Information processing device, image forming system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, an information processing method, and a program that can improve workability of color adjustment processing and capability of managing data of a color adjustment result.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a reading command unit that causes an image reading device to execute processing of reading first color charts printed by image forming apparatuses; and a display control unit that displays, on a display for each of the image forming apparatuses, the state of progress of pieces of processing from the reading of the first color charts for each of the image forming apparatuses performed by the image reading device until registration, in the image forming apparatus, a profile created based on color information data obtained through the reading.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Printing companies need to maintain the quality of their printed materials. To maintain such quality, they print a specified color chart, read it using a color measurement device such as a scanner, and perform color adjustments for each printing press based on the difference from the target color. Therefore, if there are multiple printing presses, they need to prepare a chart with color patches for color adjustment for each printing press and perform color adjustment processing to generate a profile.

[0003] As a technology for performing such color adjustment, an image processing device has been disclosed that includes a feature conversion unit that performs color conversion on input data, a past history storage unit that stores past history information related to measurements of the color chart including converted values ​​of the measurement values ​​of the color chart, a calculation unit that compares the history information stored in the past history storage unit with information related to the measurement of a new input color chart and determines the number of color patches based on the comparison results, and a profile update unit that updates the printer profile based on data read from the determined color chart and stores the updated profile in the past history storage unit (for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technology, when adjusting colors, after printing on a printing press, the following tasks are required for each printing press: color measurement (reading), checking the values ​​of the read results, creating and registering a profile, and reprinting, which creates problems with workability and poor management of the color adjustment result data.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device, an image forming system, an information processing method, and a program that can improve the workability of color adjustment processing and the manageability of data resulting from color adjustment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an image reading device that reads an image printed by an image forming device. , each containing a color code First color chart and a second color chart a reading command unit that executes the reading process; a discrimination unit that discriminates which color charts the first color chart and the second color chart are, based on the color codes of the first color chart and the second color chart obtained by reading the color codes by the image reading device; a display control unit that displays, on a display device for each of the image forming devices, progress of each process from reading the first color chart for each of the image forming devices by the image reading device to registering a profile generated based on color information data obtained by the reading in the image forming device. The second color chart is printed by applying the profile, and a determination is made by comparing the second color chart with a printing standard using the result of the reading process of the second color chart by the image reading device. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability of color adjustment processing and the manageability of data resulting from color adjustment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional block configuration of the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first color chart. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second color chart. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the judgment patch. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the color adjustment screen at the time of startup. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a color adjustment screen during the progress of color adjustment processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of checking an abnormality / warning message on the color adjustment screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the overall operation of the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of normal screen transitions in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of screen transitions when additional reading is performed in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of color adjustment processing when color adjustment is performed on a single image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the preliminary determination process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of color adjustment processing when color adjustment is performed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of color adjustment processing when color adjustment is performed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of screen transitions when the color adjustment process is temporarily stopped in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of screen transitions when the color adjustment process is ended in the information processing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that would be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalents. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0010] (Overall configuration of image forming system) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] The image forming system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an information processing system that uses a color chart to efficiently perform color adjustments on a plurality of image forming devices. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system 1 includes image forming devices 10a to 10d, an information processing device 20, and an image reading device 30. The devices included in the image forming system 1 are capable of data communication with each other via a network (network N shown in Fig. 4, which will be described later).

[0012] The image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d are image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) that are the target of color adjustment processing. Here, an MFP is a multifunction device that has at least two of the following functions: copy, printer, scanner, and fax. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d receive image data of color charts (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as color chart data) corresponding to each apparatus stored in an information processing apparatus 20, and print out adjustment color charts CCa to CCd used for color adjustment and confirmation color charts used in post-assessment processing after color adjustment, based on the color chart data. The specific configuration of the adjustment color charts will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0013] In the example shown in FIG. 1, four image forming apparatuses, 10a to 10d, are shown as image forming apparatuses. However, the number is not limited to four, and two or more image forming apparatuses may be included. Furthermore, when referring to multiple image forming apparatuses (image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d in FIG. 1) without distinction or collectively, they will be referred to as image forming apparatus 10. Similarly, when referring to the adjustment color charts (adjustment color charts CCa to CCd in FIG. 1) output from each image forming apparatus 10 without distinction or collectively, they will be referred to as adjustment color chart CC. Furthermore, each image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to an MFP. For example, it may be a typical electrophotographic or inkjet printer having a printer function as its primary function, or a commercial printing device controlled by a DFE (Digital Front End). In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 will be described as an MFP.

[0014] The information processing device 20 is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or workstation that stores color chart data for printing out at each image forming device 10 and transmits the color chart data to each image forming device 10 when performing color adjustment processing for that image forming device 10. The information processing device 20 also performs color adjustment for each image forming device 10 using image data obtained by reading, with an image reading device 30, the adjustment color chart CC printed out from each image forming device 10, and displays the progress of the color adjustment for each image forming device 10 on a screen. The information processing device 20 creates an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile through color adjustment and transmits it to the corresponding image forming device 10. The image forming device 10 then performs printout using the received ICC profile (hereinafter simply referred to as the profile).

[0015] The program that controls the display operation of the screen that shows the progress of color adjustment for each image forming device 10 displayed on the information processing device 20 may be a native application executed on the information processing device 20, or may be a web application whose functions are provided from a web server or the cloud.

[0016] The image reading device 30 reads the adjustment color chart CC (first color chart) and the confirmation color chart (second color chart) printed by each image forming device 10 and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values ​​such as L*a*b* values, XYZ values, or RGB values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data consisting of the colorimetric values ​​to the information processing device 20. Note that the image reading device 30 may be, for example, an image scanner, a colorimeter, or other device, but is not limited to these, and refers to any device capable of acquiring color information data for the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart. Furthermore, the colorimetric values ​​converted from the read values ​​by the image reading device 30 are described as L*a*b* values ​​in the L*a*b color system (hereinafter simply referred to as Lab values). Furthermore, the read values ​​read by the image reading device 30 are not limited to being converted into colorimetric values ​​by the image reading device 30 itself, but the image reading device 30 may transmit the read values ​​as RAW data to the information processing device 20, and the RAW data may be converted into colorimetric values ​​on the information processing device 20 side.

[0017] (Hardware configuration of image forming device) 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, and the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is configured such that a controller 500, an operation display unit 510, an FCU (Facsimile Control Unit) 520, a plotter 531 (printing device), and a scanner 532 are connected via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus.

[0019] The controller 500 is a device that controls the entire image forming apparatus 10 , and controls drawing, communication, and input from the operation display unit 510 .

[0020] The operation display unit 510 is, for example, a touch panel, and is a device that accepts input to the controller 500 (input function) and displays the status of the image forming device 10 (display function), and is directly connected to the ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 506 described later.

[0021] The FCU 520 is a device that implements a fax function, and is connected to the ASIC 506 via, for example, a PCI bus.

[0022] The plotter 531 is a device that realizes a printing function and is connected to the ASIC 506 via, for example, a PCI bus. The scanner 532 is a device that realizes a scanner function and is connected to the ASIC 506 via, for example, a PCI bus.

[0023] The controller 500 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a system memory (MEM-P) 502, a northbridge (NB) 503, a southbridge (SB) 504a, a network I / F 504b, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F 504c, a Centronics I / F 504d, an ASIC 506, a local memory (MEM-C) 507, and an auxiliary storage device 508.

[0024] The CPU 501 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 10, and is connected to a chip set consisting of a system memory 502, a north bridge 503, and a south bridge 504a, and is connected to other devices via this chip set.

[0025] The system memory 502 is a memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for expanding programs and data, a memory for printer drawing, etc., and has a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). Of these, the ROM is a read-only memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, and the RAM is a writable and readable memory used as a memory for expanding programs and data, and a memory for printer drawing, etc.

[0026] The north bridge 503 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 501 with the system memory 502, the south bridge 504a, and the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 505, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the system memory 502, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

[0027] The southbridge 504a is a bridge for connecting the northbridge 503 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The southbridge 504a is connected to the northbridge 503 via a PCI bus, and the network I / F 504b, USB I / F 504c, Centronics I / F 504d, etc. are connected to the PCI bus.

[0028] The network I / F 504b is an interface for communicating data with an external device such as the information processing device 20 using the network N. The network I / F 504b is compatible with, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) and is capable of communication in accordance with TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol) or the like.

[0029] The USB I / F 504c is an interface that can communicate with devices that comply with the USB standard.

[0030] The Centronics I / F 504d is an interface that conforms to the specifications of a parallel port and is capable of transmitting multiple bits.

[0031] The AGP bus 505 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing. The AGP bus 505 is a bus that speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the system memory 502 at high throughput.

[0032] The ASIC 506 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and serves as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 505, PCI bus, auxiliary storage device 508, and local memory 507. The ASIC 506 is composed of a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 506, a memory controller that controls the local memory 507, multiple direct memory access controllers (DMACs) that perform image data rotation and other operations using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data via the PCI bus between the ASIC 506 and the plotter 531 and scanner 532. The ASIC 506 is connected to, for example, the FCU 520, the plotter 531, and the scanner 532 via the PCI bus. The ASIC 506 is also connected to a host PC (personal computer) and a network (not shown), etc.

[0033] The local memory 507 is a memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 508 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), SD (Secure Digital) card, or flash memory, and is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms, etc.

[0035] The program for the image forming apparatus 10 described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium (auxiliary storage device 508, etc.) as an installable or executable file and distributed.

[0036] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and it is not necessary for all of the components to be included, and other components may also be included.

[0037] (Hardware configuration of information processing device) 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment, with reference to which the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, an auxiliary storage device 605, a media drive 607, a display 608, a network I / F 609, a keyboard 611, a mouse 612, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive 614.

[0039] The CPU 601 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the information processing device 20. The ROM 602 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs for the information processing device 20. The RAM 603 is a volatile storage device that is used as a work area for the CPU 601.

[0040] The auxiliary storage device 605 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD that stores various data, programs, etc. The media drive 607 is a device that controls reading and writing of data from and to a recording medium 606 such as a flash memory under the control of the CPU 601.

[0041] The display 608 is a display device configured with a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc., that displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, characters, or an image.

[0042] The network I / F 609 is an interface for communicating data with external devices such as the image forming device 10 and the image reading device 30 using the network N. The network I / F 609 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) that supports Ethernet and is capable of communication compliant with TCP / IP or the like.

[0043] The keyboard 611 is an input device for selecting letters, numbers, and various instructions, moving the cursor, etc. The mouse 612 is an input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving the cursor, etc.

[0044] The DVD drive 614 is a device that controls reading and writing of data from and to a DVD 613 such as a DVD-ROM or a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk Recordable) as an example of a removable storage medium.

[0045] The above-mentioned CPU 601, ROM 602, RAM 603, auxiliary storage device 605, media drive 607, display 608, network I / F 609, keyboard 611, mouse 612 and DVD drive 614 are communicatively connected to each other via a bus 610 such as an address bus and a data bus.

[0046] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and it is not necessary to include all of the components shown in FIG. 3, or other components may be included.

[0047] (Configuration and operation of functional blocks in image forming systems) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of functional blocks of an image forming system according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first color chart. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a second color chart. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a determination patch. The configuration and operation of functional blocks of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a communication unit 101, a job acquisition unit 102, a print control unit 103, a profile acquisition unit 104, and a storage unit 105.

[0049] The communication unit 101 is a functional unit that performs data communication with the information processing device 20 via the network N. The communication unit 101 is realized by the network I / F 504b and the CPU 501 shown in FIG.

[0050] The job acquisition unit 102 is a functional unit that acquires a print job for color chart data from the information processing device 20. The job acquisition unit 102 also acquires a normal print job (a print job that is not color chart data) from an external device via the network N. The job acquisition unit 102 is realized, for example, by the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0051] The print control unit 103 is a functional unit that causes the plotter 531 to print out color charts (adjustment color chart CC, confirmation color chart) based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit 102. The confirmation color chart is printed out by applying the profile acquired by the profile acquisition unit 104. The print control unit 103 also causes the plotter 531 to print out by applying the profile acquired by the profile acquisition unit 104 to the normal print job acquired by the job acquisition unit 102. When printing out the color charts (adjustment color chart CC, confirmation color chart), the print control unit 103 also causes the plotter 531 to print out the color charts (adjustment color chart CC, confirmation color chart), including identification information (first identification information) of the image forming apparatus 10, identification information (second identification information) of the paper type (i.e., the paper type of the color chart in this case), page information indicating the number of the color chart, the date and time of printout, and identification information of the patch arrangement of the color chart. The identification information for the patch arrangement of the color chart also serves as identification information for distinguishing the color chart itself, and can therefore be considered as identification information for the color chart as a page. Therefore, the identification information for the patch arrangement can be used to determine whether the color chart is an adjustment color chart CC or a confirmation color chart. In this embodiment, the adjustment color chart CC is described as consisting of two sheets and the confirmation color chart is described as consisting of one sheet. However, this is not limited to this. The adjustment color chart CC may consist of one or three or more sheets, and the confirmation color chart may consist of multiple sheets. If the adjustment color chart CC consists of one sheet, there is no need to calculate the inter-page deviation. The print control unit 103 is realized, for example, by the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0052] Here, as examples of two adjustment color charts printed out under the control of the print control unit 103, adjustment color chart CCA is shown in Fig. 5 and adjustment color chart CCB is shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 5, adjustment color chart CCA is an example of the first adjustment color chart CC, and includes color code CA and color adjustment patches CPA. As shown in Fig. 6, adjustment color chart CCB is an example of the second adjustment color chart CC, and includes color code CB and color adjustment patches CPB.

[0053] As described above, the color codes CA and CB are obtained by coding, as color patches, the identification information of the image forming apparatus 10 that printed out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, the identification information of the paper type on which the color charts were printed, page information indicating which page the color chart is, the date and time of printing, and the identification information of the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB. The color codes CA and CB are composed of color patches of five colors, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and white (W). Color patches are arranged at both ends of the color codes CA and CB to indicate the ends of the color codes CA and CB and to identify the orientation of the color codes CA and CB. 5 and 6, the arrangement of the two color patches at the left end of the two ends is cyan (C) and magenta (M) from left to right, and the arrangement of the two color patches at the right end is yellow (Y) and black (K) from left to right. Because the colors of these four color patches are fixed and the arrangement is also fixed, the orientation of the color code C can be identified by identifying the arrangement of these color patches. Note that the color code C may include color patches of mixed colors in addition to the above-mentioned single colors of C, M, Y, K, and W.

[0054] Furthermore, the color patches arranged between the two color patches at each end of the color codes CA and CB indicate specific coded information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as color code information). Each color patch constituting the color codes CA and CB is arranged so that it does not have the same color as an adjacent color patch. The color patches constituting the color code information are assigned a numerical value, for example, from 0 to 3, depending on their color. The number of digits in the numerical value is determined by the number of color patches constituting the color code information, and the coded color code information can be digitized (decoded). The numerical value converted from the color code information is composed of a numerical portion associated with the setting information and a numerical portion indicating the date and time. By referencing the setting information corresponding to the numerical portion associated with the setting information, it is possible to identify the image forming apparatus 10 (device name, model, IP address, etc.), paper type, page information indicating the number of the color chart, and the patch arrangement of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB) specified in the setting information. Furthermore, the date and time when the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB were printed can be directly identified from the numerical portion indicating the date and time, which makes it possible to automatically identify which image forming apparatus 10 and which paper type are to be used for the color adjustment process in the information processing apparatus 20.

[0055] The color codes CA and CB are assumed to contain coded information, such as identification information for the image forming apparatus 10 that printed the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, identification information for the paper type used, page information indicating the number of the color chart, the date and time of printing, and identification information for the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB. However, this is not limiting. For example, the color codes CA and CB may also contain identification information for print settings (e.g., density). In this case, specifically, rather than directly including the identification information for the print settings in the color code information, the content of the print settings may be included in the setting information corresponding to the numerical portion associated with the setting information. Furthermore, if there is no need to manage the date and time of printing in the color codes CA and CB, the color code information may not include information indicating the date and time.

[0056] The color adjustment patches CPA and CPB are a group of color patches used in the information processing device 20 to perform color adjustment processing on the image forming device 10, identified by color codes CA and CB, respectively. These color adjustment patches CPA and CPB are affected by the printing state of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB on paper, which depends on the state of the printing operation of the image forming device 10, and unevenness may occur within the surface of the paper. If the above-mentioned in-surface unevenness occurs in the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB, it becomes impossible to properly perform color adjustment processing on the image forming device 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the color adjustment patch CPA of the adjustment color chart CCA according to this embodiment has judgment patches JPA1 to JPA9 embedded in nine locations as judgment patches for evaluating in-surface unevenness of the paper on which the adjustment color chart CCA is printed. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, the color adjustment patch CPB of the adjustment color chart CCB has judgment patches JPB1 to JPB9 embedded in nine locations as judgment patches for evaluating in-plane unevenness of the paper on which the adjustment color chart CCB is printed. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, these judgment patches JPA1 to JPA9 are arranged in positions independent of the color patches that make up the color adjustment patch CPA. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 6, the judgment patches JPB1 to JPB9 are arranged in positions independent of the color patches that make up the color adjustment patch CPB. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, the judgment patches JPA1 to JPA9 are arranged over a wide area within the color adjustment patch CPA. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, the judgment patches JPB1 to JPB9 are arranged over a wide area within the color adjustment patch CPB.

[0057] The determination patches JPA1-JPA9 and JPB1-JPB9 are each a group of color patches composed of the same number, the same colors, and the same arrangement. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the determination patches JPA1-JPA9 and JPB1-JPB9 are each composed of a plurality of color patches arranged in the same manner. Note that when the determination patches JPA1-JPA9 and JPB1-JPB9 are referred to interchangeably or collectively, they will be simply referred to as determination patches JP. FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of an example of a determination patch JP. As shown in FIG. 7, in order to detect in-plane unevenness with higher sensitivity, the determination patch JP is composed of a total of four types of color patches (gray patches): a half-tone gray patch P1 composed of a single color of black (K), and half-tone gray patches P2-P4 composed of composite colors (mixed colors) in which cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) are added to black at three different densities. As described above, such determination patches JP are arranged in nine locations within the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB as determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 and JPB1 to JPB9, respectively, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Note that the number, colors, and arrangement of the color patches of the determination patches JP are not limited to those described above; for example, the number of color patches of the determination patches JP does not have to be four. Furthermore, the locations where the determination patches JP are arranged are not limited to nine, and other numbers of arrangements are also possible.

[0058] In addition, to prevent the influence of flare caused by reflected light from the white paper from interfering with proper color measurement, the surrounding area of ​​the judgment patch JP is devoid of adjacent white paper patches and white (W) color patches, as shown in FIG. 7. In other words, the color patches surrounding the judgment patch JP are some color patches other than white (W). The deviation of the color values ​​(colorimetric values) measured from these nine judgment patches JPA1 to JPA9 is quantified as color difference to evaluate the in-plane unevenness of the adjustment color chart CCA. Similarly, the deviation of the color values ​​(colorimetric values) measured from the nine judgment patches JPB1 to JPB9 is quantified as color difference to evaluate the in-plane unevenness of the adjustment color chart CCB. Details of the in-plane unevenness evaluation method (judgment method) using the color difference of the colorimetric values ​​of the judgment patches JPA1 to JPA9 and JPB1 to JPB9 will be described later.

[0059] Returning to FIG. 4, the functional blocks will be further described. The profile acquisition unit 104 is a functional unit that acquires, via the communication unit 101, profiles created by the information processing device 20 through color adjustment processing using the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. The profile acquisition unit 104 stores (registers) the acquired profiles for each image forming device 10 and paper type in the storage unit 105. The profiles stored in the storage unit 105 are applied to the control of print output onto paper by the print control unit 103. The profile acquisition unit 104 is realized, for example, by the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 2 executing a program.

[0060] The storage unit 105 is a functional unit that stores the profile acquired by the profile acquisition unit 104, various data, programs, etc. The storage unit 105 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 508 shown in FIG.

[0061] At least a portion of the functional units of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 4 that are implemented by software (programs) may be implemented by hardware circuits such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs.

[0062] Furthermore, the functions of the functional units of the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 4 are conceptually shown, and the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the multiple functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. On the other hand, the function of a single functional unit in the image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 4 may be divided into multiple units and configured as multiple functional units.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 20 has a communication unit 201 (an example of a reading command unit), a chart transmission unit 202, a color value acquisition unit 203 (acquisition unit), an identification unit 204, a patch acquisition unit 205, a calculation unit 206, a first judgment unit 207, a profile generation unit 208 (generation unit), a profile transmission unit 209 (transmission unit), a second judgment unit 210, an input unit 211, a display control unit 212, a display unit 213, and a memory unit 214.

[0064] The communication unit 201 is a functional unit that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus 10 and the image reading apparatus 30 via the network N. The communication unit 201 is realized by the network I / F 609 and the CPU 601 shown in FIG.

[0065] The chart sending unit 202 is a functional unit that sends a print job of color chart data for printing out an adjustment color chart CC or a confirmation color chart in the image forming apparatus 10 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication unit 201. The chart sending unit 202 is realized, for example, by a program being executed by the CPU 601 shown in FIG.

[0066] The color value acquisition unit 203 is a functional unit that acquires color information data consisting of colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of each color patch of the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart, which are obtained by the image reading device 30 reading the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart printed out by the image forming device 10, from the image reading device 30 via the communication unit 201. The color value acquisition unit 203 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0067] The identification unit 204 is a functional unit that identifies the color code information of the color codes CA and CB from the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the image forming apparatus 10 (model, etc.), paper type, the number of the color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CC (arrangement of color adjustment patches CP), and the date and time of printout. Note that the identification unit 204 also performs similar identification on the color code of the confirmation color chart. The identification unit 204 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0068] The patch acquisition unit 205 is a functional unit that identifies portions corresponding to the nine determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 and the nine determination patches JPB1 to JPB9 embedded in the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB, respectively, from the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, and acquires the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of the patches P1 to P4 in the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 and JPB1 to JPB9, respectively. The patch acquisition unit 205 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0069] The calculation unit 206 is a functional unit that calculates the average value of the colorimetric values ​​of the patches P1 to P4 in the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 and the determination patches JPB1 to JPB9 acquired by the patch acquisition unit 205. Specifically, for the adjustment color chart CCA, assuming that the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of each patch P1 in the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 are (L*A1_1, a*A1_1, b*A1_1), (L*A1_2, a*A1_2, b*A1_2), . . . , (L*A1_9, a*A1_9, b*A1_9), the calculation unit 206 first calculates the average value of these colorimetric values ​​(L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) using the following formula (1):

[0070]

number

[0071] Furthermore, for the adjustment color chart CCB, if the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of each patch P1 of the judgment patches JPB1 to JPB9 are (L*B1_1, a*B1_1, b*B1_1), (L*B1_2, a*B1_2, b*B1_2), ···, (L*B1_9, a*B1_9, b*B1_9), the calculation unit 206 calculates the average colorimetric value (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave), which is the average value of these, using the following formula (2).

[0072]

number

[0073] Next, the calculation unit 206 calculates, for the adjustment color chart CCA, the color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9 between the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) (L*A1_1, a*A1_1, b*A1_1) to (L*A1_9, a*A1_9, b*A1_9) of each patch P1 of the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 and the calculated average colorimetric value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave). Note that, as a formula for calculating the color differences, for example, ΔE2000, which has a high affinity with human perception, or ΔE76 or ΔE94, which are easier to calculate, may be used. The calculation unit 206 then calculates the maximum value ΔEA1_Max of the calculated color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9. Similarly, the calculation unit 206 calculates the maximum values ​​ΔEA2_Max to ΔEA4_Max using the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of each of the patches P2 to P4 of the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9. That is, the maximum values ​​ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max calculated by the calculation unit 206 can be considered as in-plane deviations for the adjustment color chart CCA.

[0074] Furthermore, the calculation unit 206 calculates, for the adjustment color chart CCB, color differences between the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) (L*B1_1, a*B1_1, b*B1_1) to (L*B1_9, a*B1_9, b*B1_9) of each patch P1 of the determination patches JPB1 to JPB9 and the calculated average colorimetric value (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) as ΔEB1_1 to ΔEB1_9, respectively. Then, the calculation unit 206 calculates the maximum value ΔEB1_Max of the calculated color differences ΔEB1_1 to ΔEB1_9. Similarly, the calculation unit 206 calculates maximum values ​​ΔEB2_Max to ΔEB4_Max using the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of each patch P2 to P4 of the determination patches JPB1 to JPB9, respectively. That is, the maximum values ​​ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max calculated by the calculation unit 206 can be considered as in-plane deviations for the adjustment color chart CCB.

[0075] Furthermore, the calculation unit 206 calculates the difference ΔE1_AB between the average colorimetric values ​​(L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) for the adjustment color chart CCA and the average colorimetric values ​​(L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) for the adjustment color chart CCB. Similarly, the calculation unit 206 calculates the differences ΔE2_AB to ΔE4_AB using the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 and the patches P2 to P4 of the determination patches JPB1 to JPB9, respectively. In other words, the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB calculated by the calculation unit 206 can be considered to be inter-page deviations between the adjustment color chart CCA and the adjustment color chart CCB.

[0076] The calculation unit 206 is realized by, for example, the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0077] The first determination unit 207 is a functional unit that makes a determination (preliminary determination) (first determination) regarding unevenness of the adjustment color chart CC based on each value calculated by the calculation unit 206. First, the first determination unit 207 determines whether or not the maximum values ​​ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max (in-plane deviations) calculated by the calculation unit 206 are each equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Thresh using the following equation (3). Similarly, the first determination unit 207 determines whether or not the maximum values ​​ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max (in-plane deviations) calculated by the calculation unit 206 are each equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Thresh, similarly according to equation (3).

[0078]

number

[0079] Furthermore, the first determination unit 207 determines whether or not the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB (inter-page deviations) calculated by the calculation unit 206 are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Thresh2 using the following equation (4).

[0080]

number

[0081] The first determination unit 207 determines that there is unevenness in the color adjustment patches CPA included in the adjustment color chart CCA when at least one of the above-mentioned formulas (3) is satisfied for the maximum values ​​ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max. The first determination unit 207 determines that there is unevenness in the color adjustment patches CPB included in the adjustment color chart CCB when at least one of the above-mentioned formulas (3) is satisfied for the maximum values ​​ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max. The first determination unit 207 determines that there is inter-page unevenness between the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB when the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB satisfy at least one of the above-mentioned formulas (4). Note that in formula (3), the thresholds Thresh for the maximum values ​​ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max (maximum values ​​ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max) are not limited to being the same value, and at least one of them may be a different value. Furthermore, in equation (4), the threshold value Thresh2 for the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB is not limited to being the same value, and at least one of them may be a different value.

[0082] The first determination unit 207 determines whether to continue color adjustment processing for the image forming apparatus 10 identified by the identification unit 204, based on the determination results for the in-plane deviation and inter-page deviation of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. The first determination unit 207 is realized, for example, by a program being executed by the CPU 601 shown in FIG.

[0083] The profile generation unit 208 is a functional unit that generates a profile using the colorimetric values ​​of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patch CP in the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB when the determination unit 207 determines to continue the color adjustment process for the image forming apparatus 10 identified by the identification unit 204. Specifically, since the color values ​​of each patch in the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are known, the profile generation unit 208 generates a profile by performing color adjustment using a known technique such that the colorimetric values ​​of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB reproduce the known color values. The profile generation unit 208 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0084] The profile transmission unit 209 is a functional unit that transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit 208 to the image forming apparatus 10 identified by the identification unit 204 via the communication unit 201. The profile transmission unit 209 then receives a notification from the image forming apparatus 10 that the profile has been registered via the communication unit 201. The profile transmission unit 209 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0085] The second determination unit 210 is a functional unit that performs a determination (post-determination) (second determination) of the average deviation and maximum deviation in comparison with a printing standard such as Japan Color, G7, or Forga, using the color information data of the confirmation color chart acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203. The second determination unit 210 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0086] The input unit 211 is a functional unit that accepts user operation inputs and is realized by a keyboard 611 and a mouse 612 shown in FIG.

[0087] The display control unit 212 is a functional unit that controls the display of various screens (such as a color adjustment screen 1000 described later) and information on the display unit 213. The display control unit 212 is realized, for example, by the CPU 601 shown in FIG. 3 executing a program.

[0088] The display unit 213 is a functional unit that performs the operation of displaying various screens and information under the control of the display control unit 212. The display unit 213 is realized by the display 608 shown in FIG.

[0089] The storage unit 214 is a functional unit that stores color chart data, profiles generated by the profile generation unit 208, etc. The storage unit 214 is realized by the auxiliary storage device 605 shown in FIG.

[0090] At least a part of the functional units of the information processing device 20 shown in FIG. 4 that are implemented by software (programs) may be implemented by hardware circuits such as FPGAs or ASICs.

[0091] Furthermore, the functional units of the information processing device 20 shown in Fig. 4 are conceptually shown, and are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the multiple functional units illustrated as independent functional units in the information processing device 20 shown in Fig. 4 may be configured as a single functional unit. On the other hand, the function of a single functional unit in the information processing device 20 shown in Fig. 4 may be divided into multiple functional units, and configured as multiple functional units.

[0092] (About the color adjustment screen of information processing devices) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a color adjustment screen at startup. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a color adjustment screen during progress of color adjustment processing. Fig. 10 is a diagram explaining the operation of checking abnormality / warning messages on the color adjustment screen. A color adjustment screen 1000 displayed in the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10.

[0093] 8 is a screen displayed on the display unit 213 under the control of the display control unit 212 in accordance with an operation input by a user to the input unit 211. The color adjustment screen 1000 is a screen for displaying the progress of the color adjustment process performed by the image forming system 1.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8, the color adjustment screen 1000 includes a status mark 1001, a message section 1002, a pause button 1003, a read button 1004, a color adjustment progress area 1100, a message display area 1200, and a post-determination area 1300.

[0095] The status mark 1001 is a mark that indicates the operating status of the information processing device 20 and the image reading device 30. For example, the status mark 1001 changes color to indicate a standby state, a state in which the image reading device 30 is performing a reading process or color adjustment process, a state in which the operation is temporarily stopped, or the like.

[0096] The message section 1002 is a display area for displaying a message indicating the operating status of the information processing device 20 and the image reading device 30 according to the status mark 1001 .

[0097] The pause button 1003 is a button for temporarily pausing the color adjustment process by the image forming system 1. The read button 1004 is a button for executing the color chart reading process by the image reading device 30. The end button 1005 is a button for ending the color adjustment process and returning to the top screen 2000 described later.

[0098] The color adjustment progress area 1100 is a display area that displays the progress status for each image forming device 10 and each paper type in the color adjustment process executed by the image forming system 1. The progress status for each image forming device 10 and each paper type is displayed separately for each color adjustment progress record 1110 in the color adjustment progress area 1100. Each color adjustment progress record 1110 includes a device name cell 1111, a paper type cell 1112, a pre-determination cell 1113, a profile generation cell 1114, and a profile registration cell 1115. Note that the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 8 is an initial screen before the color adjustment process is executed, and therefore nothing is displayed in the cells.

[0099] The device name cell 1111 is a cell for displaying the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 identified from the color code of the adjustment color chart CC. Here, a cell is a display area for displaying the progress status of the color adjustment process for each image forming apparatus 10 and each paper type in a step-by-step manner in the color adjustment progress record 1110. The paper type cell 1112 is a cell for displaying the paper type identified from the color code of the adjustment color chart CC. When the identification unit 204 identifies the device name and paper type of the image forming apparatus 10 using the color code of either the adjustment color chart CCA or the adjustment color chart CCB, the display control unit 212 displays the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 in the blank device name cell 1111 of the color adjustment progress record 1110 and the paper type in the paper type cell 1112. This starts the progress of the color adjustment process corresponding to the device name and paper type of the identified image forming apparatus 10. That is, the display of the device name and paper type in the device name cell 1111 and paper type cell 1112 indicates that the adjustment color chart CC has been read by the image reading device 30. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the paper types displayed are, for example, "Gross Coated," "Matte," and "Plain."

[0100] The pre-assessment cell 1113 is a cell for displaying the results of the pre-assessment (in-plane deviation, inter-page deviation, etc.) of the pre-assessment of the adjustment color chart CCA and the adjustment color chart CCB by the first assessment unit 207 as a progress status. As shown in Fig. 9, when the first assessment unit 207 issues a assessment result, the display control unit 212 displays the in-plane deviation and inter-page deviation, which are the assessment result, the device values ​​(CMYK values) at the time of the assessment, and the time of the assessment. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, when the assessment result by the first assessment unit 207 is normal, the display control unit 212 displays a normal completion mark 1121 indicating normality together with the assessment result, etc., in the pre-assessment cell 1113, and displays the entire pre-assessment cell 1113 in a color, for example, green. 9, when the judgment result by the first judgment unit 207 is abnormal but does not pose a problem in generating a subsequent profile, the display control unit 212 displays a warning mark 1122 indicating a warning in the pre-judgment cell 1113 together with the judgment result, and displays a number indicating the type of the warning (for example, "(2)", "(3)", etc.). The display control unit 212 may highlight an abnormal part of the judgment result (for example, an abnormal device value). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the judgment result by the first judgment unit 207 is abnormal, the display control unit 212 displays an abnormality mark 1123 indicating an abnormality in the pre-judgment cell 1113 together with the judgment result. In this case, the display control unit 212 displays the entire pre-judgment cell 1113 in red, for example (i.e., in a color different from that used in the normal case), and displays a number indicating the type of the abnormality (for example, "(1)", etc.). In addition, if the judgment result is an abnormality to the extent that the in-plane deviation or inter-page deviation cannot be calculated (for example, the occurrence of a jam), the display control unit 212 does not need to display the in-plane deviation and inter-page deviation as the judgment result.

[0101] The profile generation cell 1114 is a cell for displaying the result of profile generation by the profile generation unit 208 as a progress status. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the profile generation unit 208 has successfully generated a profile, the display control unit 212 displays a successful completion mark 1121 in the profile generation cell 1114, indicating the successful completion, and also displays, for example, the name of the profile, a description of the profile, and the time of generation in the profile generation cell 1114. In this case, the display control unit 212 displays the entire profile generation cell 1114 in a color such as green. In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the generation of the profile by the profile generation unit 208, the display control unit 212 displays, for example, an abnormality mark 1123 indicating the abnormality, the time of the abnormality, and a number indicating the type of abnormality in the profile generation cell 1114. In this case, the display control unit 212 displays the entire profile generation cell 1114 in a color such as red.

[0102] The profile registration cell 1115 is a cell for displaying the registration result of the profile in the target image forming apparatus 10 as a progress status after the profile has been transmitted to the target image forming apparatus 10 by the profile transmission unit 209. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the profile has been successfully registered in the target image forming apparatus 10, the display control unit 212 displays a successful completion mark 1121 in the profile registration cell 1115, indicating successful completion, and also displays, for example, the time of registration in the profile registration cell 1115. In this case, the display control unit 212 displays the entire profile registration cell 1115 in a green color, for example. In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the profile registration in the target image forming apparatus 10 (for example, the profile has been transmitted but a notification of registration completion has not been returned), the display control unit 212 displays, in the profile registration cell 1115, an abnormality mark 1123 indicating the abnormality, the time of the abnormality occurrence, a number indicating the type of abnormality, and the like. In this case, the display control unit 212 displays the entire profile registration cell 1115 in a red color, for example.

[0103] In this way, the color adjustment progress record 1110 corresponding to each image forming apparatus 10 and each paper type displays the progress of each process, namely, reading of the adjustment color chart CC, preliminary determination by the first determination unit 207, generation of the profile by the profile generation unit 208, and registration of the profile in the image forming apparatus 10, in a sequential and step-by-step manner. Furthermore, if a process is not completed successfully, nothing is displayed in the cell for the process in the next step, as shown in Fig. 9. This makes it possible to grasp the progress of the color adjustment process in each image forming apparatus 10 all at once, eliminating the need to work while checking the progress of the color adjustment process in each image forming apparatus 10 individually, thereby improving the workability of the color adjustment process and the manageability of the data of the color adjustment results.

[0104] Furthermore, in the color adjustment process for each image forming device 10 and each paper type, if the process at each stage is completed normally or a warning occurs, the process will proceed to the next subsequent step, and if an abnormality occurs, the process will not proceed to the next step but will stop at that step.

[0105] Returning to FIGS. 8 to 10, the description of the color adjustment screen 1000 will continue. The message display area 1200 is an area for displaying a message when a warning or abnormality occurs in the color adjustment process for each image forming apparatus 10 and for each paper type. The message here includes, for example, the cause of the warning or abnormality, specific details, and a method of resolving the warning or abnormality. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the message display area 1200 has a tab 1201 on which a number indicating the type of warning or abnormality is displayed.

[0106] If a warning or abnormality occurs during color adjustment processing in each image forming apparatus 10, when the user presses a tab 1201 displaying a number indicating the type of warning or abnormality, the display control unit 212 displays a message corresponding to the warning or abnormality in the message display area 1200. The example shown in FIG. 9 shows a state in which the tab 1201 displaying the number "(1)" indicating the type of abnormality is pressed. From this state, when the tab 1201 displaying the number "(2)" indicating the type of warning is pressed, as shown in FIG. 10, the display control unit 212 displays a message corresponding to the warning in the message display area 1200. In this way, when a warning or abnormality occurs during color adjustment processing, the user can view a message corresponding to the warning or abnormality by pressing the tab 1201 displaying the corresponding number, and thus the user can understand the cause of the warning or abnormality, specific details, and how to resolve the warning or abnormality.

[0107] The post-determination area 1300 is a display area for displaying the determination results of the post-determination performed on the confirmation color chart by the second determination unit 210. The determination results of the post-determination for each image forming apparatus 10 and each paper type are displayed separately for each post-determination record 1310. Note that the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 8 is an initial screen before the color adjustment process is executed, and therefore nothing is displayed in the post-determination area 1300.

[0108] 9, when the second determination unit 210 issues a determination result, the display control unit 212 displays, in the post-determination record 1310, the device name and paper type of the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the determination result, whether the result is normal or abnormal, a determination chart (printing standard) for comparison, the average deviation, and the maximum deviation. Note that the display control unit 212 may display a mark similar to the above-described normal completion mark 1121 if the result of the post-determination is normal, and may display a mark similar to the above-described abnormal mark 1123 if the result is abnormal. This allows the results of the post-determination at each image forming apparatus 10 to be grasped all at once, eliminating the need to work while checking the progress of the post-determination at each image forming apparatus 10 individually, thereby improving workability and data manageability.

[0109] (Overall operation flow of the image forming system) 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall operation flow of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment, and the overall operation flow of the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0110] <Step S11> The user performs an operation for printing out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the operation display unit 510 of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the job acquisition unit 102 acquires a print job for the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 20. Note that the job acquisition unit 102 may generate a print job using the color chart data for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB stored in the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the print control unit 103 causes the plotter 531 to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB based on the print job for the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit 102.

[0111] <Step S12> The user sets the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the image forming apparatus 10 in the image reading device 30.

[0112] <Step S13> The user operates the image reading device 30 to perform a reading process on the set adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, and to generate color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. Note that the reading process by the image reading device 30 may be performed by an operation on a screen displayed on the information processing device 20, as will be described later.

[0113] <Step S14> The image reading device 30 transmits the color information data of the generated adjustment color charts CCA and CCB to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0114] <Step S15> The color value acquisition unit 203 of the information processing device 20 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 of the information processing device 20 identifies the color code information of the color codes CA and CB from the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the image forming device 10 (model, etc.), paper type, the number of the color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CC (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CP), and the date and time of printout. The display control unit 212 of the information processing device 20 then displays the device name of the image forming device 10 identified by the identification unit 204 in the device name cell 1111 of the blank color adjustment progress record 1110, and displays the paper type in the paper type cell 1112. This allows the user to recognize that reading of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB has been completed.

[0115] Next, the patch acquisition unit 205 of the information processing device 20 identifies portions corresponding to the nine determination patches JPA1-JPA9 and JPB1-JPB9 embedded in each of the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB from the color information data acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, and acquires the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of patches P1-P4 in each of the determination patches JPA1-JPA9 and JPB1-JPB9. Next, the calculation unit 206 of the information processing device 20 calculates maximum values ​​ΔEA1_Max-ΔEA4_Max (in-plane deviation), maximum values ​​ΔEB1_Max-ΔEB4_Max (in-plane deviation), and differences ΔE1_AB-ΔE4_AB (inter-page deviation) from the colorimetric values ​​of patches P1-P4 in each of the determination patches JPA1-JPA9 and JPB1-JPB9. Next, the first determination unit 207 of the information processing device 20 performs a preliminary determination on the in-page deviation and the inter-page deviation calculated by the calculation unit 206.

[0116] Then, the display control unit 212 displays the results of the preliminary judgment made by the first judgment unit 207 on the adjustment color chart CCA and the adjustment color chart CCB in the preliminary judgment cell 1113 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110. This allows the user to recognize the results of the preliminary judgment made by the first judgment unit 207.

[0117] <Step S16> If the preliminary determination by the first determination unit 207 is normal (or a warning) and it is determined that the color adjustment process for the image forming apparatus 10 can be continued, the profile generation unit 208 of the information processing apparatus 20 generates a profile using the colorimetric values ​​of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB among the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. In other words, if the first determination unit 207 determines that there is no abnormality, the profile generation operation by the profile generation unit 208 proceeds. Then, the display control unit 212 displays in the profile generation cell 1114 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 that the profile has been successfully generated by the profile generation unit 208. This allows the user to recognize that the profile has been generated by the profile generation unit 208.

[0118] <Step S17> The profile transmission unit 209 of the information processing device 20 transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit 208 to the image forming device 10 identified by the identification unit 204 via the communication unit 201. Then, the communication unit 101 of the image forming device 10 receives the profile.

[0119] <Step S18> The profile acquisition unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the profile received by the communication unit 101 from the information processing apparatus 20. The profile acquisition unit 104 stores (registers) the acquired profile for the image forming apparatus 10 and for each paper type in the storage unit 105. Then, the profile acquisition unit 104 notifies the information processing apparatus 20 via the communication unit 101 that the profile has been registered.

[0120] Then, when the display control unit 212 of the information processing device 20 receives via the communication unit 201 a notification that the profile has been successfully registered in the target image forming device 10, the display control unit 212 displays that the profile has been successfully registered in the profile registration cell 1115 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110. This allows the user to recognize that the profile generated by the profile generation unit 208 has been registered in the image forming device 10.

[0121] <Step S19> The user performs an operation to print out a confirmation color chart via the operation display unit 510 of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the job acquisition unit 102 acquires a print job for the color chart data of the confirmation color chart from the chart transmission unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 20. Note that the job acquisition unit 102 may generate a print job using the color chart data of the confirmation color chart stored in the image forming apparatus 10. Then, the print control unit 103 applies the profile registered in step S18 based on the print job for the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit 102, and causes the plotter 531 to print out the confirmation color chart.

[0122] <Step S20> The user places the confirmation color chart printed out by the image forming apparatus 10 into the image reading apparatus 30 .

[0123] <Step S21> The user operates the image reading device 30 to perform a reading process on the set confirmation color chart and generate color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. Note that the reading process by the image reading device 30 may be performed by operating on a screen displayed on the information processing device 20, as will be described later.

[0124] <Step S22> The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the confirmation color chart to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0125] <Step S23> The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data of the confirmation color chart received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code from the color information data of the confirmation color chart acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the image forming device 10 (model, etc.), paper type, patch arrangement of the confirmation color chart, and date and time of printout.

[0126] Next, the patch acquisition unit 205 acquires the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of each patch constituting the confirmation color chart from the color information data acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203. Next, the second determination unit 210 uses the colorimetric values ​​acquired by the patch acquisition unit 205 to perform post-determination of the average deviation and maximum deviation compared with printing standards such as Japan Color, G7, and Forga.

[0127] Then, the display control unit 212 displays the result of the post-determination made by the second determination unit 210 on the confirmation color chart in the corresponding post-determination record 1310. This allows the user to recognize the result of the post-determination made by the second determination unit 210. Furthermore, if the post-determination made by the second determination unit 210 is normal, printing is performed on the target paper type in the target image forming apparatus 10 by applying the profile registered in step S18.

[0128] (Transition of screens displayed on information processing devices) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of normal screen transitions in the information processing device according to the embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of screen transitions when additional reading is performed in the information processing device according to the embodiment. The transition operation of the screen displayed on the display unit 213 of the information processing device 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13.

[0129] When the CPU 601 of the information processing device 20 starts the program, the display control unit 212 first displays a top screen 2000 shown in FIG. 12(a) on the display unit 213. The top screen 2000 is a screen for selecting whether to start the color adjustment process or the color sample matching process. The top screen 2000 includes an easy color adjustment button 2001 and a color sample matching button 2002.

[0130] The simple color adjustment button 2001 is a button for executing color adjustment processing, and the color sample matching button 2002 is a button for executing color sample matching processing.

[0131] When the user presses the Easy Color Adjustment button 2001, the display control unit 212 displays the standby color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 12(c). The color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 12(c) is the initial screen before the color adjustment process is executed, and therefore nothing is displayed in the cells. When the user presses the Finish button 1005 on this color adjustment screen 1000, the display control unit 212 displays the top screen 2000 shown in Fig. 12(a). Furthermore, when the user presses the Read button 1004 on this color adjustment screen 1000, the display control unit 212 displays the Read dialog box 1400 shown in Fig. 12(b).

[0132] When the Easy Color Adjustment button 2001 on the top screen 2000 is pressed, it is generally assumed that the reading process of the adjustment color chart CCA, CCB, or the confirmation color chart will begin, so the screen may transition to the reading dialog box 1400 shown in Figure 12(b).

[0133] The reading dialog box 1400 shown in Fig. 12(b) is a dialog box for executing the reading process of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, or the confirmation color chart in the image reading device 30. The reading dialog box 1400 includes a reading start button 1401 and a cancel button 1402. The reading start button 1401 is a button for starting the reading process of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, or the confirmation color chart in the image reading device 30. The cancel button 1402 is a button for returning to the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 12(c) without executing the reading process in the image reading device 30.

[0134] When the user presses the read start button 1401, the display control unit 212 displays the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 12(d), and the communication unit 201 transmits a read start command to the image reading device 30. As a result, the color adjustment process is executed from step S13 shown in FIG. 11 described above. As shown in FIG. 12(d), in the color adjustment screen 1000, as the color adjustment process progresses, the progress of each process, namely, reading of the adjustment color chart CC, preliminary determination by the first determination unit 207, profile generation by the profile generation unit 208, and profile registration in the image forming device 10, is displayed in each cell in the color adjustment progress record 1110 corresponding to each image forming device 10 and each paper type, as described above in FIG. 9. When the user presses the end button 1005 on the color adjustment screen 1000 in this state, the color adjustment process is interrupted, and the display control unit 212 displays the top screen 2000 shown in FIG. 12(a).

[0135] When the color adjustment processes for each image forming apparatus 10 and each paper type shown in the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 12(d) progress and all color adjustment processes are completed (either normally or abnormally), the state of the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 12(e) appears. In this state, when the user presses the end button 1005 on the color adjustment screen 1000, the display control unit 212 displays the top screen 2000 shown in Fig. 12(a).

[0136] Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the screen transition operation when additionally scanning a color chart will be described.

[0137] The flow from the read dialog box 1400 shown in Fig. 13(b), the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 13(c), and the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 13(d) is the same as the flow from the read dialog box 1400 shown in Fig. 12(b), the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 12(d), and the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 12(e), as described above. When the color adjustment processes for each image forming device 10 and each paper type progress and all color adjustment processes are completed (normal completion or abnormal completion), the state of the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 13(d) appears, and the read button 1004 becomes pressable.

[0138] If the user wishes to have the image reading device 30 perform additional reading processing for the adjustment color charts CCA, CCB, or the confirmation color chart, the user presses the read button 1004. The display control unit 212 then displays the read dialog box 1400 shown in FIG. 13(b) again. If the user presses the cancel button 1402, the user can return to the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 13(d). Furthermore, when the user presses the start reading button 1401 after setting the color chart to be additionally read in the image reading device 30, the display control unit 212 displays the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 13(c), and the communication unit 201 transmits a start reading command to the image reading device 30. This results in the additional color adjustment processing starting from step S13 shown in FIG. 11 being executed.

[0139] Furthermore, when the user presses the end button 1005 on the color adjustment screen 1000 in the state shown in FIG. 13(d), the display control unit 212 displays the top screen 2000 shown in FIG. 13(a).

[0140] (Flow of color adjustment processing for a single image forming device) Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of color adjustment processing when color adjustment is performed on a single image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of pre-determination processing for the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. With reference to Figs. 14 and 15, the flow of color adjustment processing for performing color adjustment on a single image forming apparatus 10 in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that Fig. 14 also explains the flow up to the post-determination processing after the color adjustment processing.

[0141] <Step S31> The user performs an operation to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the operation display unit 510 of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the job acquisition unit 102 acquires a print job for the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit 202 of the information processing apparatus 20. Then, the print control unit 103 causes the plotter 531 to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB based on the print job for the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit 102. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0142] <Step S32> In response to a user's operation, the image reading device 30 executes a reading process on the adjustment color chart CCA (the first adjustment color chart CC) and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0143] The color value acquisition unit 203 of the information processing device 20 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 of the information processing device 20 identifies the color code information of the color code CA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the image forming device 10 (model, etc.), paper type, whether it is the first color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CCA (arrangement of color adjustment patches CPA), and the date and time of printout. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , the display control unit 212 of the information processing device 20 displays the device name of the image forming device 10 identified by the identification unit 204 in the device name cell 1111 of the color adjustment progress record 1110, which is blank on the color adjustment screen 1000, and displays the paper type in the paper type cell 1112. Then, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0144] <Step S33> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S33: Yes), the process proceeds to step S35, and if there is a problem (step S33: No), the process proceeds to step S34.

[0145] <Step S34> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S32.

[0146] <Step S35> In response to a user's operation, the image reading device 30 executes a reading process on the adjustment color chart CCB (the second adjustment color chart CC) and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0147] The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code CB from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the image forming device 10 (model, etc.), paper type, that it is the second color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CCB (arrangement of color adjustment patches CPB), and the date and time of printout. Note that when the adjustment color chart CCB, which is the second adjustment color chart CC, is read, the device name of the image forming device 10 identified by the identification unit 204 may be displayed in the device name cell 1111 of the color adjustment progress record 1110, and the paper type may be displayed in the paper type cell 1112. Then, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0148] <Step S36> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S36: Yes), the process proceeds to step S38, and if there is a problem (step S36: No), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0149] <Step S37> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S32.

[0150] <Step S38> Next, the information processing device 20 executes a preliminary determination process for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB in steps S381 to S387 shown in Fig. 15. The preliminary determination process will be described below.

[0151] <<Step S381>> The patch acquisition unit 205 of the information processing device 20 identifies portions corresponding to the nine determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 embedded in the color adjustment patch CPA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, and acquires the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of the patch P1 in each of the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9. Then, the process proceeds to step S382.

[0152] <<Step S382>> The calculation unit 206 of the information processing device 20 calculates, by the above-mentioned formula (1), the average colorimetric value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave), which is the average value of the colorimetric value of patch P1 in each of the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 acquired by the patch acquisition unit 205. Then, the process proceeds to step S383.

[0153] <<Step S383>> Next, the calculation unit 206 calculates, for the adjustment color chart CCA, the color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9 between the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) (L*A1_1, a*A1_1, b*A1_1) to (L*A1_9, a*A1_9, b*A1_9) of each patch P1 of the determination patches JPA1 to JPA9 and the calculated average colorimetric value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave), respectively. Then, the process proceeds to step S384.

[0154] <<Step S384>> The calculation unit 206 then calculates the maximum value ΔEA1_Max of the calculated color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9, and then proceeds to step S385.

[0155] <<Step S385>> The first determination unit 207 of the information processing device 20 determines whether the maximum value ΔEA1_Max calculated by the calculation unit 206 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value Thresh using the above-mentioned formula (3). If the maximum value ΔEA1_Max is less than the threshold value Thresh (step S385: Yes), the process returns to step S381 to process patch P1 of the adjustment color chart CCB, and the processes of steps S381 to S385 are repeated. When processing for patch P1 of the adjustment color chart CCB is completed, the process proceeds to step S386. On the other hand, if the maximum value ΔEA1_Max is equal to or greater than the threshold value Thresh (step S385: No), the process proceeds to step S387.

[0156] <<Step S386>> Furthermore, the first determination unit 207 determines whether the difference ΔE1_AB calculated by the calculation unit 206 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Thresh2 using the above-described formula (4). If the difference ΔE1_AB is less than the threshold value Thresh2 (step S386: Yes), and if there are any unprocessed patches P2 to P4 of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, the process returns to step S381 and repeats the processes of steps S381 to S387. When the processing of all patches P2 to P4 has been completed, the preliminary determination process ends and the process proceeds to step S39 in FIG. In this case, the display control unit 212 determines that the judgment result by the first judgment unit 207 is normal, and causes the display control unit 212 to display the in-plane deviation and inter-page deviation, which are the judgment results, the device values ​​(CMYK values) at the time of the judgment, and the time of the judgment, in the pre-judgment cell 1113 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110, and causes a normal completion mark 1121, indicating normality, to be displayed in the pre-judgment cell 1113 together with the judgment result, etc., and the entire pre-judgment cell 1113 to be colored, for example, green. On the other hand, if the difference ΔE1_AB is equal to or greater than the threshold value Thresh2 (step S386: No), the process proceeds to step S387.

[0157] <<Step S387>> If the first determination unit 207 determines that the maximum value ΔEA1_Max is equal to or greater than the threshold value Thresh, or if it determines that the difference ΔE1_AB is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value Thresh2, it determines that there is unevenness in the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB included in the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, and determines that there is an abnormality in the state of the image forming apparatus 10 identified by the identification unit 204. If the determination result by the first determination unit 207 is a warning or abnormality, the display control unit 212 displays the in-plane deviation and inter-page deviation, which are the determination results, the device values ​​(CMYK values) at the time of the determination, and the time of the determination, in the pre-determination cell 1113 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, if the judgment result by the first judgment unit 207 is a warning, the display control unit 212 displays a warning mark 1122 indicating a warning in the pre-judgment cell 1113 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 together with the judgment result, and displays a number indicating the type of the warning. Furthermore, if the judgment result by the first judgment unit 207 is an abnormality, the display control unit 212 displays an abnormality mark 1123 indicating an abnormality in the pre-judgment cell 1113 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 together with the judgment result, and displays the entire pre-judgment cell 1113 in red, for example, and displays a number indicating the type of the abnormality. Then, the pre-judgment process ends, and the process proceeds to step S39.

[0158] <Step S39> If the first determination unit 207 determines that the in-plane deviation is equal to or greater than the threshold value Thresh, or that the inter-page deviation is equal to or greater than the threshold value Thresh2, thereby determining that there is an abnormality (step S39: No), the process proceeds to step S40. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 207 determines that the in-plane deviation is less than the threshold value Thresh and that the inter-page deviation is less than the threshold value Thresh2, thereby determining that there is no abnormality (step S39: Yes), the process proceeds to step S41.

[0159] <Step S40> The user carries out maintenance on the ink heads and the like of the target image forming apparatus 10. Then, the process returns to step S31.

[0160] <Step S41> The first determination unit 207 determines whether predetermined setting values ​​(e.g., in-plane deviation, inter-page deviation, device value, etc.) exceed (deviate from) reference values. If the first determination unit 207 determines that all of the setting values ​​are less than the reference values ​​(final normal determination), or if it determines that some of the setting values ​​exceed the reference values ​​(an example of a case where the setting values ​​are not normal but satisfy a predetermined condition) (final warning determination), it determines that the processing can be continued as is (step S41: Yes), and proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 207 determines that all of the setting values ​​exceed the reference values ​​(final abnormal determination), it determines that the processing cannot be continued (step S41: No), and proceeds to step S42. Note that the method of determination using the reference value is not limited to the above, and for example, a determination may be made using a plurality of reference values.

[0161] <Step S42> The user carries out maintenance on the ink heads and the like of the target image forming apparatus 10. Then, the process returns to step S31.

[0162] <Step S43> The profile generation unit 208 of the information processing device 20 generates a profile using the colorimetric values ​​of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB among the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. Then, the display control unit 212 displays in the profile generation cell 1114 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, as shown in Fig. 9, that the profile has been successfully generated by the profile generation unit 208. Then, the process proceeds to step S44.

[0163] <Step S44> The profile transmission unit 209 of the information processing device 20 transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit 208 to the image forming device 10 identified by the identification unit 204 via the communication unit 201. The profile acquisition unit 104 of the image forming device 10 acquires the profile received from the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 101. The profile acquisition unit 104 stores (registers) the acquired profile for each image forming device 10 and paper type in the storage unit 105. The profile acquisition unit 104 then notifies the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 101 that the profile has been registered. When the display control unit 212 receives via the communication unit 201 that the profile has been successfully registered in the target image forming device 10, it displays that the profile has been successfully registered in the profile registration cell 1115 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, as shown in FIG. 9 . Then, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0164] <Step S45> The user performs an operation to print out a confirmation color chart via the operation display unit 510 of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the job acquisition unit 102 acquires a print job for the color chart data of the confirmation color chart from the chart transmission unit 202 of the information processing device 20. Then, the print control unit 103 applies the profile registered in step S44 based on the print job for the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit 102, and causes the plotter 531 to print out the confirmation color chart. Then, the process proceeds to step S46.

[0165] <Step S46> In response to a user's operation, the image reading device 30 executes a reading process on the confirmation color chart and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the confirmation color chart to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0166] The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data of the confirmation color chart received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code from the color information data of the confirmation color chart acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the image forming device 10 (model, etc.), paper type, patch arrangement of the confirmation color chart, and date and time of printout. Then, the process proceeds to step S47.

[0167] <Step S47> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S47: Yes), the process proceeds to step S49, and if there is a problem (step S47: No), the process proceeds to step S48.

[0168] <Step S48> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S46.

[0169] <Step S49> The patch acquisition unit 205 acquires the colorimetric values ​​(Lab values) of each patch constituting the confirmation color chart from the color information data acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203. Next, the second determination unit 210 performs a post-determination of the average deviation and maximum deviation compared with a printing standard such as Japan Color, G7, or Forga, using the colorimetric values ​​acquired by the patch acquisition unit 205. Then, the display control unit 212 displays the result of the post-determination of the confirmation color chart by the second determination unit 210 in the corresponding post-determination record 1310, as shown in FIG. 9. Then, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0170] <Step S50> If the result of the post-judgment by the second judgment unit 210 is that the average deviation or maximum deviation exceeds (deviates from) the reference value (in the case of an abnormal judgment) (step S50: No), the process proceeds to step S51, and if neither the average deviation nor the maximum deviation exceeds the reference value (in the case of a normal judgment) (step S50: Yes), the process proceeds to step S52.

[0171] <Step S51> The user again performs an operation to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the operation display unit 510 of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the job acquisition unit 102 acquires a print job for the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit 202 of the information processing device 20. Then, based on the print job for the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit 102, the print control unit 103 applies the profile registered in step S44 and causes the plotter 531 to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. Then, the process returns to step S32. In other words, because the post-determination using the confirmation color charts resulted in an abnormality, the color adjustment process is executed again using the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB that were printed out using the latest profile.

[0172] <Step S52> If the post-determination by the second determination unit 210 is normal, printing is performed for the target paper type in the target image forming apparatus 10 by applying the profile generated and registered in steps S43 and S44.

[0173] (Flow of color adjustment processing for multiple image forming devices) 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of color adjustment processing when color adjustment is performed on multiple image forming devices in the image forming system according to this embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the flow of color adjustment processing for performing color adjustment on multiple image forming devices 10 in the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that FIGS. 16 and 17 also explain the flow up to the post-determination processing after the color adjustment processing. Furthermore, in FIGS. 16 and 17, it is assumed that color adjustment is performed on two image forming devices 10, and the respective image forming devices 10 will be referred to as "printer A" and "printer B" in the description.

[0174] <Step S61> The user performs operations for printing out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the operation display units 510 of printers A and B. As a result, the job acquisition units 102 of printers A and B each acquire a print job for the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit 202 of the information processing device 20. Then, the print control units 103 of printers A and B each cause the plotter 531 to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB based on the print job for the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition units 102. Then, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0175] <Step S62> In response to a user's operation, the image reading device 30, into which multiple adjustment color charts CC have been set, executes a reading operation all at once. The image reading device 30 then first executes a reading process on the adjustment color chart CCA of printer A (the first adjustment color chart CC), and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0176] The color value acquisition unit 203 of the information processing device 20 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA of printer A received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 of the information processing device 20 identifies the color code information of the color code CA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA of printer A acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the device name of printer A, the paper type, that it is the first color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CCA (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CPA), and the date and time of printout. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , the display control unit 212 of the information processing device 20 displays the device name of printer A identified by the identification unit 204 in the device name cell 1111 of the color adjustment progress record 1110, which is blank on the color adjustment screen 1000, and displays the paper type in the paper type cell 1112. Then, the process proceeds to step S63.

[0177] <Step S63> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S63: Yes), the process proceeds to step S65, and if there is a problem (step S63: No), the process proceeds to step S64.

[0178] <Step S64> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S62.

[0179] <Step S65> The image reading device 30 then executes a reading process on the next adjustment color chart CC and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CC to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0180] The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code C from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the adjustment color chart CC, the paper type, page information indicating the number of the color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CC (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CP), and the date and time of printout. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , if there is still no corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, the display control unit 212 displays the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 identified by the identification unit 204 in the device name cell 1111 of the blank color adjustment progress record 1110 and displays the paper type in the paper type cell 1112. Then, the process proceeds to step S66.

[0181] <Step S66> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S66: Yes), the process proceeds to step S68, and if there is a problem (step S66: No), the process proceeds to step S67.

[0182] <Step S67> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S65.

[0183] <Step S68> In step S65, if the result of identification of the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC by the identification unit 204 shows that the adjustment color chart CC is the adjustment color chart CCB of printer A (the second adjustment color chart CC) (step S68: Yes), the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the adjustment color chart CC is not the adjustment color chart CCB (the second adjustment color chart CC) of printer A (step S68: No), the process proceeds to step S69.

[0184] <Step S69> The image reading device 30 then executes a reading process on the adjustment color chart CCA (the first adjustment color chart CC) of printer B, and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0185] The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA of printer B received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code CA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA of printer B acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the device name of printer B, the paper type, that it is the first color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CCA (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CPA), and the date and time of printout. Then, the display control unit 212 displays the device name of printer B identified by the identification unit 204 in the device name cell 1111 of the color adjustment progress record 1110, which is blank on the color adjustment screen 1000, and displays the paper type in the paper type cell 1112, as shown in FIG. This allows the process to continue without stopping or causing an error, even if multiple color charts from printer A and multiple color charts from printer B are mixed and inserted one by one, and are read all at once.It also makes it easy to check which printer and paper type the pending process is for after reading the first color chart.Then, the process proceeds to step S70.

[0186] <Step S70> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S70: Yes), the process proceeds to step S72, and if there is a problem (step S70: No), the process proceeds to step S71.

[0187] <Step S71> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S69.

[0188] <Step S72> The image reading device 30 then executes a reading process on the next adjustment color chart CC and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CC to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0189] The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code C from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the adjustment color chart CC, the paper type, page information indicating the number of the color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CC (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CP), and the date and time of printout. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , if there is still no corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, the display control unit 212 displays the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 identified by the identification unit 204 in the device name cell 1111 of the blank color adjustment progress record 1110 and displays the paper type in the paper type cell 1112. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.

[0190] <Step S73> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S73: Yes), the process proceeds to step S75, and if there is a problem (step S73: No), the process proceeds to step S74.

[0191] <Step S74> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S72.

[0192] <Step S75> In step S72, if the result of identification of the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC by the identification unit 204 shows that the adjustment color chart CC is the adjustment color chart CCB of printer A (the second adjustment color chart CC) (step S75: Yes), the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the adjustment color chart CC is not the adjustment color chart CCB of printer A (the second adjustment color chart CC) (step S75: No), the process proceeds to step S76.

[0193] <Step S76> The image reading device 30 then executes a reading process on the adjustment color chart CCB (the second adjustment color chart CC) of printer B, and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0194] The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB of printer B received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code CB from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB of printer B acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the device name of printer B, the paper type, that it is the second color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CCB (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CPB), and the date and time of printout. Note that the device name and paper type of printer B identified by the identification unit 204 have already been displayed in the device name cell 1111 and the paper type cell 1112 of the color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000 in step S69. Then, the process proceeds to step S77.

[0195] <Step S77> At this point, the image reading device 30 is performing the reading process of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer B, so the information processing device 20 performs the pre-determination process shown in steps S381 to S387 in Fig. 15 on the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer B. Then, the process proceeds to step S78.

[0196] <Step S78> The image reading device 30 then executes a reading process on the next adjustment color chart CC and generates color information data by converting the read values ​​into colorimetric values. The image reading device 30 transmits the generated color information data of the adjustment color chart CC to the information processing device 20. The communication unit 201 of the information processing device 20 receives the color information data.

[0197] The color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC received by the communication unit 201. The identification unit 204 identifies the color code information of the color code C from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CC acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, digitizes (decodes) the color code information, and identifies the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 corresponding to the adjustment color chart CC, the paper type, page information indicating the number of the color chart, the patch arrangement of the adjustment color chart CC (the arrangement of the color adjustment patches CP), and the date and time of printout. Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , if there is still no corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, the display control unit 212 displays the device name of the image forming apparatus 10 identified by the identification unit 204 in the device name cell 1111 of the blank color adjustment progress record 1110 and displays the paper type in the paper type cell 1112. Then, the process proceeds to step S79.

[0198] <Step S79> If there is no problem with the reading process by the image reading device 30, such as a jam or a mistake in front and back (step S79: Yes), the process proceeds to step S81, and if there is a problem (step S79: No), the process proceeds to step S80.

[0199] <Step S80> The user takes measures to deal with the problem that occurred during the reading process of the image reading device 30. Then, the process returns to step S78.

[0200] <Step S81> At this point, it is confirmed that the image reading device 30 is performing the reading process of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A. Then, the process proceeds to step S82.

[0201] <Step S82> The information processing device 20 executes the preliminary determination process shown in steps S381 to S387 in Fig. 15 for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A. Then, the process proceeds to step S83.

[0202] Furthermore, once the reading process for the two adjustment color charts CCA and CCB has been completed, it is possible to move on to the pre-determination process for those adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, and there is no need to wait until the reading process for the other two adjustment color charts CCA and CCB has been completed.

[0203] <Step S83> The subsequent processing of steps S83 to S96 may be continued for printer A once the preliminary determination processing for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A has been completed, and may be continued for printer B once the preliminary determination processing for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer B has been completed. The following description focuses on the processing for printer A, but the processing for printer B is also performed in the same manner.

[0204] If the first determination unit 207 determines that the in-plane deviation of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A is equal to or greater than the threshold value Thresh, or that the deviation between pages is equal to or greater than the threshold value Thresh2, thereby determining that there is an abnormality (step S83: No), the process proceeds to step S84. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 207 determines that the in-plane deviation of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A is less than the threshold value Thresh and that the deviation between pages is less than the threshold value Thresh2, thereby determining that there is no abnormality (step S83: Yes), the process proceeds to step S85.

[0205] <Step S84> The user carries out maintenance on the ink heads and the like of the target image forming apparatus 10. Then, the process returns to step S61.

[0206] <Step S85> The first determination unit 207 determines whether predetermined setting values ​​(e.g., in-plane deviation, inter-page deviation, device value, etc.) for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A exceed (deviate from) reference values. If the first determination unit 207 determines that all of the setting values ​​are less than the reference values ​​(final normal determination), or if it determines that some of the setting values ​​exceed the reference values ​​(an example of a case where the setting values ​​are not normal but satisfy a predetermined condition) (final warning determination), it determines that processing can be continued (step S85: Yes), and proceeds to step S87. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 207 determines that all of the setting values ​​exceed the reference values ​​(final abnormal determination), it determines that processing cannot be continued (step S85: No), and proceeds to step S86. Note that the method of determination using a reference value is not limited to the above, and for example, a determination may be made using multiple reference values.

[0207] <Step S86> The user carries out maintenance on the ink heads and the like of the target image forming apparatus 10. Then, the process returns to step S61.

[0208] <Step S87> The profile generation unit 208 of the information processing device 20 generates a profile using the colorimetric values ​​of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patches CPA and CPB among the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A. Then, the display control unit 212 displays in the profile generation cell 1114 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, as shown in Fig. 9, that the profile has been successfully generated by the profile generation unit 208. Then, the process proceeds to step S88.

[0209] <Step S88> The profile sending unit 209 of the information processing device 20 transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit 208 to printer A identified by the identification unit 204 via the communication unit 201. The profile acquisition unit 104 of printer A acquires the profile received from the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 101. The profile acquisition unit 104 stores (registers) the acquired profile for printer A and for each paper type in the storage unit 105. The profile acquisition unit 104 then notifies the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 101 that the profile has been registered. When the display control unit 212 receives via the communication unit 201 that the profile has been successfully registered in printer A, it displays that the profile has been successfully registered in the profile registration cell 1115 of the corresponding color adjustment progress record 1110 on the color adjustment screen 1000, as shown in FIG. 9 . Then, the process proceeds to step S89.

[0210] <Steps S89 to S96> The processes in steps S89 to S96 are similar to the processes in steps S45 to S52 in FIG. 14, respectively.

[0211] As described above, even if the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer A and the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB of printer B are set in the image reading device 30 in a randomly stacked state, the color code information of the color code C of each adjustment color chart CC identifies the device name and paper type of the image forming apparatus 10, as well as the number of adjustment color charts CC. This allows the preliminary determination by the first determination unit 207, the generation of profiles by the profile generation unit 208, and the registration of profiles in the image forming apparatus 10 to be performed smoothly and continuously for each image forming apparatus 10 and for each paper type. Note that while FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the operation of performing color adjustment processing for two image forming apparatuses 10, printers A and B, it is also possible to simultaneously perform color adjustment processing for different paper types for one image forming apparatus 10, or to simultaneously perform color adjustment processing for three or more image forming apparatuses 10. Furthermore, it is possible to distinguish between an adjustment color chart CC and a confirmation color chart based on the color code information of color code C in the color chart. Therefore, even if the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart are mixed and stacked and set in the image reading device 30, the color adjustment process using the adjustment color chart CC and the post-determination process using the confirmation color chart can be carried out independently and simultaneously.

[0212] (Screen transition when color adjustment processing is temporarily suspended) 18 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of screen transitions when the color adjustment process is temporarily suspended in the information processing device according to the embodiment. With reference to FIG. 18, the screen transition operations when the color adjustment process is temporarily suspended in the information processing device 20 will be described.

[0213] The screen transition flow of the reading dialog box 1400 shown in FIG. 18(a) and the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 18(b) is similar to the screen transition flow of the reading dialog box 1400 shown in FIG. 13(b) and the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 13(c) described above.

[0214] When the user presses a pause button 1003 on a color adjustment screen 1000 showing the progress of the color adjustment process shown in FIG. 18(b), the information processing device 20 starts a pause process (stop process) for the color adjustment process being executed, and the display control unit 212 transitions to the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in FIG. 18(c). Specifically, if the image reading device 30 is executing the reading process for multiple adjustment color charts CC or confirmation color charts, the reading process for the color chart being read when the pause button 1003 was pressed is completed, and the reading process for the next color chart is stopped without being executed. In addition, processes that can be executed based on the color information data for the color chart that has already been read (pre-determination by the first determination unit 207, profile generation by the profile generation unit 208, profile registration in the image forming device 10, and post-determination by the second determination unit 210) continue until they are completed normally or abnormally. As a result, the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 18(d) is an example of a screen showing the results of continuing processing that can be performed based on the color information data for a color chart for which reading processing has already been completed, until the processing is completed normally or abnormally. That is, the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 18(d) is in a state where the read button 1004 can be pressed again. Here, if the user wants to resume reading processing by the image reading device 30 for the adjustment color charts CCA, CCB, or the confirmation color chart, the user presses the read button 1004. In response, the display control unit 212 displays the read dialog box 1400 shown in Fig. 18(a) again.

[0215] (Screen transition when terminating color adjustment processing) 19 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of screen transitions when the color adjustment process is ended in the information processing device according to the embodiment. With reference to FIG. 19, the screen transition operations when the color adjustment process is ended in the information processing device 20 will be described.

[0216] 19(a) shows a state in which all color adjustment processes have been completed for each image forming apparatus 10 and each paper type displayed in the color adjustment progress area 1100, and all post-determination processes have been completed for each image forming apparatus 10 and each paper type displayed in the post-determination area 1300. When the user presses the end button 1005 in this state, if there is an image forming apparatus 10 and paper type for which the color adjustment process has been abnormally completed (or if there is completion including a warning), or if there is an image forming apparatus 10 and paper type for which the post-determination process has been abnormally determined, the display control unit 212 displays an alert dialog box 1500 shown in FIG.

[0217] The alert dialog box 1500 shown in FIG. 19(b) is a dialog box for notifying the user that there is an image forming apparatus 10 and paper type for which the color adjustment process has completed abnormally (or that there is completion with a warning), or that there is an image forming apparatus 10 and paper type for which the post-determination process has been determined to be abnormal. In the example shown in FIG. 19(b), a message is displayed indicating that the profile has not been saved because there is an image forming apparatus 10 and paper type for which the color adjustment process has completed abnormally. The alert dialog box 1500 includes an OK button 1501 and a Cancel button 1502. The OK button 1501 is a button for forcibly terminating the process and returning to the top screen 2000. The Cancel button 1502 is a button for returning to the color adjustment screen 1000 to execute the color adjustment process or the post-determination process again.

[0218] When the user presses the OK button 1501, the display control unit 212 displays the top screen 2000 shown in Fig. 19(c). When the user presses the cancel button 1502, the display control unit 212 displays the color adjustment screen 1000 shown in Fig. 19(a) again.

[0219] As described above, in the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment, the communication unit 201 causes the image reading device 30 to execute a process of reading the adjustment color chart CC printed by the image forming device 10, and the display control unit 212 causes the display 608 to display, for each image forming device 10, the progress of each process, from the image reading device 30 reading the adjustment color chart CC for each image forming device 10 to the registration of a profile generated based on the color information data obtained by the reading in that image forming device 10. Furthermore, the display control unit 212 causes the display 608 to gradually display the status of reading the adjustment color chart CC, preliminary determination based on the color information data, profile generation, and profile registration as the progress of each process. Specifically, the color information data includes identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 10, the color value acquisition unit 203 acquires the color information data obtained by reading the adjustment color chart CC by the image reading device 30, the identification unit 204 identifies the image forming apparatus 10 that printed the adjustment color chart CC corresponding to the color information data from the identification information included in the color information data acquired by the color value acquisition unit 203, the first determination unit 207 performs a preliminary determination regarding unevenness of the adjustment color chart CC based on the color information data, and the profile generation unit 208 generates a profile based on the color information data if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the preliminary determination, and the profile transmission unit 209 transmits the profile to the profile generation unit 208. The profile generated by the above is transmitted to the image forming device 10 identified by the identification unit 204, and the image forming device 10 receives notification that the profile has been registered. When the image forming device 10 is identified by the identification unit 204, the display control unit 212 displays information indicating the image forming device 10 (such as the device name) as progress status to indicate that the adjustment color chart CC corresponding to the image forming device 10 has been read, displays the result of the preliminary determination by the first determination unit 207 as progress status, displays the result of the profile generation by the profile generation unit 208 as progress status, and displays the result of the registration of the profile transmitted by the profile transmission unit 209 as progress status.This eliminates the need to perform color measurement (reading), checking the values ​​of the read results, profile creation and registration, etc. for each image forming device 10 after printing on the image forming device 10, thereby improving the workability of the color adjustment process and the manageability of the color adjustment result data.

[0220] In the above-described embodiments, when at least one of the functional units of the image forming apparatus 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 is realized by executing a program, the program is provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. In the above-described embodiments, the programs executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). In the above-described embodiments, the programs executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. In the above-described embodiments, the programs executed by the image forming apparatus 10 and the information processing apparatus 20 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the programs executed by the image forming device 10 and the information processing device 20 are modularly configured to include at least one of the above-described functional units, and in terms of actual hardware, the CPU 501 (CPU 601) reads and executes the programs from the above-described storage devices (e.g., system memory 502, auxiliary storage device 508, auxiliary storage device 605, etc.), thereby loading and generating the above-described functional units onto the main storage device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0221] 1. Image forming system 10, 10a to 10d Image forming device 20 Information processing equipment 30 Image reader 101 Communications Department 102 Job Acquisition Unit 103 Printing control unit 104 Profile Acquisition Unit 105 Storage section 201 Communications Department 202 Chart Transmission Unit 203 Color value acquisition section 204 Identification Unit 205 Patch Acquisition Department 206 Calculation Unit 207 1st Judgment Section 208 Profile Generation Unit 209 Profile Transmission Unit 210 Second Judgment Section 211 Input section 212 Display control unit 213 Display section 214 Storage section 500 Controller 501 CPU 502 System Memory (MEM-P) 503 Northbridge (NB) 504a Southbridge (SB) 504b Network I / F 504c USB I / F 504d Centronics I / F 505 AGP 506 ASIC 507 Local Memory (MEM-C) 508 Auxiliary storage 510 Operation display section 520 FCU 531 Plotter 532 Scanner 601 CPU 602 ROM 603 RAM 605 Auxiliary storage 606 Recording Media 607 Media Drive 608 Display 609 Network I / F 610 Bus 611 keyboard 612 Mouse 613 DVD 614 DVD drive 1000 color adjustment screen 1001 Status Mark 1002 Message section 1003 Pause button 1004 Load button 1005 Exit button 1100 Color Adjustment Progress Area 1110 Color Adjustment Progress Record 1111 Device name cell 1112 Paper type cell 1113 Pre-determination cell 1114 Profile Generation Cell 1115 Profile Registration Cell 1121 Successful completion mark 1122 Warning mark 1123 Abnormal mark 1200 message display area 1201 tabs 1300 Post-judgment area 1310 Post-judgment Record 1400 Read Dialog Box 1401 Start reading button 1402 Cancel button 1500 Alert Dialog Box 1501 OK button 1502 Cancel button 2000 Top Screen 2001 Easy Color Adjustment Button 2002 Color sample matching button C, CA, CB color codes CC, CCa~CCd, CCA, CCB adjustment color chart CP, CPA, CPB color adjustment patches JP, JPA1~JPA9, JPB1~JPB9 detection patch N Network P1~P4 patches [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0222] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-135312

Claims

1. a reading command unit that causes the image reading device to execute a reading process of a first color chart and a second color chart that each include a color code printed by an image forming device; a discrimination unit that discriminates which color charts the first color chart and the second color chart are, based on the color codes of the first color chart and the second color chart obtained by reading the color codes by the image reading device; a display control unit that displays, on a display device for each of the image forming devices, progress of each process from reading the first color chart for each of the image forming devices by the image reading device to registering a profile generated based on color information data obtained by the reading in the image forming device; and Equipped with the second color chart is printed by applying the profile; an information processing device that performs a determination by comparing the results of the reading process of the second color chart by the image reading device with a printing standard;

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to gradually display the status of reading the first color chart, the first judgment based on the color information data, the generation of the profile, and the registration of the profile as the progress of each of the processes.

3. A reading command unit that causes the image reading device to execute a reading process of the first color chart printed by the image forming device; a display control unit that displays, on a display device for each of the image forming devices, progress of each process from reading the first color chart for each of the image forming devices by the image reading device to registering a profile generated based on color information data obtained by the reading in the image forming device; and Equipped with the display control unit causes the display device to display in stages, as a progress status of each of the processes, a status of reading the first color chart, a status of a first determination based on the color information data, a status of generating the profile, and a status of registering the profile; the color information data includes first identification information for identifying the image forming device, an acquisition unit that acquires the color information data obtained by reading the first color chart with the image reading device; an identification unit that identifies, from the first identification information included in the color information data acquired by the acquisition unit, the image forming device that printed the first color chart corresponding to the color information data; a first determination unit that performs the first determination regarding unevenness of the first color chart based on the color information data; a generating unit that generates a profile based on the color information data when the first determination determines that the color information data is not abnormal; a transmitting unit that transmits the profile generated by the generating unit to the image forming device identified by the identifying unit, and receives a notification that the profile has been registered in the image forming device; Furthermore, The display control unit When the image forming apparatus is identified by the identification unit, information indicating the image forming apparatus is displayed as the progress status to indicate that the first color chart corresponding to the image forming apparatus has been read, displaying a result of the first determination by the first determination unit as the progress status; displaying a result of the profile generation by the generation unit as the progress status; An information processing device that displays the registration result of the profile transmitted by the transmission unit as the progress status.

4. the reading command unit executes a reading process of each of the first color charts printed by the plurality of image reading devices collectively; The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display the progress of each process in the order of the first color charts that have been read by the image reading device.

5. the first color chart printed by the image forming device is a plurality of sheets, The display control unit when the image forming device is identified by the identification unit based on the color information data corresponding to one of the first color charts read by the image reading device, information indicating the image forming device is displayed as the progress status, 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the remaining first color charts other than the one sheet are read by the image reading device, the progress of each process after the first determination is displayed in sequence.

6. The display control unit When the reading command unit causes the reading process of each of the first color charts printed by the plurality of image reading devices to be executed collectively, if the first color charts printed by a second image forming device among the plurality of image reading devices are inserted between the plurality of first color charts printed by a first image forming device among the plurality of image reading devices, information indicating the first image forming device is displayed as the progress status upon reading the first sheet of the first color chart by the first image forming device, 6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the progress of each of the processes corresponding to the reading of the first color chart printed by the second image forming device and the remaining first color charts of the first image forming device is continuously displayed.

7. If the result of the first determination by the first determination unit is not normal but satisfies a predetermined condition, the display control unit displays the determination result as the progress status as a result of the first determination, 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the generation unit proceeds with an operation of generating the profile based on the color information data corresponding to the first determination.

8. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display control unit, when a process among the processes does not complete normally, displays the color of the display area for the progress status of the process in a color different from that when the process is completed normally, and does not display anything in the display area for the progress status of the next stage of the process.

9. the color information data further includes second identification information for identifying the paper type of the first color chart, the identifying unit identifies a paper type of the first color chart corresponding to the color information data from the second identification information included in the color information data, An information processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display the progress of each process for each image forming device identified by the identification unit and for each paper type identified by the identification unit.

10. the reading command unit causes the image reading device to execute a reading process of the second color chart printed by the image forming device by applying the profile generated by the generation unit; the acquiring unit acquires information obtained by reading the second color chart with the image reading device, a second determination unit that performs a second determination by comparing the information acquired by the acquisition unit with a printing standard, 8. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display the result of the second determination.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the reading command unit is capable of simultaneously executing the reading process of the first color chart printed by the image reading device and the second color chart printed by an image forming device different from the image reading device.

12. the image reading device; a plurality of the image forming devices; An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; An image forming system comprising:

13. a reading instruction step of causing the image reading device to execute a reading process of a first color chart and a second color chart each including a color code printed by the image forming device; a determining step of determining which color chart the first color chart and which color chart the second color chart are, based on the color codes of the first color chart and the second color chart obtained by reading the color codes by the image reading device; a display control step of displaying, on a display device for each of the image forming devices, progress of each process from reading the first color chart for each of the image forming devices by the image reading device to registering a profile generated based on color information data obtained by the reading in the image forming device; a step of making a judgment by comparing a result of a reading process by the image reading device of the second color chart printed by applying the profile with a printing standard; An information processing method comprising:

14. On the computer, a reading instruction step of causing the image reading device to execute a reading process of a first color chart and a second color chart each including a color code printed by the image forming device; a determining step of determining which color chart the first color chart and which color chart the second color chart are, based on the color codes of the first color chart and the second color chart obtained by reading the color codes by the image reading device; a display control step of displaying, on a display device for each of the image forming devices, progress of each process from reading the first color chart for each of the image forming devices by the image reading device to registering a profile generated based on color information data obtained by the reading in the image forming device; a step of making a judgment by comparing a result of a reading process by the image reading device of the second color chart printed by applying the profile with a printing standard; A program to execute.

Images