Information processing apparatus, printing system, and image formation management method and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which even if a color verification result of an image forming apparatus is defective, it is possible to instruct the image forming apparatus to print, which may result in a printing defect.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus that transmits a print job to an image forming apparatus receives a color verification result of a printed article by the image forming apparatus from a CMS that stores a color measurement result of a printed article printed by the image forming apparatus, periodically and / or on demand. When the color verification result for the image forming apparatus to execute an instructed image forming satisfies a reference, the instructed image forming is transmitted to the image forming apparatus and executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a printing system, and an image formation management method and program, and more particularly to a printing workflow system that cooperates with a color management system. [Background technology]

[0002] In commercial printing, it is required to accurately reproduce the colors printed by a printing press. Therefore, at the printing site, the color state of the printing press is periodically verified (hereinafter, color verification), and if it is determined that the accurate colors cannot be reproduced, the color state is adjusted (hereinafter, color adjustment) to maintain a state in which the accurate colors can be reproduced. If a printing press that is determined to be in a state in which the accurate colors cannot be reproduced as a result of color verification is used to produce printed matter, there is a high possibility that the printed matter will not be of the quality desired by the customer. In order to solve this problem, a technology has been disclosed that enables the production of monochrome print jobs stored in the printing press queue before the color adjustment is performed on a printing press when it is time to perform color adjustment (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-238459 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when it is time to perform color adjustment on a printing press, monochrome print jobs in the queue of the printing press can be made ready for production before the color adjustment is performed, while color print jobs that are likely to have colors that cannot be reproduced can be prevented from starting production.

[0005] However, this technology can control the production of printed matter at the timing of performing color adjustment, but cannot control the production of printed matter according to the result of color verification. For example, even if it is determined that the color cannot be accurately reproduced as a result of performing color verification of the printing press, the production of printed matter cannot be controlled unless it is the timing to perform actual color adjustment. Furthermore, even if color verification is not performed periodically and the color reproduction state of the printing press is in an uncertain state, the production of printed matter cannot be controlled. Therefore, there is a possibility that the production of printed matter will be performed even in a state where the printing press may not be able to accurately reproduce colors, which may result in printing defects.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional examples, and has an object to control the production of printed matter in accordance with the state of color verification of a printing press so as to prevent printing defects from occurring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration: That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for obtaining a color verification result of a printed matter by an image forming apparatus from a storage unit that stores a color measurement result of the printed matter by the image forming apparatus, the method comprising: When the color verification result of the image forming apparatus for performing the instructed image formation satisfies a standard, the instructed image formation is performed. 、 If the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, it is determined whether the instructed image formation is monochrome, and if the instructed image formation is monochrome, the instructed image formation is executed if there is no other related image formation. The means of implementation An information processing apparatus comprising: According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring, from a storage unit for storing a color measurement result of a printed matter by the image forming apparatus, a color verification result of the printed matter by the image forming apparatus periodically or upon request, or both; When the color verification result satisfies a standard for the image forming apparatus to perform the instructed image formation, the instructed image formation is performed; an execution means for determining whether the instructed image formation is monochrome when the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, and for executing the instructed image formation when the instructed image formation is monochrome and there is another related image formation and the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to be caused to perform the other related image formation satisfies the criterion; An information processing apparatus comprising: According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring, from a storage unit for storing a color measurement result of a printed matter by the image forming apparatus, a color verification result of the printed matter by the image forming apparatus periodically, or upon request, or both; When the color verification result satisfies a standard for the image forming apparatus to perform the instructed image formation, the instructed image formation is performed; an execution means for determining whether the instructed image formation is monochrome when the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, and for executing the instructed image formation in response to a user's instruction if there is another related image formation and the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to perform the other related image formation does not satisfy the criterion when the instructed image formation is monochrome; An information processing apparatus comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to control the production of printed matter in accordance with the state of color verification of the printing press so as to prevent printing defects from occurring. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a software configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] A flowchart showing a registration process of a color verification setting according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a device setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a device setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a device setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6D] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6E] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6F] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6G] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification job setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6H] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification job setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6I] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a color verification job setting screen of the color management system according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7A] A flowchart showing a color verification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] A flowchart showing a color verification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing a print job transmission process according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print job management screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a message screen according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for an alternative device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing a print job transmission process according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a message screen according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe a number of features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment System Configuration 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system configuration of this embodiment includes a color management system (hereinafter referred to as CMS) 100, information processing devices 101, 102, and 103, and image forming devices 104, 105, and 106. The information processing devices 101, 102, and 103 and the image forming devices 104, 105, and 106 are connected to each other via a network 107. Here, the information processing devices 101, 102, and 103 and the image forming devices 104, 105, and 106 belong to production line A which produces printed matter.

[0012] CMS100 is also connected to other production lines B and C having the same configuration as production line A, and is a cloud service that manages the color status of image forming devices on multiple production lines. The production lines shown here may be multiple production lines in the same printing factory or production lines in different printing factories, as long as they are configured to be connectable to CMS100. CMS100 is realized by executing a program on one or multiple server computers (servers). The hardware configuration of the server may be the same as that of the information processing device 101 shown in FIG. 2, but the user interface may be configured to be shared by multiple servers.

[0013] The information processing device 101 is responsible for managing orders and production of printed matter, executing print instructions to image forming devices 104, 105, and 106, and accessing the CMS 100 to check the color status of the connected image forming devices. The information processing device 102 is responsible for measuring the color of printed matter for color measurement output from the image forming devices, and transmitting the measured color information to the CMS 100. The information processing device 103 is a proxy server that acts as an agent for the connection between various devices on production line A and the CMS 100, and intermediates communication between various devices on production line A connected via a local area network and the CMS 100 connected via a public network.

[0014] The image forming devices 104, 105, and 106 analyze print data sent from the information processing device 101 and the like, convert it into a dot image for printing one page at a time, and print it. The image forming devices 104, 105, and 106 can be equipped with finishers that perform post-processing such as stapling, punching, folding, binding, and cutting on printed matter, and can output printed matter in a state in which various post-processing has been performed at the same time as printing.

[0015] 1 shows an example in which three information processing devices and three image forming devices are connected, other configurations may be used. For example, print data from multiple information processing devices may be processed by one image forming device. Also, an external controller (not shown) may be connected to the image forming device, and the external controller may be responsible for processing print data equivalent to that of the information processing device without going through the information processing device. Also, the color measurement and the process of transmitting the measured color information to the CMS, which are performed by the information processing device 102 in this embodiment, may be configured to be executable within the image forming device (or an external controller connected thereto).

[0016] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing devices 101, 102, and 103. The CPU 201 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 202 and executes various control processes. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 201. The HDD 204 stores image data and various programs. The keyboard 205 is an input device for inputting instructions by an operator, etc., and issues control command instructions and text input to applications described later. The pointing device 206 is an input device for inputting instructions by an operator, etc. together with the keyboard 205, and issues control command instructions to applications described later. The display 207 is an output device that is a display unit, and displays commands input from the keyboard 205 or the pointing device 206, and the status of applications described later. The network I / F 208 connects the information processing devices 101, 102, and 103 to a network (such as a local area network or the Internet). The information processing devices 101, 102, and 103 transmit and receive various information to and from other devices on the network using the network I / F 208.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatuses 104, 105, and 106. The image forming apparatuses 104, 105, and 106 each include an operation unit 304, an authentication unit 305, a NIC 306, an image reading unit 307, a printing unit 308, a CPU 309, a RAM 310, a ROM 311, and a storage unit 312, and are connected via a control unit 301. The control unit 301 includes a device control unit 302 that controls the entire image forming apparatus, and an image processing unit 303 that processes image data. The control unit 301 may also include a CPU and necessary hardware to realize the device control unit 302 and the image processing unit 303 by software. The operation unit 304 is configured by, for example, a software keyboard, a touch panel, and other input devices, and is capable of inputting and displaying various setting values. The CPU 309 executes a program stored in the ROM 311 and an application loaded from the storage unit 312 to the RAM 310. That is, the CPU 309 functions as each processing unit by executing a program stored in a readable storage medium. The RAM 310 is a main memory for the CPU 309, and functions as a work area, etc. The image reading unit 307 is configured by, for example, a scanner, and can obtain a document image in image data format by reading a paper document.

[0018] The control unit 301 provides the document image arranged in the storage unit 312 to the operation unit 304, and executes a process of outputting the document image on the operation unit 304. Similarly, the control unit 301 provides the document image stored in the storage unit 312 to the printing unit 308, and the printing unit 308 executes a process of outputting the document image in various formats. For example, the printing unit 308 can execute a process of outputting image data related to the document image to a storage medium. Also, the image forming apparatuses 104, 105, and 106 are connected to a network via the NIC 306, enabling data transmission and reception. Data obtained via the NIC 306 can also be displayed on the operation unit 304.

[0019] ● Software configuration 4 is a software configuration diagram of the CMS 100 and the information processing assumptions 101 and 102. The color management system (CMS) 100 is as follows. The CMS 100 has a device management unit 401, a color verification setting management unit 402, a color verification processing unit 403, a communication unit 404, and a web page generation unit 405. The CMS 100 is a cloud service that operates using hardware resources on the cloud, and each processing unit performs processing in response to a request from a client and transmits a response to the client. Note that, although the CMS 100 is described as a cloud service in this embodiment, if similar processing can be executed, it may be realized on the server side in a client-server system.

[0020] The device management unit 401 sets and manages various information of the image forming device for which the color state is to be managed. The color verification setting management unit 402 sets and manages reference color information required for color verification of the image forming device, and a color verification job described later. The color verification processing unit 403 verifies whether the color of the image forming device is normal or not based on the reference color information managed by the color verification setting management unit 402 and color information measured from the output result of the image forming device. The communication unit 404 receives various processing requests from the information processing devices 101 and 102 via the information processing device 103, transmits responses to the various processing requests, and transmits print instructions to the image forming devices 104, 105, and 106. The web page generation unit 405 generates web pages for performing registration processing of the image forming device and color verification setting. It also generates web pages that display the color state of the image forming device verified by the color verification processing unit 403. The generated web pages are accessed from the web browser of the information processing device.

[0021] Device management information 406 is a database that stores information about image forming devices managed by the device management unit 401. Color verification setting information 407 is a database that stores reference color information for performing color verification managed by the color verification setting management unit 402. Color verification job information 408 is a database that stores settings for a color verification job that associates a device to be subjected to color verification with color verification settings that serve as the reference for the verification. The result of color verification performed by the color verification processing unit 403 and information on the date and time are also stored in the color verification job.

[0022] The information processing apparatus 101 that performs workflow management is as follows. The print workflow application 409 is installed and operates in the HDD 204 of the information processing apparatus 101, and is a program module that is loaded into the RAM 203 at the time of execution and executed by the CPU 201. The UI unit 410 constructs a graphical user interface (GUI) and accepts various input operations from a user, and issues instructions to execute corresponding processes. The print job management unit 411 accesses print job information data, which will be described later, and executes reference to various information of a print job that the print workflow application transmits to an image forming apparatus. The print job control unit 412 controls the execution of various functions (such as transmitting, editing, and deleting a print job) for a print job in the print workflow application. The print processing unit 413 transmits content data and job ticket data of a print job to the image forming apparatus in response to a print job transmission instruction received from the print job control unit 412. The device management unit 414 accesses device information data, which will be described later, and manages various information (such as an identification name and an address) of an image forming apparatus to which a print job is to be transmitted from the print workflow application.

[0023] The print job information data 415 is a database that manages information related to print jobs, which will be described later. The device information data 416 is a database that manages various information on devices that the print workflow application manages as destinations of print jobs. The print job information data 415 and the device information data 416 may be stored not only in the HDD 204 of the information processing device 101, but also in another information processing device (such as a database server) connected via a network. The web browser 417 is a program module that is installed and operates in the HDD 204 of the information processing device 101, loaded into the RAM 203 at the time of execution, and executed by the CPU 201. The web browser 417 is used to access the CMS 100 according to HTTP and execute various processes.

[0024] The information processing device 102 that performs color measurement is as follows. A color measurement tool 418 is a program module that is installed and operates in the HDD 204 of the information processing device 102, loaded into the RAM 203 at the time of execution, and executed by the CPU 201. A color measurement unit 419 acquires color information obtained by measuring the color of a printout for measurement output from an image forming device using a colorimeter connected to the information processing device 102. A communication unit 420 transmits the color information acquired by the color measurement unit 419 to the CMS 100. Note that the information processing device 102 also has a Web browser (not shown), and can provide the operator with a user interface for sending and receiving instructions and responses to and from the CMS 100, as well as other information.

[0025] ● Registration process in color management system FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a registration process for registering in the CMS 100 an image forming apparatus whose color state is to be managed and color verification settings for performing color verification. In S501, the Web browser 417 of the information processing device 101 executes access to the setting screen of the CMS. When the URL of the setting screen of the CMS is input to the Web browser 417 by the operator and an instruction to execute the setting screen is received, the Web browser 417 transmits a request to the CMS 100 to obtain the setting screen indicated by the URL.

[0026] In S502, the Web page generation unit 405 of the CMS 100 transmits the Web page of the setting screen as a response to the requesting information processing device 101. The communication unit 404 acquires the Web page of the CMS setting screen from the Web page generation unit 405 based on the received request, and transmits it.

[0027] In S503, the web page of the CMS setting screen transmitted in S502 is displayed on the web browser 417. Figures 6A to 6I show examples of the CMS setting screen. Figure 6A shows a setting list screen of the CMS setting screen, and shows an example in which device settings registered in the CMS are displayed. Note that the screen shown in Figure 6A is the initial screen of the CMS setting screen. In S503, the screen shown in Figure 6A is displayed on the web browser.

[0028] In FIG. 6A, a sheet 600 is a menu item for displaying device settings, a sheet 601 is a menu item for displaying color verification settings, and a sheet 602 is a menu item for displaying color verification jobs. The operator can set the corresponding items by selecting the tabs of these sheets. FIG. 6A shows an example of one of the device setting sheets, which is also called a device setting screen. The device setting screen 600 includes a device list 603, an add button 604, a change button 605, a delete button 606, and a login user name 607. The device list 603 displays the registered device settings as a list for each device. The add button 604 is a button for registering new device settings in the CMS. The change button 605 is a button for changing the contents of the registered device settings. The delete button 606 is a button for deleting the registered device settings. The login user name 607 indicates the login user name logged in to the CMS. The device list 603 displays information set on a device addition screen, which will be described later. The device settings displayed in the device list 603 are changed according to the user who logs in to the CMS. For example, device list 609 in FIG. 6B shows the device list when logged in as a user "lmn456" other than the login user "ABC123" in FIG. 6A. The device list is displayed by filtering the device settings registered in the CMS according to the authority of the logged-in user. For example, because logged-in user ABC123 belongs to XX Company, only the device settings for XX Company are displayed (FIG. 6A). Also, because logged-in user lmn456 belongs to □□ Printing, only the device settings for □□ Printing are displayed (FIG. 6B).

[0029] In S504, the Web browser 417 of the information processing apparatus 101 receives from the UI unit 410 a notice that execution of device registration processing has been instructed. FIG. 6C shows an example of a device addition screen displayed by pressing (or touching) the Add button 604. The device addition screen includes input fields for a device name 610, a model 611, a country 612, a company name 613, a base name 614, an IP address 615, and a remark 616. Here, the IP address 615 is the IP address of the image forming apparatus, and is information required for accessing the image forming apparatus from the information processing apparatus 101. When various information about the image forming apparatus to be registered is input and an OK button 617 is pressed, the Web browser 417 receives in S504 a notice that execution of device registration processing has been instructed. Note that when a Cancel button 618 is pressed, the device registration processing is cancelled and the screen returns to the original screen (FIG. 6A).

[0030] In S505, the Web browser 417 transmits various pieces of information set on the device addition screen in response to the instruction to the CMS. In S506, the CMS 100 receives the device setting information and registers it in the device management information 406. The device management unit 401 receives the device setting information transmitted in S505 via the communication unit 404, and registers it in the device management information 406 based on the received information. Table 1 shows an example of data stored in the device management information 406. Various device setting information specified in S504 is stored as the device management information 406. The device management information 406 stores device settings (ID, device name, model, country, company name, base name, host address, IP address, remarks) of all devices managed by the CMS 100. The host address is the IP address of the proxy server (information processing device 103) that mediates the connection with the CMS 100. Information on the IP address of the proxy server to which the device setting information received in S506 is to be transmitted is registered in accordance with the device management information 406.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] In S507, the Web browser 417 of the information processing device 101 receives the response from the CMS 100, and further receives from the UI unit 410 an instruction to execute a registration process of the color verification settings. FIG. 6D shows an example of a setting screen on which the color verification settings registered in the CMS 100 are displayed. When the color verification setting menu 601 is selected, a screen displaying the color verification settings is displayed. FIG. 6D shows an example. The color verification setting list 619 is a list displaying the registered color verification settings. The create button 620 is a button for creating a new color verification setting in the CMS. The change button 621 is a button for changing the contents of the registered color verification setting. The delete button 622 shows a button for deleting the registered color verification setting. The color verification setting list 619 includes a color verification setting name, an identification name of the reference profile, a tolerance for deviation from the reference value, a company name, and a remarks field.

[0033] When a create button 620 is pressed on the setting screen 601 for color verification settings, a color verification setting creation screen shown in FIG. 6E is displayed. This screen includes input fields for a color verification setting name 623, a reference profile 624, a tolerance 625, a company name 626, and a remark 627. The color verification setting name 623 is a setting name for uniquely identifying the color verification setting to be registered, and an arbitrary value is set. The reference profile 624 specifies the name of the color profile used when verifying the color of the device. The tolerance 625 specifies the tolerance used when evaluating the colorimetric value by comparing the color information of the color profile set in the reference profile 624 with the color information measured from the output result of the device. The tolerance is specified as a ΔE value indicating the color difference. In the color verification process described later, if the color difference between the reference profile and the color measurement of the device is within the tolerance, the color of the device is determined to be normal. If the tolerance 625 is not input, there is no tolerance (ΔE=0, i.e., no color difference error is allowed during verification). Arbitrary values ​​can be set for company name 626 and remarks 627. When information on the color verification settings to be registered is entered and an OK button 628 is pressed, the Web browser 417 receives an instruction to execute registration processing of the color verification settings from the UI unit 410. Note that when a Cancel button 629 is pressed, the registration processing of the color verification settings is cancelled and the screen returns to the original screen (FIG. 6D).

[0034] In S508, in response to the instruction, the Web browser 417 transmits various pieces of information set on the color verification setting screen to the CMS.

[0035] In S509, the color verification setting information received by CMS 100 is registered in color verification setting information 407. The color verification setting management unit 402 receives the color verification setting information transmitted in S508 via the communication unit 404, and registers it in the color verification setting information 407 based on the received information. Table 2 shows an example of data stored in the color verification setting information 407. Various color verification setting information specified in S507 is stored. Note that the color verification setting information 407 stores all color verification setting information managed by CMS 100 (ID, color verification setting name, reference profile, tolerance, company name, remarks).

[0036] [Table 2]

[0037] In S510, the Web browser 417 receives the response from the CMS 100, and further receives a notice that the execution of the creation process of the color verification job is instructed. FIG. 6F shows an example of a setting screen on which a color verification job registered in the CMS 100 is displayed. When the color verification job menu 602 is selected, a screen displaying the color verification job is displayed. On that screen, a color verification job list 630 is a color verification job list displaying the registered color verification jobs. A create button 631 is a button for creating a new color verification job in the CMS. A change button 632 is a button for changing the contents of the registered color verification job. A delete button 633 is a button for deleting the registered color verification setting. A send button 634 indicates a button for executing the transmission of a print job for color measurement required for color verification of the specified color verification job. A color verification execution 635 indicates a button for executing the specified color verification job. The color verification process flow will be described later.

[0038] When a Create button 631 is pressed on this color verification job setting screen, a color verification job creation screen shown in Fig. 6G is displayed. This screen includes a color verification job name 636, a target device 637, a reference color verification setting 638, execution timing 639, an input field 644 for remarks, and a check box 642 for whether or not to set the validity period of the latest verification result. Here, the target device 637 is specified by selecting from the device names in the device setting information registered in the CMS in S506. And the reference color verification setting 638 is specified by selecting from the color verification setting names in the color verification setting information registered in the CMS in S509.

[0039] The execution timing 639 is, for example, a format in which an operator manually executes a job, and a "periodic" in which the CMS executes a job at regular intervals are selected and specified. That is, the color verification job can be executed at both "manual" and "periodic" timings. When "periodic" is specified, the periodic interval 640 and the time 641 can be set. The periodic interval 640 specifies a number of days between executions, and the time 641 specifies the time at which the color verification job is executed. Note that, when multiple color verification jobs are executed on the same day, multiple times 641 are set. When the "set validity period of the latest verification result" check box 642 is enabled, the validity period 643 can be set. By setting the validity period 643, it is possible to invalidate the latest color verification result when the set validity period has elapsed from the time when the latest color verification was performed. This is a setting for preventing a result of the color verification result being normal from remaining in the case where a color verification was performed at a certain timing and a device was determined to have a normal color tone, but color verification was not performed thereafter. If new color verification results are not transmitted even after the validity period has elapsed since the time of the previous color verification, the results of the previous color verification are automatically invalidated.

[0040] When the information of the color verification job to be registered is entered and an OK button 645 is pressed, the Web browser 417 receives an instruction to execute the registration process of the color verification job. When a Cancel button 646 is pressed, the registration process of the color verification job is cancelled and the display returns to the original screen (FIG. 6F).

[0041] In S511, the Web browser 4717 transmits various pieces of information set on the color verification job screen to the CMS in response to the instruction.

[0042] In S512, the information of the color verification job received by the CMS 100 is registered in the color verification job information 408. The color verification setting management unit 402 receives the color verification job information transmitted in S508 via the communication unit 404, and registers it in the color verification job information 408 based on the received information. Table 3 shows an example of data stored in the color verification job information 408. In S512, various color verification job information specified in S510 is stored. Note that the color verification job information 408 stores all color verification job information (ID, color verification job name, target device, reference color verification setting, execution timing, regular interval, time, validity period, verification result (latest), verification time, remarks) managed by the CMS 100. In addition, the history information of the verification result of each color verification job is stored in the color verification job information 408 in the data example shown in Table 4. In this example, the verification result and the verification time history of the color verification job (iPC10_regular) are stored.

[0043] [Table 3]

[0044] [Table 4]

[0045] 7A and 7B are flowcharts showing color verification processing of an image forming apparatus by the CMS 100. Although the color verification processing is a series of steps, it is made up of two processing flows: printing processing of a color measurement job required to execute color verification, and measuring the color of the output paper to process color verification. Fig. 7A is a flowchart showing the former processing, and Fig. 7B is a flowchart showing the latter processing.

[0046] ● Executing a color measurement job In S701 of Fig. 7A, the CMS 100 receives a notification that an instruction to send a color measurement job for a color verification job that performs color verification has been executed. The color verification job screen shown in Fig. 6F is accessed from the Web browser of the information processing device 102 that performs color measurement. When the screen in Fig. 6F is displayed on the information processing device 102 and the color verification job for which color verification is to be executed is selected by the operator and the color measurement job send button 634 is pressed, the identification name of the selected color verification job is sent to the CMS 100. This is received by the CMS.

[0047] Next, the color verification processing unit 403 of the CMS 100 accesses the color verification job information 408 in Table 3, the color verification setting information 407 in Table 2, and the device management information 406 in Table 1, generates a print job for executing the selected target color verification job, and transmits it to the target device. For example, when a color verification job with ID=C1 in the color verification job information 408 shown in Table 3 is specified, the target device is "iP C10xxxxx" and the reference color verification setting is "TG-JPC_3". And, the reference profile of the color verification setting name=TG-JPC_3 in the color verification setting information 407 is JapanColor2011 as shown in Table 2. Therefore, a print job of a color patch for color measurement in which a color bar such as CMYK and gray for verifying the color tone of JapanColor2011 is printed is generated. Then, the host address="1xx.23x.4..." and the IP address="1xx.2xx.3..." are obtained from the device management information 406 shown in Table 1, and the generated print job is transmitted to the obtained destination.

[0048] Next, in S702, the image forming apparatus outputs the print job of the color patches for color measurement that it has received. The operator starts the color measurement and color verification process using the paper with the output color patches for color measurement. In this embodiment, the print job of the color patches for color measurement is sent from the CMS 100 to the target image forming apparatus. However, instead of sending the print job directly from the CMS 100 to the image forming apparatus, data of the color patches for color measurement (e.g., a PDF file) may be downloaded to the information processing apparatus. In this case, a method of printing from the information processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus using a printer driver or the like may be used.

[0049] ●Color verification processing In S703 of FIG. 7B, in response to an operator specifying a color verification job to execute color verification and pressing the color verification execution button 635 in the web browser of the information processing device 102, a request to execute the target color verification job is sent to the CMS 100.

[0050] Next, in S704, the color verification processing unit 403 of the CMS 100 transitions to a verification mode for the target color verification job, and responds to the information processing device 102 with a verification execution screen for the color verification job. FIG. 6H and FIG. 6I show examples of the verification execution screen for the color verification job. The verification execution screen includes color verification job information 647 being executed, color measurement information 648 displaying color measurement information, and result information 649 displaying color verification results. The color verification job information 647 displays various information (color verification job name, target device, reference profile, etc.) of the color verification job being executed acquired from the color verification job information 408, color verification setting information 407, and device information 406. The color measurement information 648 displays the verification item details of the color verification job being executed, the respective reference values, and the values ​​measured from the color measurement color patch described later. The result information 649 displays the status and results of color verification. In S704, since color measurement has not yet been executed, the state of the verification execution screen shown in FIG. 6H is obtained. That is, the values ​​of the measurement items are blank because they have not been measured, and a message indicating that verification is in progress is displayed in result information 649. Note that, by pressing close button 650, it is possible to return to the original screen (FIG. 6F), but if close button 650 is pressed during color verification, the color verification process may be cancelled.

[0051] Next, in S705, the information processing apparatus 102 executes the color measurement tool 418 and measures the color of the printed matter of the color patch for color measurement with a colorimeter.

[0052] Next, in S706, it is determined whether or not the measured color information transmitted from the information processing device 102 has been received. If the color verification processing unit 403 determines that the measured color information has been received normally, the process proceeds to S707, and if it determines that no color information has been received or that the received color information is missing, the process proceeds to S708.

[0053] Next, in S707, the color verification processing unit 403 judges whether the received color information satisfies the criteria. To this end, the color verification processing unit 403 compares the measurement values ​​of the received color information with the reference values, for example, for each item. If the comparison result shows that all the measurement values ​​are within the allowable values, it is judged that the reference values ​​are met, and the process proceeds to S709. On the other hand, if in S707 the measurement values ​​of the color information of any item are not within the allowable values, it is judged that the reference values ​​are not met, and the process proceeds to S710. Note that the measurement values ​​being within the allowable values ​​means that |measurement value-reference value|≦allowable value, and the criteria are met means that the measurement values ​​for all measurement items are within the allowable values. In S707, it is sufficient to judge whether the above inequality is met for all measurement items.

[0054] If it is determined in S706 that the color measurement results have not been received, then in S708 the color verification processing unit 403 of the CMS 100 determines the color verification results as a verification failure. The failure to receive may be determined by starting a timer in S704 and detecting the timeout. In other words, the failure to receive the color measurement results means that the results have not been received within a predetermined time. Also, the verification failure mentioned here does not mean that the color of the target image forming device is not normal, but means that the color verification process itself was not performed normally due to the communication conditions or an operational error by the operator. Therefore, when the verification fails, the color measurement may be retried.

[0055] If it is determined in S707 that the received measurement value meets the criteria, the color verification processing unit 403 of the CMS 100 determines in S709 that the color verification result is verified as OK (i.e., good). Verification OK means that the color of the target image forming device can correctly reproduce the color defined in the reference profile.

[0056] Next, in S710, the color verification processing unit 403 of the CMS 100 judges the color verification result as verification NG (i.e., defective). Verification NG means that the color of the target image forming device cannot correctly reproduce the color defined in the reference profile. This corresponds to, for example, the case where |Measured value-Reference value|>Acceptable value for any measurement item.

[0057] The verification results in S708-S710 are transmitted to the information processing device 102, and the verification execution screen displayed by the Web browser is updated. The timing of transmission may be, for example, immediately before or after S711. Fig. 6I shows an example of the verification execution screen after color verification has been executed. The measured color information values ​​are displayed in the measurement values ​​of each item in the measurement information 651, and the color verification results are displayed in the result information 652.

[0058] Next, in S711, the color verification processing unit 403 accesses the color verification job information 408 (see Table 3) based on the color verification results determined in S708, S709, and S710, and updates the verification result information of the target color verification job. The color verification processing unit 403 registers the verification result and the time in the "verification result (latest)" and "verification time (latest)" of the target color verification job in the color verification job information 408 described above. In addition, the verification result and the time are also registered in the "verification result" and "verification time" of the verification result history information of the color verification job information 408 described above for the target color verification job.

[0059] Print job transmission process FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the print job transmission process in the print workflow application. The print workflow application is an application that manages the production process of printed matter on a production line. The production of printed matter includes multiple processes, such as the submission of document data that serves as the original, the generation and execution of print jobs, the generation and execution of post-processing jobs, quality control, and adjustment of processes by an operator. Printing and post-processing may include the production of each part that constitutes a printed matter and bookbinding, which is the integration of parts. FIG. 8 describes the acquisition of color verification information by an information processing device and the transmission process of a print job.

[0060] In S801, the device management unit 414 of the information processing apparatus 101 transmits a request to the CMS 100 to obtain information on the color verification result of the device registered in the device information data 416. FIG. 9 shows an example of a print job management screen of the print workflow application. When an operator instructs execution of an executable file of the print workflow application, the program is loaded into the RAM 203, and the UI unit 302 displays the print job management screen on the display 207. In FIG. 9, a print job list 901 shows a list of print jobs managed by the print workflow application. The print workflow application accesses the information of the print job stored in the print job information data 415 via the print job management unit 411, and displays the print job to be printed in the print job list. However, the access is limited to targets for which the login user has been granted authority, for example. A print button 902 indicates a button for issuing an instruction to execute the selected print job, and a delete button 903 indicates a button for deleting the selected print job. The operator selects a print job displayed in the print job list with the pointing device 206 or the like, and issues a print instruction to the print job by pressing the print button. A device list 904 displays a list of image forming devices managed by the print workflow application as output destinations. The device list 904 displays the communication status with the device and the color verification status.

[0061] The print workflow application acquires the device information data 416 via the device management unit 414 and displays it in a device list. An update button 905 indicates a button for updating the communication status and color verification status of the device to the latest ones. The communication status and color verification status of the device are updated at regular intervals, but it is also possible to update them at any timing by pressing the update button. Note that if only regular updates are to be performed regardless of the update button 905, there is no need to display the print job management screen in Fig. 9, and the processes from S801 to S803 can be performed periodically.

[0062] Table 5 shows an example of device information data 416 managed by device management unit 414. The device information data stores information indicating the image forming device to be connected, and stores data such as the device ID, device name, IP address, verification result (latest), speed, and color. In S801, a request to obtain information on the color verification result is sent to CMS 100 using the IP address information stored in the device information data as a key. The target devices may be all devices for which access rights have been granted for each user, or may be devices previously selected by the operator.

[0063] [Table 5]

[0064] Next, in S802, the color verification processing unit 403 of the CMS 100 responds with the latest color verification result of the device corresponding to the received IP address. The color verification processing unit 403 of the CMS 100 may use the IP address of the device sent by the device management unit 414 of the print workflow application and the IP address (host address) of the proxy server of the information processing device 103 as keys via the communication unit 404. In this case, the color verification processing unit 403 identifies the device from the device management information 406 using these as keys, and transmits information on the latest color verification result from the color verification job information 408 associated with the device to the information processing device 102. For example, for a device with device ID="D-01" in the device information data 416, the IP address="1xx.2xx.3xx" and the IP address (host address)="1xx.23x.4xx" of the information processing device 103 are transmitted in S801. In S802, the IP addresses are used as keys to identify a suitable device (ID="A1", device name="iP C10xxxxx") from the device management information 406. Then, the color verification job information associated with the device is searched for in the color verification job information 408, and ID="C1" and color verification job name="iP C10_regular" are identified. Then, information on the latest color verification result of the identified color verification job (verification result (latest)="OK") is transmitted. Note that if the validity period of the color verification result set based on the verification time stored in association with the color verification result has elapsed, a response of NG (bad) may be returned regardless of the content of the color verification result. In such a case, a response of "expired validity period" may also be returned. In that case, the information processing device 101 that receives the response may treat the received response in the same way as NG.

[0065] Next, in S803, the device management unit 414 receives information on the color verification result, and based on that information, updates the verification result (latest) value of the device information data 416. In addition, the UI unit 410 updates the display of the color verification in the device list 904 in accordance with the update of the device information data 416.

[0066] The processes of S801, S802, and S803 are executed at regular intervals by the print workflow application, but may also be executed at any timing in response to pressing of the update button 905. S804 and subsequent processes may be executed asynchronously with S801-S803.

[0067] In S804, the print workflow application receives a print instruction for the print job. This instruction is given from the screen in Fig. 9. When an operator selects an arbitrary print job from a print job list 901 and presses a print button 902, the print workflow application receives a print instruction (execution instruction) for the selected print job.

[0068] Next, in S805, the print job management unit 411 acquires information about the print job for which printing was instructed in S804 from the print job information data 415. Table 6 shows the print job information data 415. The print job information data stores data such as the order ID, job ID, job name, number of copies, single-sided / double-sided, color, paper, content name, and output destination.

[0069] [Table 6]

[0070] Next, in S806, the print job management unit 411 determines whether the color verification result of the output destination of the print job to be printed acquired in S805 is NG or not. For example, when a print instruction is issued and the print job has job ID="Job0001", the output destination is the iP C9xxxx, and information on the (latest) verification result of the iP C9xxxx is acquired from the device information data 416 (Table 5). If the acquired information on the (latest) verification result is OK, the process proceeds to S812, and if it is NG, the process proceeds to S807. Note that the process also proceeds to S807 if the result is "invalid", indicating that color verification has not been performed, rather than OK or NG, or "failed", indicating that color verification has failed.

[0071] In step S807, the UI unit 410 displays a message screen indicating that the print job cannot be sent. An example of the message screen is shown in Fig. 10. A warning message is displayed indicating that printing is not possible because the output destination device is in a state where it cannot output colors normally.

[0072] Next, in S808, the print processing unit 413 judges whether there is a device that can substitute for the device with a bad color verification result. The print processing unit 413 accesses the device information data 416 via the device management unit 414 and judges whether there is a substitute device other than the output destination device of the print job acquired in S806. If the verification result (latest) in the device information data 416 is "OK" and the device has the same capabilities as the output destination device of the print job acquired in S806, it may be judged that the device is substituteable. Whether or not the devices have the same capabilities is judged, for example, by whether or not they are the same color machine in the color attribute of the device information data 416. In this case, it can be judged that the devices have the same capabilities if they are the same color machine. In addition, if information such as the type of finisher connected to the device matches, it may be judged that the devices have the same capabilities. When judging by the color attribute, in the example of the device information data 416, the device name="iP C10xxxxx" and the device name="Pro xxxxxx" are judged to be substituteable devices.

[0073] Next, in S809, the UI unit 410 displays an alternative device selection screen. The timing of displaying the screen may be when the OK button is touched on the screen in Fig. 10. Fig. 11 shows an example of the alternative device selection screen. Here, two devices, "iP C10xxxxx" and "Pro xxxxxx", are presented as alternative devices. Furthermore, radio buttons for selecting an alternative device are also displayed.

[0074] Next, the print processing unit 413 determines whether or not to print on the alternative device, and if it is determined that printing is to be performed on the alternative device, the process proceeds to S812, and if it is determined that printing is not to be performed on the alternative device, the process proceeds to S811. When a displayed device is selected on the alternative device selection screen in Fig. 11 and a notice that the send button 1101 has been pressed is received, it is determined that printing is to be performed on the alternative device. On the other hand, when a notice that the cancel button 1102 has been pressed is received, it is determined that printing is not to be performed on the alternative device.

[0075] If the cancel button is pressed, the print processing unit 413 cancels the transmission of the print job in S811.

[0076] If the color verification result of the output device is good, the print processing unit 413 transmits the print job to the output destination device in S812. If an alternative device is selected in S810, the print job is transmitted to the selected alternative device.

[0077] By executing the above process, it is possible to control the transmission of a print job according to the color verification status of the output device of the print job. If the color verification status of a device is such that accurate color reproduction is not possible, it is possible to stop the transmission of the print job to that device, thereby making it possible to prevent the occurrence of printing defects in advance. Furthermore, if an alternative device is available, the print workflow application automatically searches for an alternative device and presents it if found. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the operator.

[0078] Furthermore, since the color verification result of the device can be obtained periodically, when a print job is executed, the latest color verification result can be referred to to determine whether the print job is good or bad. In the above embodiment, the information processing device 101 executing the print workflow application obtains the color measurement result from the CMS 100 periodically or in response to an operation (request) by an operator. However, color measurement depends on the execution of a color measurement job, and the color measurement job is not necessarily executed periodically. However, if a color measurement device is connected inline as a post-processing device of the image forming device, the color of the output sheet can be measured as it is, so that the color measurement job can be executed without human intervention. The color measurement device may be equipped with, for example, a scanner or a camera that captures images of both sides of the sheet. The captured image is sent to the color measurement tool 418, where color verification is performed, and the result is stored in the CMS 100. With this configuration, the color measurement job can also be executed periodically at set intervals. In addition, the sheet output by the color measurement job can be prevented from being mixed with the product by, for example, discharging it to a tray for defective products.

[0079] Furthermore, by setting the execution interval of the color measurement job to be shorter than the validity period of the color verification result, it is possible to always evaluate the state of the image forming apparatus using the valid color verification result.

[0080] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that a description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, a process will be described that enables a device that has a color verification result of NG to execute a print job according to the color settings of the print job to be sent and the required quality level.

[0081] Print job transmission process Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a print job transmission process in a print workflow application in the second embodiment. The same processes as those in Fig. 8 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] In S1201, the device management unit 414 updates the verification result (latest) value of the device information data 416 based on the information on the color verification result returned from the CMS 100. In the second embodiment, in addition to the information on the verification result, OK or NG, the color verification job information 408 of the CMS 100 also holds information on the color difference (ΔD) that is the difference between the measured value at the time of verification and the reference value. Furthermore, by this process, the device information data 416 also holds information on the color difference (ΔD). Table G shows an example of device information data 416 that holds ΔD values ​​in the second embodiment.

[0083] [Table 7]

[0084] As in FIG. 8, S801-S1201 may be executed periodically and asynchronously with S804 and subsequent steps.

[0085] If the color verification result is determined to be bad in S806, in S1202, it is determined whether the print job to be sent is monochrome printing. To this end, the print processing unit 413 accesses the print job information data 415 via the print job management unit 411 and acquires the color setting value of the print job to be sent. Table 8 shows an example of the print job information data 415 in the second embodiment. If the print job to be sent has a job ID="Job0001", "monochrome" is acquired as the color setting. If the acquired color setting is "monochrome", the print processing unit 413 determines that the print job can be sent and proceeds to S1203, and if it is not "monochrome", proceeds to S1205. This is because it is considered that the impact of color misalignment on the printed matter is small in the case of monochrome printing (printing in a single color).

[0086] [Table 8]

[0087] In S1203, it is determined whether the color verification result of the output destination is NG for another print job of the same order as the print job to be sent. The same order means that the order ID is the same. The order ID is identification information corresponding to one product, and for a printed matter consisting of multiple parts such as a main body and a cover, a common order ID is assigned to the print job for printing each of them. In other words, print jobs of the same order are related as one print job. The print processing unit 413 determines whether there is another print job of the same order as the print job to be sent from the print job information data 415 (Table 8), and if there is another print job, it obtains the information of the output destination. In the example of Table 8, when Job001 is sent, it is determined that there is Job002 with the same order ID="O-001". Then, it obtains the output destination="iP C9xxxx" of Job002. Next, the print processing unit 413 obtains the information of the color verification (latest) of the output destination from the device information data 416 (Table 7) via the device management unit 414. In the example of Table 7, the color verification (latest) result of Job002 output destination="iP C9xxxx" is obtained as "NG". If the obtained color verification result information is NG, proceed to S1204, and if it is not NG, proceed to S812. Note that the process may branch to S812 even if there is no other print job of the same order as the print job to be sent.

[0088] In S1204, it is determined whether the print job to be sent is to be printed separately from other print jobs of the same order. The UI unit 410 displays a message screen notifying that color adjustment is required for the image forming device that executes the print job of the same order. This screen also displays a message for confirming the execution of printing and the execution of sending the print job. FIG. 13 shows an example of the message screen. The content confirms that when printing is executed, the print job will be sent separately from other print jobs of the same order. In S1204, when the UI unit 410 receives a notice that the YES button 1301 has been pressed, it is determined that printing is to be executed and the process proceeds to S812. On the other hand, when the UI unit 410 receives a notice that the cancel button 1302 has been pressed, it is determined that printing is to be canceled and the process proceeds to S811.

[0089] If the print job is not monochrome printing, in S1205, the quality level of the print job to be sent is obtained. The print processing unit 413 accesses the print job information data 415 (Table 8) via the print job management unit 411 and obtains the value of the quality level of the print job to be sent. If the print job to be sent has job ID="Job0001", then the quality level="medium" is obtained, and if the job ID="Job0003", then the quality level="low" is obtained. The quality level is specified by the customer ordering the printed matter at the time of ordering, and is transmitted to the print workflow application from a higher-level order management system (not shown) together with the number of copies, paper, etc.

[0090] In S1206, it is determined whether the color difference of the output destination device satisfies the quality level of the print job to be sent. The print processing unit 413 acquires a ΔD value, which is a difference between the measurement value of the output destination device and a reference value, from the device information data 416 (Table 7) via the device management unit 414. The ΔD value may be acquired for each measurement item. The print processing unit 413 also acquires the quality level of the print job to be sent from the print job information data 415 (Table 8) via the print job management unit 411. Furthermore, the print processing unit 413 also acquires information of an association table between the quality level and the ΔD value stored in the print job information data 415. Table 9 shows an example of the association table information between the quality level and the ΔD value. In the example of Table 9, for example, the quality level "high" is associated with the ΔD value="±3", which means that the ΔD value of the color verification result of the output destination device must be within the range of ±3 for a print job with a quality level of "high".

[0091] The association between the quality level and the ΔD value is set in a setting UI (not shown) of the print workflow application. The quality table of Table 9 may be set for each print job or for each order. The print processing unit 413 acquires a ΔD value corresponding to the quality level of the print job to be sent based on the information of Table 9, and judges whether the ΔD value of the output destination device is within the range of the acquired ΔD value of the print job, that is, whether it is equal to or less than the allowable difference. If the ΔD value of the output destination is within the range of the ΔD value corresponding to the quality level of the print job, the print processing unit 413 judges that the print job can be sent and proceeds to S812. If it is not within the range, proceeds to S807.

[0092] For example, if the job ID in the print job information data 415 (Table 8) is "Job003", the quality level is "low", so the ΔD value of the print job is ±9 according to Table 9. On the other hand, the ΔD value obtained from the measured values ​​and reference values ​​of the output destination device (iPC9xxxx) is "8" according to the device information data 416 (Table 7). Therefore, it is determined that the ΔD value (8) of the output destination device information falls within the range of the ΔD value of the print job (±9).

[0093] [Table 9]

[0094] By performing the above process, even if the color verification result is NG for a device, it is possible to send the print job as long as the color setting for the print job to be sent is monochrome. At that time, if there is a possibility that the print job will be sent separately from other print jobs of the same order, it is also possible to confirm with the operator. Then, if the operator's confirmation is received, the print job can be sent separately from other print jobs of the same order.

[0095] In addition, even if the color setting of the print job to be sent is not monochrome, if it is determined that the required quality of the print job can be met, it can be sent. Therefore, even in cases where the result of color verification of the output device is NG, it is possible to send a print job with as few quality problems as possible, improving production efficiency.

[0096] [Other Examples] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the 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. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0097] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100 Color management system (CMS), 101 Information processing device, 102 Information processing device, 104 Image forming device, 409 Printing workflow system, 418 Color measurement tool

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring a color verification result of a printed matter by an image forming apparatus periodically or upon request, or both, from a storage means for storing a color measurement result of a printed matter by the image forming apparatus; When the color verification result satisfies a standard for the image forming apparatus to perform the instructed image formation, the instructed image formation is performed; an execution means for determining whether the instructed image formation is monochrome when the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, and for executing the instructed image formation if the instructed image formation is monochrome and there is no other related image formation; 13. An information processing device comprising:

2. an acquisition means for acquiring a color verification result of a printed matter by an image forming apparatus periodically or upon request, or both, from a storage means for storing a color measurement result of a printed matter by the image forming apparatus; When the color verification result satisfies a standard for the image forming apparatus to perform the instructed image formation, the instructed image formation is performed; an execution means for determining whether the instructed image formation is monochrome when the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, and for executing the instructed image formation when the instructed image formation is monochrome and there is another related image formation and the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to be caused to perform the other related image formation satisfies the criterion; 13. An information processing device comprising:

3. an acquisition means for acquiring a color verification result of a printed matter by an image forming apparatus periodically or upon request, or both, from a storage means for storing a color measurement result of a printed matter by the image forming apparatus; When the color verification result satisfies a standard for the image forming apparatus to perform the instructed image formation, the instructed image formation is performed; an execution means for determining whether the instructed image formation is monochrome when the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, and for executing the instructed image formation in response to a user's instruction if there is another related image formation and the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to perform the other related image formation does not satisfy the criterion when the instructed image formation is monochrome; 13. An information processing device comprising:

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, The execution means causes the image forming apparatus to perform the instructed image formation if the instructed image formation is not monochrome, and causes the image forming apparatus to perform the instructed image formation if the image forming apparatus satisfies a level designated for the instructed image formation.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

5. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, If the instructed image formation is not monochrome, and if the image forming device that is to perform the instructed image formation does not satisfy a level designated for the instructed image formation, the execution means specifies an alternative image forming device whose color verification result satisfies the standard based on information about the image forming device further acquired from the storage means, and causes the specified alternative image forming device to perform the instructed image formation in response to a user instruction.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, The execution means determines that the color verification result meets the standard if a difference between the color measurement value of the printed matter measured by the image forming device and the standard value is within a predetermined tolerance.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

7. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, The execution means measures the color measurement values ​​for a plurality of items, and determines that the color verification result meets the standard if the difference between the color measurement values ​​and the reference values ​​for all of the plurality of items is within the tolerance for each of the plurality of items.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

8. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7 . The apparatus further includes a first setting means for setting the tolerance.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

9. An information processing device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, When the difference between the color measurement value of the printed matter by the image forming apparatus that performs the instructed image formation and the reference value exceeds the allowable value, With reference to a level designated for the instructed image formation and an allowable difference between the color measurement value and the reference value corresponding to the level, if a difference between the color measurement value and the reference value for the image forming device that performs the instructed image formation is equal to or smaller than the allowable difference corresponding to the level designated for the instructed image formation, the execution means determines that the color verification result satisfies the standard.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

10. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The color verification result is acquired periodically by the acquisition means, and a second setting means is configured to set an interval for the periodic acquisition.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

11. 11. The information processing device according to claim 1 , The color verification result is stored in association with a verification time, and the execution means determines that the color verification result that has passed a validity period from the verification time does not satisfy the criterion.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

12. The information processing device according to claim 11, The method further includes a third setting means for setting the validity period.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

13. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a color management system including said storage means; The image forming apparatus. A printing system comprising:

14. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A method for managing image formation by an image forming apparatus having an acquisition unit and an execution unit, comprising: the acquiring means acquires a color verification result of the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus periodically or upon request, or both, from a storage means for storing a color measurement result of the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus; When the color verification result satisfies a standard for the image forming apparatus to be caused to perform the instructed image formation, the execution means executes the instructed image formation, and when the color verification result does not satisfy the standard, the execution means determines whether the instructed image formation is monochrome, and when the instructed image formation is monochrome, if there is no other related image formation, the execution means executes the instructed image formation.

13. A method for managing image formation comprising: Means of implementation and 13. An information processing device comprising:

16. A method for managing image formation by an image forming apparatus having an acquisition unit and an execution unit, comprising: the acquiring means acquires a color verification result of the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus periodically or upon request, or both, from a storage means for storing a color measurement result of the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus; When the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to be caused to perform the instructed image formation satisfies a criterion, the execution means executes the instructed image formation, and when the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, the execution means judges whether the instructed image formation is monochrome, and when the instructed image formation is monochrome, if there is another related image formation and the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to be caused to perform the other related image formation satisfies the criterion, the execution means executes the instructed image formation.

13. A method for managing image formation comprising:

17. A method for managing image formation by an image forming apparatus having an acquisition unit and an execution unit, comprising: the acquiring means acquires a color verification result of the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus periodically or upon request, or both, from a storage means for storing a color measurement result of the printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus; When the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to be caused to perform the instructed image formation satisfies a criterion, the execution means executes the instructed image formation, and when the color verification result does not satisfy the criterion, the execution means judges whether the instructed image formation is monochrome, and when the instructed image formation is monochrome, if there is another related image formation and the color verification result of the image forming apparatus to be caused to perform the other related image formation does not satisfy the criterion, executes the instructed image formation in response to a user's instruction.

13. A method for managing image formation comprising:

Images