Printing System

Abstract

To provide a printing system which can determine whether a color chart measuring a color of a patch is a color chart of a printer whose color should be measured.SOLUTION: A control device causes a printer to print identification patches 61, 65, 68 made of two or more patches whose colors are arranged in an order that can identify the printer in a specific area 60 in a sheet 5 when the printer prints a color chart on the sheet 5, causes a color measurement device to measure colors of the sheet 5, and determines whether the color chart printed on the sheet is printed by the printer by confirming the order of arrangement of colors in the identification patches 61, 65, 68 printed on the sheet 5 whose colors are measured by the color measurement device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] When measuring the color of patches in a color chart that includes multiple patches, there is a risk that, for various reasons, the color of a color chart printed by a printing device other than the printing device that is to be measured may be measured by mistake.

[0003] In conventional image forming devices, there are devices that determine whether a row of measured patches is a row of patches that should be measured based on the colorimetric values ​​of at least two patches on a color chart in which patches are arranged in multiple rows (Patent Document 1).

[0004] In addition, some conventional image forming devices determine whether a row of measured patches is a row of patches that should be measured based on the colorimetric values ​​of the patches on a color chart in which the patches are arranged in multiple rows and a reference value (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-152551 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-152552 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to determine whether a row of measured patches is a row of patches to be measured. However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is not possible to determine whether the color chart of the measured patches is the color chart of the printing device to be measured.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned background, and aims to provide a printing system that can determine whether a color chart obtained by measuring patches is the color chart of a printing device that should be measured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A printing system according to one embodiment includes a first printing device that prints a color chart including multiple patches on a sheet, a color measurement device that measures the color of the sheet, and a control device that controls the first printing device and the color measurement device.When the control device prints the color chart on the sheet using the first printing device, it causes the control device to print an identification patch consisting of two or more patches in an order that allows the first printing device to identify the colors in a specific area of ​​the sheet, causes the color measurement device to measure the colors of the sheet, and determines whether the color chart printed on the sheet was printed by the first printing device by checking the order in which the colors are arranged in the identification patch printed on the sheet that has been measured by the color measurement device.

[0009] In one aspect, the specific area is an area included in an area where a color chart is printed, and the identification patch is printed in the specific area by rearranging a plurality of patches included in the color chart printed on the sheet.

[0010] In one aspect, the specific area is an area included in an area where a color chart is printed, and the identification patch is printed in the specific area by rearranging a plurality of patches included in the color chart printed on the sheet.

[0011] In one aspect, the specific area is an area different from the area where the color chart is printed, and the identification patch is printed in the specific area separately from the multiple patches included in the color chart.

[0012] In one aspect, the second control unit transmits multiple types of control parameters to the first control unit, dividing them by type, and when all types of control parameters have been stored in the first memory unit, ends the transmission of the control parameters and starts control of the light-emitting element.

[0013] In one aspect, the control device has two modes for printing a color chart on a sheet: a first mode in which an identification patch is printed in a specific area included in the area where the color chart is printed by rearranging multiple patches included in the color chart to be printed on the sheet, and a second mode in which an identification patch is printed in a specific area different from the area where the color chart is printed, separate from the multiple patches included in the color chart, and prints the identification patch in either the first mode or the second mode selected.

[0014] In one aspect, the control device issues a notification when it is determined, based on the identification patch measured by the color measurement device, that the color chart printed on the sheet is not printed by the first printing device.

[0015] In one aspect, a second printing device is further provided, and the order of colors in the identification patch differs between the first printing device and the second printing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the color chart on which the patches have been measured is the color chart of the printing device that should be measured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the color measurement device 3. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the color measurement device 3. [Figure 4] 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the control device 2 and the color measurement device 3. FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet 5 on which a color chart is printed in a first mode. [Figure 6] 6 is a data table showing the color components of the color chart shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet 5 on which a color chart and a specific area are printed in the second mode. [Figure 8] 8 is a data table showing the color components of the various color charts and specific areas shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10 is a display screen diagram showing a typical display image displayed on the display device 23. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a display screen diagram showing a typical display image displayed on the display device 23. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a display screen diagram showing a typical display image displayed on the display device 23. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a display screen diagram showing a typical display image displayed on the display device 23. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a display screen diagram showing a typical display image displayed on the display device 23. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a display screen diagram showing a typical display image displayed on the display device 23. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a program for performing a determination process regarding color. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a color chart creation process. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing device match determination process. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a color measurement device 3A according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a side view of a color measurement device 3A according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical concept according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. While multiple embodiments will be described below, it is anticipated from the beginning that the configurations described in each embodiment will be appropriately combined. In the following description, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. First Embodiment [A. Printing System Overview] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a printing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The printing system 1 includes a first printing device 11, a second printing device 12, a third printing device 13, a color measurement device 3, and a control device 2. The printing system 1 needs to be provided with at least one printing device. The printing system 1 may also be provided with four or more printing devices.

[0019] The first printing device 11 is an image forming device such as a printer that prints by forming an image on a print medium such as paper. The second printing device 12 is an image forming device such as a printer that prints by forming an image on a print medium such as paper. The third printing device 13 is an image forming device such as a printer that prints by forming an image on a print medium such as paper. Each of the first printing device 11, second printing device 12, and third printing device 13 is not limited to a printer, but may be any device that has a printing function, such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral), as long as it is capable of printing.

[0020] The color measurement device 3 is a device that measures colors printed on printing media such as color charts printed by the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13. The control device 2 is configured by a computer such as a personal computer. The color measurement device 3 controls various devices included in the printing system 1, such as the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, the third printing device 13, and the color measurement device 3.

[0021] In the printing system 1, a first printing device 11, a second printing device 12, a third printing device 13, a color measurement device 3, and a control device 2 are connected by a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. The first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, the third printing device 13, the color measurement device 3, and the control device 2 can communicate with each other via the LAN 4.

[0022] [B. Structure of colorimetric device 3] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the color measurement device 3. Fig. 3 is a side view of the color measurement device 3. The configuration of the color measurement device 3 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0023] 2 and 3 show the color measurement device 3 measuring the color of a sheet 5, which is paper on which a color chart 50 is printed. The color measurement device 3 includes a base 30 and a measurement mechanism 310. The base 30 has an upper surface that is flat and at least larger than the color measurement sheet 5. The measurement mechanism 310 has a two-axis arm shape.

[0024] In the measurement mechanism 310, a first shaft 316 is provided below one end 313 of the first arm 311. The first shaft 316 is a rotation shaft that protrudes upward from the base 30. The first shaft 316 is driven to rotate by a drive device such as a motor (see first drive device 341 in FIG. 4). As the first shaft 316 rotates, the first arm 311 is swung horizontally above the base 30 around the first shaft 316.

[0025] In the measurement mechanism 310, a second shaft 317 is provided below the other end 314 of the first arm 311. The second shaft 317 is a rotation shaft that protrudes downward from the other end 314. One end 318 of the second arm 312 is attached to the second shaft 317. The second shaft 317 is driven to rotate by a drive device such as a motor (see second drive device 342 in FIG. 4). As the second shaft 317 rotates, the second arm 312 swings horizontally around the second shaft 317 above the base 30.

[0026] A color measurement sensor 35 is provided below the other end 319 of the second arm portion 312 in a direction toward the base portion 30. The color measurement sensor 35 can measure the color of an object to be measured, such as a sheet 5, that is present in the direction of the base portion 30.

[0027] In the color measurement device 3 configured in this manner, the computer 300 shown in Fig. 4 drives the first drive device 341 and the second drive device 342, respectively, to drive the first arm unit 311 and the second arm unit 312, thereby controlling the position of the color measurement sensor 35. For example, in the color measurement device 3, the measurement mechanism unit 310 is operated to follow the color chart so that multiple patches 6 included in the color chart 50 shown in Fig. 2 can be continuously measured.

[0028] The colorimetric sensor 35 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and measures the color of the color chart 50 by irradiating the color chart 50 with light from the light-emitting unit and receiving the reflected light at the light-receiving unit. In this way, the colorimetric device 3 measures the color of the color chart 50 printed on the sheet 5.

[0029] [C. Control Configuration of Control Device 2 and Colorimetric Device 3] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the control device 2 and the color measurement device 3. As shown in FIG.

[0030] 4, the control device 2 includes a computer 200, an auxiliary storage device 24, an input device 25, and a display device 23. The computer 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22.

[0031] The CPU 20 executes various programs loaded into the RAM 21. In some aspects, the CPU 20 may be an embedded CPU, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination of these. The CPU 20 may execute programs for implementing various functions of the printing system 1.

[0032] The RAM 21 stores programs executed by the CPU 20 and data referenced by the CPU 20. In one aspect, the RAM 21 may be realized by a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0033] The ROM 21 is a non-volatile memory and may store a program to be executed by the CPU 20. In this case, the CPU 20 executes the program read from the ROM 21 to the RAM 21. In one aspect, the ROM 21 may be realized by an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a flash memory.

[0034] Connected to the computer 200 are a display device 23, an auxiliary storage device 24, and an input device 25. The display device 23 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display used as a user interface, and displays various types of information. The auxiliary storage device 24 is made up of non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various types of information related to the printing system 1, such as information on identification patches related to the first printing device 11, second printing device 12, and third printing device 13, which are printing devices provided in the printing system 1. The input device 25 is made up of a general-purpose input device such as a mouse and keyboard.

[0035] In the computer 200, the CPU 20 executes various programs to realize functions such as a display processing unit 26, a color chart creation unit 27, a color measurement result determination unit 28, a color profile creation unit 29, and a print instruction unit 34. The computer 200 may be configured as a personal computer or the like.

[0036] The display processing unit 26 performs processing to display various images on the display device 23. The color chart creation unit 27 performs processing to instruct the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 in the printing system 1 to create a color chart. The color measurement result determination unit 28 performs processing to determine the results of color measurement by the color measurement device 3. The print instruction unit 34 performs processing to instruct the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 in the printing system 1 to perform printing.

[0037] The colorimetric device 3 includes a computer 300, a first drive device 341, a second drive device 342, and a colorimetric sensor 35. The computer 300 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33. The basic functions of the CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 are similar to the functions of the CPU 20, the RAM 23, and the ROM 22 in the computer 200. The CPU 31 can execute programs for realizing various functions of the colorimetric device 3.

[0038] A first driving device 341, a second driving device 342, and the colorimetric sensor 35 are connected to the computer 300. The first driving device 341 drives a first axis portion 316 of the measurement mechanism portion 310. The second driving device 342 drives a second axis portion 317 of the measurement mechanism portion 310. As described above, the colorimetric sensor 35 includes a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, and performs color measurement by irradiating light from the light-emitting portion onto an object to be measured and receiving the reflected light with the light-receiving portion.

[0039] In the computer 300, the CPU 31 executes various programs to realize functions as, for example, a colorimetry processing unit 36 ​​and a colorimetry position adjustment unit 37.

[0040] The colorimetric processing unit 36 ​​performs processing for performing colorimetry based on a detection signal from the colorimetric sensor 35. The colorimetric position adjustment unit 37 performs processing for adjusting the colorimetric position of the colorimetric sensor 35, such as driving the first drive device 341 and the second drive device 342 to enable colorimetry along the patches of a color chart such as the color chart 50 shown in FIG.

[0041] [D. Description of color charts printed by each printing device] Next, we will explain the types of patch arrangements on the sheet on which the color chart is printed in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it is possible to create a color chart in either of two printing modes (creation modes): a first mode and a second mode.

[0042] The color chart can be identified as to which printing device it was printed on: the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, or the third printing device 13, by means of an identification patch printed in a specific area on the sheet.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet 5 on which a color chart is printed in the first mode. Fig. 6 is a data table showing the color components of the color chart shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows data numbers 1 to 17 of the areas where patches are arranged in each color chart, and the color components of the patches in the color chart for each printing device for each data number. The color components in Fig. 6 are shown in the order of "YMC," with 256 gradations of each color component from 0 to 255.

[0044] In Figure 5, a standard color chart 54, a color chart 51 printed by the first printing device 11, a color chart 52 printed by the second printing device 12, and a color chart 53 printed by the third printing device 13 are shown as representative examples of images printed on sheet 5.

[0045] In the standard color chart 54, in the area where the color patches are printed, patches 61 to 77, which are color patches of different colors, are printed in a line in order.

[0046] In the color chart 51 printed by the first printing device 11, the colors of the three patches 61, 65, and 69 from the top of the patch arrangement order are arranged in an order that makes it possible to identify that this is a color chart printed by the first printing device 11. An area in which multiple patches are arranged in an order that makes it possible to identify which printing device printed the color chart is called a specific area 60.

[0047] In the color chart 52 printed by the second printing device 12, the colors of the three patches 65, 61, and 69 in the specific area 60 are arranged in an order that makes it possible to identify that the color chart is printed by the second printing device 12.

[0048] In the color chart 53 printed by the third printing device 13, the colors of the three patches 65, 69, and 61 in the specific area 60 are arranged in an order that makes it possible to identify that the color chart is printed by the third printing device 13.

[0049] In the color chart 51, patches 61, 65, and 69 are extracted from patches 61 to 77 included in the standard color chart 54, and are arranged in the order of patches 61, 65, and 69 in the specific area 60. Then, in the color chart 51, the patches remaining in the standard color chart 54 after patches 61, 65, and 69 have been extracted are rearranged by sequentially filling in the blank positions that have been extracted.

[0050] In FIG. 6, the colors of identification patches 61, 65, and 69 in a specific area 60 of color chart 51 are indicated by data numbers 1 to 3 of the first printing device. Patch 61 is [255.0.0] and is therefore Y (yellow). Patch 65 is [0.255.0] and is therefore M (magenta). Patch 69 is [0.0.255] and is therefore C (cyan). Patch 61 is extracted from data number 1 of the standard chart and is used as patch 61 with the color [255.0.0]. Patch 65 is extracted from data number 5 of the standard chart and is used as patch 65 with the color [0.255.0]. Patch 69 is extracted from data number 9 of the standard chart and is used as patch 69 with the color [0.0.255].

[0051] In color chart 52, patches 61, 65, and 69 are extracted from patches 61 to 77 included in standard color chart 54, and are arranged in specific area 60 in the order of patches 65, 61, and 69. Then, in color chart 52, the patches remaining in standard color chart 54 after patches 61, 65, and 69 have been extracted are rearranged by sequentially filling in the blank positions that have been extracted.

[0052] In the color chart 53, patches 61, 65, and 69 are extracted from patches 61 to 77 included in the standard color chart 54, and are arranged in the specific area 60 in the order of patches 65, 69, and 61. Then, in the color chart 53, the patches remaining in the standard color chart 54 after patches 61, 65, and 69 have been extracted are rearranged by sequentially filling in the blank positions that have been extracted.

[0053] In this way, the specific area 60 is an area included in the area where color charts such as color chart 51, color chart 52, and color chart 53 are printed, and the identification patches 61, 65, and 69 are printed in the specific area 60 by rearranging multiple patches 61 to 77 included in the color charts printed on the sheet.

[0054] In the specific area 60, the order in which the identification patches, which are multiple patches 61, 65, and 69, are arranged differs for each of the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13. Based on the color measurement results from the color measurement device 3, the control device 2 determines the order in which the identification patches are arranged in the specific area 60, thereby making it possible to determine which printing device printed the color chart measured by the color measurement device 3. Information regarding the order in which the colors of the identification patches corresponding to each of the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 are arranged is stored in the auxiliary storage device 24. The control device 2 reads information regarding the order in which the colors of the identification patches corresponding to each printing device are arranged from the auxiliary storage device 24, and based on that information, determines which printing device printed the color chart measured by the color measurement device 3.

[0055] When printing a color chart on a sheet in this first mode, there is no need to provide a new printing area, as compared to when printing a standard color chart on a sheet.

[0056] In the specific area 60, the order in which identification patches such as patches 61, 65, and 69 are arranged differs between the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13. Therefore, by determining the order in which the identification patches are arranged in the specific area 60 based on the color measurement results of the color measurement device 3 using the control device 2, it is possible to determine which printing device was used to print the color chart measured by the color measurement device 3.

[0057] In the first mode, the identification patch to be printed in the specific area 60 is selected by rearranging the multiple patches 61 to 77 included in the color chart to be printed on the sheet 5, so that a color chart that can identify the printing device can be printed within the same range as the standard color chart.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sheet 5 on which a color chart and a specific area are printed in the second mode. Fig. 8 is a data table showing the color components of the various color charts and specific areas shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows data numbers 1 to 17 of the areas where patches are arranged in each color chart, and the color components of the patches in the color chart of each printing device for each data number. The color components in Fig. 8 are shown in the order of "YMC," with 256 gradations of each color component from 0 to 255.

[0059] In Figure 7, a standard color chart 54, a color chart 51 and a specific area 80 printed by the first printing device 11, a color chart 52 and a specific area 80 printed by the second printing device 12, and a color chart 53 and a specific area 80 printed by the third printing device 13 are shown as representative examples of images printed on the sheet 5.

[0060] In the standard color chart 54, in the area where the color patches are printed, patches 61 to 77, which are color patches of different colors, are printed in a line in order.

[0061] In the second mode, a color chart identical to the standard color chart 54 is printed on the sheet 5, and a specific area 80 is provided in an area different from the area where the standard color chart 54 is printed. In the specific area 80, the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 can be identified by the order in which the colors of the three patches 61, 65, and 69 serving as identification patches are arranged.

[0062] On a sheet 5 on which a color chart is printed by the first printing device 11, of the patches 61 to 77 included in the same color chart 51 as the standard color chart 54, patches 61a, 65a, 69a that are the same as patches 61, 65, 69 are arranged in the order of patches 61a, 65a, 69a in a specific area 80. On a sheet 5 on which a color chart is printed by the second printing device 12, of the patches 61 to 77 included in the same color chart 52 as the standard color chart 54, patches 61a, 65a, 69a that are the same as patches 61, 65, 69 are arranged in the order of patches 65a, 61a, 69a in a specific area 80. On the sheet 5 on which the color chart is printed by the third printing device 13, patches 61a, 65a, and 69a that are the same as patches 61, 65, and 69 among patches 61 to 77 included in the same color chart 53 as the standard color chart 54 are arranged in a specific area 80 in the order of patches 65a, 69a, and 61a.

[0063] In Figure 8, the colors of identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a in the specific area 80 printed together with the color chart 51 are the same as the colors of patches 61, 65, and 69 indicated by data numbers 1, 5, and 9 of the color chart 51 printed by the first printing device 11. Patch 61 is [255.0.0], so it is Y (yellow). Patch 65 is [0.255.0], so it is M (magenta). Patch 69 is [0.0.255], so it is C (cyan).

[0064] For patch 61a, the same color [255.0.0] as that of patch 61 of data number 1 on color chart 51 is used. For patch 65a, the same color [0.255.0] as that of patch 65 of data number 5 on color chart 51 is used. For patch 69a, the same color [0.0.255] as that of patch 69 of data number 9 on color chart 51 is used.

[0065] In the specific area 80 printed together with the color chart 51, the identification patches are arranged in the order of 61a, 65a, and 69a.

[0066] The colors of the identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a in the specific area 80 printed together with the color chart 52 are the same as the colors of the patches 61, 65, and 69 indicated by data numbers 1, 5, and 9 of the color chart 52 printed by the second printing device 12. In the specific area 80 printed together with the color chart 51, the patches are arranged in the order of the identification patches 65a, 61a, and 69a.

[0067] The colors of the identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a in the specific area 80 printed together with the color chart 53 are the same as the colors of the patches 61, 65, and 69 indicated by data numbers 1, 5, and 9 of the color chart 53 printed by the third printing device 13. In the specific area 80 printed together with the color chart 51, the patches are arranged in the order of the identification patches 65a, 69a, and 61a.

[0068] In this way, the specific area 80 is an area different from the area where a color chart such as the color charts 51, 52, and 53 is printed. In the specific area 80, identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a of the same colors as the multiple patches 61, 65, and 69 included in the color charts 51, 52, and 53 printed on the sheet 5 are printed.

[0069] In the specific area 80, the order in which the multiple identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a are arranged differs between the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13. Therefore, by determining the order in which the identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a are arranged in the specific area 80 using the control device 2 based on the color measurement results of the color measurement device 3, it is possible to determine which printing device was used to print the color chart measured by the color measurement device 3.

[0070] In the specific area 80, the order in which the multiple identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a are arranged differs between the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13. Therefore, by determining the order in which the identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a are arranged in the specific area 80 based on the color measurement results of the color measurement device 3 using the control device 2, it is possible to determine which printing device was used to print the color chart measured by the color measurement device 3.

[0071] In the second mode, patches 61a, 65a, 69a of the same colors as the patches 61, 65, 69 included in the color charts 51, 52, 53 are printed in a different order by the printing device in a specific area 80 different from the color charts 51, 52, 53 printed on the sheet 5. As a result, in the second mode, identification patches that can identify the printing device can be printed in the specific area 80 different from the color charts 51, 52, 53.

[0072] [E. Description of the image displayed on the display device 23] 9 to 14 are display screen diagrams showing typical display images displayed on the display device 23. FIG.

[0073] 9 shows an image of a selection screen that allows the user to select a printing device, an operating mode, and a profile. The selection screen displays a printing device selection display section 232, an operating mode selection display section 235, a profile selection display section 238, and a start button 240.

[0074] The printing device selection display section 232 displays the printing device to be measured as selected from the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13. Near the printing device selection display section 232, a guide character 231 that reads "Printer" is displayed, indicating that the information displayed in the printing device selection display section 232 is a printing device.

[0075] A selection button 233 that is operated to select a printing device is displayed at the end of the printing device selection display section 232. When the selection button 233 is operated by input operation on the input device 25, the printing device selected in the printing device selection display section 232 changes. In the printing device selection display section 232, the currently selected printing device is displayed as, for example, "Printer 2." Printer 2 refers to the second printing device 12. Furthermore, when the first printing device 11 is selected, "Printer 1" is displayed in the printing device selection display section 232. When the third printing device 13 is selected, "Printer 3" is displayed in the printing device selection display section 232.

[0076] An operation mode selected from a color verification operation mode and a calibration operation mode is displayed as the colorimetry operation mode in the operation mode selection display section 235. Near the operation mode selection display section 235, a guide character 234 that reads "operation mode" is displayed, indicating that the information displayed in the operation mode selection display section 235 is the operation mode.

[0077] A selection button 236 that is operated to select an operation mode is displayed at the end of the operation mode selection display section 235. When the selection button 236 is operated by inputting information from the input device 25, the operation mode selected in the operation mode selection display section 235 changes. The operation mode selection display section 235 displays the currently selected operation mode, for example, "color verification." Color verification indicates the color verification operation mode. Furthermore, when the calibration operation mode is selected, the operation mode selection display section 235 displays "calibration."

[0078] The type of color profile is displayed in the profile selection display section 238. A color profile selected from multiple types of color profiles is displayed as the color profile in the profile selection display section 238. Near the profile selection display section 238, guide characters 237 that read "Color Profile" are displayed, indicating that the information displayed in the profile selection display section 238 is a color profile.

[0079] A selection button 239 that is operated to select a color profile is displayed at the end of the profile selection display section 238. When the selection button 239 is operated by an input operation on the input device 25, the operating mode selected in the profile selection display section 238 is switched. In the profile selection display section 238, the currently selected color profile is displayed as, for example, "Japan Color 2001 Coated."

[0080] The start button 240 is a button icon image that is operated to start an operation based on the printing device selected in the printing device selection display area 232, the operating mode selected in the operating mode selection display area 235, and the profile selected in the profile selection display area 238. On the selection screen, the start button 240 can be operated by inputting information from the input device 25.

[0081] Fig. 10 shows an image of the print start screen that is displayed on the display device 23 after the start button 240 is operated on the selection screen of Fig. 9 and before printing of the color chart is started on the printing device selected as the target. On the print start screen, a text image 241 saying "Printing chart" is displayed, as well as a print button 242, which is a button icon image that is operated to start printing.

[0082] When the print button 242 is operated by inputting information on the input device 25 on the print start screen, a color chart such as that shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7 is printed on a sheet by the printing device selected on the selection screen of FIG. 9.

[0083] FIG. 11 shows a colorimetry start screen that is displayed in a state where a sheet on which a color chart is printed is set in the colorimetry device 3 after the print button 242 is operated on the print start screen of FIG.

[0084] The color measurement start screen displays a color chart simulation image 50a, a guide image 249, and a start button 250. The color chart simulation image 50a is an image that simulates a color chart printed on a sheet set in the color measurement device 3. The guide image 249 is an image that displays text that guides the user to start color measurement, saying, "Click the start button to start measurement." The start button 250 is a button icon image that is operated to start the color measurement operation by the color measurement device 3. On the color measurement start screen, the start button 250 can be operated by inputting information from the input device 25.

[0085] FIG. 12 shows an error screen that is displayed when an error occurs after the start button 250 is operated on the colorimetry start screen of FIG.

[0086] On the error screen, an error text image 251, an error guide image 243, and a confirm button 244 are displayed. The error text image 251 is an image that displays the word "Error." The error guide image 243 is an image that displays text that guides the user through the error handling process, saying, "The chart that has been set is incorrect. Please check the chart and measure again." The confirm button 244 is a button icon image that is operated when the user confirms the guidance provided by the error guide image 243. On the error screen, the confirm button 244 can be operated by inputting information from the input device 25.

[0087] FIG. 13 shows a verification result screen that is displayed when the color verification operation mode ends after the start button 250 is operated on the colorimetry start screen of FIG.

[0088] The verification result screen displays a verification result text image 252, a verification result information image 245, and a done button 246. The verification result text image 252 is an image that displays the text "Verification Result." The verification result information image 245 is an image that displays verification result information such as "Average ΔE: 1.03, Maximum ΔE: 2.01, Minimum ΔE: 0.34." The done button 246 is a button icon image that is operated to confirm the completion of color verification. On the verification result screen, the done button 246 can be operated by inputting information using the input device 25.

[0089] FIG. 14 shows a calibration result screen that is displayed when the calibration operation mode ends after the start button 250 is operated on the colorimetry start screen of FIG.

[0090] The calibration result screen displays a profile creation text image 253, a color profile save image 247, and a complete button 248. The profile creation text image 253 is an image that displays the text "Profile Created." The color profile save image 247 displays the calibration result, for example, "Saved as Printer Profile_Japan Color Coted.icc." The complete button 248 is a button icon image that is operated to confirm the completion of calibration. On the calibration result screen, the complete button 248 can be operated by inputting information from the input device 25.

[0091] [F. System control processing of control device 2] 15 to 17, an example of system control processing in the printing system 1 will be described. Specifically, as the system control processing, control processing when color verification or calibration is performed on any of the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 will be described.

[0092] In one aspect, the CPU 20 of the control device 2 stores a program for performing color determination processing such as color verification or calibration of FIG. 5 in a storage medium such as the ROM 21 or auxiliary storage device 24 of the control device 2, and executes the program by reading it from such a storage medium into the RAM 21 of the control device 2. In another aspect, some or all of the processing may be realized as a combination of circuit elements configured to perform the processing.

[0093] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of a determination processing program for performing a determination process related to color. In FIG. 15, the CPU 20 executes the following process.

[0094] In step S1, a color chart creation process is executed. In the color chart creation process, a color chart is printed on a sheet and created for the printing device selected on the selection screen in Fig. 9 from the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13. Step S1 constitutes the color chart creation unit 27 in Fig. 4.

[0095] The color chart creation process in step S1 is shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the color chart creation process. The color chart creation process in Fig. 16 is a subroutine program that is called and executed from the determination process in Fig. 15, which is the main routine program.

[0096] In the color chart creation process, the CPU 20 executes the following process. In step S11, it is determined whether the print mode of the color chart is set to the first mode. The print mode can be set to either the first mode or the second mode by operating the input device 25 in the control device 2 before performing the color determination process.

[0097] If the first mode is set in step S11, in step S12, information regarding the order in which the colors of the identification patches corresponding to the target printing device set on the selection screen of Figure 9 from among the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 is read and obtained from the auxiliary storage device 24.

[0098] In step S13, as explained using Figure 5, in the standard color chart corresponding to the target printing device, based on the information of the identification patches acquired in step S11, the identification patches 61, 65, and 69 are moved to the specific area 60 and the remaining patches are rearranged.

[0099] In step S14, a color chart including a specific area 60 in which the colors of the identification patches 61, 65, and 69 are arranged in an order that allows the printing device to identify them is created using the patches rearranged in step S13, and the process then returns to the main routine program.

[0100] On the other hand, if the first mode is not set in step S11, i.e., if the second mode is set, in step S15, information regarding the order in which the colors of the identification patches corresponding to the target printing device set on the selection screen of Figure 9 from among the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 are arranged is read and obtained from the auxiliary storage device 24.

[0101] In step S16, as explained using Figure 7, the order in which the identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a are arranged in a specific area 80 different from the area in which the color chart is printed is determined based on the information on the identification patches obtained in step S15 in the standard color chart corresponding to the target printing device.

[0102] In step S17, a color chart is created using the standard color chart, and the specific area 80 in which the order of the identification patches 61a, 65a, and 69a is determined in step S16 is created, and then the process returns to the main routine program.

[0103] In this color chart creation process, depending on the settings based on the operation of the input device 25, the first printing device 11, the second printing device 12, and the third printing device 13 can each create either a color chart printed in a first mode as shown in Figure 5, or a color chart printed in a second mode as shown in Figure 7.

[0104] When the color chart creation process of FIG. 16 is completed, the process returns to before step S2 of FIG. 15. In step S2, a print instruction command is sent to the printing device set as the target, causing the printing device set as the target to print patches including the color chart created in step S1 on the sheet 5. In the first mode, a color chart including the specific area 60 is printed on the sheet 5. In the second mode, the specific area 80 is printed on the sheet 5 together with the color chart. Step S2 constitutes the print instruction unit 34 of FIG. 4. When printing in step S2, the print start screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

[0105] In step S3, the sheet 5 on which patches including the color chart were printed in S2 is set in the color measurement device 3, and the patches on the set sheet 5 are measured. In the first mode, the color chart including the specific area 60 is measured. In the second mode, the specific area 80 is measured together with the color chart. Then, in step S3, the position of the color measurement sensor 35 is controlled so that the color measurement range of the color measurement sensor 35 corresponds to the color chart on the color chart sheet, and then the color measurement process is performed. During color measurement in step S3, the color measurement start screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. Step S3 configures the color measurement position adjustment unit 37 and color measurement processing unit 36 ​​shown in FIG. 4.

[0106] In step S4, a printing device matching determination process is executed to determine whether the printing device set as the target matches the printing device on which the patches including the color chart sheet were printed in S3.

[0107] The details of the printing device matching determination process in step S4 are shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the printing device matching determination process. The printing device matching determination process in Fig. 17 is a subroutine program that is called and executed from the determination process in Fig. 15, which is the main routine program.

[0108] In the printing device matching determination process, the CPU 20 executes the following process: In step S41, it is determined whether or not the printing mode of the color chart is set to the first mode.

[0109] If the first mode is set in step S41, color order information regarding the order in which the colors of the identification patches of the specific area 60 included in the color chart are arranged is obtained from the color measurement result information in step S42, and the process proceeds to step S44.

[0110] On the other hand, if the first mode is not set in step S41, i.e., if the second mode is set, in step S43, color order information regarding the order in which the colors of the identification patches are arranged in a specific area 80 that is different from the color chart is obtained from the information on the color measurement results, and then the process proceeds to step S44.

[0111] In step S44, the color order information of the identification patches is acquired for the target printing device from among the printing devices 11, 12, and 13 stored in the auxiliary storage device. Then, in step S44, the color order information of the identification patches for the target printing device is compared with the color order information of the identification patches based on the colorimetry results acquired in step S42 or step S43 to determine whether the color order information of the identification patches based on the colorimetry results matches that of the target printing device. Then, the process returns to the main routine program.

[0112] When the printing device match determination process in Fig. 17 is completed, the process returns to before step S5 in Fig. 15. In step S5, based on the determination result in step S4, it is determined whether the printing device set as the target matches the printing device that printed the sheet on which the color chart was measured by the colorimetric device.

[0113] If it is determined in step S5 that they do not match, an error screen shown in Fig. 12 is displayed in step S6, and the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that they match, the colorimetry result is determined in step S7 based on the colorimetry information of the color chart in step S3. Next, in step S8, it is determined whether the operation mode set on the selection screen in Fig. 9 is the color verification mode. Steps S4 to S7 constitute the colorimetry result determination unit 28 shown in Fig. 4.

[0114] If it is determined in step S8 that the mode is color verification mode, the color verification result is displayed by displaying a verification result screen in color verification mode as shown in Fig. 13, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the mode is not color verification mode, that is, that the mode is calibration mode, a calibration mode result screen as shown in Fig. 14 is displayed, a color profile is created and saved, and the process ends. Step S8 constitutes color profile creation unit 29 in Fig. 4.

[0115] [G. Effects Obtained in the First Embodiment] 5 and 7, identification patches in which the order of colors varies for each printing device are printed, and as in step S44 of Fig. 17, by checking the order of colors in the identification patches printed on sheet 5 that have been measured by colorimetric device 3, it is determined whether the color chart printed on sheet 5 was printed by the corresponding printing device, and therefore it is possible to determine whether the color chart in which the patches have been measured is the color chart of the printing device being measured. Furthermore, if a barcode that identifies the printing device is printed, an additional device such as a barcode reader for reading the barcode is required for printing system 1, but in this embodiment, the identification patches can be read with the colorimetric device 3, so no additional device is required for printing system 1.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 5, by rearranging the multiple patches included in the color chart, an identification patch is printed in a specific area 60, so that an increase in the area where patches are printed can be suppressed.

[0117] As shown in Figure 7, an identification patch is printed in a specific area 80 that is different from the area in which the color chart is printed, separate from the multiple patches included in the color chart, making it less likely that the color chart will be mistaken for the specific area 80.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 16, the identification patch is printed in either the first mode or the second mode, so that the variety of print patterns of the identification patch can be increased.

[0119] As shown in step S6 of Figure 17, if it is determined that the color chart printed on the sheet was not printed by the target printing device, an error screen will be displayed to notify you, making it easy to know that such a situation has occurred.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the order in which the colors are arranged in the identification patch differs for each printing device, making it easy to distinguish between multiple printing devices. Second Embodiment [H. Configuration of color measurement device 3A of second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which a manual color measurement device 3A is used instead of the color measurement device 3 in the printing system 1 described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the printing system 1 of the second embodiment, the color measurement device 3A is connected to a LAN 4 as shown in FIG. 1 instead of the color measurement device 3 of the first embodiment.

[0121] Fig. 18 is a plan view of the color measurement device 3A of the second embodiment. Fig. 19 is a side view of the color measurement device 3A of the second embodiment. The configuration of the color measurement device 3A will be described with reference to Figs. 18 and 19.

[0122] 18 and 19 show a state in which the color measurement device 3A measures the color of a sheet 5 on which a color chart 50 is printed. The color measurement device 3A includes a colorimeter 321, a measurement table 324, and a guide bar 323.

[0123] The colorimeter 321 includes a colorimeter sensor 322 and is configured to be manually movable by the person making the measurement. The colorimeter sensor 322 is a sensor having the same function as the colorimeter sensor 35 shown in FIG. 2. The measurement table 324 is a rectangular platform member configured to enable the colorimeter 321 to be stably moved on the table. The measurement table 324 is placed, for example, on the area to be measured on the sheet 5.

[0124] The guide bar 323 is a rod-shaped member that guides the colorimetric sensor 322 when it moves along the color chart 50 printed on the sheet 5. The guide bar 323 has a straight portion that is longer than the general length of the color chart 50.

[0125] 18 and 19, when performing color measurement using the color measurement device 3A, the measurement table 324 is arranged on the sheet 5 so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the color chart 50 to be measured. The guide bar 323 is arranged on the sheet 5 so as to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the color chart 50 to be measured, so as to be aligned with the color chart 50 to be measured, as shown in FIGS.

[0126] 18 and 19, the colorimeter 321 is placed so that the colorimeter sensor 322 is positioned above the color chart 50 to be measured, with the leading end where the colorimeter sensor 322 is provided resting on a guide bar 323 and the trailing end resting on a measurement table 324. Then, when an operator moves the colorimeter 321 linearly in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 18, the colorimeter sensor 322 measures the color along the color chart 50.

[0127] Even when such a manual color measurement device 3A is used in the printing system 1, the same technical effects as when color measurement is performed using the color measurement device 3 of the first embodiment can be obtained. <Summary of the embodiment> (1) A printing system (printing system 1) according to this embodiment includes a first printing device (a target printing device among first printing device 11, second printing device 12, and third printing device 13) that prints a color chart (color chart 51, color chart 52, color chart 53) including multiple patches (patches 61 to 77) on a sheet, a color measurement device (color measurement device 3) that measures the color of the sheet, and a control device (control device 2) that controls the first printing device and the color measurement device. When printing a color chart on a sheet (sheet 5) using a first printing device (first printing device 11), the control device (control device 2) prints identification patches (patches 61, 65, 68, 61a, 65a, 68a) consisting of two or more patches in which the colors are arranged in an order that allows the first printing device (first printing device 11) to be identified in a specific area (specific area 60, 80) on the sheet (sheet 5), measures the color of the sheet (sheet 5) using a color measuring device (color measuring device 3), and determines whether the color chart printed on the sheet was printed by the first printing device by checking the order in which the colors are arranged in the identification patches (patches 61, 65, 68, 61a, 65a, 68a) printed on the sheet (sheet 5) that has been measured by the color measuring device (color measuring device 3) (step S4). With this configuration, identification patches in which the order of colors differs for each printing device are printed, and the order of colors in the identification patches printed on sheet 5 that have been measured by colorimetric device 3 is checked to determine whether the color chart printed on sheet 5 was printed by the corresponding printing device, making it possible to determine whether the color chart in which the patches have been measured is the color chart of the printing device being measured. Also, if a barcode that identifies the printing device is printed, an additional device such as a barcode reader for reading the barcode is required for printing system 1, but in this embodiment, the identification patches can be read with the colorimetric device 3, so no additional device is required for printing system 1.

[0128] (2) The specific area (specific area 60) is an area included in the area where the color charts (color chart 51, color chart 52, color chart 53) are printed, and the identification patches (patches 61, 65, 68) are printed in the specific area (specific area 60) by rearranging the multiple patches (patches 61, 65, 68) included in the color chart printed on the sheet (sheet 5) (FIG. 5). With this configuration, the identification patches are printed in the specific area by rearranging the multiple patches included in the color chart, so that it is possible to prevent an increase in the area where the patches are printed.

[0129] (3) The specific area (specific area 80) is an area different from the area where the color charts (color charts 51, 52, and 53) are printed, and the identification patches (patches 61a, 65a, and 68a) are printed in the specific area (specific area 80) separately from the multiple patches included in the color charts (FIG. 7). With this configuration, the identification patches are printed in the specific area different from the area where the color charts are printed separately from the multiple patches included in the color charts, making it difficult to confuse the color charts with the specific area.

[0130] (4) The control device (control device 2) has two modes for printing a color chart on a sheet: a first mode (first mode) in which identification patches (patches 61, 65, 68) are printed in a specific area (specific area 60) included in the area where the color chart is printed by rearranging multiple patches included in the color chart to be printed on the sheet, and a second mode (second mode) in which identification patches (patches 61a, 65a, 68a) are printed in a specific area different from the area where the color chart is printed, separate from the multiple patches included in the color chart, and prints the identification patches in either the first mode or the second mode ( FIG. 16 ). With this configuration, the identification patches are printed in either the first mode or the second mode, which allows for a wide variety of printing patterns of the identification patches.

[0131] (5) The control device issues a notification when it determines, based on the identification patch measured by the colorimetric device, that the color chart printed on the sheet was not printed by the first printing device (step S6). With this configuration, a notification is issued when it is determined that the color chart printed on the sheet was not printed by the first printing device, so that it is easy to know that such a situation has occurred.

[0132] (6) A second printing device (first printing device 11, second printing device 12, third printing device 13) is further provided, and the order of the colors in the identification patch differs between the first printing device (first printing device 11) and the second printing device (second printing device 12) (FIGS. 7 and 9). With this configuration, the order of the colors in the identification patch differs for each printing device, making it easy to distinguish between multiple printing devices. <Modification of the embodiment> (1) The number of identification patches as shown in Figures 5 and 7 may be changed depending on the number of printing devices to be identified. The number of identification patches is at least two, and is not limited to three as shown in Figures 5 and 7, but may be four or more.

[0133] (2) As described in Fig. 16, an example has been described in which the identification patch can be created in a mode selected from the first mode and the second mode as the creation mode of the identification patch, but the identification patch may be created only in the first mode as the creation mode of the identification patch. Also, the identification patch may be created only in the second mode as the creation mode of the identification patch.

[0134] (3) As a method for selecting the first mode or the second mode as the identification patch creation mode, the identification patch creation mode may be selected according to the intended use or function.

[0135] (4) The specific area 80 of the identification patch as shown in FIG. 7 may be provided in the same row as the color patch, but spaced apart from the color patch.

[0136] (5) The specific area 80 of the identification patch as shown in FIG. 7 does not have to be provided parallel to the color chart, but may be provided in any area on the sheet on which the color chart is printed.

[0137] (6) The color chart may consist of multiple examples. (7) In the embodiment, it is possible to identify each printing device using an identification patch, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to identify each color gamut of the color measurement object using an identification patch.

[0138] (8) When the patches used as identification patches are of colors as large as possible relative to one another, it becomes easier to distinguish the color sequence of the identification patches.

[0139] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1 printing system, 61-77, 61a, 65a, 68a patches, 51, 52, 53 color chart, 11 first printing device, 12 second printing device, 13 third printing device, 3 color measurement device, 2 control device, 5 sheet, 60, 80 specific area.

Claims

1. a first printing device that prints a color chart including a plurality of patches on a sheet; a color measurement device that measures the color of the sheet; a control device that controls the first printing device and the color measurement device, The control device When the color chart is printed on the sheet by the first printing device, an identification patch consisting of two or more patches whose colors are arranged in an order that allows the first printing device to identify the color chart is printed in a specific area on the sheet, The sheet is subjected to color measurement by the color measurement device; determining whether the color chart printed on the sheet was printed by the first printing device by checking the order in which colors are arranged in the identification patches printed on the sheet that has been measured by the color measuring device; The control device As a mode for printing the color chart on the sheet, a first mode in which the identification patch is printed in the specific area included in the area where the color chart is printed by rearranging the plurality of patches included in the color chart to be printed on the sheet; a second mode in which the identification patch is printed in the specific area different from the area in which the color chart is printed, separately from the plurality of patches included in the color chart; a printing system that prints the identification patch in one of the first and second modes;

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control device issues an alert when it determines, based on the identification patch measured by the color measurement device, that the color chart printed on the sheet was not printed by the first printing device.

3. Further comprising a second printing device; 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the order in which the colors are arranged in the identification patch differs between the first printing device and the second printing device.

Images