Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

Control so that the result of color calibration of custom paper can also be applied to other papers. 【Solution means】 The control device includes setting means for setting the application range of the result of color calibration for the target paper. When the target paper is a custom paper for which a user can edit information regarding the paper, the setting means can commonly apply the result of the color calibration to other papers of a different type from the target paper. It is set to either a first range or a second range where the result of the color calibration cannot be applied to other papers of a different type from the target paper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control of the application range of color calibration executed by an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus such as a printer, since the ink ejection amount changes due to aging deterioration of the recording head or the like, even when an image is formed based on the same image data, the color expressed on a recording medium such as paper may vary. Therefore, in order to express a stable color on the recording medium, so-called color calibration (hereinafter referred to as calibration), which corrects the image data input to the image forming apparatus, is known. In calibration, a color patch is recorded on a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as paper) by a recording head, colorimetry of the color patch is performed, and correction processing of the input image data is performed based on the colorimetry result.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a paper for commonly applying the calibration result to other papers is referred to as a "common calibration paper", and a paper for applying only the paper used at the time of calibration execution is referred to as an "individual calibration paper". Thereby, a technique for dividing the application range of the value obtained by calibration is disclosed.

[0004] By the way, for the original paper for the image forming apparatus and specific papers whose printing results have been confirmed by the manufacturer, paper data in which control parameters of the apparatus corresponding to the characteristics of the paper are set is provided for each paper type. Also, for third-party papers for which such paper data is not provided, a user can newly create new paper data as "custom paper". This "custom paper" is created by the user customizing based on existing paper data. When the user wants to improve the print quality, conveyance property, etc. of unspecified papers such as third-party papers, the user can add and edit "custom paper".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the case of "custom paper", in Patent Document 1, paper data is created as "individual calibration paper", and it was not possible to create custom paper for "common calibration paper". This is because, in order to apply the calibration result to other papers without problems, paper that can correctly detect the difference in ink ejection amount of the print head is required, that is, paper with characteristics of a predetermined standard that can correctly measure the reflected light when measuring the color of color patches. However, the characteristics of third-party paper are diverse, and it is not always possible to correctly measure the reflected light when measuring the color of color patches. When the calibration result using such paper with unknown characteristics is applied to another paper, it is not always output in the original color, and the function as calibration does not hold. However, even custom paper has some with characteristics of a predetermined standard, and making it uniformly individual calibration paper has been a factor in narrowing the operation form of paper data.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to control so that the color calibration result of custom paper can also be applied to other papers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, the program of the present disclosure causes a computer of a control device connected to a printing device to execute a registration step of registering information related to a target custom paper set in the printing device, and a transmission step of transmitting the registered information to the printing device. In the registration step, a first setting is made such that correction information obtained using the target custom paper, which is correction information for print data to be printed by a printing unit of the printing device, is used during printing using a paper of a type other than the target custom paper. when the predetermined conditions are satisfied Selectable by the user and the predetermined conditions are not satisfied when the type of the reference paper specified when registering the custom paper of the target is not a predetermined type 。 [Effect of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, for custom paper as well, the results of color calibration can be commonly applied to other papers, expanding the scope of the operation form of paper data and improving convenience. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the present embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present disclosure.

[0012] <First Embodiment> The control system according to this embodiment executes processes for assisting a user in newly creating and editing custom paper. Custom paper is paper data created by a user customizing existing paper data. Custom paper is created and edited for the purpose of improving print quality, conveyance performance, etc. for unspecified papers other than, for example, manufacturer's original paper and specific papers for which the print quality, etc. by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment has been confirmed by the manufacturer. The control system of this embodiment controls the application range of correction data obtained in color calibration (hereinafter referred to as calibration) performed to keep the color tone of an image constant for custom paper. Calibration is executed in the image forming apparatus. First, the types of paper dealt with in this specification and the application range of the correction data obtained by calibration will be described. Note that color calibration is not limited to colors such as RGB and also includes the case of only black.

[0013] "Common calibration paper" means paper for which the results of calibration (correction data or density values) performed using the paper can be commonly applied to other papers of different types from the paper. Calibration executed using common calibration paper is hereinafter referred to as "common calibration". When the results of calibration obtained by common calibration are applied to other papers, the color tone of the other papers is also kept constant.

[0014] The "individual calibration sheet" means a sheet for which the calibration result (correction data or density value) obtained using the sheet is applicable only to that sheet and not applicable to other sheets of different types. The calibration performed using the individual calibration sheet is hereinafter referred to as "individual calibration". When individual calibration is performed using the individual calibration sheet, the calibration result obtained by common calibration is not applied to that individual calibration sheet. The result of the individual calibration performed using the individual calibration sheet is applied. However, when individual calibration using the individual calibration sheet has not been performed, the result of the common calibration is applied to that individual calibration sheet.

[0015] A sheet that is not suitable for either common calibration or individual calibration and for which calibration cannot be performed is defined as a sheet for which calibration cannot be executed.

[0016] As described above, when common calibration is performed using a common calibration sheet, the result obtained by the common calibration of that common calibration sheet is applied to other types of sheets. When the target sheet is a sheet for which common calibration can be performed but common calibration has not been performed, the common calibration result obtained using another common calibration sheet is applied to the target sheet. That is, when the target sheet is a common calibration sheet, the result of the calibration performed using the target sheet takes precedence. And when calibration using the target sheet has not been performed, the result of the calibration performed using another common calibration sheet is applied to the target sheet.

[0017] Also, for characteristic papers such as translucent paper, film, paper with uneven surfaces (such as canvas, etc.), calibration cannot be performed. However, for such characteristic papers, by applying the results of the common calibration performed with the common calibration paper, a certain color tone can be maintained. Therefore, for papers for which calibration cannot be performed, the results of the common calibration are applied. In this specification, the term "paper" means not only paper used in general image forming apparatuses, but also media widely including vinyl, cloth, plastic film, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc.

[0018] Also, in the control system according to this embodiment, the user can create new paper type data called "custom paper" based on the paper type data of the common calibration paper and the individual calibration paper. The paper type data has control parameters suitable for the paper in the image forming apparatus set in addition to information such as the paper name, paper ID, paper category, etc. The control parameters are, for example, the height of the head, paper feed adjustment, adsorption force, etc. For custom paper, these parameters can be edited by the user. The paper type data will be described later.

[0019] In this embodiment, one of the parameters of the paper type data is provided with an item "calibration type" indicating the application range of the correction data obtained by calibration. The control system according to this embodiment enables the user to edit the "calibration type" when the paper type data to be edited is custom paper. It is assumed that one of the values of "common" and "individual" is set for the "calibration type".

[0020] In the first embodiment, if "calibration target value" is set in the paper type data of the custom paper, the user can set the value of "calibration type" to either "common" or "individual". On the other hand, if "calibration target value" is not set in the paper type data of the custom paper, the user can only set the value of "calibration type" to "individual". When the calibration type is "common", it is treated as the above-mentioned "common calibration paper". That is, common calibration is performed, and the result of the calibration can be applied not only to the calibration execution paper but also to other papers (common / individual calibration papers) other than the calibration execution paper. When the calibration type is "individual", it is treated as the above-mentioned "individual calibration paper". That is, individual calibration is performed, and the result of the calibration is dedicated to the same type of paper as the calibration execution paper and is not applied to other papers. As a result, even for custom papers where the application range of the calibration result has been limited to the calibration execution paper (second range) conventionally, it becomes possible to treat them as "common calibration papers", and the application range of the calibration result can be commonly used for other papers of different types (first range).

[0021] (Hardware Configuration) The configuration of the control system including the control device of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system including the control device of the present disclosure.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, in the control system, a paper data management device 100 and an image forming device 102 are communicatively connected via a network 105. The image forming device 102 is, for example, an inkjet printer capable of printing large-sized sheets. Note that the image forming device 102 is not limited to an inkjet printer capable of printing large-sized sheets, and may be other types of image forming devices. For example, it may be an inkjet printer for printing on normal-sized paper. Further, the recording material is not limited to ink, and is applicable to image forming devices of various printing methods such as electrophotographic methods of thermal printers (sublimation type, thermal transfer type, etc.), dot impact printers, LED printers, and laser printers. Further, the image forming device 102 may be a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copying function, a transmission function, a FAX function, a storage function, etc. in addition to the printing function.

[0023] The image forming device 102 has a calibration function in addition to the printing function. In the calibration function, the image forming device 102 performs calibration corresponding to the type of paper. That is, the image forming device 102 holds paper type data in which a plurality of parameter values including a "calibration target value" and a "calibration type" corresponding to the paper type are set. Then, calibration corresponding to the calibration type is performed based on the calibration target value. Details of the functions of the image forming device 102 will be described later.

[0024] The paper data management device 100 is a control device that manages the paper data held in the image forming device 102, and is configured by a computer such as a PC. The paper data held in the image forming device 102 includes paper type data corresponding to each of a plurality of paper types, and is managed by the paper data management device 100. For example, the paper data management device 100 can add or delete paper data for each paper type to / from the image forming device 102. Further, the paper data management device 100 has an editing function for the user to edit the paper data.

[0025] When the paper data management device 100 edits paper data, it acquires the paper data held in the image forming apparatus 102, executes an editing process on the acquired paper data, and updates the paper data. The updated paper data is distributed from the paper data management device 100 to the image forming apparatus 102, and the paper data in the image forming apparatus 102 is updated. Details of the functions of the paper data management device 100 will be described later.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 102 includes a CPU 200, a ROM 201, a RAM 202, an HDD 203, a communication I / F 204, a printing unit 205, an operation unit 206, and a sensor unit 208.

[0027] The CPU 200 comprehensively controls each part of the image forming apparatus 102. The CPU 200 calls a control program or the like stored in the program ROM of the ROM 201 or a control program or the like stored in the HDD (hard disk) 203, expands it in the RAM 202, and executes processing based on the program. When performing calibration, the CPU 200 prints a color patch by the printing unit 205, and reads the density value of the color patch by the sensor unit 208. The CPU 200 creates a lookup table for correcting the read density value to a target density value (calibration target value), and stores it in the HDD 203 for each paper type. Hereinafter, this lookup table is referred to as correction data or the result of calibration.

[0028] At this time, the CPU 200 stores the correction data in the HDD 203 in association with the application range of the correction data. When the "calibration type" of the calibration execution paper is "individual", the CPU 200 stores the application range of the correction data as dedicated to the execution paper. When the "calibration type" of the calibration execution paper is "common", the CPU 200 stores the application range of the correction data as paper common that can be applied to all papers for which calibration has not been performed.

[0029] When the CPU 200 performs printing on the same type of paper as the calibration execution paper, it acquires the stored correction data from the HDD 203, corrects the print data, and applies it to the print data. The CPU 200 outputs, as output information to the printing unit 205, an image signal generated from the print data corrected using the above-described correction data to the printing unit 205.

[0030] Although an example in which the correction data obtained by calibration is stored in the HDD 203 in association with the application range has been shown, the density values obtained by calibration may be stored in the HDD 203 in association with the application range. In this case, the CPU 200 acquires the density values from the HDD 203 at the time of printing, creates a lookup table for correcting to the target density value (calibration target value), and applies it to the print data.

[0031] The CPU 200 can perform communication processing with the paper data management device 100 via the communication I / F 204 and can transmit the information in the image forming apparatus 102 to the paper data management device 100.

[0032] The ROM 201 is a non-volatile storage area and holds programs and an OS (Operating System) according to this embodiment. The RAM 202 is a volatile or non-volatile memory and functions as the main memory of the CPU 200 and a work area, etc. The RAM 202 can also expand the memory capacity with an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). Note that the RAM 202 is also used as an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, etc. when performing printing according to a print job. The HDD (hard disk) 203 is a storage device and stores font data, paper data, print jobs, etc. Note that instead of the HDD 203, another type of storage device such as an SSD may be used.

[0033] The operation unit 206 includes an input unit including a touch panel, various keys, buttons, etc., and a display unit such as a display. A user can input operations to the image forming apparatus 102 or display various information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 102 via the operation unit 206. The communication I / F 204 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data with an external device. The external device includes a paper data management apparatus 100.

[0034] The printing unit 205 includes a recording head that discharges ink, a tank that supplies ink to the recording head, a paper feeding unit that feeds paper, a conveying unit that conveys paper, and the like. The printing unit 205 forms an image by discharging ink onto the paper conveyed to a position facing the head according to the print data supplied from the CPU 200. After the image is formed on the paper, the paper is conveyed along the conveyance path and discharged from the paper discharge port through processes such as drying, curing, and cooling. The sensor unit 208 includes various sensors such as a colorimetric sensor that detects the density value of a color patch during calibration execution, a sensor that measures the reflectance for measuring the glossiness of paper, a sensor that detects the remaining ink amount in the tank, and a sensor that detects the conveyance position of the paper. The detection signal detected by the sensor unit 208 is input to the CPU 200.

[0035] In the image forming apparatus 102 of the present embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the CPU 200 controls each unit connected to the system bus 207 via the system bus 207. Each unit included in the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 4 described later can be configured as a program module. In this case, for example, each program module is stored in the ROM 201 or the HDD 203. Each program module read into the RAM 202 by the CPU 200 is executed by the CPU 200.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer used as the sheet data management device 100. Note that the configuration of the sheet data management device 100 is not limited to the example in FIG. 3, and different configurations may be used. The computer has a CPU 300, a ROM 301, a RAM 302, an HDD 303, a keyboard controller 304, a display controller 305, a communication I / F 306, etc. inside 308. Each internal part is connected to the CPU 300 via a system bus 307.

[0037] The CPU 300 reads various programs such as control programs, system programs, and application programs from the ROM 301 or the HDD 303 into the RAM 302. The CPU 300 executes the various programs read into the RAM 302 to perform various data processes. The CPU 300 may be a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC. The CPU 300 is an example of a hardware circuit or a hardware processor.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the CPU 300 of the sheet data management device 100 executes processes for managing and editing the sheet data used in the image forming apparatus 102. In the process for managing and editing the sheet data, the CPU 300 acquires the sheet data held in the image forming apparatus 102 via the communication I / F 306 and expands it in the RAM 302. The CPU 300 performs various processes including editing on the sheet data expanded in the RAM 302, and transmits (distributes) it to the image forming apparatus 102 via the communication I / F 306 again. Details of the editing process of the sheet data will be described later.

[0039] The ROM 301, the RAM 302, the HDD 303, and the communication I / F 306 are the same as the above-described ROM 201, the RAM 202, the HDD 203, and the communication I / F 204.

[0040] The keyboard controller 304 controls inputs from a keyboard 309, a pointing device (not shown), etc. The display controller 305 controls the display on the display 310.

[0041] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the CPU 300 controls each part connected to the system bus 307 via the system bus 307. Each functional block of the paper data management device 100 shown in FIG. 4 to be described later can be configured as a program module. In this case, for example, each program module is stored in the ROM 301 or the HDD 303. Each program module read into the RAM 302 by the CPU 300 is executed by the CPU 300 to realize respective functions.

[0042] (Functional Configuration) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to this embodiment. As described above, in the control system, the paper data management device 100 and the image forming apparatus 102 are communicatively connected via the network 105. Hereinafter, the functions of each device will be described in the order of the paper data management device 100 and the image forming apparatus 102.

[0043] First, the functional configuration of the paper data management device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the paper data management device 100 includes a paper data setting unit 401, a paper data communication unit 402, an image forming apparatus management unit 403, a distribution unit 404, and the like.

[0044] The paper data setting unit 401 has a function of editing paper data. The editing function of the paper data includes, for example, addition, deletion, new creation, change, etc. of the paper data.

[0045] In the paper data addition function, the paper data setting unit 401 acquires paper type data corresponding to various paper types distributed by a Web server via the Internet, and adds the acquired paper type data to the image forming apparatus 102. Note that the paper data setting unit 401 may acquire the paper type data via a storage medium such as a CD-ROM without using the Internet. The paper data and the paper type data will be described later (FIG. 5).

[0046] In the paper data deletion function, the paper data setting unit 401 deletes the paper data registered in the paper data management unit 412 of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0047] In the new paper data creation function, the paper data setting unit 401 accepts the selection of reference paper type data from the paper type data obtained by the above-mentioned addition function, and creates new paper type data based on the selected paper type data. In this way, the paper type data created by the user is called custom paper. When printing is executed using any paper that is different in type from the paper already added to the paper data, the user creates custom paper using the new paper data creation function. The reference paper type data (hereinafter referred to as the reference paper) for the custom paper is preferably paper with similar paper quality, paper weight, paper thickness, etc.

[0048] When creating a new custom paper, the paper data setting unit 401 copies the paper type data 510 of the reference paper and then creates it by changing some data in the following procedure. (1) First, the paper data setting unit 401 newly creates a paper ID that can be uniquely identified within the paper data, and changes the value of the paper ID 512 in the paper type data 510 of the custom paper to the newly created paper ID. (2) Next, the paper data setting unit 401 changes the value of the paper name 515 in the paper type data 510. The paper data setting unit 401 displays, for example, a UI (user interface) for setting the paper name on the display 310, and sets the paper name specified by the user via the UI to the paper name 515 in the copied paper type data 510. (3) Further, the paper data setting unit 401 changes the value of the paper category 521 in the paper type data 510 to the value "custom" indicating that it is a custom paper. (4) Also, since the custom paper does not have exactly the same characteristics as the reference paper, the paper data setting unit 401 deletes the value of the calibration target value 520 in the paper type data 510 and sets "not created" in the calibration type 522.

[0049] The paper data setting unit 401 adds the paper type data 510 with the above changes to the paper data, and adds the paper ID newly created in the above step (1) to the paper ID list 500. Thereby, a prototype of the paper type data 510 of the custom paper is created. For this prototype, the paper data setting unit 401 accepts editing by user operations.

[0050] In the editing process of the custom paper, the paper data setting unit 401 accepts, for example, user adjustment of printing device parameters 519 such as the paper feed amount and the ink injection amount. In addition, the paper data setting unit 401 accepts setting of a new calibration target value for the custom paper. When the user performs an operation to create a calibration target value 520 of the custom paper via the UI for setting the calibration target value, the paper data setting unit 401 sets a new value to the calibration target value 520 of the custom paper. Thereafter, the paper data setting unit 401 sets the value of the calibration type 522.

[0051] In the present disclosure, the paper data setting unit 401 determines whether the target paper is a custom paper for which the user can edit information related to the paper. If it is a custom paper, the calibration type 522 is set to either "common" or "individual". In the first embodiment, the calibration type 522 of the custom paper is set to either "common" or "individual" according to a user-specified operation. The calibration type 522 is a parameter for determining the application range of the calibration result. When the calibration type 522 is set to "common", common calibration is executed, and the result of the calibration is applied not only to the calibration execution paper but also to other types of papers other than the calibration execution paper. When the calibration type 522 is set to "individual", individual calibration is executed, and the result of the calibration is dedicated to the same type of paper as the calibration execution paper and is not applied to other types of papers.

[0052] In addition, when the paper data setting unit 401 satisfies the following conditions, it accepts the setting of the calibration type 522 of the custom paper. The conditions in the first embodiment are that at least the target paper is a paper on which color calibration can be performed, and a value is set in the calibration target value 520 of the paper type data 510 of the custom paper. Whether the target paper is a paper on which the calibration result can be applied to other types of papers other than the calibration execution paper is determined by the user's judgment and operation in the first embodiment.

[0053] When the paper data setting unit 401 satisfies the above-described conditions, the user can select either "common" or "individual" for the calibration type 522. When the above-described conditions are not satisfied, the paper data setting unit 401 allows the user to select only "individual" for the calibration type 522 and does not accept the selection of "common".

[0054] The paper data setting unit 401 preferably provides a UI 800 for setting the calibration type 522 of the custom paper. When the paper data setting unit 401 satisfies the above conditions, the display state of the UI 800 is set to a display state (first display state) in which either "common calibration" or "individual calibration" can be selected. When the above conditions are not satisfied, the display state of the UI 800 is set to a display state (second display state) in which only "individual calibration" can be selected and "common calibration" cannot be selected. A specific example of the UI 800 will be described later (Figure 8).

[0055] In addition, the paper data setting unit 401 also accepts the user's change of the calibration type 522 for existing custom papers in the paper data editing function. For example, a custom paper with the calibration type 522 set to "individual" can be changed to "common".

[0056] Furthermore, the paper data setting unit 401 also accepts settings such as changing the order of paper names in the paper list displayed on the image forming apparatus 102 and switching the display / non-display of paper names for custom paper and paper type data other than custom paper.

[0057] The paper data communication unit 402 has a function of receiving paper data held by the paper data management apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 102 via the network 105 and transmitting paper data to the image forming apparatus 102. The paper data communication unit 402 performs data transmission and reception with the image forming apparatus 102 using, for example, the HTTP protocol. Note that any protocol capable of data transmission and reception between devices may be used, not limited to the HTTP protocol.

[0058] The image forming apparatus management unit 403 manages the image forming apparatuses 102 communicatively connected to the paper data management apparatus 100. For example, the image forming apparatus management unit 403 transmits a broadcast packet to the network 105 and inquires whether a predetermined function exists for one or more of the image forming apparatuses 102, 102,... that respond. If a predetermined function exists, the image forming apparatus management unit 403 registers the identification information (such as device ID) of the image forming apparatus 102 in image forming apparatus list data (not shown). The predetermined function is, for example, a paper data management function, a calibration function, etc. When inquiring about a predetermined function to the image forming apparatus 102, for example, the HTTP protocol is used, but it is not limited to the HTTP protocol, and any protocol may be used as long as information can be exchanged between devices.

[0059] The distribution unit 404 distributes the paper data set by the paper data setting unit 401 to the image forming apparatuses 102 managed by the image forming apparatus management unit 403 via the paper data communication unit 402.

[0060] Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 102 includes a paper data communication unit 411, a paper data management unit 412, a calibration control unit 413, a sensor unit 414, a printing unit 415, a print job communication unit 416, and the like.

[0061] The paper data communication unit 411 transmits and receives paper data managed by the paper data management unit 412 to and from the paper data management apparatus 100 via the network 105.

[0062] The paper data management unit 412 holds the paper data shown in FIG. 5. The paper data held by the paper data management unit 412 is displayed on the operation unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 102 or used by the calibration control unit 413 and the printing unit 415.

[0063] The calibration control unit 413 performs calibration using an arbitrary sheet of paper. The calibration control unit 413 prints a color patch using the paper type data corresponding to the paper used for calibration among the paper data held by the paper data management unit 412. Then, the density value of the patch printing result is acquired, and a lookup table (correction data) for correcting the density value to a target density value (calibration target value) is created and stored in the HDD 203 as a result of calibration. At the time of printing, this correction data is applied to the print data. When storing the result of calibration in the HDD 203, the calibration control unit 413 stores it in association with the application range of the calibration result (the first range common to papers or the second range dedicated to the execution paper).

[0064] The sensor unit 414 measures the density value of the printing result when performing calibration and when creating the calibration target value for custom paper.

[0065] The print job communication unit 416 receives print job data transmitted from a print job generation apparatus (not shown) via the network 105. The printing unit 415 performs printing based on the print job data received by the print job communication unit 416. The printing unit 415 corrects the print data included in the print job data using the above-described correction data, and performs printing by applying the corrected print data to the paper type data held by the paper data management unit 412.

[0066] (Paper data) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of paper data. The paper data is held by the paper data management unit 412 of the image forming apparatus 102. Also, the paper data can be edited by the paper data setting unit 401 of the paper data management apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the paper data includes a paper ID list 500 and one or more types of paper type data 510a, 510b,....

[0067] The paper type data 510a, 510b,... are data in which information regarding the paper is stored for different types of paper. In the following description, when not distinguishing the individual paper type data 510a, 510b,..., the symbol 510 shall be used. The paper type data 510 includes information such as a model ID 511, a paper ID 512, a version 513, an update date and time 514, a paper name 515, a non-display attribute 516, print setting items 517, a lookup table for image processing 518, print device parameters 519, a calibration target value 520, a paper category 521, and a calibration type 522.

[0068] The paper ID list 500 is data for managing a plurality of types of paper type data 510a, 510b,... and has information such as a model ID 501, a version 502, an update date and time 503, paper IDs 504a, 504b,....

[0069] The model ID 501 is information for identifying the model of the image forming apparatus 102. When the image forming apparatus 102 receives the paper ID list 500 from the paper data management apparatus 100, it determines whether the received paper ID list 500 matches the model ID of the image forming apparatus 102. If a paper ID list 500 with a different model ID is received, the image forming apparatus 102 discards the received paper data. Thereafter, for example, it displays that paper data not supported by the operation unit 206 has been received.

[0070] The version 502 indicates the version of the data format of the paper ID list 500. The image forming apparatus 102 determines whether the version 502 described in the paper ID list 500 sent from the paper data management apparatus 100 matches the version described in the paper ID list already existing in the image forming apparatus 102. If the version 502 of the received paper ID list 500 is different from the version supported by the image forming apparatus 102, the image forming apparatus 102 discards the received paper data. Thereafter, for example, it displays that paper data of a non-supported version has been received. Note that since the version 502 of the paper ID list 500 is the version of the data format, it is not changed by adding or editing the paper type data 510.

[0071] The update date and time 503 indicates the date and time when the paper ID list 500 was updated. The paper IDs 504a, 504b,... are the paper IDs 512 of at least one or more paper type data 510a, 510b,... included in the paper data. The order of the paper names in the paper list displayed on the operation unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 102 is controlled by the order in which the paper ID list 500 holds two or more paper IDs 504a, 504b,....

[0072] Next, the content of the paper type data 510 will be described. The model ID 511 is set to the same value as the model ID 501 in the paper ID list 500. When the image forming apparatus 102 receives the paper type data 510 from the paper data management apparatus 100, it determines whether the paper type data 510 matches the model ID of the image forming apparatus 102. If it receives paper type data 510 with a different model ID, the image forming apparatus 102 discards the received paper data. Thereafter, for example, it displays that paper data not corresponding to the operation unit 206 has been received.

[0073] The paper ID 512 has the same value as any of the paper IDs 504 stored in the paper ID list 500. The version 513 indicates the version of the data format of the paper type data 510. The image forming apparatus 102 determines whether the version 513 of the paper type data 510 received from the paper data management apparatus 100 is equal to or higher than the version of the paper type data already existing in the image forming apparatus 102. If the version 513 of the received paper type data 510 is an older version, the received paper type data 510 is discarded. This process is for preventing a downgrade to paper type data with an older version. Thereafter, for example, it displays that paper data of a version not corresponding to the operation unit 206 has been received.

[0074] The update date and time 514 indicates the date and time when the paper type data was updated. The paper name 515 is the paper name of the paper type data 510 and includes paper names in at least one language or more. The non-display attribute 516 has a flag set to indicate whether to display the paper name 515 in the paper list displayed on the operation unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 102. If a flag indicating "do not display" is set for the non-display attribute 516, the paper name 515 is not displayed in the paper list of the operation unit 206.

[0075] The print setting items 517 indicate various print setting information available in the paper type data 510. For example, as print purposes, it includes settable information such as photos, CAD drawings, etc. The lookup table 518 for image processing is various image processing tables used during printing. For example, it includes tables for decomposing by ink color and the like. Since the lookup table for image processing is used during printing, it is also used during patch printing when calibration is executed.

[0076] The printing device parameters 519 are a group of mechanical parameters of the printing unit 205 of the image forming apparatus 102, and include, for example, data such as the head height and the paper feed amount. The calibration target value 520 is data that is the target when performing calibration using the paper in the image forming apparatus 102, and for each ink color, a density value corresponding to the ink injection amount (number of dots) is set. Note that the calibration target value 520 is deleted from the prototype of the newly created custom paper (paper type data copied from the reference paper), and is newly created according to the operation by the user in the editing of the custom paper. When the paper data of the image forming apparatus 102 is updated to paper data including the paper type data 510 for which the calibration target value 520 was created, the calibration of the custom paper becomes executable.

[0077] The paper category 521 is information indicating a group of similar paper types, such as plain paper, coated paper, photo paper, etc. Also, custom paper is categorized as "custom".

[0078] Calibration type 522 is information indicating the applicable range of the calibration result. When the applicable range of the calibration result can be commonly applied (first range) to the target paper (the paper on which calibration is performed) and other papers of different types, "common" is set for the calibration type 522. When the calibration result cannot be applied (second range) to papers of different types from the target paper, "individual" is set for the calibration type 522. Conventionally, the calibration type 522 for custom papers was limited to "individual", but in this embodiment, "common" can be set at the user's discretion for custom papers as well. This enables printing by applying the calibration result of custom papers to other types of papers. The method for setting the applicable range of the calibration result will be described later.

[0079] (Overall flow of the paper data editing function) Next, the paper data editing process executed by the paper data management device 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the paper data editing process. The process shown in this flowchart is described in a program stored in the ROM 301 or HDD 303 of the paper data management device 100. The program is called by the CPU 300, expanded in the RAM 302, and executed by the CPU 300. In the paper data management device 100, when the user instructs the start of editing of paper data, the CPU 300 starts this process. In the following description, the symbol "S" means step.

[0080] In S601, the CPU 300 of the paper data management device 100 searches for the image forming device 102 existing in the control system shown in FIG. 1. In S602, the CPU 300 acquires the paper data held by the searched image forming device 102.

[0081] In S603, the CPU 300 executes the editing process of the acquired paper data. In the editing process of S603, the CPU 300 executes, for example, the editing process of custom paper. In the editing process of custom paper, the CPU 300 accepts the setting of the calibration type 522 of the custom paper by the user. Details of the process will be described later. In S604, the CPU 300 distributes the edited paper ID list 500 and paper type data 510 to the original image forming apparatus 102, and ends this flowchart.

[0082] Here, among the editing processes of custom paper executed in S603, the setting process of the calibration type will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the calibration type of custom paper in the editing process of paper data. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the paper data setting unit 401 (CPU 300) of the paper data management apparatus 100.

[0083] In S701, the CPU 300 displays a screen on which a paper list is displayed, and accepts the selection by the user of the paper to be edited. The CPU 300 refers to the paper type data 510 of the paper to be edited selected by the user. In S702, the CPU 300 determines whether or not the paper category 521 of the paper type data 510 to be edited is "custom paper". If it is "custom paper", the process proceeds to S703. If it is not "custom paper", the process proceeds to S708, and the process shifts to the editing process of papers other than custom paper. In the editing process of papers other than custom paper, editing such as the paper name and the order of papers in the paper list is possible.

[0084] In S703, the CPU 300 determines whether or not a value is set in the calibration target value 520 of the paper type data 510 to be edited. If a value is set in the calibration target value 520, the process proceeds to S704. If no value is set in the calibration target value 520, the process proceeds to S705.

[0085] In S704, the CPU 300 can set the value of the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 to be edited to either "common" or "individual". Specifically, the CPU 300 displays a UI 800 for setting the calibration type 522.

[0086] (UI for setting the calibration type) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the UI 800 for setting the calibration type. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a setting column 804 for the calibration type is provided in the "Calibration Target" tab 802 of the custom paper editing screen (UI 800). Candidates for the calibration type are displayed in the setting column 804 in, for example, a pull-down list format. Also, the type of paper (paper name) 801 to be calibrated is displayed like "Custom Glossy Paper". Further, an "Execute" button 803 operated by the user when creating a calibration target and a "Cancel" 804 operated when returning to the previous screen are displayed.

[0087] In S704, the CPU 300 displays both "Individual Calibration" and "Common Calibration" in the pull-down list of the setting column 804 of the UI 800. Thereby, the user can select and set the calibration type 522 of the custom paper to be edited selected in S701 to either "individual" or "common".

[0088] Return to the description of FIG. 7. If the paper category 521 of the paper type data 510 is "custom paper" but the calibration target value 520 is not set, the process proceeds to S705. In S705, the CPU 300 enables the value of the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 to be set only to "individual". Specifically, the CPU 300 represents the UI 800 for setting the calibration type 522, and only "individual calibration" is displayed in the pull-down list of the setting field 804 as a selection candidate. As a result, the user can set the calibration type 522 of the custom paper to be edited, which was selected in S701, only as "individual", and cannot be set as "common".

[0089] In S706, the CPU 300 accepts the selection of the calibration type from the pull-down list in the setting field 804 of the UI 800. When the update button 805 of the UI 800 is operated in a state where the calibration type is selected, the process proceeds to S707. When the cancel button 806 is operated, the process returns to the previous screen (paper list display screen).

[0090] In S707, the CPU 300 updates the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 according to the setting selected by the user and ends this flowchart.

[0091] Through the above processing, the calibration type 522 of the custom paper is set to either "common" or "individual" by the user's operation. When the calibration type 522 is "common", the result of calibration performed using the custom paper to be edited can also be commonly applied to other papers. On the other hand, when the calibration type 522 is "individual", the result of calibration performed using the custom paper to be edited is not applied to other papers and is applied only to the dedicated custom paper. In this way, for the custom paper to be edited, the application range of the calibration result is set according to the user's judgment.

[0092] (Calibration Process) Next, the calibration process executed by the image forming apparatus 102 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the calibration process. The process shown in this flowchart is described in a program stored in the ROM 201 or the HDD 203 of the image forming apparatus 102. The program is called by the CPU 200, expanded in the RAM 202, and executed by the CPU 200. Also, it is assumed that paper data including the paper type data 510 of the custom paper created in the paper data management apparatus 100 is distributed to the image forming apparatus 102 and stored in the HDD 203 of the image forming apparatus 102. When a calibration execution instruction is input by the user via the operation unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 102, the CPU 200 starts this process. Note that the paper to be calibrated is custom paper. Also, it is assumed that the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 is set to either "individual" or "common" before the calibration process shown in this flowchart is started.

[0093] In S901, the calibration control unit 413 (CPU 200) prints a color patch and acquires a density value. Specifically, the CPU 201 gives a patch printing instruction to the printing unit 205. When the patch is printed in the printing unit 205, the density value of the print result is detected by the sensor unit 208 and input to the CPU 200.

[0094] In S902, the CPU 200 determines whether the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 used during calibration is "common". If the calibration type 522 is not "common", the process proceeds to S903. In S903, the CPU 200 stores the calibration result in the HDD 203 as dedicated to the paper (second range) for which calibration was executed. The calibration result is the density value acquired in S901, or a look-up table (correction data) determined from the density value and the calibration target value.

[0095] In the determination of S902, if the calibration type 522 is "common", the process proceeds to S904. In S904, the CPU 200 stores the calibration result in the HDD 203 as paper common (first range), and ends this flowchart.

[0096] Note that although the correction data is stored in the HDD 203 as the calibration result, the density value may also be stored. In that case, at the time of print execution, a lookup table (correction data) determined from the density value and the calibration target value is created and applied to the print data. Also, although an example in which the storage destination of the calibration result is the HDD 203 of the image forming apparatus 102 is shown, the storage destination is not limited to the HDD 203, and any storage area in which the stored data is retained and can be acquired at the time of print execution may be used.

[0097] When the CPU 200 executes printing of the print job received by the print job communication unit 416, the above-described calibration result is applied to the print data. Thereby, color matching by color calibration is realized.

[0098] As described above, the image forming apparatus 102 can execute calibration based on the calibration type 522 included in the paper type data 510 set by the user in the paper data management apparatus 100. That is, even for custom paper, if the calibration type 522 is set to "common", the application range of the calibration result can be held as information of paper common (first range). Therefore, for a paper determined to be suitable for common calibration by the user's judgment, the user can operate it as a common calibration paper by editing the value of the calibration type 522 in the paper type data 510. In this way, for custom paper as well, the result of color calibration can be commonly applied to other papers, so the range of operation forms of paper data is expanded and convenience is improved.

[0099] Note that each function (such as the paper data setting unit 401 and the paper data communication unit 402) of the paper data management device 100 shown in FIG. 4 may be configured as a component of the image forming apparatus 102. Also, the display example of the UI and the data configuration of the paper type data are just examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, when a value is not set for the calibration target value 520, "individual" can be set for the calibration type 522. However, since calibration is not possible, it may be made unacceptable to change the calibration type. That is, the pull-down list in the setting field 804 of the UI 800 may be grayed out or hidden, and the calibration type 522 may remain "unset", which is the initial value when creating a template for custom paper. In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the user sets the application range (calibration type 522) of the calibration result before executing the calibration process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. After the calibration is executed, the user may edit the paper type data 510 to set the application range (calibration type 522) of the calibration result. In that case, the CPU 300 updates the paper data (paper type data) stored in the HDD 203 of the image forming apparatus 200 to the edited information. Also, the CPU 300 updates the application range of the calibration result (correction value data) stored in the HDD 203 to the edited information.

[0101] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, for any custom paper in which the calibration target value 520 is set in the paper type data 510, the user can change the calibration type 522 to "common" at his or her discretion. Also, the condition for the paper data setting unit 401 to accept the setting of the calibration type 522 for custom paper is that the target paper is a paper for which calibration can be executed and the calibration target value 520 is set.

[0102] In the second embodiment, further, predetermined conditions regarding the physical property information of the custom paper are determined, and based on the determination result, the calibration type 522 can be changed to "common". That is, in the second embodiment, the paper for which the calibration type 522 can be changed to "common" is restricted by the physical property information of the paper.

[0103] Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the control system, the image forming apparatus 102, and the paper data management apparatus 100 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0104] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of paper data in the second embodiment. The paper data is held in the paper data management unit 412 of the image forming apparatus 102 and can be edited by the paper data setting unit 401 of the paper data management apparatus 100, similar to the first embodiment. The difference from the paper data of the first embodiment is that the paper type data 510 has information on the common calibration paper suitability 1000.

[0105] The common calibration paper suitability 1000 is information indicating whether the target paper can be used as a common calibration paper when the target paper is a custom paper. When the target custom paper can be used as a common calibration paper, information indicating "yes" is set. When the target custom paper cannot be used as a common calibration paper, information indicating "no" is set.

[0106] In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the common calibration paper suitability 1000 is preset in the paper type data 510 of the reference paper of the custom paper. As described above, in creating a new custom paper, the CPU 300 copies the paper type data 510 of the reference paper. Therefore, the value of the common calibration paper suitability 1000 set in the paper type data 510 of the reference paper is set in the common calibration paper suitability 1000 of the custom paper.

[0107] Even for third - party - made paper, if it is glossy paper or semi - glossy paper that is difficult to cockle, set "Yes" in advance for the common calibration paper suitability 1000. Thereby, for custom paper as well, the common calibration paper suitability 1000 corresponding to the reference paper is set.

[0108] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the calibration type of custom paper in the second embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the paper data setting unit 401 (CPU 300) of the paper data management device 100 in S603 of FIG. 6. Note that the process of FIG. 11 is a flowchart in which a new step S1101 is added between S703 and S704 of FIG. 7. That is, the processes other than S1101 are the same as those in FIG. 7. In FIG. 11, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart of FIG. 7 are assigned to the same steps as in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0109] First, in S701 to S703, the CPU 300 receives the selection of the paper to be edited from the paper list, and determines whether the paper to be edited is custom paper and whether the calibration target value 520 is set. If it is not custom paper, it proceeds to S708. If it is custom paper but the calibration target value 520 is not set, it proceeds to S705. If it is custom paper and the calibration target value 520 is set, it proceeds to S1101.

[0110] In S1101, the CPU 300 determines whether the common calibration paper suitability 1000 of the paper type data 510 of the paper to be edited is set to "Yes". If it is set to "Yes", it proceeds to S704. If it is set to "No", it proceeds to S705.

[0111] That is, when the common calibration paper suitability 1000 is set to "Yes", in S704, the CPU 300 can set the value of the calibration type 522 in the paper type data 510 to either "common" or "individual". Specifically, the CPU 300 displays a UI 800 (Fig. 8) for setting the calibration type 522, and both "individual calibration" and "common calibration" are displayed in the pull-down list of the calibration type setting field 804.

[0112] When the common calibration paper suitability 1000 is set to "No", in S705, the CPU 300 can only set the value of the calibration type 522 in the paper type data 510 to "individual". Specifically, in the UI 800, the CPU 300 only displays "individual calibration" in the pull-down list of the calibration type setting field 804 and does not display "common calibration".

[0113] After that, in S706, the CPU 300 accepts the user's selection of the calibration type. In S707, the CPU 300 updates the calibration type 522 in the paper type data 510 according to the setting selected by the user and ends this flowchart.

[0114] By the process of the second embodiment, for a custom paper with the common calibration paper suitability 1000 set to "No", only the paper type data 510 with its calibration type 522 being "individual" can be created. On the other hand, for a custom paper with the common calibration paper suitability 1000 set to "Yes", the calibration type 522 can be set to "common". Note that when the common calibration paper suitability 1000 is set to "Yes", it is also possible to set the calibration type 522 to "individual" by the user's selection.

[0115] As described above, in the second embodiment, the papers for which the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 can be changed to "common" are restricted based on the information of the common calibration paper suitability 1000. Thereby, similar to the first embodiment, for custom papers, it becomes possible to set the applicable range of the calibration result according to the user's judgment. Also, for custom papers without common calibration paper suitability, since only "individual" can be selected for the calibration type 522, it is possible to prevent the execution of common calibration using papers that are not suitable as common calibration papers. Therefore, custom papers can be appropriately used as common calibration papers. Note that each function of the paper data management device 100 in this embodiment may be configured as a component of the image forming apparatus 102.

[0116] <Third Embodiment> In the second embodiment, as the physical property information of the custom paper, the common calibration paper suitability of the custom paper was determined based on the value of the common calibration paper suitability 1000 preset in the paper type data 510. Also, the information of the common calibration paper suitability 1000 was the same as the information preset in the paper type data 510 of the reference paper of the custom paper.

[0117] In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the paper data management device 100 sets the common calibration paper suitability 1000 based on the actual physical property information of the custom paper to be edited. Also, the paper data management device 100 sets the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 of the custom paper to be edited based on the value of the common calibration paper suitability 1000.

[0118] Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 102A according to the third embodiment. The image forming apparatus 102A includes a reflectance measurement unit 1201 in addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment. Other configurations other than the reflectance measurement unit 1201 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Further, the system configuration of the control system and the hardware configuration of the paper data management apparatus 100 in the third embodiment are also the same as those in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 3). In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0119] The reflectance measurement unit 1201 measures the reflectance of the paper during paper feeding. A plurality of reflectance measurement units 1201 may be arranged for each paper feed port of the image forming apparatus 102, or only one may be arranged at a predetermined position. When only one is arranged, the CPU 200 may be configured to control such that the paper is always loaded at the position where the reflectance measurement unit 1201 is arranged. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the user sets the paper at the position where the reflectance measurement unit 1201 is arranged. Note that "during paper feeding" means a state in which the paper is set in the image forming apparatus 102. That is, it means that there is paper to be targeted in the image forming apparatus 102.

[0120] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the paper data management apparatus 100A and the image forming apparatus 102A are connected via a network 105. The difference from the control system (FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment is that the paper data management apparatus 100A includes a paper feed information acquisition unit 1301, and the image forming apparatus 102A includes a paper feed information management unit 1311 and a physical property information acquisition unit 1312. In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment.

[0121] The paper data setting unit 401 of the paper data management apparatus 100A acquires information related to the paper of the paper being fed in the image forming apparatus 102 from the paper feed information acquisition unit 1301. Information related to the paper includes the type of paper (paper ID) and physical property information in the third embodiment.

[0122] The paper supply information acquisition unit 1301 receives information regarding the paper being fed from the image forming apparatus 102A via the network 105.

[0123] When the paper supply information management unit 1311 of the image forming apparatus 102A receives a request from the paper supply information acquisition unit 1301 of the paper data management apparatus 100A via the network 105, it transmits the type of the paper being fed or the glossiness of the paper being fed. The glossiness is calculated by the paper supply information management unit 1311 based on the reflectance acquired from the physical property information acquisition unit 1312.

[0124] The physical property information acquisition unit 1312 acquires the reflectance of the paper being fed measured by the reflectance measurement unit 1201 and transmits it to the paper supply information management unit 1311.

[0125] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the calibration application range for custom paper in the third embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the paper data setting unit 401 (CPU 300) of the paper data management apparatus 100A in S603 of FIG. 6. Note that the process of FIG. 14 is a flowchart in which new steps S1401 to S1404 are added between S703 and S704 of FIG. 7. That is, the processes other than S1401 to S1404 are the same as those in FIG. 7. In FIG. 14, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart of FIG. 7 are assigned to the same steps as in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0126] First, in S701 to S703, the CPU 300 receives the selection of the paper to be edited from the paper list, and determines whether the paper to be edited is custom paper and whether the calibration target value 520 is set. If it is not custom paper, the process proceeds to S708. If it is custom paper but the calibration target value 520 is not set, the process proceeds to S705. If it is custom paper and the calibration target value 520 is set, the process proceeds to S1401.

[0127] In S1401, the CPU 300 determines whether the common calibration paper suitability 1000 of the paper type data 510 to be edited is set to "Yes". If it is set to "Yes", the process proceeds to S1402. If it is set to "No", the process proceeds to S705.

[0128] When the common calibration paper suitability 1000 is set to "Yes", in S1402, the CPU 300 determines whether the custom paper to be edited is being fed. That is, the CPU 300 (paper feed information acquisition unit 1301) sends a request to acquire paper feed information to the image forming apparatus 102A. The request to acquire paper feed information includes a request to acquire the paper ID and glossiness of the paper to be edited. When the CPU 200 (paper feed information management unit 1311) of the image forming apparatus 102A receives the request to acquire paper feed information, it first determines whether the paper ID of the paper being fed matches the paper ID included in the request to acquire paper feed information. If the paper IDs do not match, as a response to the request to acquire paper feed information, information indicating that the paper IDs do not match is sent. When the CPU 300 (paper feed information acquisition unit 1301) receives the information indicating that the paper IDs do not match, the process proceeds to S704. The processing after S704 is the same as the processing after S704 in FIG. 7.

[0129] If the paper IDs match, that is, if the custom paper to be edited is being fed, the process proceeds to S1403. In S1403, the physical property information acquisition unit 1312 of the image forming apparatus 102A acquires the reflectance of the paper being fed and sends it to the paper feed information management unit 1311. The paper feed information management unit 1311 (CPU 200) calculates the glossiness based on the JIS standard from the acquired reflectance. The paper feed information management unit 1311 sends the calculated glossiness to the paper data management apparatus 100A as a response to the request to acquire paper feed information.

[0130] In S1404, the paper feed information acquisition unit 1301 (CPU 300) of the paper data management device 100A compares the acquired glossiness with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is a glossiness appropriate for the "common calibration paper", and is, for example, a value serving as a criterion for determining whether it is glossy paper or not. Glossy paper is a paper with high color development and can be said to have suitability for common calibration paper. For example, it is assumed that an appropriate value such as "50" is determined in advance as the reference glossiness of the glossy paper. Note that the value of the reference glossiness is not limited to 50, and other values may be used.

[0131] In the determination of S1404, if the acquired glossiness does not exceed the threshold value (S1404; NO), it is determined that the paper does not have suitability for common calibration paper, and the process proceeds to S705. In the determination of S1404, if the acquired glossiness is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S1404; YES), it is determined that the suitability as common calibration paper is satisfied, and the process proceeds to S704.

[0132] That is, when the suitability 1000 for common calibration paper is set to "Yes", in S704, the CPU 300 can set the value of the calibration type 522 in the paper type data 510 to either "common" or "individual". Specifically, the CPU 300 displays a UI 800 (FIG. 8) for setting the calibration type 522, and displays both "individual calibration" and "common calibration" in the pull-down list in the setting field 804 for the calibration type.

[0133] When the suitability 1000 for common calibration paper is set to "No", in S705, the CPU 300 can set the value of the calibration type 522 in the paper type data 510 only to "individual". Specifically, in the UI 800, the CPU 300 displays only "individual calibration" in the pull-down list in the setting field 804 for the calibration type, and does not display "common calibration".

[0134] After that, in S706, the CPU 300 receives the selection of the calibration type by the user. In S707, the CPU 300 updates the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 according to the setting selected by the user, and ends this flowchart.

[0135] As described above, in the third embodiment, the paper data management device 100A acquires the glossiness of the paper as the physical paper property information of the paper to be edited, and controls the application range of calibration based on the acquired glossiness. Thereby, in addition to the effects in the second embodiment, it becomes possible to determine the suitability of the common calibration paper with high accuracy. Note that each function of the paper data management device 100A in the present embodiment may be configured as a configuration of the image forming apparatus 102A.

[0136] <Fourth Embodiment> In the first to third embodiments, the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 is changed using the paper data editing function in the paper data management device 100. Then, the paper data including the changed paper type data 510 is distributed to the image forming apparatus 102, the paper data in the image forming apparatus 102 is updated to new paper data, and then calibration is executed. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the calibration type 522 of the paper type data 510 is set at the time of calibration without updating the paper data.

[0137] Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the system configuration of the control system in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 1). Also, the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 102A in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment (FIGS. 12 and 13). Also, the hardware configuration of the paper data management device 100B in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 3).

[0138] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control system according to a fourth embodiment. In the control system, a paper data management device 100B and an image forming apparatus 102A are connected via a network 105.

[0139] The image forming apparatus 102A has the same functional configuration (FIG. 13) as the image forming apparatus 102A of the third embodiment. The paper data management device 100B includes a paper data communication unit 402, an image forming apparatus management unit 403, a physical property information acquisition unit 1501, a paper feed information acquisition unit 1502, a paper data acquisition unit 1503, a calibration type management unit 1504, and a calibration execution management unit 1505. The difference from the paper data management device 100 of the first embodiment is that the paper data setting unit 401 is omitted, and the physical property information acquisition unit 1501, the paper feed information acquisition unit 1502, the paper data acquisition unit 1503, the calibration type management unit 1504, and the calibration execution management unit 1505 are added. The paper data communication unit 402 and the image forming apparatus management unit 403 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0140] The paper feed information acquisition unit 1502 acquires information related to the paper being fed from the image forming apparatus 102A via the network 105. The information related to the paper includes, in the fourth embodiment, the type of paper (paper ID) and physical property information. The physical property information is, for example, glossiness.

[0141] The paper data acquisition unit 1503 acquires the value of the common calibration paper suitability 1000 set in the paper type data 510 of the paper being fed.

[0142] The physical property information acquisition unit 1501 acquires the type of paper being fed (paper ID) and physical property information (glossiness) acquired by the paper feed information acquisition unit 1502, and the common calibration paper suitability 1000 of the paper being fed acquired by the paper data acquisition unit 1503. Hereinafter, the information on the type of paper being fed (paper ID), glossiness, and common calibration paper suitability 1000 acquired by the physical property information acquisition unit 1501 is referred to as "information related to the paper being fed".

[0143] Based on the information about the paper during paper feeding acquired by the paper property information acquisition unit 1501, the calibration type management unit 1504 determines whether the paper during paper feeding is a paper on which common calibration can be executed.

[0144] The calibration execution management unit 1505 controls the execution and stop of calibration in the image forming apparatus 102A. The calibration execution management unit 1505 displays a UI 1600 for the user to instruct the execution of which type of calibration. In the UI 1600, the user can select the type of calibration to be executed. The calibration execution management unit 1505 instructs the image forming apparatus 102A to execute the calibration of the type selected by the user in the UI 1600.

[0145] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the UI 1600 for the user to instruct the execution of calibration. The UI 1600 has a setting field 1601 for selecting the type of paper and a setting field 1602 for selecting the calibration type. In the setting field 1602 for selecting the calibration type, the types of executable calibrations are displayed in a pull-down list format. The display content of the pull-down list is controlled by the CPU 300 of the paper data management apparatus 100B according to the processing shown in the flowchart described below.

[0146] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of calibration control processing in the fourth embodiment. S1701 to S1708 shown in this flowchart are executed by the calibration execution management unit 1505 (CPU 300) of the paper data management apparatus 100B. S1709 to S1712 are executed by the calibration control unit 413 (CPU 200) of the image forming apparatus 102A. When the user of the paper data management apparatus 100B instructs the execution of calibration, the calibration execution management unit 1505 (CPU 300) of the paper data management apparatus 100B starts the following calibration control processing.

[0147] In S1701, the CPU 300 of the paper data management device 100B acquires the type of paper (paper ID) of the paper being fed from the paper feed information management unit 1311 of the image forming device 102A via the network 105.

[0148] Next, in S1702, the CPU 300 refers to the paper type data 510 corresponding to the paper type (paper ID) of the paper being fed that has been acquired. Then, based on the value of the common calibration paper suitability 1000 included in the paper type data 510, it determines whether the paper being fed is suitable as a common calibration paper.

[0149] When the value of the common calibration paper suitability 1000 indicates "none" (S1702; NO), the process proceeds to S1703. In S1703, the CPU 300 displays the UI 1600 for instructing the execution of calibration. The CPU 300 displays only "individual calibration" in the pull-down list as candidates for the type of calibration in the setting field 1602 of the UI 1600.

[0150] When the value of the common calibration paper suitability 1000 indicates "yes" (S1702; YES), the process proceeds to S1704. In S1704, the CPU 300 acquires the glossiness of the paper being fed. The process of acquiring the glossiness is the same as the process of S1403 in the third embodiment. That is, the CPU 300 (paper feed information acquisition unit 1502) transmits a glossiness acquisition request to the image forming device 102A. When the CPU 200 (paper feed information management unit 1311) of the image forming device 102A receives the glossiness acquisition request, it acquires the reflectance of the paper being fed for calibration from the physical property information acquisition unit 1312 and transmits it to the paper feed information management unit 1311. The paper feed information management unit 1311 (CPU 200) calculates the glossiness based on the acquired reflectance according to the JIS standard. The paper feed information management unit 1311 transmits the calculated glossiness to the paper data management device 100B as a response to the paper feed information acquisition request.

[0151] In S1705, the paper feed information acquisition unit 1502 (CPU 300) of the paper data management device 100B compares the acquired glossiness with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value is an appropriate glossiness for the common calibration paper, and is, for example, a value serving as a criterion for determining whether the paper is glossy paper or not, as in the third embodiment.

[0152] In the determination of S1705, if the acquired glossiness does not exceed the threshold value (S1705; NO), it is determined that the paper is not suitable for the common calibration paper, and the process proceeds to S1703.

[0153] In the determination of S1705, if the acquired glossiness is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S1705; YES), it is determined that the paper is suitable for the common calibration paper, and the process proceeds to S1706. In S1706, the CPU 300 displays the above-described UI 1600, and in the setting field 1602 of the UI 1600, "individual calibration" and "common calibration" are displayed in a pull-down list as candidates for the type of calibration.

[0154] Thereafter, in S1707, the CPU 300 accepts the selection of the calibration type to be executed from the pull-down list of the UI 1600. In S1708, the CPU 300 instructs the image forming apparatus 102A to execute the calibration of the type selected by the user. When only "individual calibration" is displayed in the pull-down list of the setting field 1602, the CPU 300 may skip S1703 and S1707 and instruct the start of the individual calibration in S1708.

[0155] The CPU 200 of the image forming apparatus 102A executes the calibration of the type selected by the user in accordance with the instruction transmitted from the paper data management device 100. That is, the calibration control unit 413 (CPU 200) gives an instruction to print a patch to the printing unit 415, and the printing unit 415 prints the patch. In S1709, the sensor unit 414 of the image forming apparatus 102A acquires the density value of the print result. Further, the calibration control unit 413 (CPU 200) determines correction data based on the acquired density value and the calibration target value 520. Hereinafter, this correction data is referred to as the calibration result.

[0156] In S1710, the calibration control unit 413 (CPU 200) determines whether the calibration start instruction transmitted from the paper data management apparatus 100 in S1708 is "common calibration" or "individual calibration". If it is not "common calibration", the process proceeds to S1711. In S1711, the calibration control unit 413 (CPU 200) stores the calibration result determined in S1709 in the HDD 203 as the calibration result dedicated to the paper on which the calibration was executed.

[0157] If it is determined in the determination of S1710 that it is "common calibration", the process proceeds to S1712. In S1712, the calibration control unit 413 (CPU 200) stores the calibration result determined in S1709 in the HDD 2003 as the calibration result common to the paper, and ends this flowchart.

[0158] Note that although the correction data is stored in the HDD 203 as the calibration result, the density value may be stored. In that case, at the time of print execution, a lookup table (correction data) determined from the density value and the calibration target value is created and applied to the print data. Also, although an example in which the storage destination of the calibration result is the HDD 203 of the image forming apparatus 102 is shown, the storage destination is not limited to the HDD 203, and any storage area in which the stored data is retained and can be acquired at the time of print execution may be used.

[0159] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the suitability of the common calibration paper is determined based on the actual physical properties information (e.g., glossiness) of the paper being fed at the timing when the execution of calibration is instructed. Then, a UI is provided such that the common calibration can be executed only on the paper for which the suitability of the common calibration paper is determined. As a result, the common calibration is not executed on the custom paper for which the suitability of the common calibration paper is not met, and thus, there is no problem that the correction data that cannot be applied to other types of paper is applied to other papers. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately use the custom paper as the common calibration paper.

[0160] Further, according to the fourth embodiment, even without editing the paper type data 510 as in the first to third embodiments, the user can select the type of calibration for the custom paper on the UI that instructs the execution of calibration. As a result, it becomes possible to use the individual calibration or the common calibration properly for the same custom paper.

[0161] Note that each function of the paper data management device 100B in the present embodiment may be configured as a configuration of the image forming apparatus 102A.

[0162] Needless to say, the object of the present disclosure can also be achieved by supplying a recording medium storing a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and causing a computer (or a CPU or an MPU) of the system or the apparatus to read out and execute the program code stored in the recording medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present disclosure.

[0163] As a storage medium for supplying program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, a DVD, etc. can be used.

[0164] In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code, an Operating System (OS) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and it goes without saying that the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by such processing.

[0165] Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into the memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and it goes without saying that the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by such processing.

[0166] <Other Embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0167] Note that the disclosure of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations.

[0168] (Configuration 1) It includes setting means for setting the application range of the result of color calibration for a target sheet. When the target paper is a custom paper on which a user can edit information related to the paper, the setting means sets it to either a first range in which the result of color calibration can be commonly applied to other papers of a type different from the target paper, or a second range in which the result of color calibration cannot be applied to other papers of a type different from the target paper. A control device characterized by the above.

[0169] (Configuration 2) Determination means for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied for the target paper, Accepting means for accepting a selection of either the first range or the second range by the user when the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, The control device according to Configuration 1, further comprising the above.

[0170] (Configuration 3) The accepting means, When the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, does not accept the selection of the first range by the user The control device according to Configuration 2, characterized by the above.

[0171] (Configuration 4) The applicable range can be set by the user via a user interface, When the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the user interface is displayed in a first display state for accepting a selection of either the first range or the second range. The control device according to Configuration 2, characterized by the above.

[0172] (Configuration 5) The control device according to Configuration 4, characterized in that when the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the user interface is displayed in a second display state for accepting the selection of the second range and not accepting the selection of the first range.

[0173] (Configuration 6) The control device according to any one of Configurations 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition is that at least the target paper is a paper capable of performing color calibration.

[0174] (Configuration 7) The control device further includes first acquisition means for acquiring paper type data in which values for a plurality of parameters are set for each paper type as the information about the paper, The control device according to any one of Configurations 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition is that a target value of color calibration is set in the paper type data acquired by the first acquisition means.

[0175] (Configuration 8) The control device further includes first acquisition means for acquiring paper type data in which values for a plurality of parameters are set for each paper type as the information about the paper, The control device according to any one of Configurations 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition is that applicability information indicating that the result of the color calibration can be applied to other papers of different types is set in the paper type data acquired by the first acquisition means.

[0176] (Configuration 9) The applicability information is preset in the paper type data of the paper serving as the reference for the custom paper, and is the applicability information when the reference paper becomes the custom paper, and the applicability information set in the reference paper is copied to the paper type data of the custom paper. The control device according to Configuration 8.

[0177] (Configuration 10) The control device further includes second acquisition means for acquiring physical property information of the target paper as the information about the paper, and determination means for determining whether the result of the color calibration of the target paper can be applied to other papers of different types based on the physical property information acquired by the second acquisition means. The control device according to any one of Configurations 2 to 5, wherein the predetermined condition is determined by the determining means such that the result of the color calibration of the target paper can be applied to other papers of different types.

[0178] (Configuration 11) The control device according to Configuration 10, wherein the physical property information is glossiness.

[0179] (Configuration 12) The control device according to Configuration 10, wherein the physical property information is measured by an image forming apparatus that performs color calibration.

[0180] (Configuration 13) Delivery means for delivering paper type data in which values of a plurality of parameters including information indicating the application range and a target value of color calibration for the target paper are set to an image forming apparatus by the setting means; The control device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, further comprising execution control means for causing the image forming apparatus to perform color calibration of the target paper based on the paper type data delivered by the delivery means.

[0181] (Configuration 14) The control device further comprises execution control means for causing the image forming apparatus to perform color calibration of the target paper, The control device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, wherein the setting means sets an application range of the result of color calibration for the target paper when the image forming apparatus performs color calibration.

[0182] (Configuration 15) Including a setting step of setting an application range of the result of color calibration for the target paper, In the setting step, when the target paper is a custom paper for which a user can edit information related to the paper, control is performed so as to set to either a first range in which the result of the color calibration can be commonly applied to other papers of a type different from the target paper, or a second range in which the result of the color calibration cannot be applied to other papers of a type different from the target paper. A control method characterized by the above.

[0183] (Configuration 16) A program executed by a computer, including a setting step of setting an application range of the result of color calibration for a target paper, and in the setting step, when the target paper is a custom paper for which a user can edit information related to the paper, a program that controls to set to either a first range in which the result of the color calibration can be commonly applied to other papers of a type different from the target paper, or a second range in which the result of the color calibration cannot be applied to other papers of a type different from the target paper.

Claims

1. A control device computer connected to the printing device a registration step of registering information related to a target custom paper to be set in the printing device; a transmitting step of transmitting the registered information to the printing device; In the registration step, a first setting is made selectable by a user when a predetermined condition is satisfied, in which correction information acquired by using the target custom paper and for print data to be printed by a printing unit of the printing device is used when printing is performed using a type of paper other than the target custom paper, The predetermined condition is not met if the reference paper type specified when registering the target custom paper is not the predetermined type. A program characterized by:

2. The program described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specified type is a paper type for which information corresponding to suitability is set in the common calibration paper suitability information of the associated paper type data.

3. 2 . The program according to claim 1 , wherein whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied is further based on physical property information acquired from the target custom paper.

4. The program described in Claim 3, characterized in that the specified condition is not satisfied if the glossiness of the target custom paper is less than a threshold value.

5. 5. The program of claim 4, wherein the gloss level of the target custom paper is measured on the printing device.

6. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein a second setting for using the correction information when printing using a paper set in the printing device is selectable regardless of the type of the reference paper.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the custom paper is different from paper provided by a vendor of the printing device.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the first setting is a setting to be used when printing using custom paper of the same type as the target custom paper.

9. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the correction information is a target value for color calibration.

10. In the transmitting step, the correction information and one or more parameters used for printing the target custom paper are transmitted to the printing device; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the printing device executes printing based on print data generated based on the correction information and the one or more parameters.

11. A control device coupled to a printing device, comprising: a registration unit that registers information related to a custom paper to be set in the printing device; a transmitting means for transmitting the registered information to the printing device, the registration means allows a user to select a first setting in which correction information acquired by using the target custom paper and for print data to be printed by a printing means of the printing device is used when printing is performed using a type of paper other than the target custom paper when a predetermined condition is satisfied; The predetermined condition is not met if the reference paper type specified when registering the target custom paper is not the predetermined type. A control device comprising:

12. A control method in a control device connected to a printing device, comprising: a registration step of registering information related to a target custom paper to be set in the printing device; a transmitting step of transmitting the registered information to the printing device, In the registration step, a first setting is made selectable by a user when a predetermined condition is satisfied, in which correction information acquired by using the target custom paper and for print data to be printed by a printing unit of the printing device is used when printing is performed using a type of paper other than the target custom paper, The predetermined condition is not met if the reference paper type specified when registering the target custom paper is not the predetermined type. A control method comprising:

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