Color measurement method, color measurement system and server

Abstract

To enhance usability of colorimetric work.SOLUTION: Disclosed is a colorimetric method executed by a server for communicating with a printing device and an information processing device connected to a colorimetric device, which includes the steps of: generating operation information including print instruction information on an instruction for printing a chart image based on chart information and colorimetric instruction information on an instruction for colorimetry of the chart image; storing the operation information; transmitting the print instruction information to the information processing device; causing a printer to perform the printing of a chart image based on the print instruction information using the information processing device: transmitting the colorimetric instruction information to the information processing device; and acquiring colorimetric result information generated by the colorimetry of the chart image using the colorimetric device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a color measurement method, a color measurement system, and a server. [Background technology]

[0002] In a printing device that performs printing using an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method, color matching is generally performed to make the colors of a printed image closer to a desired color. In this color matching, for example, color measurement such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-71083 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the color measurement method described in Patent Document 1, the user has little freedom in terms of time for color measurement work, and moreover, one person needs to be somewhat familiar with all the steps required for color measurement work. Thus, the conventional color measurement method has a problem of lacking usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the color measurement method of the present invention is a color measurement method executed by a server that communicates with an information processing device connected to a printing device and a colorimeter, and includes generating work information including print instruction information regarding an instruction to print a chart image based on chart information and color measurement instruction information regarding an instruction to measure the colorimeter of the chart image, storing the work information, transmitting the print instruction information to the information processing device, causing the information processing device to print the chart image based on the print instruction information, transmitting the color measurement instruction information to the information processing device, and acquiring color measurement result information generated by measuring the colorimeter of the chart image.

[0006] One aspect of the color measurement system of the present invention includes a server, an information processing device, a colorimeter, and a printing device. The server includes a first processing unit that generates work information including print instruction information related to an instruction to print a chart image based on chart information and colorimetric instruction information related to an instruction to colorimeter the chart image, a memory unit that stores the work information, and a first communication unit that transmits the print instruction information to the information processing device. The information processing device includes a second communication unit that receives the print instruction information from the server, a second processing unit that causes the printing device to print the chart image based on the print instruction information, and a third processing unit that acquires colorimetric result information from the colorimeter that is generated by measuring the color of the chart image with the colorimeter.

[0007] One aspect of the color measurement system of the present invention has a server, a colorimeter, and a printing device, wherein the server has a processing unit that generates work information including print instruction information related to an instruction to print a chart image based on chart information and colorimetric instruction information related to an instruction to colorimetrically measure the chart image, the colorimetric instruction information being associated with the print instruction information, a memory unit that stores the work information, and a communication unit that transmits the print instruction information and the colorimetric instruction information at different times, wherein the printing device prints the chart image based on the print instruction information, the colorimeter measures the colorimetrically measure the chart image based on the colorimetric instruction information, and the server associates the print instruction information with the colorimetric instruction information.

[0008] One aspect of the server of the present invention is a server that communicates with an information processing device, and has a processing unit that generates work information including print instruction information regarding an instruction to print a chart image based on chart information and colorimetric instruction information regarding an instruction to measure the colorimetric value of the chart image, a memory unit that stores the work information, and a communication unit that transmits the print instruction information and the colorimetric instruction information to the information processing device at different times. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a color measurement system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a procedure for setting a connection between a server and an information processing device. [Diagram 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a color measurement method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a color measurement system according to a modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a color measurement system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions. The drawings may be shown in schematic form to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments unless otherwise specified to limit the present disclosure.

[0011] 1. Embodiment 1-1.Color measurement system 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a color measurement system 10 according to this embodiment. The color measurement system 10 executes printing based on work information DJ generated by a server 100 using a printing device 300. The color measurement system 10 also executes color measurement based on the work information DJ using a colorimeter 400. In addition to the printing and color measurement, the color measurement system 10 of this embodiment executes creation of a profile DP using the server 100 based on the results of the color measurement.

[0012] The work information DJ includes print instruction information and color measurement instruction information. The print instruction information is an execution instruction for printing by the printing device 300 described later, and includes information related to the execution instruction for printing. The color measurement instruction information is an execution instruction for color measurement by the colorimeter 400 described later, and includes an execution instruction for the color measurement and information related to the measurement conditions. The work information DJ is generated by the first processing unit 111 described later. The server 100 stores the print instruction information and the color measurement instruction information in the first storage device 120 in association with each other using information related to a job ID described later.

[0013] The profile DP is created by a profile creation unit 112, which will be described later. The profile DP is a profile such as an input profile, and includes a conversion table that converts color values ​​in one color space as input values ​​and color values ​​in another color space as output values. The format of the profile DP is not particularly limited, but may be in accordance with the standards of the ICC (International Color Consortium), for example.

[0014] The color measurement system 10 includes a server 100, an information processing device 200, a printing device 300, and a colorimeter 400. The server 100 and the information processing device 200 are communicatively connected. The connection between the server 100 and the information processing device 200 may be wireless or wired, or may be mediated by a network NW such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0015] The server 100 is a computer that generates the work information DJ. Specifically, the server 100 has a function of accepting input of information necessary for generating the work information DJ, a function of generating the work information DJ, a function of storing the work information DJ, and a function of transmitting the work information DJ to the information processing device 200. The server 100 is typically a cloud server, but may be a server other than a cloud server.

[0016] 1, the server 100 includes a first processing device 110, a first storage device 120, and a first communication device 150. The first storage device 120 is an example of a "storage unit." The first communication device 150 is also an example of a "communication unit" and an example of a "first communication unit."

[0017] The first processing device 110 is a device having a function of controlling each part of the server 100 and a function of processing various data. The first processing device 110 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The first processing device 110 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. Also, some or all of the functions of the first processing device 110 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0018] The first storage device 120 is a device that stores programs such as the program PG1 executed by the first processing device 110, and various data processed by the first processing device 110. The first storage device 120 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. Note that a part or the whole of the first storage device 120 may be provided in an external storage device or terminal device of the server 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the first storage device 120 of this embodiment stores work information DJ, chart information DG, a profile DP, and a program PG1.

[0019] The chart information DG is, for example, image information that represents a chart image of a color measurement chart. Here, the chart information DG includes image information related to a job ID for identifying the work information DJ. The job ID is an example of an "identifier."

[0020] The image information related to the job ID is, for example, code information, which is information about an image to be added to a chart image. The code information is typically a two-dimensional code such as a QR code, but is not limited to this, and may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. Note that the QR code is a registered trademark.

[0021] The first communication device 150 is a communication circuit communicatively connected to the second communication device 250 described later. The first communication device 150 includes interfaces such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and a LAN. The first communication device 150 transmits print instruction information and color measurement instruction information to the information processing device 200 at different timings. The above-mentioned "different timings" means, for example, that the time when the first communication device 150 starts transmitting the print instruction information is different from the time when the first communication device 150 starts transmitting the color measurement instruction information.

[0022] In the above-described server 100, the first processing device 110 reads and executes the program PG1 from the first storage device 120. By executing the program PG1, the first processing device 110 functions as a first processing unit 111 and a profile creating unit 112.

[0023] The first processing unit 111 receives information necessary for generating work information DJ input based on an operation of the input device 230 by an operator described below, from the information processing device 200, and then generates the work information DJ based on the information. In addition, the first processing unit 111 stores the generated work information DJ in the first storage device 120, and then causes the first communication device 150 to execute a process of transmitting the work information DJ. The first processing unit 111 is an example of a "processing unit".

[0024] The profile creation unit 112 creates a profile DP based on the result of color measurement by the colorimeter 400. The result of color measurement by the colorimeter 400 is input from the colorimeter 400 to the server 100 via the information processing device 200.

[0025] The information processing device 200 is typically a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), but is not limited thereto, and may be an information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 200 has a second processing device 210, a second storage device 220, an input device 230, a display device 240, and a second communication device 250. The second communication device 250 is an example of a "second communication unit."

[0026] The second processing device 210 is a device having a function of controlling each unit of the information processing device 200 and a function of processing various data. The second processing device 210 includes a processor such as a CPU. The second processing device 210 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. In addition, some or all of the functions of the second processing device 210 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA.

[0027] The second storage device 220 is a device that stores programs such as the program PG2 executed by the second processing device 210, and various data processed by the second processing device 210. The second storage device 220 includes, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. Note that a part or the whole of the second storage device 220 may be provided in an external storage device or terminal device of the information processing device 200.

[0028] The input device 230 is a device that accepts operations from an operator of the information processing device 200. In this embodiment, by operating the input device 230, information required for generating work information DJ is input from the operator of the information processing device 200 to the server 100 via the second communication device 250. The input device 230 includes, for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, or a pointing device such as a mouse.

[0029] The display device 240 is a device that performs display under the control of the second processing device 210. Specifically, the display device 240 displays, for example, an image for assisting the input of information required for generating the work information DJ, or an image showing the progress of color measurement based on the work information DJ. The display device 240 is configured with various display panels, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel. The display device 240 may be provided outside the information processing device 200.

[0030] The second communication device 250 is a communication circuit communicatively connected to each of the first communication device 150, the printing device 300, and the colorimeter 400. The second communication device 250 includes an interface such as a USB and a LAN. The second communication device 250 may be wirelessly connected to the first communication device 150, the printing device 300, and the colorimeter 400 by, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or may be connected to the first communication device 150, the printing device 300, and the colorimeter 400 via a LAN or the Internet. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are registered trademarks.

[0031] In the above information processing device 200, the second processing device 210 reads and executes the program PG2 from the second storage device 220. By executing the program PG2, the second processing device 210 functions as the second processing device 211 and the third processing device 212. Note that the program PG2 may be two programs divided into a program for realizing the second processing device 211 and a program for realizing the third processing device 212.

[0032] The second processing unit 211 receives print instruction information included in the work information DJ from the server 100. The second processing unit 211 causes the second communication device 250 to execute a process of transmitting the print instruction information to the printing device 300. The third processing unit 212 receives colorimetry instruction information included in the work information DJ from the server 100. The third processing unit 212 causes the second communication device 250 to execute a process of transmitting the colorimetry instruction information to the colorimeter 400.

[0033] The printing device 300 is a device that prints on a printing medium under the control of the server 100. Specifically, the printing device 300 prints on a printing medium a chart image based on chart information DG input from the server 100 via the second communication device 250.

[0034] The printing medium is not particularly limited, and may be various types of paper, various types of cloth, or various types of film. The printing method of the printing device 300 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method. Although not shown, the printing device 300 has a printer engine that employs, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method, a transport mechanism that transports the printing medium in a predetermined direction, and a control circuit that controls the driving of these based on information from the server 100, etc.

[0035] The printing device 300 described above performs printing using color materials such as inks or toners of multiple colors. The multiple colors may be process colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The multiple colors may also include special colors such as fluorescent colors or metallic colors. The number of colors of the color materials is not particularly limited and may be any number.

[0036] The colorimeter 400 is a device such as a camera or a scanner that captures an object to be measured. The colorimeter 400 captures an image of the object, and generates image information indicating the captured image of the object as color measurement result information. In this embodiment, the object is the printing surface of a predetermined printing medium on which a predetermined color of the chart information DG is printed.

[0037] Although not shown, the colorimeter 400 has a colorimetric mechanism. The colorimetric mechanism is an assembly having an imaging optical system and an imaging element. The imaging optical system is an optical system including at least one imaging lens, and may include various optical elements such as a prism, or may include a zoom lens or a focus lens. The imaging element is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) image sensor. In addition to the imaging optical system and the imaging element, the colorimetric mechanism may have a movement mechanism that changes the relative positional relationship between the imaging range and the object to be imaged, as necessary.

[0038] The color measurement mechanism according to the present embodiment may have a spectroscopic function. In this case, for example, a diffraction grating or a wavelength variable filter is provided in the imaging optical system. The captured image by the color measurement mechanism may be full color or monochromatic. When the captured image is full color, for example, imaging information represented by tristimulus values ​​in the XYZ color system for each pixel of the captured image is obtained as a result of color measurement by the colorimeter 400. When the captured image is monochromatic, for example, imaging information represented by luminance values ​​for each pixel of the captured image is obtained as a result of color measurement by the colorimeter 400. However, it is preferable that the captured image is full color.

[0039] 1-2.Connection settings 2 is a diagram showing a procedure for setting up a connection between the server 100 and the information processing device 200. In the color measurement system 10 of the present embodiment, the printing device 300 prints a chart image, and before the colorimeter 400 measures the color of the chart image, the connection between the server 100 and the information processing device 200 is set up.

[0040] In step S101, the terminal device handled by the user requests the server 100 to issue an integration code for linking the server 100 and the information processing device 200. The terminal device is, for example, a communication terminal such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. In the following description, the terminal device handled by the user is referred to as a "user terminal." Next, in step S102, the server 100 notifies the user terminal of the integration code, and in step S103, the user inputs the integration code into the information processing device 200.

[0041] Next, in step S104, the information processing device 200 transmits a notification to the server 100 requesting authentication of the connection between the server 100 and the information processing device 200. In step S105, the server 100 transmits the public key of the server 100 together with a server certificate to the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 sets a common key and encrypts the common key using the public key acquired from the server 100. The information processing device 200 then transmits the encrypted common key to the server 100. The server 100 decrypts the encrypted common key with a private key that only it holds. Thus, the server 100 and the information processing device 200 hold a common key that is not known to a third party.

[0042] Next, in step S106, the information processing device 200 notifies the user terminal that the connection between the server 100 and the information processing device 200 has been successful. In step S107, the information processing device 200 establishes two-way communication in which information transmitted and received between the server 100 and the information processing device 200 is encrypted with a common key held by both. This process enables the server 100 to transmit encrypted information to the information processing device 200 without being hindered by security software such as a firewall installed in the information processing device 200. In step S108, the server 100 notifies the information processing device 200 that the two-way communication has been established.

[0043] 1-3. Color measurement method Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a color measurement method according to this embodiment. The color measurement method is performed using the color measurement system 10 described above. In the color measurement system 10, first, as shown in Fig. 3, in step S201, the server 100 performs settings for color measurement. This setting is performed by receiving information required for generating work information DJ in the first processing unit 111. The information is input from the information processing device 200 to the server 100 based on the user's operation of the input device 230, etc. At this time, for example, an image for a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to assist the input is displayed on the display device 240.

[0044] In this embodiment, the information necessary for generating the work information DJ includes, for example, information related to the colorimetric settings of the colorimetric device 400 and information related to the object of colorimetric measurement. Here, the information related to the colorimetric settings of the colorimetric device 400 is, for example, information related to settings such as the M factor, light source, number of objects to be measured, and number of times that colorimetric measurement is repeated. The information related to the object of colorimetric measurement is, for example, information related to the type of printing medium. In this embodiment, when input of the information necessary for generating the work information DJ is completed, a job ID is generated by the first processing unit 111 as an identifier for identifying the work information DJ.

[0045] Next, in step S202, the server 100 generates work information DJ. This generation is performed by the first processing unit 111 based on the information input in the above-mentioned step S201. The work information DJ generated here includes information about the above-mentioned job ID so that it can be distinguished from other work information DJ, and a job ID is generated for each generated work information DJ. The server 100 stores the work information DJ in the first storage device 120 by associating information about the job ID included in the print instruction information with information about the job ID included in the color measurement instruction information. In this embodiment, the work information DJ includes information about a one-time URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for downloading the chart information DG, and information about a one-time URL for uploading color measurement result information, in addition to information about the job ID. After the generation of the work information DJ, for example, an image showing the progress of color measurement based on the work information DJ is displayed on the display device 240.

[0046] The information regarding the one-time URL for downloading the chart information DG is an example of “acquisition source information,” and the information regarding the one-time URL for uploading the colorimetric result information is an example of “upload information.” In the following explanation, the information regarding the one-time URL for downloading the chart information DG is described as “download URL information,” and the information regarding the one-time URL for uploading the colorimetric result information is described as “upload URL information.”

[0047] In step S203, the server 100 stores the work information DJ in the first storage device 120. After that, in step S204, the server 100 transmits print instruction information included in the work information DJ from the first communication device 150. The print instruction information includes download URL information and information related to the job ID. As a result of the server 100 executing step S203, step S208, which will be described later, is executed by the information processing device 200.

[0048] Next, in step S205, the information processing device 200 receives the print instruction information at the second communication device 250. After that, in step S206, the information processing device 200 accesses the server 100 based on the download URL information, and downloads the chart information DG from the server 100. If the download is successful, in step S207, the information processing device 200 acquires the chart information DG from the server 100.

[0049] Next, in step S208, the information processing device 200 transmits the print instruction information and the chart information DG to the printing device 300. In step S208, the server 100 causes the information processing device 200 to print a chart image based on the print instruction information. In step S209, the printing device 300 prints a chart image based on the chart information DG on a printing medium using the print instruction information acquired from the information processing device 200.

[0050] Thereafter, in step S210, the printing device 300 transmits a completion notification indicating that the printing has been completed to the information processing device 200. In step S211, the information processing device 200 transmits the completion notification to the server 100 in association with the job ID and the work result. The work result means, for example, whether printing of the chart image on the print medium was successful or unsuccessful. Note that the above steps S205 to S208 and step S211 are executed under the control of the second processing unit 211.

[0051] Next, in step S212, the server 100 transmits color measurement instruction information included in the work information DJ from the first communication device 150. The color measurement instruction information includes upload URL information and information related to the job ID. The information processing device 200 receives the color measurement instruction information transmitted from the first communication device 150 at the second communication device 250. At this time, an image showing the work instruction or work content of color measurement based on the color measurement instruction information is displayed on the display device 240.

[0052] Next, in step S213, the information processing device 200 transmits colorimetry instruction information to the colorimeter 400. In step S214, the person in charge of the colorimeter 400 measures the color of the chart image printed in the previous step S209 based on the colorimetry instruction information received from the information processing device 200. At this time, the person in charge of the colorimeter 400 measures the color with the colorimetry setting based on the colorimetry instruction information. Then, the colorimeter 400 reads image information related to the job ID added to the chart image. As a result of such colorimetry, colorimetry result information including information related to the job ID is obtained.

[0053] Thereafter, in step S215, the colorimeter 400 transmits the colorimetric result information and a completion notification indicating that the colorimetric measurement has been completed to the information processing device 200. The colorimetric result information transmitted from the colorimeter 400 is received by the second communication device 250 of the information processing device 200 and acquired by the third processing unit 212. In the server 100, the colorimetric result information is stored in the second storage device 220 as necessary.

[0054] Next, in step S216, the information processing device 200 accesses the server 100 based on the upload URL information, and uploads the color measurement result information to the server 100. After that, in step S217, the server 100 transmits a completion notification indicating that the upload is complete to the information processing device 200. In step S218, the information processing device 200 transmits a completion notification indicating that the color measurement of the chart image is complete to the server 100 in association with the job ID and the work result. The work result means, for example, whether the color measurement of the chart image was successful or unsuccessful. The previous steps S213, S216, and S218 are executed under the control of the third processing unit 212.

[0055] Next, the server 100 creates a profile DP based on the colorimetry result information uploaded from the information processing device 200. The profile DP is created by the profile creation unit 112 using a known method. The profile DP may be assigned a job ID that is the same as the job ID assigned to the print instruction information and colorimetry instruction information transmitted and received between the various parts of the colorimetry system 10 until the profile DP is created. Thereafter, in step S220, the server 100 transmits a completion notification to the information processing device 200 indicating that the creation of the profile DP has been completed.

[0056] As described above, the server 100 of the color measurement system 10 executes the color measurement method including the above-mentioned steps S202, S203, S204, S208, S212, and S216. As described above, in step S202, the server 100 generates work information including print instruction information related to an instruction to print a chart image based on the chart information and color measurement instruction information related to an instruction to measure the color of the chart image. In step S203, the server 100 stores the work information DJ. In step S204, the server 100 transmits the print instruction information to the information processing device 200. In step S208, the server 100 causes the information processing device 200 to cause the printing device 300 to print the chart image based on the print instruction information. In step S212, the server 100 transmits the color measurement instruction information to the information processing device 200. In step S216, the server 100 acquires color measurement result information generated by measuring the color of the chart image with the colorimeter 400.

[0057] Here, as described above, the color measurement system 10 includes the server 100, the information processing device 200, the colorimeter 400, and the printing device 300. The server 100 includes a first processing device 111, which is an example of a "processing device" that generates work information DJ including print instruction information related to an instruction to print a chart image based on the chart information DG and color measurement instruction information related to an instruction to colorimeter the chart image, a first storage device 120, which is an example of a "storage device" that stores the work information DJ and the chart image, and a first communication device 150, which is an example of a "communication device" and a "first communication device" that transmits the print instruction information to the information processing device 200. The information processing device 200 has a second communication device 250 which is an example of a “second communication unit” that receives print instruction information from the server 100, a second processing unit 211 that causes the printing device 300 to print a chart image based on the print instruction information, and a third processing unit 212 that acquires colorimetric result information from the colorimeter 400 that is generated by measuring the color of the chart image using the colorimeter 400.

[0058] In the above color measurement system 10, the work information DJ includes the print instruction information and the color measurement instruction information separately, and the print instruction information is transmitted from the server 100 to the information processing device 200. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can cause the printing device 300 to print a chart image independently of the actual measurement work by the colorimeter 400. Then, the result of this printing can be used for color measurement by the colorimeter 400 based on the color measurement instruction information. In addition, the result of this color measurement can be acquired by the server 100 or the information processing device 200 as color measurement result information. In this way, the user can increase the degree of freedom of the work time for color measurement, and does not need to become familiar with all the work required for color measurement. As can be understood from the above explanation, the color measurement system 10 is superior in usability compared to conventional color measurement methods that require familiarity with color measurement.

[0059] The print instruction information includes source information regarding the source from which the chart information DG is obtained, and the information processing device 200 obtains the chart information DG based on the source information. Here, the source information has a smaller data size than the chart information DG. Therefore, the server 100 can transmit the print instruction information including the source information to the information processing device 200 more quickly than the print instruction information including the chart information DG.

[0060] When the server 100 receives a notification from the information processing device 200 indicating that printing of the chart image has been completed, the server 100 transmits colorimetry instruction information to the information processing device 200, and the information processing device 200 acquires colorimetry result information generated by the colorimetry device 400 measuring the colors based on the colorimetry instruction information from the colorimetry device 400. Therefore, even if the information processing device 200 is installed in a different location from the colorimetry device 400, the information processing device 200 can obtain the colorimetry result information. This increases the degree of freedom in the work location for colorimetry.

[0061] The color measurement instruction information includes upload information regarding the upload destination of the color measurement result information, so that the information processing device 200 can upload the color measurement result information based on the information of the upload destination.

[0062] After transmitting the color measurement instruction information to the information processing device 200, the server 100 receives a notification indicating that the color measurement of the chart image has been completed from the information processing device 200. Therefore, the server 100 can confirm that the color measurement of the chart image instructed by the server 100 has been completed, and can execute the process after the chart image has been measured.

[0063] The information processing device 200 uploads the colorimetry result information to the upload destination based on the upload information, and the server 100 further includes a profile creation unit 112 that acquires the colorimetry result information uploaded to the upload destination and creates a profile DP, and the profile creation unit 112 transmits a notification to the information processing device 200 indicating that creation of the profile DP has been completed. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can confirm that creation of the profile DP has been completed.

[0064] The work information DJ includes information about a job ID for identifying the work information DJ, and the server 100 associates the print instruction information with the color measurement instruction information based on the information about the job ID. Therefore, for example, the server 100 can manage each process up to the creation of the profile DP by the job ID. This prevents the work contents in creating the profile DP from being mixed up. For example, the print instruction information and the color measurement instruction information related to the same chart image can be managed in association with each other by the job ID. Furthermore, when the server 100 executes the creation of the profile DP for each of the multiple chart images, the profile DP is appropriately managed by the job ID.

[0065] The chart information DG includes image information related to a job ID, which is an example of an "identifier." Therefore, when multiple chart images are printed, each of the multiple chart images can be identified. Therefore, mixing up the chart images is prevented.

[0066] 2. Variations Each of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that can be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplified below. Note that two or more embodiments selected from the following exemplary embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they are not contradictory to each other.

[0067] 2-1. Variation 1 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a color measurement system 10A according to Modification 1. The color measurement system 10A is similar to the above-described embodiment, except that a plurality of information processing devices 200 are communicably connected to the server 100, and a printing device 300 and a colorimeter 400 are connected to each of the plurality of information processing devices 200_1 to 200_N. FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration in which N information processing devices 200_1 to 200_N are connected to the server 100 via a network NW. Here, each of the information processing devices 200_1 to 200_N is an information processing device 200. The network NW is a network such as a LAN or the Internet. N is a natural number equal to or greater than 2.

[0068] The above-described first modification also allows color measurement to be performed with superior usability compared to the conventional method. Moreover, the color measurement system 10A of the first modification can selectively use the color measurement device 400 suitable for color measurement based on color measurement instruction information, among the color measurement devices 400 connected to each of the multiple information processing devices 200_1 to 200_N. This has the advantage of making it easier to improve the quality of color measurement based on the color measurement instruction information.

[0069] 2-2. Variation 2 In the above embodiment, the second communication device 250 of the information processing device 200 is connected to the printing device 300 and the colorimeter 400, but this is not limited thereto. The first communication device 150 of the server 100 may be wirelessly connected to the printing device 300 and the colorimeter 400 by, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or may be connected to the printing device 300 and the colorimeter 400 via a LAN or the Internet. When the first communication device 150 is connected to the printing device 300 and the colorimeter 400, the server 100 may transmit print instruction information and chart information DG to the printing device 300, or the server 100 may transmit color measurement instruction information to the colorimeter 400. In addition, the colorimeter 400 may transmit color measurement result information to the server 100.

[0070] 2-3. Variation 3 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a color measurement system 10B according to Modification 3. The color measurement system 10B is similar to the color measurement system 10 of the above-described embodiment, except that the color measurement system 10B has an information processing device 200a and an information processing device 200b instead of the information processing device 200. In the following description, the same components as those in the color measurement system 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 200a has a second processing device 210a and a second storage device 220a. The second processing device 210a is a device having a function of controlling each part of the information processing device 200a and a function of processing various data. The second processing device 210a includes a processor such as a CPU. The second processing device 210a may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. In addition, some or all of the functions of the second processing device 210a may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA.

[0072] The second storage device 220a is a device that stores the program PG3 executed by the second processing device 210a and various data processed by the second processing device 210a. The second storage device 220a includes, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. Note that a part or the whole of the second storage device 220a may be provided in an external storage device or terminal device of the information processing device 200a.

[0073] In the above information processing device 200a, the second processing device 210a reads and executes the program PG3 from the second storage device 220a. Through this execution, the second processing device 210a functions as the second processing unit 211. Specifically, the second processing unit 211 receives print instruction information from the server 100 and causes the second communication device 250 of the information processing device 200a to execute a process of transmitting the print instruction information to the printing device 300.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 200b has a second processing device 210b and a second storage device 220b. The second processing device 210b is a device having a function of controlling each part of the information processing device 200b and a function of processing various data. The second processing device 210b is configured to include a processor such as a CPU. The second processing device 210b may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. In addition, some or all of the functions of the second processing device 210b may be realized by hardware such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA.

[0075] The second storage device 220b is a device that stores the program PG4 executed by the second processing device 210b and various data processed by the second processing device 210b. The second storage device 220b includes, for example, a hard disk drive or a semiconductor memory. Note that a part or the whole of the second storage device 220b may be provided in an external storage device or terminal device of the information processing device 200b.

[0076] In the above information processing device 200b, the second processing device 210b reads and executes the program PG4 from the second storage device 220b. This execution causes the second processing device 210b to function as the third processing device 212. Specifically, the third processing device 212 receives colorimetry instruction information from the server 100, and causes the second communication device 250 of the information processing device 200b to execute a process of transmitting the colorimetry instruction information to the colorimeter 400. The above third modification also makes it possible to perform colorimetry with superior usability compared to the conventional method.

[0077] 2-4. Variation 4 In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 200 accesses the server 100 based on the download URL information and downloads the chart information DG from the server 100, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the information processing device 200 may access a computer other than the server 100 based on the download URL information and obtain the chart information DG from that computer.

[0078] 2-5. Variation 5 In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 200 accesses the server 100 based on the upload URL information and uploads the colorimetry result information to the server 100. The server 100 creates a profile DP based on the colorimetry result information. However, in the above-described embodiment, the upload destination to which the colorimetry result information is uploaded may be a computer different from the server 100. In this case, the server 100 may obtain the colorimetry result information uploaded to the computer from the computer, and create a profile DP based on the colorimetry result information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10...color measurement system, 10A...color measurement system, 10B...color measurement system, 100...server, 110...first processing device, 111...first processing unit, 112...profile creation unit, 120...first storage device, 150...first communication device, 200...information processing device, 200a...information processing device, 200b...information processing device, 200_1 to 200_N...information processing device, 210...second processing device, 210a...second processing device, 210b...second processing device, 211...second processing unit, 212...third processing unit, 220...second storage device, 220a...second storage device, 220b...second storage device, 230...input device, 240...display device, 250...second communication device, 300...printing device, 400...colorimeter, DG...chart information, DJ...work information, DP...profile information, NW...network Work, PG1... program, PG2... program, PG3... program, PG4... program, S101... step, S102... step, S103... step, S104... step, S105... step, S106... step, S107... step, S108... step, S201... step, S202... step, S203... step, S204... step, S205... step, S206... step, S207... step, S208... step, S209... step, S210... step, S211... step, S212... step, S213... step, S214... step, S215... step, S216... step, S217... step, S218... step, S219... step, S220... step.

Claims

1. A color measurement method executed by a server that communicates with an information processing device that is connected to a printing device and a colorimeter, comprising: generating work information including print instruction information related to an instruction to print a chart image based on chart information and color measurement instruction information related to an instruction to measure the color of the chart image; storing the work information; transmitting the print instruction information to the information processing device; causing the information processing device to cause the printing device to print the chart image based on the print instruction information; transmitting the color measurement instruction information to the information processing device; acquiring color measurement result information generated by measuring the color of the chart image by the colorimeter; The server, when a notification indicating that printing of the chart image has been completed is received from the information processing device, the color measurement instruction information is transmitted to the information processing device; The information processing device acquires, from the colorimeter, color measurement result information generated by the colorimeter measuring the colors based on the color measurement instruction information. Color measurement method.

2. The system includes a server, an information processing device, a colorimeter, and a printing device, The server, a first processing unit that generates work information including print instruction information related to an instruction to print a chart image based on chart information and color measurement instruction information related to an instruction to measure the color of the chart image; A storage unit that stores the work information; a first communication unit that transmits the print instruction information to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: a second communication unit that receives the print instruction information from the server; a second processing unit that causes the printing device to print the chart image based on the print instruction information; a third processing unit that acquires, from the colorimeter, color measurement result information generated by measuring the color of the chart image with the colorimeter; 1. A color measurement system comprising: The server, when a notification indicating that printing of the chart image has been completed is received from the information processing device, the color measurement instruction information is transmitted to the information processing device; The information processing device acquires, from the colorimeter, color measurement result information generated by the colorimeter measuring the colors based on the color measurement instruction information. Color measurement system.

3. the print instruction information includes acquisition source information regarding an acquisition source of the chart information, The information processing device acquires the chart information based on the acquisition source information. The color measurement system of claim 2 .

4. The color measurement instruction information includes upload information regarding an upload destination of the color measurement result information. The color measurement system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. After transmitting the color measurement instruction information to the information processing device, the server receives a notification from the information processing device indicating that the color measurement of the chart image has been completed. The color measurement system of claim 4 .

6. The information processing device uploads the color measurement result information to the upload destination based on the upload information, The server further includes a profile creation unit that acquires the color measurement result information uploaded to the upload destination and creates a profile; The profile creation unit transmits a notification indicating that creation of the profile has been completed to the information processing device. The color measurement system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The work information includes information regarding an identifier for identifying the work information, The server associates the printing instruction information with the color measurement instruction information based on information related to the identifier. The color measurement system according to claim 2 .

8. The chart information includes image information relating to the identifier. The color measurement system of claim 7 .

9. The image information is code information. The color measurement system of claim 8 .

10. A server, a colorimeter, and a printing device, The server, print instruction information regarding an instruction to print a chart image based on the chart information; color measurement instruction information relating to an instruction to measure the color of the chart image, the color measurement instruction information being associated with the print instruction information; A processing unit that generates work information including: A storage unit that stores the work information; a communication unit that transmits the printing instruction information and the color measurement instruction information at different times; having the printing device prints the chart image based on the print instruction information, and transmits a notification indicating that printing of the chart image has been completed; The server transmits the color measurement instruction information to the colorimeter based on the reception of the notification, The colorimeter measures the color of the chart image based on the received color measurement instruction information. Color measurement system.

11. A server that communicates with an information processing device connected to a colorimeter, a processing unit that generates work information including print instruction information related to an instruction to print a chart image based on chart information and color measurement instruction information related to an instruction to measure the color of the chart image; A storage unit that stores the work information; a communication unit that transmits the printing instruction information and the color measurement instruction information to the information processing device at different times, when a notification indicating that printing of the chart image has been completed is received from the information processing device, the color measurement instruction information is transmitted to the information processing device; The information processing device acquires, from the colorimeter, color measurement result information generated by the colorimeter measuring the colors based on the color measurement instruction information. server.

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