Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, management server system, control method for management server system, information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To solve a problem that a management system is hard to unitarily perform registration and the like of a color profile since the color profile is retained internally by a printing device.SOLUTION: A management system is allowed to unitarily register and the like of color profiles by including an image forming device which includes: storage means for string color profile information and the color profiles; printing means which performs a printing process by using a prescribed color profile from among the color profiles; receiving means which receives a message, transmitted from a management server for color management with a plurality of image forming devices, constituted with a message format being common in the plurality of image forming devices and containing the color profile information and prescribed operation commands; processing means for executing prescribed processes using the color profile information according to the prescribed operation commands contained in the message received by the receiving means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for centrally managing color profiles in a common manner. [Background technology]

[0002] Large-scale printing companies have multiple locations, each with multiple printing devices. It is necessary to maintain color reproducibility using color profiles on the printing devices at different locations. Patent Document 1 discloses a system that transmits correction profiles from a color verification system to each device, taking into account the spectral characteristics of the scanner used for color verification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-236477 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is capable of performing correction taking into account the spectral characteristics of the scanner, but is unable to centrally manage the color profiles of each device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a management means for centrally managing color profiles of a plurality of printing devices using a common method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is configured to receive a color profile transmitted from a management server system that executes color management between a printing unit that performs printing processing using a color profile and a plurality of image forming apparatuses. mosquito A message containing specific operational instructions for the user profile. A message consisting of JMF dataA receiving means for receiving the A determination means for determining the predetermined operation command included in the message formed by the JMF data; The above Judgment by judgment means The above Consists of JMF data and a processing means for executing a predetermined process related to the color profile in accordance with the predetermined operation command included in the message. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to centrally manage color profiles of multiple printing devices using a common method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the present system. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are a hardware configuration diagram and a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus on the management system side and the image forming apparatus side. [Figure 4] 3 is a software configuration diagram of an information processing device on the management system side and the image forming apparatus side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic diagram of a color profile management screen in an information processing device on the management system side. [Figure 7A] 5 is a schematic diagram of data transmitted and received between an information processing apparatus on the management system side and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7B] 5 is a schematic diagram of data transmitted and received between an information processing apparatus on the management system side and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 7C] 5 is a schematic diagram of data transmitted and received between an information processing apparatus on the management system side and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a color profile management data receiving process. [Figure 9] 4 is a schematic diagram of a resource management table created by a resource management program. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a process when a color profile deletion instruction is given. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart showing a process for instructing to register and update a color profile. [Figure 12] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating screens displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the present system. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of an information processing device on the image forming apparatus side. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an instruction storage table for the image forming apparatus. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a color profile management data receiving process. [Figure 17] 5 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the image forming apparatus at regular time intervals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Note that the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <System Configuration of First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The system configuration of this embodiment includes a management system 100, an information processing device 101, and image forming devices 102 and 104. The management system 100, the information processing device 101, and the image forming devices 102 and 104 are connected to each other via a network 105. The management system 100 performs color management between the management system 100 and the multiple image forming devices. Since the management system 100 may have a management server, the above system is also called a management server system. Here, the information processing device 101 and the image forming devices 102 and 104 belong to a production base A. The management system 100 is also connected from other production bases B and C having the same configuration as the production base A, and is a cloud service that manages the color status of the image forming devices of the multiple production bases. The production bases shown here may be multiple production bases within the same printing company or multiple production bases of multiple printing companies, as long as they are configured to be connected to the management system 100. The information processing device 101 manages the image forming devices 102 and 104 and inputs print jobs.

[0011] In the following description, an example in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are present will be described. The functions achieved in the following description can also be realized in a system configuration including a management system 100, an information processing apparatus 101, and an image forming apparatus 102.

[0012] In this specification, the process of printing a color chart and measuring the color patches is referred to as "color adjustment." The "color adjustment" process includes a color verification process for verifying the color of the image forming device and a color profile creation process for creating a color profile for color adjustment. The image forming devices 102 and 104 analyze print data sent from the information processing device 101 and the like, convert the data into a dot image for each page, and print the data. The image forming devices 102 and 104 can be equipped with a finisher that performs post-processing such as stapling, punching, folding, binding, and cutting on the printed matter, and can output the printed matter after performing various post-processing processes in addition to printing. The image forming devices 102 and 104 can also be equipped with optional units equipped with a scanner that acquires image data of the printed surface and an inline sensor that acquires color information of the color chart.

[0013] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which two information processing devices and two image forming devices are connected, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. Also, a configuration in which print data is transmitted from the management system to the image forming device and device information is transmitted from the image forming device to the management system without going through an information processing device that serves as a print controller may be used. Also, the management system may be an on-premise type executed by an information processing device in a printing base, rather than a cloud service. Also, in the present embodiment, two image forming devices are connected to the information processing device, but only one image forming device may be connected to the information processing device.

[0014] <Hardware configuration of image forming device> FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The image forming apparatus includes a CPU 211 , a RAM 212 , a UI panel 213 , a colorimetric sensor A 214 , a paper feed deck I / F 215 , an engine I / F 217 , a storage unit 219 , a video I / F 220 , an NWI / F 221 , and an accessory I / F 222 .

[0016] The CPU 211 controls and performs calculations for each unit in the print module 210 via a system bus 233. The CPU 211 executes programs stored in a storage unit 219 and loaded into a RAM 212. The RAM 212 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 211, and is used as a work area for the CPU 211 or other temporary data storage areas. The storage unit 219 functions as a temporary storage area and work memory when the print module 210 is operating.

[0017] The colorimetric sensor A214 is an in-line sensor arranged on the sheet transport path in the printing module 210. The colorimetric sensor A214 is a spectroscopic sensor for measuring the color of patches on a color chart to obtain color information. A plurality of colorimetric sensors A214 (the same number as the number of columns in the patch layout) are arranged on the paper transport path to measure the color of color patches printed on the paper. Therefore, since the colorimetric process is performed with the sensor at a fixed position, it is possible to perform printing without reducing the printing speed. On the other hand, since there are individual differences between the multiple sensors, the colorimetric accuracy is inferior to that of the colorimetric sensor B228 described later.

[0018] An engine I / F 217 communicates with and controls a printer engine 218. A paper feed deck I / F 215 communicates with and controls a paper feed deck 216. The paper feed deck 216 is a collective term for multiple paper feed decks (not shown) as a hardware configuration. A UI panel 213 is a user interface for performing general operations of the print module 210.

[0019] The network I / F 221 is connected to the information processing device 101 via a cable 208, and performs communication between the information processing device 101 and the print module 210. Note that in this embodiment, the interfaces connected to the system buses 223 and 217 are directly connected to each other, but the information processing device 101 and the print module 210 may be connected, for example, via a network, and the connection form is not limited. The video I / F 220 performs communication of image data between the information processing device 101 and the print module 210 via a video cable 209.

[0020] The accessory I / F 222 is connected to the accessory I / F 225 and the accessory I / F 232 via a cable 238. That is, the print module 210 communicates with the sensor unit 224 and the paper discharge unit 231 via the accessory I / Fs 222, 225, and 232.

[0021] The CPU 226 performs control and calculations in each section in the sensor unit 224 via a system bus 230, and executes programs stored in a storage section 229 and loaded into a RAM 227. The RAM 227 is a type of general volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 226, and functions as a work area for the CPU 226 or other temporary data storage areas.

[0022] The colorimetric sensor B228 is an in-line sensor arranged on the sheet transport path of the sensor unit 224. The colorimetric sensor B228 is a spectroscopic sensor for measuring the color patches on the color chart to obtain color information. It is used for the purpose of measuring the color patches on the color chart together with the colorimetric sensor A214 described above. The type of sensor is not important as long as this purpose can be achieved. Unlike the colorimetric sensor A214 described above, the colorimetric sensor B228 is arranged singly on the sheet transport path and measures the color patches by moving the sensor itself in the main scanning direction of the paper. Therefore, there is no individual difference between sensors, so the colorimetric sensor B228 has higher colorimetric accuracy than the colorimetric sensor A214 described above, but its colorimetric speed is slower than that of the colorimetric sensor A214.

[0023] The CPU 233 performs control and calculations for each section in the paper discharge unit 231 via a system bus 237, and executes programs stored in a storage section 236 and loaded into a RAM 234. The RAM 234 is a type of temporary volatile storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 233, and is used as a work area for the CPU 233 or other temporary data storage areas. The paper discharge section 235 monitors and controls the paper discharge operation to the main tray and the top tray, and the loading status of each of the main tray and the top tray.

[0024] 2B shows an example of a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 of this embodiment. A colorimetric sensor A214 is disposed on a sheet transport path 239 in the print module 210, and a colorimetric sensor B228 is disposed on the sheet transport path of the sensor unit 224. The colorimetric sensor A214 is disposed near the sheet reversal path, which creates a restriction that it cannot measure the color of large (long, etc.) sheet sizes or thick paper. In addition, as described above, the colorimetric sensor A214 has a sensor fixed to the sheet transport path for color measurement, so that for small paper, a color patch cannot be disposed in a position where the sensor can read it, which creates a restriction that it cannot measure the color of small paper.

[0025] <Hardware configuration of information processing device> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device on which the management system 100 operates and an information processing device 101 in the production base A. As shown in FIG.

[0026] In FIG. 3, a CPU 301 executes an OS or general application program stored in a program ROM of a ROM 303 or loaded from an external memory 311 to a RAM 302. The RAM 302 functions as a main memory, a work area, etc. for the CPU 301. A keyboard controller 305 controls input from a keyboard 309 or a pointing device (not shown). A display controller 306 controls display on a display 310. A disk controller 307 controls access to an external memory 311 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, etc. A network interface controller (hereinafter referred to as "NIC") 312 is connected to a network and executes communication control processing with other devices connected to the network. A bus 304 connects the CPU 301 to the RAM 302, the ROM 303, various controllers, etc., and carries data signals and control signals.

[0027] In the case of a mobile terminal, the configuration may include a touch panel controller or the like instead of keyboard controller 305. Also, a large-capacity storage device may be provided instead of external memory 311. Furthermore, NIC 312 has a different internal configuration depending on whether the system includes a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or both. However, these differences due to the internal configuration are absorbed within NIC 312, and NIC 312 functions to control the system as an equivalent to the other modules shown in Fig. 3. NIC 312 may also be a plurality of modules.

[0028] <Software configuration of information processing device> 4A shows the software configuration of an information processing device that operates in the management system 100, and FIG. 4B shows the software configuration of the information processing device 101 on the side of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 in the production base A. As shown in FIG.

[0029] First, the software configuration of the information processing device that operates in the management system 100 will be briefly described.

[0030] The boot loader 401 is a program that is executed immediately after power is turned on. These programs include programs for executing various start-up sequences required for starting the system.

[0031] The operating system 402 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize various functions, and provides functions such as resource management of the memory of the information processing device, i.e., the ROM 303, the RAM 302, the external memory 311, etc.

[0032] The network control program 403 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from a device connected via a network, that is, software used to control the NIC 312 and transmit and receive data and files to and from an external device via the network 105.

[0033] The color adjustment program 404 generates a color adjustment job for performing color adjustment and transmits the color adjustment job to the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104, and analyzes and verifies color information obtained from the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 to manage the color state.

[0034] The device management program 405 manages information on various devices constituting the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. For example, the number of paper feed decks in the print module 210, the names of each paper feed deck, and information on whether or not a colorimetric sensor A 214 is installed are listed. In addition, the installation status of the sensor unit 224 that is installed as an option, and information on whether or not a colorimetric sensor B 228 in the sensor unit 224 is installed are also managed.

[0035] A JMF processing program 406 (Job Messaging Format processing program) analyzes the JMF received from the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104, and creates the JMF to be sent to the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. In this embodiment, all color profile operation instructions (operation commands) such as obtaining, deleting, registering, and updating color profile information are performed using the JMF. Instructions are given by operating buttons on a screen displayed by the Web page creation program 407 or the color profile display program 409. Operations on color profiles and the created JMF will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C.

[0036] The Web page creation program 407 is a program for generating a Web page for executing a color adjustment process described later. It also generates a Web page for displaying color profile information acquired from the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. The generated Web page is accessed from a Web browser of an information processing apparatus operated by a user.

[0037] Next, the software configuration of the information processing device 101 on the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 side shown in FIG. 4(b) will be briefly described.

[0038] The boot loader 401, operating system 402, network control program 403, and JMF processing program 406 have been explained in the software configuration of the information processing device that operates in the management system 100, and so explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0039] The print instruction program 408 is a program for issuing print instructions to the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. The data format of the print instruction is not particularly limited since it does not affect the present embodiment.

[0040] The color profile display program 409 is a program that displays color profile information acquired from the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. The screen that is displayed is equivalent to that of the Web page creation program 407.

[0041] <Software configuration of image forming device> FIG. 5 shows the software configuration of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104.

[0042] The boot loader 501 is a program that is executed immediately after power is turned on. These programs include programs for executing various start-up sequences required for starting the system.

[0043] The operating system 502 is a program intended to provide an execution environment for various programs that realize the functions of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. The operating system 502 mainly provides functions such as basic input / output control of the RAM 212, the storage unit 219, and other units of the image forming apparatus.

[0044] The network control program 503 is a program executed when transmitting and receiving data to and from devices connected via the network 105. The network control program 503 is used for receiving files to be printed, transmitting data from external devices, and transmitting and receiving commands. The network control program also includes a driver program for controlling the NWI / F 221.

[0045] The print control program 504 is a program for processing the accepted print job. The basic operation of the print control program 504 is as follows. The print control program 504 stores the job data received from the NWI / F 221 in the storage unit 219 and holds the order of reception. It instructs the controller unit to execute the print process based on the above-mentioned order of reception. The print control program 504 also receives an instruction from the UI panel 213 to operate or stop the queue itself in order to stop or resume the execution of the print job, and executes the process based on the received instruction. The print control program 504 also performs a response process of the job queue status in response to an inquiry from an external device. The job queue status includes the stopped status, execution status, and the presence or absence of a job of the job queue, and the job queue status is transmitted to the external device via the NWI / F 221.

[0046] The print data analysis program 505 receives print data via the NWI / F 221, and executes a print data decompression process when instructed by the print control program 504 to analyze the print data. When the decompression process is completed, the print data analysis program 505 sequentially instructs the operation of each device in the above-mentioned receiving order by the CPU 211 based on the processing order managed by the print control program 504. As a result, the software of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 executes control so that PDL (Page Description Language) processing is finally executed. These devices include the paper feed deck 216, the printer engine 218, the storage unit 219, the RAM 212, etc.

[0047] The JMF processing program 506 is a program that analyzes JMF data received via the network 105, performs appropriate processing, and creates a JMF that describes the execution results, etc. In this embodiment, the JMF is used to obtain information about color profiles registered in the image forming devices 102 and 104, and to delete, register, and update color profiles. The JMF that is actually sent and received will be explained using Figures 7A to 7C.

[0048] The resource management program 507 is a program for managing resources used in various processes by the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. The resource management program 507 manages files such as fonts and color profiles stored in the storage unit 219 of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104, and allows necessary programs to be referenced as necessary. The resource management program 507 also performs various processes related to resource management, such as adding new resources, deleting stored resources, registering and updating related information, and determining whether or not to permit use.

[0049] <Color profile management screen diagram> 6 shows a schematic diagram of a color profile management screen 600, which is one of the Web pages created by the Web page creation program 407 of the management system 100. A similar screen is created by the color profile display program 409 of the information processing device 101 in site A. The color profile management screen 600 is displayed by selecting a color profile management screen display button (not shown) and issuing an instruction to obtain registered color profile information.

[0050] A color profile display screen 601 consists of an area for displaying a list of registered color profiles acquired from one of the managed image forming devices, and an area for displaying instruction buttons for adding, deleting, and sending. In the following, the description will be given assuming that the managed image forming device is the image forming device 102. The same process is performed when the managed image forming device is the image forming device 104.

[0051] First, the color profile display screen 601 will be described in detail.

[0052] A color profile name display area 602 is an area for displaying the name of a color profile. The name of a color profile is used when specifying a color profile to be used. The name of a color profile is a required item when registering a color profile.

[0053] The color profile type display area 603 is an area for displaying the type of color profile. Color profile types include input profile, output profile, and device link profile. Color correspondence data for color matching that associates specific colors with output colors may also be managed in a similar manner. The type of color profile is a required item when registering a color profile.

[0054] The color profile color space display area 604 is an area for displaying the color space to which the color profile is applied. The color space is RGB, CMYK, etc. The color space is given when the type of the color profile is either an input profile or a device link profile. For example, if the color profile does not have a color space value, such as an output profile, the field is left blank.

[0055] The color profile status display area 605 is an area for displaying the status of the color profile. The status of the color profile includes at least a value indicating that it is usable and a value indicating that it is unusable. In this embodiment, the values ​​indicating that it is unusable include a value indicating that color verification has not been performed for a certain period of time or more, and a value indicating that there was a problem with the color reproducibility as a result of performing color verification. The color profile status display area 605 can also update a value by selecting a desired value. When the status is updated by the operator (administrative user) and the send button 616 is pressed, a status update instruction is sent to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0056] A color profile registration date and time display area 606 is an area for indicating that a color profile has been registered in the image forming apparatus 102. This value is automatically set at the time of creation, and cannot be explicitly specified by issuing a registration instruction.

[0057] The color profile address selection area 607 is an area for specifying the acquisition source of the color profile to be registered in the image forming device 102. No value is set in the color profile address selection area 607 for a color profile that has already been registered in the image forming device 102. The color profile address selection area 607 is a required item when registering a color profile in the image forming device 102. In other words, when registering a color profile, if an address is not entered in the address selection area 607 of the new registration color profile selection area 613, no registration instruction is made for the color profile to be newly registered.

[0058] A default registration display area 608 is an area for indicating whether a color profile is registered in the image forming device 102 at the time of shipment. Input profiles that are generally widely used are often registered in the image forming device 102 at the time of shipment. Color profiles that are registered at the time of shipment cannot be deleted by a deletion operation described later.

[0059] 6 are acquired from a resource management table 900 of the image forming apparatus 102, which will be described later. Details of the registration information of the registered color profiles 609, 610, 611, and 612 are described below.

[0060] Registered color profile 609 has a name of "sRGB", a type of "input profile", a status of "available", and a registration date of "February 21, 2019, 9:49:08", indicating that it is a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment. Registered color profile 610 has a name of "K100 Plain" and a type of "output profile", indicating that it is a profile that cannot be used because color verification has not been performed for a certain period of time. Registered color profile 611 has a name of "K100 Heavy Coated" and a type of "output profile", indicating that it is a profile that cannot be used because color verification has revealed problems with color reproducibility. Registered color profile 612 has a name of "D50+JapanColor", a type of "device link profile", and indicates that the color space is CMYK.

[0061] The new registration color profile selection area 613 is an area for selecting a color profile to be newly instructed to be registered in the image forming apparatus 102 and inputting a value. When the operator presses the Add button 615, that area is created. One color profile can be specified in one area, and multiple areas can be created by pressing the Add button 615 multiple times. The color profile name display area 602, the color profile type display area 603, and the address selection area 607 are items that must be specified or input. If there is an item that has not been input, a registration instruction is not made for that new registration color profile selection area 613. The color profile color space display area 604 is an item that must be specified if the color profile type display area 603 is an input profile or a device link profile. The name of the color profile can be entered from the operation unit by clicking the color profile name display area 602. The color profile type display area 603 and the color profile color space display area 604 can be clicked to display a pull-down menu and select a value. If a type that does not have a color space is specified in the color profile type display area 603, even if a value is selected in the color profile color space display area 604, it will not be used. Selecting the color profile address selection area 607 makes it possible to select a file or input a URL. By pressing the send button 616 after inputting and selecting all items, a profile registration instruction, which will be described later, is sent to the image forming device 102. The destination image forming device 102 is the image forming device that obtained the displayed registered color profile.

[0062] The delete button 614 is a button for issuing an instruction to delete a color profile. The registered color profiles displayed on the color profile display screen 601 can be selected. When the delete button 614 is pressed after selection, the selected color profile is recorded as a color profile for which a deletion instruction is issued, and when the operator presses the send button 616, a transmission message including a deletion instruction, which will be described later, is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 102.

[0063] The add button 615 is a button used for newly registering a color profile. When the operator presses the add button 615, a new registration color profile selection area 613 is generated on the color profile management screen 600 in FIG.

[0064] The send button 616 is a button for sending an instruction. When the delete button 614 or the add button 615 is selected to instruct deletion or addition of a color profile, or when the color profile status display area 605 is changed, an instruction to operate the color profile is sent to the image forming apparatus 102. The data to be sent will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C. When there is no instruction or change, a send message including an instruction to acquire a registered color profile is sent to the image forming apparatus 102. The color profile display screen 601 is updated based on the information on the registered color profile included in the response to each instruction.

[0065] <Schematic diagram of transmitted and received data> 7A to 7C are examples of data for color profile management transmitted and received between the management system 100, the information processing device 101, and the image forming device 102. Fig. 7A shows a color profile query JMF 700 for acquiring information on color profiles registered in the image forming device 102. Fig. 7B shows a response JMF 710 to the color profile query that stores information on color profiles registered in the image forming device 102. Fig. 7C shows an operation instruction JMF 730 for deleting, registering, or updating a color profile in the image forming device 102.

[0066] A color profile inquiry JMF 700 indicates data used when making a color profile inquiry using JMF, which is a format commonly used for communication between the management system 100 and the image forming apparatus 102 .

[0067] Each element in the color profile query JMF 700 in FIG. 7A will be described in detail below.

[0068] The JMF element 701 is the topmost element in the color profile query JMF 700. The JMF element 701 stores an element indicating the contents of the message.

[0069] The Query element 702 represents a JMF message. The Query element 702 is used when making an inquiry to the recipient. The type of the query target is specified by the Type attribute 703, and the detailed target is specified by the ResourceName attribute 704. The JMF processing program 506 of the image forming device 102 that received the color profile query JMF 700 analyzes the JMF element 701 from a higher level. This analysis reveals that what was received is a query JMF, and that the content of the query is a ColorProfile, which is a Resource.

[0070] The DeviceID element 705 is an attribute that stores an identifier for identifying the device to which this JMF is to be sent. In this embodiment, the process using the DeviceID element 705 is not described, so a detailed description of the DeviceID element 705 is omitted.

[0071] A response JMF 710 to a color profile query is created as follows: Upon receiving the color profile query JMF 700, the JMF processing program 506 of the image forming device 102 obtains color profile information from the resource management table 900 via the resource management program 507, thereby creating the response JMF 710. The response JMF 710 is an example of data to be sent back to the sender of the query.

[0072] The response JMF 710 to the color profile inquiry stores a Response 711 as a message.

[0073] ResourceInfo 712, 720, and 724 are locations for storing information about the acquired Resource, and are created for each Resource. Each ResourceInfo stores ColorProfile elements 713, 721, and 725 that store color profile information. In the example of Fig. 7B, ResourceInfo 712 corresponds to color profile 609 in Fig. 6, ResourceInfo 720 corresponds to color profile 610 in Fig. 6, and ResourceInfo 724 corresponds to color profile 611 in Fig. 6. Information about the corresponding color profiles is stored in ColorProfile elements 713, 721, and 725.

[0074] Status attributes 714, 722, and 726 are attributes for indicating the status of the color profile represented by the ColorProfile element. Since the color profile 609 is available, the Status attribute 714 is set to "Available", indicating that it is available. Since the color profiles 610 and 611 are not available, the Status attributes 722 and 726 are set to "Unavailable", indicating that they are not available. When the Status attribute is "Unavailable", the reason for the unavailability is set in the StatusDetails attributes 723 and 727. The value "Unvalidated" of the StatusDetails attribute 723 indicates that color verification has not been performed for a certain period of time or more. The value "ValidationFailure" of the StatusDetails attribute 727 indicates that the color reproducibility was insufficient as a result of the color verification. When the management system 100 receives the response JMF shown in FIG. 7B, the management system 100 displays the status determined from the values ​​of the Status attribute and StatusDetails attribute of the response JMF in the color profile status display area 605 in FIG. 6.

[0075] The Profile attribute 715 is an attribute for indicating the name of the profile. The value of the Profile attribute 715 is displayed in the color profile name display area 602 in FIG.

[0076] The DateAdded attribute 716 is an attribute for indicating the date and time when the profile was registered in the printing press. When the management system 100 receives the response JMF shown in Fig. 7B, the management system 100 displays the date and time determined from the value of the DateAdded attribute 716 of the response JMF in the color profile registration date and time display area 606 in Fig. 6.

[0077] The ColorSpace attribute 717 is an attribute for indicating the color space in which the color profile is used. When the management system 100 receives the response JMF shown in Fig. 7B, the management system 100 displays the color space determined from the value of the ColorSpace attribute 717 of the response JMF in the color profile color space display area 604 in Fig. 6.

[0078] The ResourceUsage attribute 718 is an attribute for indicating the type of color profile. When the management system 100 receives the response JMF shown in Fig. 7B, the management system 100 displays the value of the type of color profile determined from the ResourceUsage attribute 718 of the response JMF in the color profile type display area 603 in Fig. 6.

[0079] The FactoryDefault attribute 719 is an attribute for indicating whether the color profile was registered from the time of shipment. When the management system 100 receives the response JMF shown in Fig. 7B, the management system 100 displays the value determined from the FactoryDefault attribute 719 of the response JMF in the default registration display area 608 in Fig. 6.

[0080] The operation instruction JMF 730 is data for instructing the image forming apparatuses 102, 104 to perform an operation on a color profile performed on the color profile management screen 600 shown in Fig. 6. When the send button 616 is pressed, the data indicated by the operation instruction JMF 730 is sent to the image forming apparatuses 102, 104. The content of the operation instruction JMF 730 changes depending on the operation performed on the color profile management screen 600 of Fig. 6. The example of Fig. 7C indicates that the following operation was performed on the color profile management screen 600 of Fig. 6. First, the operator selects the color profile 611 in Fig. 6 and presses the delete button 614. Next, the operator presses the add button 615 and inputs the information of the color profile indicated by the ColorProfile element 740 into the new registration color profile selection area 613. 7C shows an example in which "K100 Heavy Coated v1.1" is entered in the color profile name display area 602, and an output profile is selected in the color profile type display area 603. After completing the above input, the operator presses the send button 616. Note that when a color profile is newly registered, color verification of the color profile has not been completed, so "NG" is set as the initial value in the color profile status display area 605.

[0081] Command elements 731 and 738 represent JMF messages. Command elements 731 and 738 are used when issuing operation instructions. In the example of Fig. 7C, two operations are specified. The type of operation target is specified by Type attribute 732, and the detailed target is specified by ResourceName attribute 733. In this case, a color profile operation is being performed, so Type attribute 732 is Resource and ResourceName attribute 733 is ColorProfile.

[0082] UpdateMethod attributes 734 and 739 are attributes for specifying how the update is performed by the operation. Since the Command element 731 indicates a delete operation, "Remove" indicating delete is set. Since the Command element 738 indicates a register / update operation, "Complete" indicating overwrite is set.

[0083] The ProfileName attributes 736, 741, and 747 are attributes that specify the name of a color profile, and are one of the attributes that specify a color profile to be deleted, registered, or updated. When the image forming apparatus 102 receives the operation instruction JMF 730 shown in Fig. 7C, if no value is specified for the ProfileName attribute, the image forming apparatus 102 does not perform any operation.

[0084] The ResourceUsage attributes 737, 742, and 749 are attributes that specify the type of color profile, and are one of the attributes that specify the color profile to be deleted, registered, or updated. When the image forming apparatus 102 receives the operation instruction JMF 730 shown in Fig. 7C, if no value is specified in the ResourceUsage attribute, the image forming apparatus 102 does not perform any operation.

[0085] The ColorSpace attribute 748 is an attribute that specifies the color space of the color profile, and is an attribute that must be specified if the type of color profile is an input profile or a device link profile. When the image forming apparatus 102 receives the operation instruction JMF 730 in Fig. 7C, the type of the color profile is an input profile or a device link profile, and no value is specified for the ColorSpace attribute, the image forming apparatus 102 does not perform any operation.

[0086] Status attributes 743, 750 and StatusDetails attributes 744, 751 are attributes for specifying the status of the color profile to be registered or updated. The status set in the color profile status display area 605 is set in the Status attributes 743, 750 and StatusDetails attributes 744, 751. An operation instruction JMF 730 in which the Status attribute and StatusDetails attribute are set is sent to the image forming apparatus 102. The correspondence between the status and the Status attributes 743, 750 and the StatusDetails attributes 744, 751 was explained in the section on response JMFs in FIG. 7B.

[0087] The URL attribute 745 is an attribute for specifying the address of the data of the color profile to be registered. This attribute must be specified when registering, and if not specified, it specifies updating the status of an existing color profile. In the example of FIG. 7C, the data is specified using cid. In addition, data can be specified using protocols such as http, file, or smb. The data must be placed in a location that can be accessed by the image forming device 102 that receives it. When the image forming device 102 receives the operation instruction JMF 730 shown in FIG. 7C, if an address is specified in the URL attribute, the image forming device 102 obtains the color profile data from the specified address.

[0088] A color profile is specified by combining the three attributes: ProfileName attribute 736, 741, 747, ResourceUsage attribute 737, 742, 749, and ColorSpace attribute 748. Even if the values ​​of ProfileName attribute 736, 741, and 747 are the same, color profiles with different values ​​for other attributes are treated as different. When deleting or updating, the above three attributes must match any registered color profile. When URL attribute 745 is specified, if all three combinations match, the color profile will be replaced, and if not, a new profile will be registered.

[0089] In the example of Fig. 7C, deletion, registration, and update are instructed one by one, but it is also possible to instruct multiple deletions, registrations, and updates at the same time. When instructing the deletion of multiple color profiles, multiple ColorProfile elements 735 are written. Similarly, when instructing the registration / update of multiple color profiles, multiple ColorProfile elements 740, 746 are written. The color profiles to be deleted, registered, and updated are executed in the order written. If the order of execution is important, the order of execution can be specified by arranging the Command elements 731, 738 and ColorProfile elements 735, 740, 746 in the order of execution.

[0090] <Processing flow when data related to color profile management is received> 8 shows a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by CPU 211 of image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 when a color profile inquiry and an operation instruction described in FIGS. 7A to 7C are received. In the following description, the image forming apparatus is assumed to be image forming apparatus 102. Operations in image forming apparatus 104, the description of which will be omitted, are the same as those in image forming apparatus 102.

[0091] A series of processes shown in the flowchart of Fig. 8 is performed by CPU 211 executing a program stored in storage unit 219 and loaded into RAM 212. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 8 may be realized by hardware such as ASIC, FPGA, or electronic circuitry. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart. The above content also applies to the flowcharts of Figs. 10 and 11.

[0092] Processing is executed by CPU 211 issuing instructions to JMF processing program 506. When data is received, JMF processing program 506 analyzes the received data. Whether the received data is JMF can be determined by whether or not the root element contains a JMF element 701.

[0093] In S800, the CPU 211 analyzes the received JMF. Since the JMF is in XML format, analysis can be performed from the top element according to the hierarchical structure in the same way as in normal XML analysis. When the CPU 211 completes the analysis of the JMF, the process proceeds to S801.

[0094] The processes from S801 to S808 are performed as many times as the number of messages specified in the JMF. If the CPU 211 has not processed all the messages, the process proceeds from S808 to S801, and the process starting from S801 is continued.

[0095] In S801, CPU 211 determines whether the JMF message is a color profile inquiry. As described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C, CPU 211 can determine whether the received JMF message is a color profile inquiry depending on whether a subordinate element of JMF element 701 is Query element 702. Also, whether the inquiry target is a color profile can be determined by confirming that Type attribute 703 is "Resource" and that ResourceName attribute 704 is "ColorProfile". If CPU 211 determines that the message is an inquiry, processing proceeds to S803, and if CPU 211 determines that the message is not an inquiry, processing proceeds to S802.

[0096] In S802, the CPU 211 acquires information on registered color profiles from the resource management program 507. The color profile information is held in a resource management table 900 shown in FIG. 9, which is included in the resource management program 507. The resource management table 900 stores the name, type, and color space of the color profile, as well as the association with the color profile data written to the storage unit 219 through the resource management program. The resource management table 900 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9. The information acquired in this embodiment includes at least the name, type, and color space of the color profile, which are information for identifying the color profile, and a status indicating whether the color profile is usable. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 also acquires information on whether the profile was registered at the time of shipment. The CPU 211 stores the acquired information in the storage unit 219, and the process proceeds to S808.

[0097] In S803, the CPU 211 determines whether the JMF message is an operation instruction for a color profile. The CPU 211 can determine whether the JMF message is an operation instruction for a color profile depending on whether the subordinate element of the JMF element 701 is a Command element 731, 738. The method of determining the target of the operation instruction is the same as in S801. If the CPU 211 determines that the message is an operation instruction, the process proceeds to S804, and if the CPU 211 determines that the message is not an operation instruction, the process proceeds to S808.

[0098] In S804, the CPU 211 determines whether the received operation instruction is a delete operation. The CPU 211 can determine whether the operation instruction is a delete operation depending on whether the UpdateMethod attributes 734, 739 are "Remove". If the CPU 211 determines that the operation instruction is a delete operation, the process proceeds to S805, and if the CPU 211 determines that the operation instruction is not a delete operation, the process proceeds to S806.

[0099] In S805, the CPU 211 performs a process of deleting the color profile. Details of the process of deleting the color profile will be described later with reference to Fig. 10. When the CPU 211 completes the process of deleting the color profile, the process proceeds to S808.

[0100] In S806, the CPU 211 determines whether the operation instruction is a registration process or an update process (update registration process). Depending on whether the UpdateMethod attributes 734, 739 are "Complete", the CPU 211 can determine whether the operation instruction is a registration operation. If the CPU 211 determines that the operation instruction is a registration or update process, the process proceeds to S807, and if the CPU 211 determines that the operation instruction is not a registration or update process, the process proceeds to S808.

[0101] In S807, the CPU 211 performs color profile registration / update processing. Details of the color profile registration / update processing will be described with reference to Fig. 11. When the CPU 211 completes the color profile registration / update processing, the process proceeds to S808.

[0102] In S808, the CPU 211 determines whether there is an unprocessed message. If the CPU 211 determines that there is an unprocessed message, the process proceeds to S801, and if the CPU 211 determines that there is no unprocessed message, the process proceeds to S809.

[0103] In S809, the CPU 211 creates a response from the stored execution results. The response JMF 710 to the color profile inquiry is an example of a response, and is a response that the CPU 211 created from the execution results stored in S802. After the CPU 211 creates the response, it transmits the response data to the sender of the JMF, and ends the flow shown in FIG.

[0104] <Schematic diagram of resource management table> Fig. 9 shows a resource management table 900 created and managed by the resource management program 507 of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. The resource management table 900 stores information such as the location of registered color profile data, the profile name, and type. In S802, the resource management program 507 returns the data of the resource management table 900. The example of Fig. 9 is a screen that is displayed when an operation is performed on the color profile management screen 600 and the CPU 211 performs a delete, register, or update process on the ColorProfile element 740 after the delete, register, or update instruction of Fig. 7C is sent to the image forming apparatus.

[0105] The ID 901 is an identifier for uniquely identifying a resource. When a resource is created, the resource management program 507 assigns a unique value to the resource. When a color profile is created, the ID 901 is assigned when the color profile is stored in the storage unit 219 in step S1115.

[0106] File 902 is information for identifying the location of the resource on storage unit 219. In S1115, the address of the write destination of the resource is stored. The write destination is determined by resource management program 507, and is registered in resource management table 900 together with the value of ID 901 similarly determined by resource management program 507.

[0107] Status 903 and StatusDetails 904 are information indicating the status of the resource. In this embodiment, a value determined from the values ​​of Status attributes 743, 750 and StatusDetails attribute 751 specified when a registration or status update instruction is received is stored. The resource management program 507 may update the value depending on the resource status. That is, if the value of Status 903 in the resource management table 900 is "Available", the CPU 211 enables the specified resource. If the value of Status 903 is "Unavailable", the CPU 211 disables the specified resource.

[0108] When a color profile is newly registered, Status 903 in the resource management table 900 is created as "Unavailable" and Status Details 1104 as "Unvalidated". Therefore, a newly registered color profile for which color verification has not been completed cannot be used. Data for color verification is sent from the managed image forming apparatus to the management system 100, and color verification is performed in the management system 100. If the management system 100 determines that color verification is OK, it sends an update instruction 710 with Status 903 set to "Available" to the managed image forming apparatus. Upon receiving the change instruction, the CPU 211 of the image forming apparatus updates Status 903 in the resource management table 900 to "Available", thereby making it possible to use the newly registered color profile.

[0109] DateAdded 905 is the date and time when the data was registered in the resource management table 900. When the resource was written in S1115, the CPU 211 stores in the storage unit 219 the current date and time acquired from the operating system.

[0110] Default 906 is information for identifying whether the resource is registered from the time of shipment. The value "TRUE" is stored for data registered from the time of shipment, and for data created in response to a color profile creation instruction, the CPU 211 stores "FALSE" in the storage unit 219 in S915.

[0111] Name 907 is the name of the color profile. Name 907 is a name that is easily identifiable by humans and is different from the file name of the resource. In step S1118, the name is specified together with the value of ID 901, and the CPU 211 stores the data of the specified ID 901 in the storage unit 219.

[0112] Type 908 is the type of color profile. In step S1118, this is specified together with the value of ID 901, and the CPU 211 stores the data of the specified ID 901 in the storage unit 219.

[0113] ColorSpace 909 indicates the color space used by the color profile. In S1118, this is specified together with the value of ID 901, and the CPU 211 stores the data of the specified ID 901 in the storage unit 219. For data for which the color space is automatically determined, it is not necessary to set a value.

[0114] ElapsedTime 920 indicates the time since the color profile status was last updated. Measurement of the elapsed time begins when the value of Status 903 is updated to "Available", and is reset to zero when the status is updated. An update of the status is an operation indicating an update from "Available" to "Unavailable", or an operation indicating that the status remains "Available". If the status remains "Available" after an update, the elapsed time is reset and then counting begins again. Note that this item is not used in this embodiment.

[0115] Resource data 910, 911, and 912 correspond to color profiles 609, 610, and 612, respectively, on color profile management screen 600 in Fig. 6. Color profile 611 has been deleted as a result of Command element 731 instructing deletion being executed according to the processing shown in Fig. 10. Also, resource data 913 has been created by executing ColorProfile element 740 of Command element 738 including a registration instruction in the processing up to S1115 shown in Fig. 11. Because color profile information was not written in S1118, values ​​have not been set in Name 907, Type 908, and ColorSpace 909 in resource data 913. Because it cannot be used in this state, Status 903 is "Unavailable" and StatusDetails 904 is "Incomplete".

[0116] <Processing flow when processing a color profile deletion instruction> FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the CPU 211 in the color profile deletion process in S805.

[0117] In S1000, the CPU 211 acquires information on the registered color profile from the resource management program 507. The process performed by the CPU 211 is the same as that of S802. When the CPU 211 acquires the information on the registered color profile, the process proceeds to S1001.

[0118] The processes from S1001 to S1012 are performed using color profile information (operating color profile information) that includes a deletion instruction. In the color profile information that includes a deletion instruction, all ColorProfile elements 735 subordinate to the Command element 738 of the deletion instruction are executed. If multiple color profiles are specified for deletion, the ColorProfile element that is written first in the XML is executed first. Once the deletion process has been performed from S1001 to S1012, the process returns to S1001, and the CPU 211 executes the process of the next ColorProfile element.

[0119] In S1001, CPU 211 analyzes ColorProfile element 735, which is a color profile designation section. As described with reference to Figures 7A to 7C, information for identifying a color profile and the like is described in ColorProfile element 735. When CPU 211 completes the analysis, the process proceeds to S1002.

[0120] In S1002, the CPU 211 determines whether or not all information for identifying a color profile has been specified in the ColorProfile element 735.

[0121] The information identifying a color profile is the ProfileName attribute 736, the ResourceUsage attribute 737, and depending on the type of color profile, the ColorSpace attribute 748 may also be included. If any piece of information is not specified, or if a non-existent color space or color profile type is specified, the CPU 211 determines that no information identifying a color profile has been specified. If the CPU 211 determines that all information identifying a color profile has been specified, the process proceeds to S1003. If the CPU 211 determines that all information identifying a color profile has not been specified, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0122] In S1003, the CPU 211 determines whether the registered color profiles acquired in S1000 include a profile whose information identifying the specified color profile completely matches. The CPU 211 makes this determination by comparing the values ​​of Name 907, Type 908, and ColorSpace 909 in the resource management table 900 acquired in S1000 with the corresponding values ​​specified in the ColorProfile element 735. If a color space is specified for a color profile of a type that does not require color space discrimination, the value is not used in the comparison and is ignored. If the CPU 211 determines that the registered color profiles acquired include a profile whose information identifying the specified color profile completely matches, the process proceeds to S1005. If the CPU 211 determines that the registered color profiles acquired do not include a profile whose information identifying the specified color profile completely matches, the process proceeds to S1004.

[0123] In S1004, the CPU 211 stores the invalid designation as the execution result of the color profile deletion process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0124] In S1005, the CPU 211 determines whether the matching registered color profile is a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment. The CPU 211 makes this determination by referencing the value of Default 906 in the resource management table 900 acquired in S1000. The CPU 211 cannot delete a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment. If the CPU 211 determines that the matching registered color profile is a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment, the process proceeds to S1008. If the CPU 211 determines that the matching registered color profile is not a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment, the process proceeds to S1006.

[0125] In S1006, CPU 211 acquires the print execution status from print control program 504 and determines whether the image forming device is in a standby state where printing is not being performed. Since deleting a color profile when it is being used for printing may cause printing defects, CPU 211 is set to be able to delete the color profile when the image forming device is in a standby state. As an alternative, CPU 211 may acquire a color profile used by a job currently being printed and determine whether it matches the color profile to be deleted. If CPU 211 determines that the image forming device is in a standby state, the process proceeds to S1007, and if CPU 211 determines that the image forming device is not in a standby state, the process proceeds to S1008.

[0126] In S1007, the CPU 211 instructs the resource management program 507 to delete the color profile. The CPU 211 instructs the resource management program 507 to delete the color profile by specifying the identifier of the color profile determined to match in S1003. Upon receiving the instruction, the resource management program 507 obtains data with a matching identifier from the resource management table 900, deletes the file in the storage unit 219, and deletes the profile data from the resource management table 900. When the deletion is complete, the CPU 211 obtains the execution result of the deletion, and the process proceeds to S1009.

[0127] In S1008, the CPU 211 stores "deletion impossible" as the execution result of the color profile deletion process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0128] In S1009, the CPU 211 determines whether the deletion was successful. The CPU 211 makes this determination based on a return value obtained from the resource management program 507. If the CPU 211 determines that the deletion was successful, the process proceeds to S1011, and if the CPU 211 determines that the deletion was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S1010.

[0129] In S1010, the CPU 211 stores a deletion failure as the execution result of the color profile deletion process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0130] In S1011, the CPU 211 stores the successful deletion as the execution result of the color profile deletion process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1012.

[0131] In S1012, the CPU 211 determines whether there is an unprocessed color profile. The CPU 211 determines whether there is an unprocessed color profile by determining whether there is another ColorProfile element following the ColorProfile element for which processing has been executed in the previous step. If the CPU 211 determines that there is another ColorProfile element, the process proceeds to S1001, and if the CPU 211 determines that there is no other ColorProfile element, the color profile deletion process ends.

[0132] <Processing flow when processing color profile registration / update instructions> FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the CPU 211 in the color profile registration / update processing in S807.

[0133] The processing in FIG. 11 is outlined as follows. When all the color profile specifying information has been specified and the address of the color profile data has been specified, the image forming device performs registration processing. Here, even if all the color profile specifying information matches any of the color profiles stored in the resource management table 900, the image forming device treats this processing as registration processing (replacement processing). When all the color profile specifying information has been specified and the address of the color profile data has not been specified, the image forming device performs update processing (update registration processing) to update the status. The processing in FIG. 11 is described in detail below.

[0134] In S1100, the CPU 211 acquires information about the registered color profile from the resource management program 507. This is the same process as S802. When the CPU 211 acquires the information about the registered color profile, the process proceeds to S1101.

[0135] The processes from S1101 to S1120 are performed using color profile information (operating color profile information) that includes registration and update instructions. In color profile information that includes registration and update instructions, the CPU 211 executes the registration and update instructions for all ColorProfile elements 740, 746 subordinate to the Command element 738 of the registration and update instruction. If multiple color profiles are specified for registration and update, the registration and update instructions are executed starting with the ColorProfile element that is written first in the XML, and the process proceeds from S1120 to S1101. The CPU 211 then processes the next ColorProfile element.

[0136] In S1101, the CPU 211 analyzes the ColorProfile elements 740 and 746, which are color profile specification sections. As described in Fig. 7, information for identifying a color profile, the address of the color profile data, and the state of the color profile are described in the ColorProfile elements 740 and 746. When the CPU 211 completes the analysis, the process proceeds to S1102.

[0137] In S1102, the CPU 211 determines whether all the information identifying the color profile has been specified in the ColorProfile elements 740, 746. The information identifying the color profile is the ProfileName attributes 741, 747, the ResourceUsage attributes 742, 749, and depending on the type of color profile, the ColorSpace attribute 748 may also be included. If any piece of information is not specified, or if a non-existent color space or type of color profile is specified, the CPU 211 determines that all the information identifying the color profile has not been specified. If the CPU 211 determines that all the information identifying the color profile has been specified, the process proceeds to S1103. If the CPU 211 determines that all the information identifying the color profile has not been specified, the process proceeds to S1111.

[0138] In S1103, the CPU 211 determines whether the address of color profile data is specified in the ColorProfile element 740, i.e., whether the URL attribute 745 is specified. As described above, if the CPU 211 determines that the URL attribute 745 is specified, the CPU 211 registers or replaces the color profile. If the CPU 211 determines that the URL attribute 745 is not specified, the CPU 211 updates the state. If the CPU 211 determines that the address of data is specified, the process proceeds to S1104, and if the CPU 211 determines that the address of data is not specified, the process proceeds to S1105.

[0139] In S1104, the CPU 211 determines whether the registered color profiles acquired in S1100 include a profile whose information identifying the specified color profile completely matches. The CPU 211 makes this determination by comparing the values ​​of Name 907, Type 908, and ColorSpace 909 in the resource management table 900 acquired in S1100 with the corresponding values ​​specified in the ColorProfile element 740. If a color space is specified for a color profile of a type that does not require color space discrimination, the value is not used in the comparison and is ignored. If the CPU 211 determines that the registered color profiles acquired include a profile whose information identifying the specified color profile completely matches, the process proceeds to S1106. If the CPU 211 determines that the registered color profiles acquired do not include a profile whose information identifying the specified color profile completely matches, the process proceeds to S1107.

[0140] In S1105, the CPU 211 determines whether the registered color profiles acquired in S1100 include a profile that completely matches the information identifying the specified color profile. This process is the same as S1104. If the CPU 211 determines that the registered color profiles acquired include a profile that completely matches the information identifying the specified color profile, the process proceeds to S1108. If the CPU 211 determines that the registered color profiles acquired do not include a profile that completely matches the information identifying the specified color profile, the process proceeds to S1111.

[0141] In S1106, the CPU 211 determines whether the registered color profile with matching specific information is a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment. The CPU 211 makes this determination by referencing the value of Default 906 in the resource management table 900 acquired in S1100. The CPU 211 cannot overwrite a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment. If the CPU 211 determines that the matching registered color profile is a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment, the process proceeds to S1109. If the CPU 211 determines that the matching registered color profile is not a color profile that was registered at the time of shipment, the process proceeds to S1107.

[0142] In S1107, the CPU 211 attempts to acquire color profile data from the address specified in the URL attribute 745. The acquisition method is determined by the protocol being used; for example, if the URL attribute 745 is specified as http, the color profile data is acquired from the HTTP server using HTTP communication. If the URL attribute 745 is specified as cid, data with a matching Content-ID is acquired from the MIME file. Once the CPU 211 has acquired the color profile data, the process proceeds to S1110.

[0143] In S1108, the CPU 211 determines whether the color profile state is specified in the ColorProfile elements 740, 746, i.e., whether the Status attributes 743, 750 and the StatusDetails attributes 744, 751 are specified. If the CPU 211 determines that the Status attribute and the StatusDetails attribute are specified, the process proceeds to S1118. If the CPU 211 determines that the Status attribute and the StatusDetails attribute are not specified, the process proceeds to S1111.

[0144] In S1109, the CPU 211 stores "registration not possible" as the execution result of the color profile registration / update process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0145] In S1110, the CPU 211 determines whether the data specified by the URL attribute is a color profile. This is determined based on whether the file extension is icc or icm, or whether the Content-Type in the HTTP header returned by the HTTP server or the MIME part header of the MIME is application / vnd.iccprofile. If the CPU 211 determines that the acquired color profile value is different from the above value, the CPU 211 determines that data other than a color profile has been specified and does not execute writing. If the CPU 211 determines that the acquired data is a color profile, the process proceeds to S1113, and if the CPU 211 determines that the acquired data is not a color profile, the process proceeds to S1112.

[0146] In S1111, the CPU 211 stores the invalid designation as the execution result of the color profile registration / update process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0147] In S1112, the CPU 211 stores the invalid data specification as the execution result of the color profile registration / update process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0148] In S1113, the CPU 211 determines whether acquisition of the color profile data was successful. If the CPU 211 cannot access the file, if the data does not exist, if communication is disconnected during data acquisition, etc., the CPU 211 determines that acquisition of the color profile data failed. If the CPU 211 determines that the data was acquired, the process proceeds to S1115, and if the CPU 211 determines that the data was not acquired, the process proceeds to S1114.

[0149] In S1114, the CPU 211 stores a data acquisition failure as the execution result of the color profile registration / update process. Detailed results may be stored for each reason why acquisition was not possible. For example, causes may be separated into connection timeout, invalid URL, etc., and data acquisition failure due to timeout or invalid URL may be stored. Once the CPU 211 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0150] In S1115, the CPU 211 writes the color profile data. The writing operation is performed in response to an instruction from the resource management program 507, and the color profile data is written to a specified folder in the storage unit 219. When the CPU 211 completes the writing operation, the resource management program 507 assigns an identifier for identifying the color profile. The resource management program 507 registers the identifier, the address of the file, and the current date and time obtained from the operating system as the registration date and time in the resource management table 900, and returns the identifier as a result. When the CPU 211 completes the writing operation and registration, the process proceeds to S1116.

[0151] In S1116, the CPU 211 determines whether the writing of the color profile was successful. Causes of the write operation failing include corrupted data and no free space in the storage area provided to the resource management program 507. The CPU 211 can determine whether the write operation was successful or not based on whether a valid identifier was returned. If the CPU 211 determines that the write operation was successful, the process proceeds to S1118, and if the CPU 211 determines that the write operation failed, the process proceeds to S1117.

[0152] In S1117, the CPU 211 stores the data writing failure as the execution result of the color profile registration / update process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result in the storage unit 219, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0153] In S1118, the CPU 211 instructs the resource management program 507 to store information about the color profile in the resource management table 900. By specifying the identifier of a color profile registered in the resource management table 900, the CPU 211 can add or update information about that color profile. In the case of a new registration, the name, type, color space, and status of the color profile can be registered, and in the case of replacement or status update, the status can be updated. When the CPU 211 has completed storing the color profile information, the process proceeds to S1119.

[0154] In S1119, the CPU 211 stores the successful registration as the execution result of the color profile registration / update process. After the CPU 211 stores the execution result in the storage unit 219, the process proceeds to S1120.

[0155] In S1120, the CPU 211 determines whether there is an unprocessed color profile. The determination of whether there is an unprocessed color profile is performed by determining whether there is another ColorProfile element following the ColorProfile element for which processing has been executed in the previous step. If the CPU 211 determines that there is another ColorProfile element, the process proceeds to S1101, and if the CPU 211 determines that there is not another ColorProfile element, the color profile registration / update process ends.

[0156] <Schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus> FIG. 12A shows a screen displayed on the UI panel 213 when a print job using the color profile 610 is submitted to the image forming device 102, 104, or when the color profile 610 is selected on the UI panel 213 of the image forming device 102, 104.

[0157] FIG. 12B shows a screen displayed on the UI panel 213 when a print job using the color profile 611 is submitted to the image forming device 102, 104, or when the color profile 611 is selected on the UI panel 213 of the image forming device 102, 104.

[0158] The CPU 211 obtains information about the specified color profile from the resource management table 900, and if the Status 903 is not “Available”, displays a message determined from the value of StatusDetails 1104.

[0159] The color verification unperformed warning screen 1200 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the UI panel 213 when an attempt is made to use or select a color profile whose StatusDetails 904 value is "Unvalidated." The color verification unperformed warning message 1201 displays the reason why the color profile cannot be used, the target method, and information identifying the profile that caused the problem. Since "Unvalidated" is a value indicating that color verification has not been performed for a certain period of time or more, the color verification unperformed warning message 1201 displays an instruction to perform color verification. After color verification is performed, the management system 100 issues an instruction to update the color profile status and updates the Status to "Available," making it available for use. Once the Status has been updated to "Available," the color verification unperformed warning screen 1200 will not be displayed if the same job or selection operation is performed again.

[0160] A color verification NG warning screen 1210 is a schematic diagram of a screen displayed on the UI panel 213 when an attempt is made to use or select a color profile whose StatusDetails 904 value is "ValidationFailed." Since "ValidationFailed" is a value indicating that color reproducibility is insufficient as a result of color verification, a color verification NG warning message 1211 displays an instruction to perform adjustments and color verification. As with the color verification not yet performed warning screen 1200, when it is confirmed that color reproducibility is sufficient in color verification and the Status is updated to "Available" by an instruction to update the color profile status, the color verification NG warning screen 1210 is no longer displayed.

[0161] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can easily obtain, delete, register, and update color profile information from outside using JMF described in a common message format, and can easily manage color profiles. Furthermore, if there is a problem with color reproducibility as a result of color verification, or if color verification has not been performed for a certain period of time or more, the image forming apparatus can receive an instruction to update the color profile status and disable the use of the color profile. Even in a system that performs color verification for multiple devices collectively, such as a remote management system, the management system according to the present embodiment can manage color profiles using a common method and can reflect the results of color verification for each color profile.

[0162] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 are connected to the network 105, and instructions and inquiries regarding the color profiles of FIGS. 7A to 7C are received from the management system 100.

[0163] From the viewpoint of security, printing companies may adopt a configuration in which the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 are not directly connected to an external network 105. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the information processing apparatus 101 is connected to an external network 105, and the information processing apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 are connected via an internal network 106.

[0164] In the second embodiment, a method for realizing acquisition, deletion, registration, update, and the like of color profile information when the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 cannot directly receive instructions from the management system 100 will be described.

[0165] In the following description, an example in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are present will be described. The functions achieved in the following description can also be realized in a system configuration including a management system 100, an information processing apparatus 101, and an image forming apparatus 102.

[0166] <Software configuration of information processing device 101> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the information processing device 101 according to the second embodiment.

[0167] A boot loader 1401, an operating system 1402, a network control program 1403, and a print instruction program 1405 are the same as the boot loader 401, the network control program 403, and the print instruction program 408 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0168] The JMF processing program 1404 is a program that performs the same processing as the JMF processing program 406, but the JMF processing program of this embodiment also performs the processing that was performed by the JMF processing program 506 of the image forming apparatus of embodiment 1. That is, the JMF analysis and response message creation of Figures 7A to 7C are performed by the JMF processing program 1404.

[0169] The printing press management program 1406 is a program for managing the image forming apparatuses 102, 104 connected via the internal network 106. All instructions from the management system 100 to the image forming apparatuses 102, 104 are sent to the information processing device 101. The information processing device 101 analyzes the instructions, identifies the image forming apparatus to which the instructions are addressed, and causes the image forming apparatus to carry out the contents of the instructions. The printing press management program 1406 also has a printing press management screen (not shown) for registering the image forming apparatuses to be managed and how each instruction is to be carried out.

[0170] <Printing machine management table> 15 shows a printing press management table 1500 showing the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104 in the printing press management program 1406 and the corresponding relationship between the image forming apparatuses and how instructions are executed for each image forming apparatus. Data is added when an operator registers an image forming apparatus on the printing press management screen. Only instructions related to this disclosure are listed in the printing press management table 1500.

[0171] Device ID 1501 is a unique ID for identifying an image forming device. It is used to identify which image forming device an instruction from management system 100 is intended for. Therefore, the value stored in device ID 1501 must be a value that can be commonly recognized throughout the entire system. The target of the instruction is specified in the Device ID element 705 of various JMFs created by management system 100. By comparing the value of Device ID element 705 obtained by JMF processing program 1404 analyzing the JMF with the value of device ID 1501 of each piece of data, it becomes possible to determine which image forming device the instruction is intended for.

[0172] The IP address 1502 is the IP address of the image forming apparatus. Since the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is connected to the internal network 106, the stored IP address is a local address.

[0173] Color profile acquisition operation registration 1503 indicates what operation is to be performed to acquire a color profile when an instruction to acquire a color profile is received from management system 100. Color profile acquisition operation registration 1503 includes data on operation 1504 and port 1505. Operation 1504 stores the operation to be performed to acquire a color profile. Stored values ​​include the HTTP Get method, API name, program name, etc. Port 1505 stores the port number to perform the operation indicated in operation 1504.

[0174] A color profile registration operation registration 1506 and a color profile deletion operation registration 1509 respectively indicate operation methods when a color profile registration operation instruction and a deletion operation instruction are received from the management system 100 .

[0175] Registered device data 1512, 1513, 1514, and 1515 are data on registered image forming devices. Registered device data 1512 indicates that color profile information acquisition, deletion, registration, and updating can be performed with JMF. Registered device data 1513 indicates that inquiries can be made by implementing the HTTP Get method on port 31001, registration can be performed by implementing the HTTP Post method on port 31001, and there is no means for deletion. Registered device data 1514 indicates that inquiries can be made with the HTTP Get method, but there is no means for registration and deletion. Registered device data 1513 indicates that inquiries, registration, and deletion can be performed by executing the corresponding scripts.

[0176] <Processing flow when data related to color profile management is received> Fig. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing by the CPU 301 of the information processing apparatus 101 when receiving the inquiry about the color profile and the operation instruction explained in Fig. 7. Unlike the first embodiment, it is the information processing apparatus 101 that analyzes the JMF. In the following, the explanation of the same processing as in Fig. 8 will be omitted.

[0177] A series of processes shown in the flowchart of Fig. 16 is performed by CPU 301 executing a program stored in ROM 303 and loaded into RAM 302. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 8 may be realized by hardware such as ASIC, FPGA, or electronic circuitry. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart.

[0178] In S1600, the CPU 301 analyzes the received JMF. This process is the same as S800. When the CPU 301 completes the analysis, the process proceeds to S1601.

[0179] In S1601, CPU 301 determines whether an instruction target device has been specified. The instruction target device is a value specified by a DeviceID element 705, and is a value that can identify an image forming device that performs an instruction such as a color profile inquiry, deletion, registration, or update that is accepted in a JMF message. If CPU 301 determines that the DeviceID element 705 has been specified, the process proceeds to S1602, and if CPU 301 determines that the DeviceID element 705 has not been specified, the process proceeds to S1604.

[0180] In S1602, CPU 301 determines whether the instruction target device is valid. It determines whether the data registered in printing press management table 1500 has a device ID 1501 value that matches the value specified in Device ID element 705. If CPU 301 determines that the device ID 1501 value does not match the data registered in printing press management table 1500, CPU 301 determines that the specified image forming device is not an image forming device managed by information processing device 101. Therefore, CPU 301 determines that the designation by the JMF message is invalid. If CPU 211 determines that the instruction target device is valid, processing proceeds to S1603, and if CPU 211 determines that the instruction target device is not valid, processing proceeds to S1604.

[0181] In S1603, the CPU 301 determines whether the JMF message is a color profile inquiry. This process is the same as S801. If the CPU 301 determines that the message is an inquiry, the process proceeds to S1605, and if the CPU 301 determines that the message is not an inquiry, the process proceeds to S1606.

[0182] In S1604, the CPU 301 stores the invalid device specification as the execution result of the message. After the CPU 301 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0183] In S1605, CPU 301 determines whether there is a means for inquiring about a color profile. CPU 301 references color profile acquisition operation registration 1503 of data in which the value of Device ID element 705 in printing press management table 1500 matches device ID 1501, and determines whether an acquisition operation is registered. If CPU 301 determines that an acquisition operation is registered in color profile acquisition operation registration 1503, processing proceeds to S1607. If CPU 301 determines that an acquisition operation is not registered in color profile acquisition operation registration 1503, processing proceeds to S1621.

[0184] In S1606, the CPU 301 determines whether the JMF message is an operation instruction for a color profile. This process is the same as S803. If the CPU 301 determines that the message is an operation instruction, the process proceeds to S1608, and if the CPU 301 determines that the message is not an operation instruction, the process proceeds to S1624.

[0185] In S1607, the CPU 301 executes the color profile acquisition operation specified in the color profile acquisition operation registration 1503. For example, in the case of JMF, the CPU 301 sends the query JMF directly to the image forming apparatus. In the case of API, the CPU 301 calls the API to acquire the value. In the case of http, the CPU 301 sends an http request using a specified method. Once the CPU 301 executes color profile acquisition, the process proceeds to S1610.

[0186] In S1608, the CPU 301 determines whether all the information specifying the color profile has been specified in the ColorProfile elements 740 and 746. This process is the same as S1102. If the CPU 301 determines that all the information specifying the color profile has been specified, the process proceeds to S1611. If the CPU 301 determines that all the information specifying the color profile has not been specified, the process proceeds to S1609.

[0187] In S1609, the CPU 301 stores the invalid designation as the execution result of the message. After the CPU 301 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0188] In S1610, CPU 301 determines whether acquisition of the color profile was successful. This determination is made by checking the value acquired by the inquiry means executed in S1607. If the acquired values ​​include color profile information, acquisition is successful; if not, acquisition is unsuccessful. If it is difficult to determine, CPU 301 determines acquisition was successful, and a response including the acquired values ​​is created in S1625. If CPU 301 determines that acquisition of the color profile information was successful, processing proceeds to S1613, and if CPU 301 determines that acquisition of the color profile information was unsuccessful, processing proceeds to S1612.

[0189] In S1611, the CPU 301 determines whether the received operational instruction is a delete operation. This process is the same as S804. If the CPU 301 determines that the received operational instruction is a delete operation, the process proceeds to S1614, and if the CPU 301 determines that the received operational instruction is not a delete operation, the process proceeds to S1615.

[0190] In S1612, the CPU 301 stores the acquisition failure as the execution result of the message. After the CPU 301 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0191] In S1613, the CPU 301 stores the acquired color profile information. After the CPU 301 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0192] In S1614, the CPU 301 determines whether there is a means for deleting a color profile. This process is similar to S1605, and refers to the color profile deletion operation registration 1509. If the CPU 301 determines that a deletion operation is registered, the process proceeds to S1617, and if the CPU 301 determines that a deletion operation is not registered, the process proceeds to S1621.

[0193] In S1615, the CPU 301 determines whether the operation instruction is a registration / update operation. This process is the same as S806. If the CPU 301 determines that the received operation instruction is a registration / update operation, the process proceeds to S1616, and if the CPU 301 determines that the received operation instruction is not a registration / update operation, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0194] In S1616, CPU 301 attempts to acquire color profile data from the address specified in URL attribute 745. This process is the same as S1107. If CPU 301 determines that no address is specified in URL attribute 745, no color profile acquisition operation is performed. When CPU 301 completes acquisition of the color profile, the process proceeds to S1618.

[0195] In S1617, the CPU 301 executes the color profile deletion operation specified in the color profile deletion operation registration 1509. When the CPU 301 completes the color profile deletion operation, the process proceeds to S1619.

[0196] In S1618, the CPU 301 determines whether acquisition of the color profile data was successful. This process is the same as S1113. If the CPU 301 determines that acquisition of the color profile was successful, the process proceeds to S1620, and if the CPU 301 determines that acquisition of the color profile was unsuccessful, the process proceeds to S1622.

[0197] In S1619, CPU 301 stores the execution result of the deletion operation. The deletion result is determined from the return value of the deletion operation executed in S1617. If there is no return value or if it is difficult to determine, CPU 301 may determine that the deletion was successful. Alternatively, the color profile inquiry means executed in S1607 may be executed, and if the color profile does not exist, CPU 301 may determine that the deletion was successful. Once CPU 301 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0198] In S1620, the CPU 301 determines whether there is a registration / update means for the color profile. This process is similar to S1605, and the CPU 301 refers to the color profile registration operation registration 1506. If the CPU 301 determines that the received registration / update operation is registered, the process proceeds to S1623, and if the CPU 301 determines that the received registration / update operation is not registered, the process proceeds to S1621.

[0199] In S1621, CPU 301 stores the received instruction content and the image forming device to which the instruction is to be sent. The stored instruction content and the destination image forming device are displayed on the display of information processing device 101 to prompt the user to manually execute the instruction content. CPU 301 stores the execution result of the message as successful. After CPU 301 stores the instruction content, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0200] In S1622, CPU 301 stores the registration failure as the execution result of the message. After CPU 301 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0201] In S1623, the CPU 301 executes the color profile registration / update operation specified in the color profile registration operation registration 1506. After the CPU 301 executes the color profile registration / update operation, the process proceeds to S1624.

[0202] In S1624, the CPU 301 stores the execution result of the registration / update operation. This process may also be determined from the return value, as in S1619. Alternatively, a color profile inquiry means may be executed after registration, and if a color profile exists, the registration may be determined to be successful. Once the CPU 301 stores the execution result, the process proceeds to S1625.

[0203] The process in S1625 is the same as the process in S808. If the CPU 301 determines that an unprocessed message exists, the process proceeds to S1603, and if the CPU 301 determines that an unprocessed message does not exist, the process proceeds to S1626.

[0204] In S1626, the CPU 301 creates a response including the execution result and transmits the response to the management system 100.

[0205] As described above, the information processing device 101 used in this embodiment accepts color profile management operations from the management system 100 to the image forming devices 102 and 104, identifies the processing content, and transmits instructions according to the processing content to the image forming devices 102 and 104. The image forming devices 102 and 104 execute the processing using an appropriate implementation means and transmit the processing result to the information processing device 101. The information processing device 101 transmits a response based on the received processing result to the management system 100. In this embodiment, the image forming devices 102 and 104 are not directly connected to the network 105, but can achieve the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0206] [Embodiment 3] In the first embodiment, the fact that color verification has not been performed is reflected in the color profile status by receiving a color profile update instruction from the management system 100 or the information processing device 101. In this case, if a color profile update instruction is not sent due to some network malfunction, there is a risk that a color profile that has not been color verified will be used for a long period of time. In this embodiment, the color profile status automatically reflects the implementation status of color verification, and is updated to usable or unusable based on the result of the color verification.

[0207] <Processing flow for determining whether to update the color profile status> 17 shows a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process for determining whether or not a color profile has been updated, which is performed by the resource management program 507 of the image forming apparatuses 102 and 104. The process for determining whether or not a color profile has been updated is scheduled as part of the process that the CPU 211 performs at predetermined intervals, such as every hour.

[0208] In S1700, the CPU 211 acquires a registered color profile. This process is the same as S802. When the CPU 211 acquires the color profile, the process proceeds to S1701.

[0209] In S1701, the CPU 211 refers to the value of ElapsedTime 920 and determines whether it has exceeded a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, one day, and if the unit of ElapsedTime 920 is seconds, the determination is made based on whether it exceeds 86,400. If the CPU 211 determines that the value of ElapsedTime 920 has exceeded the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S1702. If the CPU 211 determines that the value of ElapsedTime 920 has not exceeded the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S1704.

[0210] In S1702, the CPU 211 sets the color profile status to unavailable and the status details to color verification not performed. Specifically, this is done by updating the value of Status 903 to “Unavailable” and the value of StatusDetails 1104 to “Unvalidated.” When the CPU 211 completes the update, the process proceeds to S1703.

[0211] In S1703, the CPU 211 resets the value of the ElapsedTime 920 to 0. After the CPU 211 executes the reset, the process proceeds to S1704.

[0212] In S1704, the CPU 211 determines whether an unprocessed color profile exists. If the CPU 211 determines that an unprocessed color profile exists, the process proceeds to S1701, and if the CPU 211 determines that an unprocessed color profile does not exist, the process for determining whether to update the color profile status ends.

[0213] In the image forming devices 102 and 104 according to this embodiment, if a color profile is determined to have color reproducibility as a result of color verification and the status has been updated to usable, and a certain period of time has passed without color verification being performed, the color profile is automatically updated to unusable. This makes it possible for the image forming devices 102 and 104 to prevent the use of a color profile that has not been color verified, even if they do not receive a status update instruction from the management system 100.

[0214] (Other Examples) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0215] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0216] (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing means for performing printing processing using a color profile; a receiving means for receiving a message sent from a management server system that performs color management between a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the message being composed of a message format common to the plurality of image forming apparatuses and including a predetermined operation command related to the color profile; and a processing means for performing a predetermined processing related to the color profile in accordance with the predetermined operation command included in the message received by the receiving means.

[0217] (Configuration 2) The image forming device according to configuration 1, wherein the specified operation command is a query, and the processing means transmits, as the specified processing, registered color profile information indicating a color profile registered in the image forming device to the management server system in the common message format.

[0218] (Configuration 3) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the registered color profile information includes at least the name, type, and color space (if a color space exists) of the color profile, and the availability status of the color profile.

[0219] (Configuration 4) The image forming device described in Configuration 1, characterized in that when the specified operation command is registration and the message includes operating color profile information including information on a source of a color profile, the processing means performs the specified processing of acquiring the color profile from the source using the information on the source and newly registering it in the image forming device, and when the message includes operating color profile information that does not include information on a source of a color profile, the processing means performs the specified processing of updating and registering the usable status of the color profile included in the message in the image forming device.

[0220] (Configuration 5) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 4, wherein the usable status of the color profile is registered as “unusable” for the newly registered color profile or for the registered color profile for which a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0221] (Configuration 6) The image forming device described in Configuration 4, characterized in that a message including an availability status indicating "available" or "unavailable" based on color verification in the management server system is sent from the management server system to the image forming device, and the availability status of the color profile is updated and registered in the image forming device.

[0222] (Configuration 7) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 6, wherein when the usable state of the color profile is updated and registered to be "usable", the color profile is enabled in the image forming apparatus.

[0223] (Configuration 8) The image forming apparatus according to Configuration 6, wherein when the usable state of the color profile is updated and registered to be "unusable", the color profile is disabled in the image forming apparatus.

[0224] (Configuration 9) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the processing means determines that the specified operation command is a registration operation if the message received by the receiving means includes information regarding the source of the color profile.

[0225] (Configuration 10) The image forming device described in Configuration 4, characterized in that if the information indicating the color profile of the message received by the receiving means matches the registered color profile information of a color profile registered at the time of shipment, the processing means does not execute an operation of newly registering the color profile in the image forming device.

[0226] (Configuration 11) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the specified operation command is deletion, and the processing means deletes the color profile and registered color profile information specified in the message as the specified processing.

[0227] (Configuration 12) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 11, wherein if the information indicating the color profile of the message received by the receiving means matches the color profile information of a color profile registered at the time of shipment, the processing means does not execute the deletion operation.

[0228] (Configuration 13) In the image forming apparatus according to configuration 11, when the printing means is executing a printing process, the processing means does not execute the deletion operation.

[0229] (Method 1) A method for controlling an image forming device, comprising the steps of: performing a printing process using a color profile; receiving a message sent from a management server system that performs color management between multiple image forming devices, the message being composed of a message format common to the multiple image forming devices and including a predetermined operation command related to the color profile; and performing a predetermined process related to the color profile in accordance with the predetermined operation command included in the received message.

[0230] (Configuration 14) A management server system that performs color management and communicates with a plurality of image forming devices equipped with a printing means that performs printing processing using a color profile, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring instructions from a management user; and a transmission means for transmitting a message, which is composed of a message format common to the plurality of image forming devices and includes a predetermined operational command related to the color profile, to a predetermined image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices in accordance with the instructions.

[0231] (Configuration 15) The management server system according to configuration 14, wherein the predetermined operation command is a query, and the transmission means transmits a query message to the predetermined image forming device.

[0232] (Configuration 16) The management server system described in Configuration 15, characterized in that it receives from the specified image forming device a response message to the inquiry configured in the common message format, the response message including registered color profile information indicating a color profile registered in the image forming device.

[0233] (Configuration 17) The management server system described in configuration 14 is characterized in that the specified operation command is registration, and when a new color profile is to be registered, a message including operating color profile information including at least information regarding the source of the color profile is sent to the specified image forming device, and when an update is to be registered of the availability status of the color profile, a message including operating color profile information not including information regarding the source of the color profile is sent to the specified image forming device.

[0234] (Configuration 18) The management server system described in Configuration 14, characterized in that the specified operation command is deletion, and the transmitting means transmits to the specified image forming device registered color profile information including at least the name, type, and color space of the color profile if a color space exists.

[0235] (Method 2) A control method for a management server system that performs color management and communicates with a plurality of image forming devices equipped with a printing means that performs printing processing using a color profile, comprising the steps of: acquiring instructions from a management user; and, in accordance with the instructions, sending a message to a predetermined image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices, the message being composed of a message format common to the plurality of image forming devices and including a predetermined operational command related to the color profile.

[0236] (Configuration 19) An information processing device that communicates with an image forming device having a printing means that performs printing processing using a color profile, and a management server system that executes color management, characterized in that the information processing device comprises: a receiving means that receives a message sent from the management server system to a specified image forming device, the message being composed of a message format common to the image forming device and including a specified operation command related to the color profile; and a transmitting means that transmits the message to the specified image forming device specified in the message.

[0237] (Configuration 20) An information processing device as described in Configuration 19, characterized in that when the specified operation command is a query, a message configured in the common message format containing registered color profile information indicating a color profile registered in the specified image forming device is received, and the received message is transmitted to the management server system.

[0238] (Method 3) A control method for an information processing device that communicates with an image forming device having a printing means that performs printing processing using a color profile, and a management server system that executes color management, comprising the steps of: receiving a message sent from the management server system to a specific image forming device, the message being composed of a message format common to the image forming device and including specific operational commands related to the color profile; and transmitting the message to the specific image forming device specified in the message.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, A printing means for performing printing processing using a color profile; a receiving unit for receiving a message including a predetermined operation command related to a color profile, the message being transmitted from a management server system that executes color management among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the message being configured as Job Messaging Format (JMF) data; A determination means for determining the predetermined operation command included in the message formed by the JMF data; a processing means for executing a predetermined process related to the color profile in accordance with the predetermined operation command included in a message formed by the JMF data determined by the determination means; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the predetermined operational command is a query; The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, as the specified processing, the processing means transmits registered color profile information indicating a color profile registered in the image forming device to the management server system in a message composed of the JMF data.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the registered color profile information includes at least the name, type, and color space (if a color space exists) of the color profile, and a usable state of the color profile.

4. the predetermined operational command is registration; When the message configured with the JMF data includes operational color profile information including information regarding a source of a color profile, the processing unit, as the predetermined process, acquires the color profile from the source using the information regarding the source, and newly registers the color profile in the image forming device; The image forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the message composed of the JMF data includes operational color profile information that does not include information regarding the source of the color profile, the processing means updates and registers the usable status of the color profile included in the message composed of the JMF data in the image forming device as the specified processing.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the usability status of the color profile is registered as "unusable" for the newly registered color profile or the registered color profile for which a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

6. The image forming device according to claim 4, characterized in that a message composed of JMF data including a usable status indicating "usable" or "unusable" based on color verification in the management server system is sent from the management server system to the image forming device, and the usable status of the color profile is updated and registered in the image forming device.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the usable state of the color profile is updated and registered to "usable", the color profile is enabled in the image forming apparatus.

8. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the usable state of the color profile is updated and registered to "unusable", the color profile is invalidated in the image forming apparatus.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing means determines that the specified operation command is a registration operation when the message composed of the JMF data received by the receiving means includes information regarding the source of the color profile.

10. The image forming device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when information indicating a color profile in a message composed of the JMF data received by the receiving means matches registered color profile information of a color profile registered at the time of shipment, the processing means does not execute an operation of newly registering the color profile in the image forming device.

11. the predetermined operation command is deletion, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing means deletes, as said predetermined process, a color profile designated in a message constituted by said JMF data and registered color profile information.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, if the information indicating the color profile of the message composed of the JMF data received by the receiving means matches the color profile information of the color profile registered at the time of shipment, the processing means does not execute the deletion operation.

13. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, when the printing unit is executing a printing process, the processing unit does not execute the deletion operation.

14. performing a printing process using a color profile; receiving a message including a predetermined operation command related to a color profile, the message being configured with JMF data, the message being transmitted from a management server system that executes color management among a plurality of image forming apparatuses; determining the predetermined operation command included in a message configured with the JMF data; executing a predetermined process related to the color profile in accordance with the predetermined operation command included in a message configured with the JMF data determined in the determining step; A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

15. A program for causing a computer to function as the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A management server system that executes color management and communicates with a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having a printing unit that performs printing processing using a color profile, A means for acquiring instructions from an administrative user; a transmission means for transmitting a message including a predetermined operation command related to a color profile, the message being configured as JMF data, to a predetermined image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices in accordance with the instruction; A management server system comprising:

17. the predetermined operational command is a query; 17. The management server system according to claim 16, wherein the transmission means transmits an inquiry message composed of the JMF data to the predetermined image forming device.

18. The management server system according to claim 17, further comprising: a management server for receiving, from the specified image forming device, a response message to the inquiry composed of the JMF data, the response message including registered color profile information indicating a color profile registered in the image forming device.

19. the predetermined operational command is registration; When registering a new color profile, a message including operational color profile information including at least information regarding a source of the color profile is transmitted to the predetermined image forming apparatus, the message being configured with the JMF data; The management server system of claim 16, characterized in that when updating and registering the availability status of a color profile, a message composed of the JMF data including operating color profile information that does not include information regarding the source from which the color profile was obtained is sent to the specified image forming device.

20. the predetermined operation command is deletion, The management server system according to claim 16, characterized in that the sending means sends to the specified image forming device a message composed of the JMF data including registered color profile information including at least the name, type, and color space of the color profile if a color space exists.

21. A method for controlling a management server system that executes color management and communicates with a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having a printing unit that performs printing processing using a color profile, comprising: obtaining instructions from an administrative user; sending a message including a predetermined operation command related to a color profile, the message being configured as JMF data, to a predetermined image forming device among the plurality of image forming devices in accordance with the instruction; A method for controlling a management server system comprising:

22. A program for causing a computer to function as the management server system according to any one of claims 16 to 20.

23. An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that performs printing processing using a color profile, and an information processing apparatus that communicates with a management server system that executes color management, a receiving means for receiving a message sent from the management server system to a predetermined image forming device, the message including a predetermined operation command related to a color profile, the message being configured as JMF data; an analysis means for analyzing a message composed of the JMF data; a transmitting means for transmitting a message constituted by the JMF data to the predetermined image forming device designated in the message constituted by the JMF data based on an analysis result of the analyzing means; An information processing device comprising:

24. If the predetermined operation command is a query, The information processing device according to claim 23, characterized in that registered color profile information indicating a color profile registered in the specified image forming device is received in a message composed of the JMF data, and the message composed of the received JMF data is transmitted to the management server system.

25. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus that communicates with an image forming apparatus having a printing unit that performs printing processing using a color profile and a management server system that executes color management, comprising the steps of: receiving a message sent from the management server system to a predetermined image forming device, the message including a predetermined operation command related to a color profile, the message being configured with JMF data; parsing a message composed of the JMF data; a step of transmitting a message constituted by the JMF data to the predetermined image forming device designated in the message constituted by the JMF data based on an analysis result in the analyzing step; 13. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

26. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to claim 23 or 24.

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