit 307 are modules formed on the RAM 227 of the controller 108, and their functions are realized by the CPU 226. The print job processing unit 305 executes print jobs based on instructions from the print instruction unit 306. The print instruction unit 306 instructs the print job processing unit 305 to execute print jobs. The data management unit 307 manages various types of information stored in the controller 108, which will be described later.

[0032] The color verification server 112 has the following functional units as functional units formed on RAM 234 by the CPU 233 executing an information processing program. In this embodiment, the color verification server 112 has a data registration unit 308, a data request unit 309, a color verification control unit 310, a color verification determination unit 311, a report creation unit 312, a report transmission unit 313, and a reference value creation unit 314. These are modules formed on RAM 234 of the color verification server 112, and their functions are realized by the CPU 233. The data registration unit 308 stores (registers) a reference that defines the reference value for color verification, which is created as described later, in the storage unit 236 or RAM 234. The data request unit 309 performs data request processing when acquiring data and information from client computers 101 or controllers 108 connected via the network 113. The color verification control unit 310 performs control related to the color verification process described later. The color verification determination unit 311 performs determination processing for color verification. The report generation unit 312 generates a report of the color verification results, etc. The report transmission unit 313 sends the report generated by the report generation unit 312 to, for example, the client computer 101. This allows the client computer 101 to display the report on the display unit 205. The reference value creation unit 314 creates a reference that defines the reference values ​​for color verification, as will be described later.

[0033] The colorimeter 115 has a colorimeter control unit 315 as a functional unit formed on the RAM 239 by the CPU 238 executing a colorimeter processing program. The colorimeter control unit 315 is a module formed on the RAM 239 of the colorimeter 115, and its functions are realized by the CPU 238. The colorimeter control unit 315 performs colorimeter processing and control on a printed color verification chart.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a profile information table 401 as an example of profile information contained in a profile stored in the storage unit 228 of the controller 108. A profile is data containing multiple color space conversion tables for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space. Examples of profiles include input profiles and output profiles. An input profile is a profile for converting values ​​in color spaces that depend on input / output devices, such as CMYK and RGB, to values ​​in color spaces that do not depend on input / output devices, such as L*a*b* and XYZ. An output profile is a profile for converting values ​​in color spaces that do not depend on input / output devices, such as L*a*b* and XYZ, to values ​​in color spaces that do depend on input / output devices, such as CMYK and RGB. The profile information table 401 is stored in the storage unit 228 of the controller 108.

[0035] Profile name information 402 is information indicating the name of the profile. A2B conversion table information 403 indicates the type of A2B conversion table included in the profile. Here, an A2B conversion table is a first color space conversion table used to convert from output color spaces such as CMYK and RGB, which are dependent on input / output devices, to common color spaces such as L*a*b* and XYZ, which are independent of input / output devices. The data in the A2B conversion table will be explained in Figure 5 below. B2A conversion table information 404 indicates the type of B2A conversion table included in the profile. Here, a B2A conversion table is a second color space conversion table used to convert from common color spaces such as L*a*b* and XYZ, which are independent of input / output devices, to output color spaces such as CMYK and RGB, which are dependent on input / output devices. The data in the B2A conversion table will be explained in Figure 5 below.

[0036] Output color space information 405 indicates the output color space in the profile. Examples of output color space information include RGB and CMYK. Profile connection space information 406 is information that indicates the profile connection space in the profile. Examples of profile connection space information 406 include L*a*b* and XYZ.

[0037] As shown in A2B conversion table information 403 and B2A conversion table information 404, a profile can have multiple A2B and B2A conversion tables. As shown in the example in Figure 4, if a profile has multiple A2B and B2A conversion tables, specifying the rendering intent during conversion determines which of the multiple A2B and B2A conversion tables to use.

[0038] Figure 5(A) shows an example of an input profile A2B conversion table, the input profile A2B conversion table 501. As mentioned earlier, a color space conversion table is a table used to convert values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space. On this color space conversion table, output values ​​are defined according to specific combinations of input values. For example, in the case of a color space conversion table for converting CMYK values ​​to L*a*b* values, multiple combinations of CMYK values ​​are defined on the table as input values, and for each of these input values, a combination of L*a*b* values ​​is defined as the output value. In this example, the A2B conversion table is a table for converting from the CMYK color space to the L*a*b* color space, and combinations of CMYK values ​​are defined as input values, and combinations of L*a*b* values ​​are defined as output values.

[0039] The C input value 502 is input profile Cyan input value information that indicates the Cyan value as an input value in the input profile A2B conversion table 501. The M input value 503 is input profile Magenta input value information that indicates the Magenta value as an input value in the input profile A2B conversion table 501. The Y input value 504 is input profile Yellow input value information, which indicates the Yellow value as an input value in the input profile A2B conversion table 501. The K input value 505 is input profile Black input value information, which indicates the Black value as an input value in the input profile A2B conversion table 501. The L* output value 506 is input profile L* output value information that indicates the L* value as an output value in the input profile A2B conversion table 501. The a* output value 507 is input profile a* output value information that shows the a* value as an output value in the input profile A2B conversion table 501. The b* output value 508 is input profile b* output value information that shows the b* value as an output value in the input profile A2B conversion table 501.

[0040] Here, for example, suppose we convert an input value of CMYK consisting of Cyan=100, Magenta=0, Yellow=0, and Black=0 to an L*a*b* value using the input profile A2B conversion table 501. In this case, we refer to the row in the input profile A2B conversion table 501 where the C input value 502=100, the M input value 503=0, the Y input value 504=0, and the K input value 505=0. In this case, the L* output value 506=98, the a* output value 507=-8, and the b* output value 508=-3 are obtained as the converted L*a*b* values. Furthermore, if a combination of CMYK values ​​as input values ​​does not exist in the input profile A2B conversion table 501, the output values ​​of L*a*b* are calculated by linear interpolation.

[0041] Figure 5(B) shows an example of an output profile B2A conversion table, output profile B2A conversion table 509. In this example, the B2A conversion table is a table for converting from the L*a*b* color space to the CMYK color space, and the input values ​​are combinations of L*a*b* values, and the output values ​​are combinations of CMYK values. The L* input value 510 is output profile L* input value information that indicates the L* value as an input value in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. The a* input value 511 is output profile a* input value information that indicates the a* value as an input value in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. The b* input value 512 is output profile b* input value information that indicates the b* value as an input value in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. The C output value 513 is output profile Cyan output value information, which indicates the Cyan value as an output value in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. The M output value 514 is output profile Magenta output value information, which indicates the Magenta value as an output value in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. The Y output value 515 is output profile Yellow output value information, which indicates the Yellow value as an output value in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. The K output value 516 is output profile Black output value information, which indicates the Black value as an output value in the output profile B2A conversion table 509.

[0042] Here, for example, suppose we convert the input values ​​of L*a*b*, consisting of L*=98, a*=-8, and b*=-3, to CMYK values ​​using the output profile B2A conversion table 509. In this case, we refer to the row in the output profile B2A conversion table 509 where the L* input value is 510=98, the a* input value is 511=-8, and the b* input value is 512=-3. In this case, the converted CMYK values ​​obtained are C output value 513=80, M output value 514=0, Y output value 515=0, and K output value 516=0. For example, if the combination of L*a*b* as input values ​​does not exist in the output profile B2A conversion table 509, the CMYK output values ​​are calculated by linear interpolation.

[0043] Figure 5(C) shows an example of an A2B conversion table included in an output profile, specifically output profile A2B conversion table 517. In this example, the A2B conversion table is used to convert from the CMYK color space to the L*a*b* color space, with a combination of CMYK values ​​defined as the input value and a combination of L*a*b* values ​​defined as the output value.

[0044] The C input value 518 is output profile Cyan input value information, which indicates the Cyan value as an input value in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. The M input value 519 is output profile Magenta input value information, which indicates the Magenta value as an input value in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. The Y input value 520 is output profile Yellow input value information, which indicates the Yellow value as an input value in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. The K output value 521 is output profile Black input value information, which indicates the Black value as an input value in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. The L* output value 522 is output profile L* output value information that indicates the L* value as an output value in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. The a* output value 523 is output profile a* output value information that shows the a* value as an output value in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. The b* output value 524 is output profile b* output value information that shows the b* value as an output value in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. Furthermore, if a combination of CMYK values ​​as input values ​​does not exist in the output profile A2B conversion table 517, the output values ​​of L*a*b* are calculated by linear interpolation.

[0045] Figure 6 shows an example of a color verification chart 601 used for color verification. The color verification chart 601 includes a color verification information printing area 602 on which color verification setting information is printed, and a patch printing area 603 on which color verification patches used for color verification are printed. The definition of the color verification patch (hereinafter referred to as "patch") in the patch printing area 603 will be explained using Figure 7.

[0046] Figure 7 shows an example of the definition of CMYK values ​​in a patch within the patch printing area 603 included in the color verification chart 601. The patch definition table 701 is a definition table containing definition information for the patches to be printed in the patch printing area 603 of the color verification chart 601 shown in Figure 6. This patch definition table 701 defines the CMYK values ​​for each patch to be printed in the patch printing area 603. The patch definition table 701 is stored in the memory unit 236 of the color verification server 112, and the CPU 233 loads it into the RAM 234 when performing color verification.

[0047] Chart name information 702 indicates the name of the color verification chart 601 on which the patch is printed. Chart patch ID 703 is the patch ID assigned to each patch printed in the patch printing area of ​​the color verification chart. Chart C value 704 is chart Cyan value information that shows the Cyan value of the patch with chart patch ID 703. Chart M value 705 is chart Magenta value information that shows the Magenta value of the patch with chart patch ID 703. Chart Y value 706 is chart Yellow value information that shows the Yellow value of the patch with chart patch ID 703. Chart K value 707 is chart Black value information that indicates the Black value of the patch with chart patch ID 703.

[0048] Figure 8 shows an example of the settings screen used when creating a reference value in the first embodiment. The reference value creation screen 801 is displayed on the display unit 205 of the client computer 101 by the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101. The chart selection dropdown 802 is a dropdown display unit for the user to specify a color verification chart from among the color verification charts stored in the memory unit 236 of the color verification server 112 to create a new reference value. The controller selection dropdown 803 is a dropdown display that presents candidate controllers 108 for profile acquisition when creating reference values, allowing the user to specify (select) one. The candidate controllers 108 displayed in the controller selection dropdown 803 are controllers 108 connected to the color verification server 112 via the network 113.

[0049] The input profile selection dropdown 804 is a dropdown display that presents candidates for input profiles to be used when creating reference values, allowing the user to specify (select) one. The candidate profiles displayed in the input profile selection dropdown 804 are profiles stored in the memory unit 228 of the controller 108, which is specified by the user via the controller selection dropdown 803. The output profile selection dropdown 805 is a dropdown display that presents candidate output profiles to be used when creating reference values, allowing the user to specify (select) one. The candidate profiles displayed in the output profile selection dropdown 805 are profiles stored in the memory unit 228 of the controller 108, which is specified by the user via the controller selection dropdown 803.

[0050] The rendering intent selection dropdown 806 is a dropdown display for the user to select the rendering intent to apply when creating the reference value. The rendering intent selected here determines the input profile selected in the input profile selection dropdown 804, and the A2B and B2A conversion tables to be used in the output dropdown selected in the output profile selection dropdown 805.

[0051] The Reference Value Name Input Form 807 is an input form for entering the name of the reference value to be created. The reference value creation start button 808 is a button pressed by the user to start the creation of a reference value. Note that this reference value creation start button 808, along with the other buttons described later in this embodiment, are virtual buttons displayed on the display unit 205 of the client computer 101. Pressing these buttons is equivalent to touching the touch panel provided on the display unit 205. The "Cancel Reference Value Creation" button 809 is a button that the user presses when they want to cancel the creation of reference values.

[0052] Figure 9(A) shows an example of the definition data for CMYK values ​​in a patch of the color verification chart 601, stored in the memory unit 236 of the color verification server 112. Note that the explanation for the patch definition table 701 to the chart K value 707 is the same as in Figure 7 above, so it is omitted. Patch definition table record 901 is a record that extracts a single row from patch definition table 701.

[0053] Figure 9(B) shows an example of an A2B conversion table in an input profile. Note that the input profile A2B conversion table from 501 to b* output value 508 is the same as in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted. Input profile A2B conversion table record 902 is a record extracted from a single row in input profile A2B conversion table 501.

[0054] Figure 9(C) shows an example of a B2A conversion table in an output profile. Note that the output profile B2A conversion table from 509 to K output value 516 is the same as in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted. Output profile B2A conversion table record 903 is a record extracted from output profile B2A conversion table 509.

[0055] Figure 9(D) shows an example of an A2B conversion table in the output profile. Note that the output profile A2B conversion table from 517 to b* output value 524 is the same as in Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted. Output profile A2B conversion table record 904 is a record extracted from output profile A2B conversion table 517.

[0056] Figure 9(E) shows an example of a reference created. The reference is data that describes the PCS (Profile Connection Space) values ​​corresponding to multiple patches defined by CMYK values, and this reference defines the baseline value. An example of a PCS value described in the reference is the L*a*b* value. The reference information table 905 is an information table that shows the information included in the reference. This reference information table 905 is stored in the memory unit 236 of the color verification server 112 and is loaded onto the RAM 234 by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 when color verification is performed. The reference information table 905 also defines the reference values ​​corresponding to each patch for which the CMYK values ​​are defined by the patch definition table 701. Note that the configuration of the reference information table 905 is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown here.

[0057] Reference value name information 906 is information indicating the name of the reference value defined by the reference information table 905. Patch ID information 907 indicates the patch ID assigned to the patch that defines the baseline value by reference. Patch C value 908 is Cyan value information indicating the Cyan value of the patch with patch ID information 907. Patch M value 909 is Magenta value information indicating the Magenta value of the patch with patch ID information 907. Patch Y value 910 is Yellow value information indicating the Yellow value of the patch with patch ID information 907. Patch K value 911 is Black value information indicating the Black value of the patch with patch ID information 907. Patch L* value 912 is L* value information that indicates the baseline L* value for the patch with patch ID information 907. Patch a* value 913 is a* value information that indicates the baseline a* value for the patch with patch ID information 907. Patch b* value 914 is b* value information that indicates the base b* value for the patch with patch ID information 907. Reference information table record 915 is a record extracted from a single row in reference information table 905.

[0058] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process of creating a reference that defines the reference value for color verification using the color space conversion table in the existing profile of the controller 108 and the definition data of the color verification chart 601 held by the color verification server 112. In each flowchart from Figure 10 onward, the reference symbol "S" represents a processing step. The processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 10 is realized by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 executing the processing of each functional unit shown in Figure 2. In each flowchart, the transmission and reception of data etc. between the devices constituting the color verification system is performed via NWI / F, etc., but in order to simplify the explanation below, the description of using NWI / F, etc. will be omitted.

[0059] First, in S1001, the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 acquires information about the color verification chart as part of the chart acquisition process. Specifically, the reference value creation unit 314 acquires the patch definition table 701 from the storage unit 236 as the color verification chart. The patch definition table 701 is data that describes the definitions of the CMYK values ​​of the patches on the color verification chart 601.

[0060] Next, in S1002, the data request unit 309 retrieves the profile held by the controller 108 as part of the profile acquisition process. That is, the data request unit 309 requests the input profile and output profile from the controller 108 as part of the profile acquisition process, and retrieves the input profile and output profile sent from the controller 108 in response to that request. Then, the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 stores the acquired input profile and output profile in the storage unit 236.

[0061] Next, in S1003, the reference value creation unit 314 selects a patch definition table record 901, which is a row on the patch definition table 701 obtained in S1001. One example of a selection method here is to select as the patch definition table record a row on the patch definition table 701 that is not selected, that is, a row that has not undergone the processing from S1004 to SS1007 described later and contains the smallest chart patch ID 703 value.

[0062] Next, in S1004, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the CMYK value pointed to by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1003 or S1009 (described later) into an L*a*b* value by referring to the input profile A2B conversion table 501. This conversion is performed by identifying the input profile A2B conversion table record 902 that contains the CMYK value pointed to by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1003 or S1009 (described later) from the input profile A2B conversion table 501. Note that there may be cases where the input profile A2B conversion table 501 does not contain an input profile A2B conversion table record 902 that contains the CMYK value pointed to by the patch definition table record 901. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to an L*a*b* value by linear interpolation based on the input profile A2B conversion table 501.

[0063] Next, in S1005, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the L*a*b* values ​​obtained in S1004 into CMYK values ​​by referring to the output profile B2A conversion table 509. This conversion is performed by identifying the output profile B2A conversion table record 903 containing the L*a*b* values ​​obtained in S1004 from the output profile B2A conversion table 509. Note that there may be cases where the output profile B2A conversion table record 903 containing the L*a*b* values ​​obtained in S1004 does not exist in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to CMYK values ​​by linear interpolation based on the output profile B2A conversion table 509.

[0064] Next, in S1006, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1005 into L*a*b* values ​​by referring to the output profile A2B conversion table 517. This conversion is performed by identifying the output profile A2B conversion table record 904 containing the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1005 from the output profile A2B conversion table 517. Note that there may be cases where the output profile A2B conversion table record 904 containing the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1005 does not exist in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to L*a*b* values ​​by linear interpolation based on the output profile A2B conversion table 517.

[0065] Next, in S1007, the reference value creation unit 314 associates the L*a*b* value obtained in S1006 with the patch definition table record 901 obtained in S1003 or S1009. Then, the reference value creation unit 314 stores the reference information table record 915, which is associated with the patch definition table record 901, in the storage unit 236 or RAM 234.

[0066] Next, in S1008, the reference value creation unit 314 determines whether the processes from S1004 to S1007 have been executed for all patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701 up to that point. Then, if the reference value creation unit 314 determines, as a result of the determination in S1008, that there are records among all patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701 that have not undergone processing from S1004 to S1007, it proceeds to processing S1009. When the process proceeds to S1009, the reference value creation unit 314 selects a patch definition table record 901 from the patch definition table 701 that has not been processed from S1004 to S1007, i.e., a patch definition table record that was not selected in S1003, and returns to S1004.

[0067] Furthermore, if the result of the determination in S1008 indicates that the processes from S1004 to S1007 have been performed on all patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701, the reference value creation unit 314 proceeds to S1010. When the process proceeds to S1010, the reference value creation unit 314 creates a reference information table 905 based on the reference information table record 915 stored in the storage unit 236 or RAM 234 in S1007. Then, the data registration unit 308 stores the reference information table 905 in the storage unit 236. The reference information table 905 is created by placing one or more reference information table records stored in S1007 into the same table. After S1010, the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 completes the processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 10. By having the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 execute the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 10, it becomes possible to create a reference information table 905 that defines the standard values ​​for color verification without performing printing or color measurement.

[0068] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the process of creating a reference that defines the reference values ​​for color verification, based on the user's settings via the reference value creation screen 801 in Figure 8, using the color space conversion table in the existing profile and the definition data of the color verification chart 601. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 11 is executed by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 in cooperation with the CPU 201 of the client computer 101. In other words, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 11 is realized by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 executing the processes of each functional unit shown in Figure 2, and the CPU 201 of the client computer 101 executing the processes of each functional unit shown in Figure 2.

[0069] First, in S1101, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 displays the reference value creation screen 801 on the display unit 205. Next, in S1102, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the user has pressed the "Cancel Reference Value Creation" button 809 on the reference value creation screen 801. If, in the determination in S1102, the "Cancel Reference Value Creation" button 809 is pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S1116. When the process proceeds to S1116, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the reference value creation screen 801 on the display unit 205. On the other hand, if the button 809 to cancel reference value creation is not pressed in the judgment in S1102, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S1103.

[0070] When the process proceeds to S1103, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the reference value creation start button 808 on the reference value creation screen 801 has been pressed by the user. If, in the determination in S1103, the reference value creation start button 808 has not been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 returns to S1102. On the other hand, if, in the determination in S1103, the reference value creation start button 808 has been pressed, information corresponding to that operation is sent from the client computer 101 to the color verification server 112, and the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 performs processing from S1104 onwards. Furthermore, even after S1104, if the user performs an operation on the reference value creation screen 801, information corresponding to that operation is sent from the client computer 101 to the color verification server 112.

[0071] In S1104, the data request unit 309 of the color verification server 112 requests and obtains the input profile and output profile from the controller 108 selected by the user in the controller selection dropdown 803 of the reference value creation screen 801. The profiles obtained by the data request unit 309 here are the input profile selected by the user in the input profile selection dropdown 804 and the output profile selected by the user in the output profile selection dropdown 805 of the reference value creation screen 801. The reference value creation unit 314 then stores the input profile and output profile obtained from the controller 108 in the storage unit 236.

[0072] In S1105, the data request unit 309 requests and obtains the input profile A2B conversion table 501, the output profile B2A conversion table 509, and the output profile A2B conversion table 517 from its controller 108. The data request unit 309 obtains these tables based on the rendering intent selected in the rendering intent selection pulldown 806 on the reference value creation screen 801 and the profile information table 401 which shows the information held by the input profile and the output profile. For example, if the selected rendering intent is Perceptual, the data request unit 309 obtains the A2B conversion table by referring to the A2B conversion table information 403 of the profile information table 401 obtained in S1104. Similarly, the data request unit 309 obtains the A2B and B2A conversion tables by referring to the A2B conversion table information 403 and B2A conversion table information 404 of the output profile's profile information table 401 obtained in S1104.

[0073] Next, in S1106, the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 refers to the storage unit 236 and obtains the patch definition table 701 of the color verification chart 601 specified by the user in the chart selection pulldown 802 of the reference value creation screen 801. Furthermore, in S1107, the reference value creation unit 314 selects patch definition table record 901, which is a row on the patch definition table 701 obtained in S1106. One method of selection in S1107 is to select a row on the patch definition table 701 that contains the smallest unselected chart patch ID 703 value, similar to the case described in S1003 in Figure 10.

[0074] Next, in S1108, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the CMYK value pointed to by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1007 or S1113 (described later) into an L*a*b* value by referring to the input profile A2B conversion table 501. This conversion is performed by identifying the input profile A2B conversion table record 902 that contains the CMYK value pointed to by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1107 or S1113 from the input profile A2B conversion table 501. Note that there may be cases where the input profile A2B conversion table 501 does not contain an input profile A2B conversion table record 902 that contains the CMYK value pointed to by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1107 or S1113. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to an L*a*b* value by linear interpolation based on the input profile A2B conversion table 501.

[0075] Next, in S1109, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the L*a*b* values ​​obtained in S1108 into CMYK values ​​by referring to the output profile B2A conversion table 509. This conversion is performed by identifying the output profile B2A conversion table record 903 containing the L*a*b* values ​​obtained in S1108 from the output profile B2A conversion table 509. Note that there may be cases where the output profile B2A conversion table record 903 containing the L*a*b* values ​​obtained in S1108 does not exist in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to CMYK values ​​by linear interpolation based on the output profile B2A conversion table 509.

[0076] Next, in S1110, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1109 into L*a*b* values ​​by referring to the output profile A2B conversion table 517. This conversion is performed by identifying the output profile A2B conversion table record 904 containing the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1109 from the output profile A2B conversion table 517. Note that there may be cases where the output profile A2B conversion table record 904 containing the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1109 does not exist in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to L*a*b* values ​​by linear interpolation based on the output profile A2B conversion table 517.

[0077] Next, in S1111, the reference value creation unit 314 associates the L*a*b* value obtained in S1110 with the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1107 or S1113. Then, the reference value creation unit 314 stores the reference information table record 915, which has been associated with the patch definition table record 901, in the storage unit 236 or RAM 234.

[0078] Next, in S1112, the reference value creation unit 314 determines whether the processes from S1108 to S1111 have been executed for all patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701. Then, if, as a result of the determination in S1112, there are any records in the patch definition table record 901 on the patch definition table 701 that have not undergone the processing in S1108 to S1111, the processing of the reference value creation unit 314 proceeds to S1113. When the process proceeds to S1113, the reference value creation unit 314 selects a patch definition table record 901 on the patch definition table 701 that has not undergone processing from S1108 to S1111, and returns to S1108. Furthermore, if the result of the determination in S1112 indicates that the processes from S1108 to S1111 have been executed for all patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701, the process of the reference value creation unit 314 proceeds to S1114.

[0079] Proceeding to S1114, the reference value creation unit 314 creates a reference information table 905 based on the reference information table record 915 stored in the storage unit 236 or RAM 234 in S1111. The reference information table 905 is created by placing one or more reference information table records stored in S1111 into the same table. Next, in S1115, the data registration unit 308 saves the reference information table 905 created in S1114 to the storage unit 236. Subsequently, in S1116, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 terminates the display of the reference value creation screen 801 on the display unit 205 and ends the process.

[0080] As described above, the information processing device of the first embodiment creates a reference for defining the reference value of color verification using a color space conversion table included in an existing profile and definition data for a color verification chart that has been stored in advance. In other words, the information processing device of the first embodiment creates a reference value that is independent of printed materials by using a color space conversion table included in an existing profile and definition data for a color verification chart. According to the information processing device of the first embodiment, by creating a reference value that is independent of printed materials, color verification can be performed according to the capabilities of the color processing of the image forming apparatus without requiring extra effort.

[0081] <Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, instead of the user selecting an output profile using the output profile selection dropdown 805 on the reference value creation screen 801, an example is described in which an output profile associated with a paper type used for color verification, which the user has selected in advance, is used. Here, paper type refers to a type of paper distinguished by differences in surface properties, etc. Examples of paper types include coated paper and plain paper. Each paper type has an output profile associated with it, and in the default settings when the controller 108 processes a print job, this output profile associated with the paper type is used.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the process flow in which a user has pre-selected output profile associated with the paper type used for color verification is used when creating reference values ​​will be explained with reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14. Figure 12 shows an example of a paper type setting information table 1201 that illustrates the correspondence between profiles and paper types. The paper type setting information table 1201 is a table of setting information for each paper type, showing the profile associated with each paper type, and is stored in the storage unit 228 of the controller 108. The data request unit 309 of the color verification server 112 can request and obtain the paper type setting information table 1201 from the controller 108. Paper type information 1202 is information indicating the type of paper included in the paper type setting information table 1201. The corresponding profile information 1203 indicates the profile that corresponds to the paper type indicated by the paper type information 1202. If there is no paper type that corresponds to the profile indicated by the corresponding profile information 1203, the paper type information 1202 will be set to information indicating that it does not exist, such as "-" or "None".

[0083] Figure 13 shows an example of the reference value creation screen 801 when creating a reference value in the second embodiment. Note that in the reference value creation screen 801 of Figure 13, the section from the chart selection pulldown 802 to the reference value creation cancellation button 809 is the same as in Figure 8, so its explanation is omitted. The paper type selection dropdown 1301 is a dropdown display section that presents the paper to be used for color verification, allowing the user to specify (select) it. The paper type selection dropdown 1301 displays the paper types used for color verification, which are stored in the storage unit 236 of the color verification server 112, as candidates for the paper type selection dropdown.

[0084] Figure 14 is a flowchart of the process for creating a reference that defines the reference value for color verification, using an output profile linked to the paper type used for color verification, which has been pre-selected by the user, in the second embodiment. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 14 is executed by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 in cooperation with the CPU 201 of the client computer 101. Note that the same reference numerals as in the flowchart in Figure 11 are used for processing steps similar to those in Figure 11, and their explanations are omitted. In the flowchart of Figure 14, if it is determined that the reference value creation start button 808 has been pressed at S1103, the process proceeds to S1401 and onward, which are performed by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112.

[0085] When the process proceeds to S1401, the data request unit 309 of the color verification server 112 requests and obtains the input profile selected by the user in the input profile selection pull-down 804 of the reference value creation screen 801 from the controller 108. Then, the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 saves the input profile obtained from the controller 108 to the storage unit 236. In S1402, the data request unit 309 requests and obtains the paper type setting information table 1201 from the controller 108. The reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 then stores the paper type setting information table 1201 in the storage unit 236.

[0086] Next, in S1403, the reference value creation unit 314 identifies the output profile associated with the paper type selected in the paper type selection dropdown 1301 on the reference value creation screen 801, based on the paper type setting information table 1201 obtained in S1402. Next, in S1404, the data request unit 309 requests the output profile identified in S1403 from the controller 108 and obtains it. The reference value creation unit 314 then stores the output profile in the storage unit 236.

[0087] Next, in S1405, the reference value creation unit 314 obtains the input profile A2B conversion table 501, the output profile B2A conversion table 509, and the output profile A2B conversion table 517 from the input profile and the output profile, respectively. The reference value creation unit 314 obtains these tables based on the rendering intent selected in the rendering intent selection pulldown 806 and the profile information table 401 which shows the information contained in the input profile and the output profile.

[0088] Next, in S1406, the reference value creation unit 314 retrieves the patch definition table 701 of the color verification chart 601 specified in the chart selection pulldown 802 of the reference value creation screen 801 from the storage unit 236. Furthermore, in S1407, the reference value creation unit 314 selects patch definition table record 901, which is a row on the patch definition table 701 obtained in S1406.

[0089] Next, in S1408, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the CMYK value indicated by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1407 or S1413 (described later) into an L*a*b* value by referring to the input profile A2B conversion table 501. This conversion is performed by identifying the input profile A2B conversion table record 902 that contains the CMYK value indicated by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1407 or S1413 from the input profile A2B conversion table 501. Note that there may be cases where the input profile A2B conversion table 501 does not contain an input profile A2B conversion table record 902 that contains the CMYK value indicated by the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1407 or S1413. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to an L*a*b* value by linear interpolation based on the input profile A2B conversion table 501.

[0090] Next, in S1409, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the L*a*b* value obtained in S1408 into a CMYK value by referring to the output profile B2A conversion table 509. This conversion is performed by identifying the output profile B2A conversion table record 903 containing the L*a*b* value obtained in S1408 from the output profile B2A conversion table 509. Note that there may be cases where the output profile B2A conversion table record 903 containing the L*a*b* value obtained in S1408 does not exist in the output profile B2A conversion table 509. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to a CMYK value by linear interpolation based on the output profile B2A conversion table 509.

[0091] Next, in S1410, the reference value creation unit 314 converts the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1409 into L*a*b* values ​​by referring to the output profile A2B conversion table 517. This conversion is performed by identifying the output profile A2B conversion table record 904 containing the CMYK values ​​obtained in the conversion in S1409 from the output profile A2B conversion table 517. Note that there may be cases where the output profile A2B conversion table record 904 containing the CMYK values ​​obtained in S1409 does not exist in the output profile A2B conversion table 517. In this case, the reference value creation unit 314 performs the conversion to L*a*b* values ​​by linear interpolation based on the output profile A2B conversion table 517.

[0092] Next, in S1411, the reference value creation unit 314 associates the L*a*b* value obtained in S1410 with the patch definition table record 901 selected in S1407 or S1413. Then, the reference value creation unit 314 stores the reference information table record 915, which has been associated with the patch definition table record 901, in the storage unit 236 or RAM 234.

[0093] Next, in S1412, the reference value creation unit 314 determines whether the processes from S1408 to S1411 have been executed for all patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701. If, as a result of the determination in S1412, there are any patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701 that have not had the processes from S1408 to S1411 executed, the reference value creation unit 314 proceeds to S1413. When the process proceeds to S1413, the reference value creation unit 314 selects patch definition table record 901 from the patch definition table 701 that has not undergone processing from 1408 to S1411, and returns to S1408.

[0094] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S1412 indicates that the reference value creation unit 314 has performed the processing in S1408 to S1411 for all patch definition table records 901 on the patch definition table 701, then proceed to S1414. Proceeding to S1414, the reference value creation unit 314 creates a reference information table 905 based on the reference information table record 915 stored in the storage unit 236 or RAM 234 in S1411. The reference information table 905 is created by placing one or more reference information table records stored in S1411 into the same table. Subsequently, in S1415, the data registration unit 308 saves the reference information table 905 created in S1414 to the storage unit 236. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted.

[0095] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, an example is described in which the user is allowed to select the paper to be used for color verification when creating a reference value, and if the color of the paper is not a color that has been permitted in advance, a warning is displayed, and the system is controlled to measure the color of the color verification chart 601 and create the reference value. When using paper with a strong color, the color of the paper (hereinafter referred to as "paper color") affects the printed output. Therefore, if a reference value for color verification using paper with a strong color is created without measuring the color of the printed color verification chart 601, the reference value may not fully take the paper color into account. In the third embodiment, the user selects the paper to be used for color verification when creating the reference value, and if the paper color of that paper does not meet the pre-approved paper color conditions, a warning is displayed, and the reference value is created using the color measurement results of the color verification chart 601. This prevents the reference value from failing to fully take the color of the paper into account.

[0096] The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 15 to 21. Figure 15 shows an example of information representing paper, represented as a paper information table 1501. The paper information table 1501 is stored in the storage unit 228 of the controller 108. Paper name information 1502 is information indicating the name of the paper. Paper type information 1503 indicates the paper type of the paper specified in paper name information 1502. Paper color information 1504 indicates the paper color of the paper specified in paper name information 1502.

[0097] Figure 16(A) shows an example of a screen for setting the paper color that is permitted for creating reference values. The paper color permission setting screen 1601 is a setting screen for setting the paper colors that are permitted to be used for creating reference values. The color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 displays the paper color permission setting screen 1601 on the display unit 205. The permitted paper color display unit 1602 is a display unit that displays paper colors for which the creation of standard values ​​is permitted. The "Add Paper Color Permission" button 1603 is a button that the user presses when adding a paper color for which they want to allow the creation of reference values. When the "Add Paper Color Permission" button 1603 is pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 displays the paper color information input screen 1606, described later, on the display unit 205. The Paper Color Permission Deletion button 1604 is a button used by the user to revoke permission for a paper color that is permitted for creating reference values. When the Paper Color Permission Deletion button 1604 is pressed, the Color Verification UI Control Unit 301 displays the paper color to be deleted selection screen, described later, on the display unit 205.

[0098] The permission setting complete button 1605 is a button that the user presses when the settings for the paper color permitted for creating reference values ​​have been completed. When the permission setting complete button 1605 is pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the paper color permission setting screen 1601 on the display unit 205.

[0099] Figure 16(B) shows an example of a screen for entering the paper color that is permitted for creating reference values. The paper color information input screen 1606 is a screen for inputting paper colors that are permitted to be used for creating reference values. The color verification UI control unit 301 displays the paper color information input screen 1606 on the display unit 205. The paper color information input section 1607 is a text box for inputting the paper colors that are permitted to be used for creating reference values. The "Paper Color Information Input Complete" button 1608 is pressed by the user when they have finished inputting information into the "Paper Color Information Input Complete" section 1607. When the "Paper Color Information Input Complete" button 1608 is pressed, the "Color Verification UI Control Unit 301" terminates the display of the "Paper Color Information Input Screen 1606".

[0100] Figure 16(C) shows an example of a screen that revokes permission for a paper color that is permitted to create reference values. The screen 1609 for selecting the paper color to be deleted is used to revoke permission for paper colors that are permitted to create reference values. The color verification UI control unit 301 displays the screen 1609 for selecting the paper color to be deleted on the display unit 205. The paper color selection unit 1610 for deletion is a selection unit for the user to select the paper for which permission to create reference values ​​has been revoked. The user can select the paper colors for which permission has been revoked by checking the checkboxes of the paper colors for deletion that they wish to revoke permission for. The "Delete Paper Color Selection Complete" button 1611 is a button that the user presses when the selection in the "Delete Paper Color Selection Complete" unit 1610 is complete. When the "Delete Paper Color Selection Complete" button 1611 is pressed, the "Delete Paper Color Selection Screen 1609" is terminated by the "Color Verification UI Control Unit 301".

[0101] Figure 16(D) shows an example of permitted paper color information. The permitted paper color information 1612 indicates the permitted paper colors set by the paper color permission setting screen 1601. The permitted paper color information 1612 is stored in the storage unit 236 of the color verification server 112.

[0102] Figure 17 shows an example of a warning screen that appears when the paper color of the paper used for color verification selected during the creation of the reference value does not meet the pre-approved color conditions. The warning display screen 1701 is a screen for displaying warnings. The color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 displays the warning display screen 1701 on the display unit 205 if the paper color of the paper used for color verification selected when creating the reference value is a color other than a color that has been permitted in advance. The warning content display unit 1702 is an area that displays the content of the warning. The "Cancel Reference Value Creation" button 1703 is a button that the user presses when they want to cancel the creation of reference values. The "Continue Creating Reference Values" button 1704 is a button that the user presses when they want to continue creating reference values.

[0103] Figure 18 shows an example of the screen displayed when starting color measurement on a printed color verification chart 601. The color measurement start screen 1801 is a screen that is displayed when color measurement begins. The color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 displays the color measurement start screen 1801 on the display unit 205 when color measurement begins. The colorimeter selection dropdown 1802 is a dropdown display for selecting the colorimeter 115 to be used in color measurement. The colorimeter selection dropdown 1802 displays the colorimeter 115 connected to the USB I / F 206 of the client computer 101 as options. The color measurement button 1803 is a button that the user presses when performing a color measurement. When the color measurement button 1803 is pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 causes the color measurement device 115 to start measuring the color. The color measurement stop button 1804 is a button that the user presses when they want to cancel the color measurement. When the color measurement stop button 1804 is pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 cancels the color measurement by the colorimeter 115.

[0104] Figure 19 shows an example of a screen that instructs the user on how to perform color measurement. The color measurement instruction screen 1901 is a color measurement instruction screen for instructing the user to perform a color measurement. The color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 displays the color measurement instruction screen 1901 on the display unit 205. The chart display area 1902 is an area for displaying the chart image to be measured on the screen. The color measurement status display area 1903 is an area that displays, using symbols, whether or not color measurement has been performed for each row of the chart being measured. The color measurement status display area 1903 consists of rectangular areas corresponding to each row in the chart image displayed in the chart display area 1902. The color verification UI control unit 301 informs the user whether or not each row of the chart has been measured by displaying a check mark in the rectangular area of ​​the color measurement status display area 1903 next to the row in the chart image displayed in the chart display area 1902 for which color measurement has been performed. For example, if a check mark is displayed in the rectangular area of ​​the color measurement status display area 1903, the row in the chart image in the chart display area 1902 corresponding to the rectangular area of ​​that check mark is the row for which color measurement has been performed.

[0105] The color measurement complete button 1904 is a button that the user presses when the color measurement is complete. When the color measurement complete button 1904 is pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 recognizes that the user has confirmed the color measurement results. The color measurement stop button 1905 is a button that the user presses when they want to cancel the color measurement. When the color measurement stop button 1905 is pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 cancels the color measurement by the color measuring device 115.

[0106] Figure 20 shows an example of the settings screen when creating a reference value in the third embodiment. Note that the section from the reference value creation screen 801 to the reference value creation cancellation button 809 is the same as in Figure 8 described above, so its explanation is omitted. The Paper Selection Dropdown 2001 is a dropdown display that presents the paper to be used for color verification, allowing the user to specify (select) it. The paper displayed as candidates in the Paper Selection Dropdown 2001 is determined by the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 based on the paper information table 1501 obtained from the storage unit 228 of the controller 108.

[0107] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the process for enabling paper color settings. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 21 is executed by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 in cooperation with the CPU 201 of the client computer 101.

[0108] First, in S2101, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 displays the paper color permission setting screen 1601 on the display unit 205. Next, in S2102, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 determines whether the permission setting completion button 1605 on the paper color permission setting screen 1601 has been pressed. If the result of the determination in S2102 is that the permission setting completion button 1605 has been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2112. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S2102 is that the permission setting completion button 1605 has not been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2103.

[0109] When the process proceeds to S2112, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the paper color permission setting screen 1601 on the display unit 205 and ends the process. On the other hand, when the process proceeds to S2103, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the "Add Paper Color Permission" button 1603 on the paper color permission setting screen 1601 has been pressed. If the determination in S2103 shows that the "Add Paper Color Permission" button 1603 on the paper color permission setting screen 1601 has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2108. The explanation of S2108 will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination in S2103 shows that the "Add Paper Color Permission" button 1603 has been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2104.

[0110] When the process proceeds to S2104, the color verification UI control unit 301 displays the paper color information input screen 1606 on the display unit 205. Next, in S2105, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the paper color information input completion button 1608 on the paper color information input screen 1606 has been pressed. If, in the determination in S2105, the paper color information input completion button 1608 has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 repeats the determination process in S2105. On the other hand, if, in the determination in S2105, the paper color information input completion button 1608 has been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2106.

[0111] When the process proceeds to S2106, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the paper color information input screen 1606 on the display unit 205. Then, the color verification UI control unit 301 transmits the paper color information entered on the paper color information input screen 1606 to the color verification server 112.

[0112] Next, in S2107, the data registration unit 308 of the color verification server 112 registers the paper color information entered on the paper color information input screen 1606 to be added to the permitted paper color information 1612, thereby updating the paper color information in the storage unit 236.

[0113] Furthermore, in S2108, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 determines whether the paper color permission deletion button 1604 on the paper color permission setting screen 1601 has been pressed. If, in the determination in S2108, the paper color permission deletion button 1604 has not been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 returns to S2102. On the other hand, if, in the determination in S2108, the paper color permission deletion button 1604 has been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2109.

[0114] When the process proceeds to S2109, the color verification UI control unit 301 displays the paper color selection screen 1609 to be deleted on the display unit 205. Next, in S2110, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the "Delete Target Paper Color Selection Complete Button 1611" on the "Delete Target Paper Color Selection Complete Button 1611" screen 1609 has been pressed. If, in the determination in S2110, the "Delete Target Paper Color Selection Complete Button 1611" has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 repeats the determination process in S2110. On the other hand, if, in the determination in S2110, the "Delete Target Paper Color Selection Complete Button 1611" has been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2111.

[0115] When the process proceeds to S2111, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the paper color selection screen 1609 on the display unit 205. Then, the color verification UI control unit 301 sends the paper color information to be deleted, entered on the paper color selection screen 1609, to the color verification server 112. Next, in S2112, the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 updates the permitted paper color information in the storage unit 236 by deleting the paper color selected on the deletion target paper color selection screen 1609 from the permitted paper color information 1612.

[0116] Figure 22 is a flowchart of the process for creating reference values, in which the user is asked to select the paper to be used for color verification, and if the color of the selected paper does not meet the pre-approved color conditions, a warning is displayed, and then the color verification chart 601 is measured to create the reference values. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 22 is executed by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112 in cooperation with the CPU 201 of the client computer 101. Note that steps S1101 to S1116 are the same as the process in the flowchart of Figure 11, so the explanation is omitted.

[0117] In the flowchart shown in Figure 22, after S1103, the process proceeds to S2201, which is performed in the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112. Upon proceeding to S2201, the reference value creation unit 314 determines whether the paper color of the paper selected in the paper selection dropdown 2001 on the reference value creation screen 801 is a paper color registered as permitted paper color information 1612. If the result of the determination in S2201 is that the paper color selected in the paper selection dropdown 2001 on the reference value creation screen 801 is a paper color registered as permitted paper color information 1612, the process of the reference value creation unit 314 proceeds to S1104. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S2201 is that the paper color is not a paper color registered as permitted paper color information 1612, the process proceeds to S2202, which is performed by the CPU 201 of the client computer 101.

[0118] When the process proceeds to S2202, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 displays a warning display screen 1701 on the display unit 205. Next, in S2203, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the reference value creation cancellation button 1703 on the warning display screen 1701 has been pressed. If the determination in S2203 indicates that the reference value creation cancellation button 1703 has been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2219. On the other hand, if the determination in S2203 indicates that the reference value creation cancellation button 1703 has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2204. If the process proceeds to S2219, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the warning display screen 1701 on the display unit 205. After that, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 proceeds to S1116.

[0119] If the process proceeds to S2204, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the "Continue Creating Reference Value" button 1704 on the warning display screen 1701 has been pressed. If the determination in S2204 indicates that the "Continue Creating Reference Value" button 1704 has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 returns to S2203. On the other hand, if the determination in S2204 indicates that the "Continue Creating Reference Value" button 1704 has been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2205. When the process proceeds to S2205, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the warning display screen 1701 on the display unit 205.

[0120] Next, in S2206, the color verification UI control unit 301 sends a print command to the controller 108 for the color verification chart 601 selected by the chart selection pulldown 802 on the reference value creation screen 801. Next, in S2207, the color verification UI control unit 301 displays a color measurement start screen 1801 on the display unit 205 for measuring the color of the color verification chart 601 that was printed by the controller 108 controlling the image forming apparatus 102 in response to the print instruction in S2206.

[0121] Next, in S2208, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the color measurement stop button 1804 on the color measurement start screen 1801 has been pressed. If the determination in S2208 indicates that the color measurement stop button 1804 has been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2220. When the process proceeds to S2220, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the color measurement start screen 1801 on the display unit 205. After that, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 on the client computer 101 proceeds to S1116. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in 2208 is that the color measurement cancellation button 1804 has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2209.

[0122] When the process proceeds to S2209, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the color measurement start button 1803 on the color measurement start screen 1801 has been pressed. If the determination in S2209 indicates that the color measurement start button 1803 has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 returns to S2208. On the other hand, if the determination in S2209 indicates that the color measurement start button 1803 has been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2210. When the process proceeds to S2210, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether a colorimeter is selected in the colorimeter selection dropdown 1802 on the color measurement start screen 1801. If the determination in S2210 shows that a colorimeter is not selected in the colorimeter selection dropdown 1802, the color verification UI control unit 301 returns to S2208. On the other hand, if the determination in S2210 shows that a colorimeter is selected, the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2211.

[0123] When the process proceeds to S2211, the color verification UI control unit 301 terminates the display of the color measurement start screen 1801 on the display unit 205. At this time, the CPU 201 of the client computer 101 instructs the colorimeter 115 to perform color measurement on the printed color verification chart 601. As a result, the colorimeter 115 performs color measurement on the printed color verification chart 601.

[0124] Next, in S2212, the color verification UI control unit 301 displays the color measurement instruction screen 1901 on the display unit 205. Next, in S2213, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the color measurement stop button 1905 on the color measurement instruction screen 1901 has been pressed. If the determination in S2213 indicates that the color measurement stop button 1905 has been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2218. The processing in S2218 will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination in S2213 indicates that the color measurement stop button 1905 has not been pressed, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 proceeds to S2214.

[0125] When the process proceeds to S2214, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether the color measurement complete button 1904 on the color measurement instruction screen 1901 has been pressed. If the result of the determination in S2214 is that the color measurement complete button 1904 has not been pressed, the color verification UI control unit 301 returns to S2213. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S2214 is that the color measurement complete button 1904 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S2215, which is executed by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112.

[0126] When the process proceeds to S2215, the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 determines whether all patches on the color verification chart 601 have been measured. The determination in S2215 is made by the color verification server 112 using the measurement results obtained from the storage unit 240 or RAM 239 of the colorimeter 115 via the client computer 101. If the determination in S2215 reveals that there are patches that have not been measured, the process returns to S2213, which is performed by the CPU 201 of the client computer 101. On the other hand, if the determination in S2215 reveals that all patches have been measured, the process of the reference value creation unit 314 proceeds to S2216.

[0127] When the process proceeds to S2216, the reference value creation unit 314 refers to the storage unit 236 and obtains the patch definition table 701 of the color verification chart 601 specified in the chart selection pulldown 802 on the reference value creation screen 801. Next, in S2217, the reference value creation unit 314 creates a reference information table 905 based on the patch definition table 701 acquired in S2216 and the color measurement results stored in the storage unit 240 or RAM 239 of the colorimeter 115. The reference value name information 906 on the reference information table 905 is determined based on the string entered in the reference value name input form 807 on the reference value creation screen 801. Then, the data registration unit 308 saves the reference information table 905 to the storage unit 236. Subsequently, in S2218, the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101 terminates the display of the color measurement instruction screen 1901 on the display unit 205 and then proceeds to S1116.

[0128] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, an example is described in which the profile candidates displayed in the input profile selection dropdown 804 and output profile selection dropdown 805 of the reference value creation screen 801 are limited to only those profiles that can be used to create reference values. Here, the profiles that can be used for creating reference values ​​are those that can be used for processing S1108, S1109, or S1110 in Figure 11. A specific example of such a profile is a profile with a profile information table 401 in which the output color space information 405 is CMYK and the profile connection space information 406 is L*a*b*.

[0129] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the process of limiting the profile candidates displayed in the input profile selection dropdown 804 and output profile selection dropdown 805 of the reference value creation screen 801 to only those profiles that can be used for creating reference values. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 23 is executed by the CPU 233 and controller of the color verification server 112 in cooperation with the CPU 201 of the client computer 101. Note that steps S1101 to S1116 are the same as the process in the flowchart of Figure 11, so the explanation is omitted.

[0130] In the flowchart in Figure 23, after S1102, the process proceeds to S2301, which is performed in the color verification UI control unit 301 of the client computer 101. In S2301, the color verification UI control unit 301 determines whether controller 108 is selected in the controller selection dropdown 803 on the reference value creation screen 801 displayed on the display unit 205. If, as a result of the determination in S2301, controller 108 is not selected in the controller selection dropdown 803, the processing of the color verification UI control unit 301 returns to S1102. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in S2301, controller 108 is selected in the controller selection dropdown 803, the process proceeds to S2302, which is performed by the CPU 233 of the color verification server 112.

[0131] When the process proceeds to S2302, the data request unit 309 of the color verification server 112 requests and retrieves all the profiles stored in the storage unit 228 of the controller 108. Then, the reference value creation unit 314 of the color verification server 112 saves these retrieved profiles in the storage unit 236. Next, in S2303, the reference value creation unit 314 extracts a profile from the profile information table 401 obtained in S2302 in which CMYK is set as the output color space information 405 and L*a*b* is set as the profile connection space information 406. Next, in S2304, the reference value creation unit 314 uses the profile extracted in S2303 as a selection candidate in the input profile selection dropdown 804 and the output profile selection dropdown 805 of the reference value creation screen 801. The processing after S2304 is the same as from S1104 onwards in Figure 11, so the explanation is omitted.

[0132] The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, it can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. The above-described embodiments are merely examples of concrete implementations of the present invention, and the technical scope of the invention should not be limited by them. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0133] Each embodiment of the disclosure includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) A profile acquisition means that acquires a profile from a controller that controls an image forming apparatus, which includes a color space conversion table for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space, A chart acquisition means that acquires information from a color verification chart containing multiple color verification patches from a storage unit that stores information about the color verification chart, A reference value creation means for creating a reference value for color verification based on the information of the color space conversion table and the color verification chart of the profile, An information processing device characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) The information processing apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the profile acquisition means acquires a profile specified by the user from among a plurality of profiles stored in the controller. (Composition 3) The information processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the profile acquisition means acquires the profile from a controller specified by the user from among a plurality of controllers. (Composition 4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the chart acquisition means acquires information of a color verification chart specified by the user from among a plurality of color verification charts stored in the storage unit. (Composition 5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the reference value creation means has a presentation means that presents only profiles that can be used to create the reference value as candidates for profiles to be acquired by the profile acquisition means. (Composition 6) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the profile acquisition means acquires a profile corresponding to a paper selected by the user from among a plurality of paper types used for printing. (Composition 7) The information processing device according to configuration 6, characterized in that, if the selected paper does not meet the conditions for a pre-specified paper, the reference value creation means creates the reference value based on the color measurement results for the paper formed by the image forming apparatus using the information of the color verification chart. (Composition 8) The profile includes a first color space conversion table for converting from an output color space dependent on an input / output device to a common color space independent of an input / output device, and a second color space conversion table for converting from the common color space to the output color space. The aforementioned reference value creation means is The values ​​representing the colors of the verification patches selected from the color verification chart are converted to the values ​​of the common color space based on the first color space conversion table. The values ​​of the common color space converted using the first color space conversion table are converted to the values ​​of the output color space based on the second color space conversion table. An information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that it creates the reference value based on the value of the common color space converted using the first color space conversion table and the value indicating the color of the selected verification patch from the color verification chart. (Composition 9) The aforementioned reference value creation means is From the first color space conversion table, identify the color space conversion table containing the values ​​representing the colors of the verification patches selected from the color verification chart, and perform the conversion to the values ​​of the common color space. The information processing device according to configuration 8, characterized in that it identifies a color space conversion table containing the values ​​of the common color space from the second color space conversion table and performs a conversion to the values ​​of the output color space. (Composition 10) The information processing device according to configuration 8 or 9, characterized in that the reference value creation means generates values ​​for color spaces that do not exist in the color space conversion table of the profile by linear interpolation based on the values ​​for color spaces that do exist in the color space conversion table. (Method 1) A profile acquisition step involves obtaining a profile from a controller that controls the image forming apparatus, which includes a color space conversion table for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space. A chart acquisition step involves acquiring information from a color verification chart containing multiple color verification patches, from a storage unit that stores information about the color verification chart. A reference value creation step, which creates a reference value for color verification based on the information of the color space conversion table and the color verification chart of the profile, An information processing method characterized by having the following features. (Program 1) A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device described in any one of configurations 1 through 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 101: Client computer, 102: Image forming apparatus, 107: Paper output device, 108: Controller, 112: Color verification server, 115: Colorimeter, 301: Color verification UI control unit, 314: Reference value creation unit

Claims

1. A profile acquisition means that acquires a profile from a controller that controls an image forming apparatus, which includes a color space conversion table for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space, A chart acquisition means that acquires information from a color verification chart containing multiple color verification patches from a storage unit that stores information about the color verification chart, A reference value creation means for creating a reference value for color verification based on the information of the color space conversion table and the color verification chart of the profile, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the profile acquisition means acquires a profile specified by the user from among a plurality of profiles stored in the controller.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the profile acquisition means acquires the profile from a controller specified by the user from among a plurality of controllers.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the chart acquisition means acquires information of a color verification chart specified by the user from among a plurality of color verification charts stored in the storage unit.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a presentation means that presents only profiles that can be used by the reference value creation means as candidates for profiles to be acquired by the profile acquisition means.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile acquisition means acquires a profile corresponding to a paper selected by the user from among a plurality of paper types used for printing.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, if the selected paper does not meet the conditions for a pre-specified paper, the reference value creation means creates the reference value based on the color measurement result for the paper formed by the image forming apparatus using the information of the color verification chart.

8. The profile includes a first color space conversion table for converting from an output color space dependent on an input / output device to a common color space independent of an input / output device, and a second color space conversion table for converting from the common color space to the output color space. The aforementioned reference value creation means is The values ​​representing the colors of the verification patches selected from the color verification chart are converted to the values ​​of the common color space based on the first color space conversion table. The values ​​of the common color space converted using the first color space conversion table are converted to the values ​​of the output color space based on the second color space conversion table. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it creates the reference value based on the value of the common color space converted using the first color space conversion table and the value indicating the color of the selected verification patch from the color verification chart.

9. The aforementioned reference value creation means is From the first color space conversion table, identify the color space conversion table containing the values ​​representing the colors of the verification patches selected from the color verification chart, and perform the conversion to the values ​​of the common color space. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that it identifies a color space conversion table containing the values ​​of the common color space from the second color space conversion table and performs a conversion to the values ​​of the output color space.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the reference value creation means generates values ​​for color spaces that do not exist in the color space conversion table of the profile by linear interpolation based on the values ​​for color spaces that do exist in the color space conversion table.

11. A profile acquisition step involves obtaining a profile from a controller that controls the image forming apparatus, which includes a color space conversion table for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space. A chart acquisition step involves acquiring information from a color verification chart containing multiple color verification patches, from a storage unit that stores information about the color verification chart. A reference value creation step, which creates a reference value for color verification based on the information of the color space conversion table and the color verification chart of the profile, An information processing method characterized by having the following features.

12. Computers, A profile acquisition means that acquires a profile from a controller that controls an image forming apparatus, which includes a color space conversion table for converting values ​​in one color space to values ​​in another color space, A chart acquisition means that acquires information from a color verification chart containing multiple color verification patches from a storage unit that stores information about the color verification chart, A reference value creation means for creating a reference value for color verification based on the information of the color space conversion table and the color verification chart of the profile, A program that enables the device to function as an information processing device.

Images