Information processing device, color management method, and color management program

Abstract

To provide an information processor, a color management method, and a color management program that simplify an operation for managing colors of a plurality of printing devices.SOLUTION: A color management server includes: a registration unit 251 that registers, according to an instruction from a color expert, a patch image for printing on one of a plurality of printing devices and / or color management setting information defining a condition for printing on the printing device; a sharing setup unit 255 that sets the patch image and / or the color management setting information accessible to one or more operators; and an access control unit 261 that, in response to a request from one of a plurality of operators, permits access to the patch image and / or the color management setting information set to be accessible to the requesting operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a color management method, and a color management program, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus for managing the colors of images printed by a plurality of printing apparatuses, a color management method executed by the information processing apparatus, and a color management program for causing a computer to execute the color management method.

Background Art

[0002] Commercial printing apparatuses need to print in the colors required by customers. The images printed by printing apparatuses vary depending on various conditions, such as the state of components constituting the printing apparatus, such as the degree of deterioration, the type of ink used in printing, and the type of recording medium to be printed. Therefore, it is necessary to set the printing apparatus so that it can print in the colors required by customers. This setting of the printing apparatus is usually performed by a person with specialized knowledge called a color expert.

[0003] However, when one color expert manages multiple printing devices, the workload on the color expert increases. For this reason, a system has been proposed to reduce the workload on the color expert by having an operator who operates the printing device perform some of the color expert's tasks. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-146038 describes a color management system that has an information processing device that manages each of a plurality of printing sites, each containing at least one printing device, and manages the colors of images printed by the printing device at each printing site, wherein the information processing device notifies the printing device when it receives a change in the color management settings, and the printing device has a printing means that prints a chart image according to the color management settings, a colorimetric means that measures the color of the image printed by the printing means, and obtains the difference between the color measurement result by the colorimetric means and the target value according to the color management settings, and the printing means The color management system is described, comprising: an instruction means that determines whether the color measurement result of a printed chart image meets a predetermined judgment criterion, and instructs the execution of a color adjustment process if the judgment criterion is not met; a first determination means that determines whether a change in the color management setting includes a change to a first setting; a second determination means that determines whether printing is possible with the change in the setting if the first determination means determines that the change in the color management setting includes a change to the first setting; and a warning means that issues a warning if the second determination means determines that printing is not possible.

[0004] In the color management system described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-146038, the color management settings generated by the color expert are notified to the printing device, making it easier for the color expert to give instructions to the operator. However, the work of the color expert is not limited to this; there are other processes, particularly the management of information related to the color management settings, and further reduction of the color expert's workload is desirable. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-146038 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This invention was made to solve the problems described above, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing device that simplifies the operation of managing the colors of multiple printing devices.

[0007] Another object of this invention is to provide a color management method that simplifies the operation of managing the colors of multiple printing devices.

[0008] Another object of this invention is to provide a color management program that simplifies the operation of managing the colors of multiple printing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, according to one aspect of this invention, the information processing device includes a color expert that manages the colors of an image to be printed by multiple printing devices, and each of which can operate at least one of the multiple printing devices. Different from a color expert Information processing device accessible to multiple operators, registration means for registering a patch image to be printed on one of multiple printing devices according to instructions from a color expert, and color management setting information including profile information to be set on the printing device when printing the patch image, and the patch image and color management setting information Different from a color expert A shared configuration means that can be configured to be accessible by one or more operators, Different from a color expert The system includes an access control means that, in response to a request from any of several operators, grants access to patch images and color management settings information that are configured to be accessible to the requesting operator. El .

[0010] In this scenario, the patch image and / or color management settings information corresponding to any of the multiple printing devices will be accessible to the operator who can operate that printing device. Furthermore, a color expert will be able to access the same patch image and / or color management settings information for multiple printing devices. Bi-color When applying management configuration information, patch images and Bi-color This eliminates the need to register management settings, simplifying operation. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing device that simplifies the operation of managing the colors of multiple printing devices. Preferably, the color management setting information further includes color measurement conditions, which are conditions for measuring the color of a patch image printed by a printing device.

[0011] Preferably, the shared configuration means accesses the patch image and / or color management configuration information. Authorization granted Set the access to be available to one or more operators designated by a color expert or operator.

[0012] In this scenario, if an operator makes other operators able to access the system, patch images and / or color management settings information will be shared among multiple operators without any action required from the color expert, thus reducing the burden on the color expert.

[0013] Preferably, the shared configuration means accesses patch images or color management configuration information. Authorization granted If the specified operation is not accepted by one or more shared operators designated by the color expert or operator, the shared operators will not be allowed to access the patch image or color management settings information.

[0014] Under this scenario, even if specified by the sharing operator, the receiving operator will not be able to access the patch images and / or color management settings information unless they perform a predetermined operation. Therefore, the operator can select which patch images and / or color management settings information they will be able to access.

[0015] Preferably, the system further includes a deletion means for deleting patch images and / or color management setting information in accordance with instructions from a color expert, wherein the deletion means does not delete patch images and / or color management setting information in accordance with instructions from any of the multiple operators.

[0016] Following this approach ensures that patch images and / or color management settings information are not deleted by operator instructions, thus preventing the deletion of patch images and / or color management settings information that may be used by color experts.

[0017] Preferably, the system further includes association means for associating any of a plurality of patch images with at least one of a plurality of color management setting information, and the shared setting means configures the patch image associated with the shared setting information to allow access by the authorized operator if the shared setting information among the plurality of color management setting information is permitted to be accessed by an authorized operator among the plurality of operators.

[0018] In this scenario, authorized operators who are permitted to access color management settings information will be able to access the patch images associated with those settings information, eliminating the need for authorized operators to manually enable access to the patch images associated with the color management settings information.

[0019] Preferably, the system further includes association means for associating any of a plurality of patch images with at least one of a plurality of color management setting information, and generation means for generating tracking information that associates any of the plurality of color management setting information with at least one of a plurality of printing devices, wherein the shared setting means configures the system to allow access by authorized operators when the tracking information is permitted to be accessed by authorized operators among the plurality of operators, and when the color management setting information associated with the printing device in the tracking information is associated with a patch image, the color management setting information and the patch image associated with the color management setting information are configured to be accessible by authorized operators.

[0020] In accordance with this aspect, since a permitted operator who has been permitted to access the tracking information can access the color management setting information associated with the tracking information and the patch images associated with the color management setting information, the operation of making the color management setting information and the patch images accessible to the permitted operator becomes unnecessary.

[0021] Preferably, it further includes screen generation means for generating a list screen showing a list of one or more patch images that are each set to be accessible to a plurality of operators, and the list screen includes a mark indicating whether other operators can access each of the one or more patch images.

[0022] In accordance with this aspect, a list of patch images is displayed, and it is shown whether access by other operators is possible for each patch image. Therefore, an operator viewing the list screen can easily select the patch images to be shared with other operators.

[0023] Preferably, when an image of a patch image is printed according to color management setting information on any one of at least one printing device operable by an operator by any one of a plurality of operators, it further includes color measurement result acquisition means for acquiring a color measurement result obtained by color-measuring the printed result, and result association means for associating the color measurement result with the printing device, the color management setting information, and the patch image where the color measurement result was obtained.

[0024] In accordance with this aspect, since the color measurement result is associated with the printing device, the color management setting information, and the patch image, it becomes easy to view the printing device, the color management setting information, and the patch image corresponding to the color measurement result.

[0025] According to another aspect of this invention, the color management method includes a color expert who manages the colors of images printed by a plurality of printing devices, and each of them is operable with at least one of the plurality of printing devices Different from a color expertA color management method performed on an information processing device accessible to multiple operators, comprising a registration step of registering a patch image to be printed on one of multiple printing devices and color management setting information including profile information to be set on the printing device when printing the patch image, in accordance with instructions from a color expert, and the patch image and color management setting information Different from a color expert A sharing configuration step that allows access by one or more operators, Different from a color expert The system includes an access control step that, in response to a request from any of several operators, grants the requesting operator access to patch images and color management configuration information that is configured to be accessible to that operator.

[0026] Following this approach, it becomes possible to provide a color management method that simplifies the operation of managing the colors of multiple printing devices. Preferably, the color management setting information further includes color measurement conditions, which are conditions for measuring the color of a patch image printed by a printing device.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of this invention, a color management program includes a color expert that manages the colors of an image to be printed on multiple printing devices, and each of which can operate at least one of the multiple printing devices. Different from a color expert A color management program that runs on a computer that controls an information processing device accessible to multiple operators, and includes a registration step of registering a patch image to be printed on one of multiple printing devices and color management setting information including profile information to be set on the printing device when printing the patch image, in accordance with instructions from a color expert, and the patch image and color management setting information Different from a color expert A sharing configuration step that allows access by one or more operators, Different from a color expert The computer is instructed to perform an access control step that, in response to a request from any of several operators, grants the requesting operator access to patch images and color management settings information that are configured to be accessible to that operator.

[0028] Following this approach, it becomes possible to provide a color management method that simplifies the operation of managing the colors of multiple printing devices. Preferably, the color management setting information further includes color measurement conditions, which are conditions for measuring the color of a patch image printed by a printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall layout of the color management system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for a color management server. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functions of the CPU provided by the color management server in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the format for related records. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the format for a tracking information record. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the format for a patch image sharing record. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the format for a shared color management record. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the format for a tracking information sharing record. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the format for records related to color measurement results. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the registration process. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the patch image registration screen. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a patch image generation screen. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of the association process flow. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a tracking information generation screen. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sharing settings process. [Figure 16] Figure 1 shows an example of the patch image list screen. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the shared operator settings screen. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of a sharing request screen. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing an example of a link key reception screen. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of a shared request screen. [Figure 21] The second figure shows an example of the patch image list screen. [Figure 22] This flowchart shows an example of the access control process flow. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the deletion process. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of a deletion confirmation screen. [Figure 25] This figure shows an example of a deletion approval screen. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart showing an example of the colorimetric processing flow. [Figure 27] This figure shows an example of a color measurement instruction screen. [Figure 28] Figure 1 shows an example of an overall overview of the color management system in a modified example. [Figure 29] Figure 2 shows an example of an overall overview of the color management system in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The color management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0031] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall layout of the color management system in this embodiment. The color management system 1 includes a color management server 200, terminal devices 100, 100A to 100C, and printing devices 101 to 106. The color management server 200 is a general-purpose computer and functions as an information processing device. Each of the terminal devices 100, 100A to 100C is a general-purpose computer. The printing devices 101 to 106 are image forming devices such as inkjet printers or printers that form images using the electrophotographic method. Each of the printing devices 101 to 106 is equipped with a colorimeter. Each of the printing devices 101 to 106 measures the color of the recording medium on which the image has been printed using the colorimeter and outputs color measurement data indicating the color of the image formed on the recording medium.

[0032] The color management server 200 and terminal devices 100, 100A-100C are each connected to network 5 and can communicate with each other. The color management server 200 and terminal devices 100, 100A-100C constitute a server-client system, with the color management server 200 functioning as the server and each terminal device 100, 100A-100C functioning as a client. Network 5 is the internet. However, network 5 is not limited to the internet and may be a wide area network (WAN), public switched telephone network (PSTN), local area network, etc. The connection method of the color management server 200 and terminal devices 100, 100A-100C to network 5 may be wired or wireless.

[0033] Terminal device 100A and two printing devices 101 and 102 are located at site A. Terminal device 100A and the two printing devices 101 and 102 are connected to a network 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 3, and each of the two printing devices 101 and 102 can be controlled from terminal device 100A.

[0034] Terminal device 100B and two printers 103 and 104 are located at site B, which is different from site A. Terminal device 100B and the two printers 103 and 104 are connected to LAN3, and each of the two printers 103 and 104 can be controlled from terminal device 100B.

[0035] Terminal device 100C and two printers 105 and 106 are located at site C, which is different from sites A and B. Terminal device 100C and the two printers 105 and 106 are connected to LAN3, and each of the two printers 105 and 106 can be controlled from terminal device 100C.

[0036] The location where the terminal device 100 used by the color expert is placed can be any location, and it may be a different location from bases A, B, and C, or it may be any one of bases A, B, and C.

[0037] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which terminal device 100 is used by a color expert, terminal device 100A is used by operator A working at base A, terminal device 100B is used by operator B working at base B, and terminal device 100C is used by operator C working at base C. The color expert has specialized knowledge to manage the colors of images formed by printing devices 101 to 106 and manages the colors of images formed by printing devices 101 to 106.

[0038] Operator A is a user authorized to use printers 101 and 102, respectively, and can control printers 101 and 102 by operating terminal device 100A. Operator B is a user authorized to use printers 103 and 104, respectively, and can control printers 103 and 104 by operating terminal device 100B. Operator C is a user authorized to use printers 105 and 106, respectively, and can control printers 105 and 106 by operating terminal device 100C. Operators A, B, and C each perform color adjustment work on their assigned printer from printers 101 to 106, adjusting the colors of the images formed on that printer, according to instructions from the color expert. Color adjustment work includes setting profile information, loading toner or ink, and loading the recording medium on which the image is formed.

[0039] Here, we will explain the basic workflow of color management.

[0040] <1st process> A color expert determines the printing equipment, target configuration, and patch image based on the printing request received from the customer. The target configuration, also known as color management settings, includes profile information and colorimetric conditions. The profile information includes a color conversion table. The color conversion table includes, for example, a first color conversion table that associates color data represented in the RGB color system with color data represented in the L*a*b color system, and a second color conversion table that associates color data represented in the L*a*b color system with color data represented in the CMYK color system. The colorimetric conditions are the conditions for measuring the color of the patch image printed by the printing equipment, and include, for example, a colorimeter and lighting conditions.

[0041] A patch image, also known as a custom wedge, is an image represented by multiple colors. For example, a patch image may contain multiple rectangular regions, each assigned to a different color. A color expert determines the patch image containing the colors represented in the image intended for printing. The color expert determines the patch image by determining the patch image data. The patch image data may be image data previously generated and stored by the color expert, or it may be image data newly generated by the color expert.

[0042] The color expert specifies the target configuration, patch image, and printer, and requests the operator responsible for operating that printer to perform the adjustment work. The information linking the target configuration and the printer is called tracking information. Here, the color expert specifies printer 101, Operator The example given is when requesting adjustment work from A.

[0043] <Second process> Operator A operates the printer 101 to print a patch image and measure the color of the printed patch image, based on instructions from a color expert. Operator A may also operate the terminal device 100A to have the printer 101 print and measure the color. Specifically, Operator A operates the terminal device 100A to control the printer 101 specified by the color expert. Operator A sets the profile information defined in the target configuration in the printer 101 and has the printer 101 print the patch image defined in the target configuration under the printing conditions. The printer 101 measures the color of the patch image printed on the recording medium and outputs the color measurement result.

[0044] <3rd process> The color expert compares the color measurement results output by the printing device 101 with the patch image and makes adjustments. For example, it compares the patch image with the color measurement results and changes the profile information and / or color measurement conditions so that the difference between the two falls within a predetermined range.

[0045] In this embodiment, the color management system 1 assists experts in managing the colors of images printed by the printing devices 101 to 106. In this embodiment, color management processing is performed on the color management server 200, and services are provided from the color management server 200 when a color expert logs in to the color management server 200 by operating the terminal device 100, and services are also provided from the color management server 200 when operators A to C log in to the color management server 200 by operating terminal devices 100A to 100C, respectively.

[0046] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a color management server. Referring to Figure 2, the color management server 200 is a computer that performs calculations and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201 for controlling the entire color management server 200, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 for storing programs to be executed by the CPU 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 used as a workspace for the CPU 201, an HDD 204 for non-volatile data storage, a communication unit 205 for connecting the CPU 201 to the network 5, a display unit 206 for displaying information, an operation unit 207 for receiving user input, and an external storage device 210.

[0047] The communication unit 205 is an interface for connecting the color management server 200 to the network 5. Therefore, the CPU 201 can communicate with terminal devices 100, 100A to 100C connected to the network 5 via the communication unit 205.

[0048] CPU201 downloads programs from computers connected to network 5 and stores them in HDD204. Conversely, when a computer connected to network 5 writes a program to HDD204, the program is also stored in HDD204. CPU201 then loads the program stored in HDD204 into RAM203 and executes it.

[0049] The external storage device 210 is equipped with a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) 211. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the CPU 201 executes a program stored in the ROM 202 or HDD 204. The CPU 201 may control the external storage device 210 to read a program for execution from the CD-ROM 211, store the read program in the RAM 203, and then execute it.

[0050] Furthermore, the recording medium for storing the program to be executed by CPU201 is not limited to CD-ROM211, but may also be flexible disks, cassette tapes, optical disks (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC cards, optical cards, mask ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable ROMs), and other semiconductor memory media. The term "program" here includes not only programs that can be directly executed by CPU201, but also source programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, and so on.

[0051] HDD204 stores programs executed by CPU201, as well as various data used for color management. This data includes information about printing devices 101-106, patch image data showing patch images, target configuration, and tracking information.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an example of the functions of the CPU in the color management server in this embodiment. The functions shown in Figure 3 are functions formed in the CPU 201 of the color management server 200 when the CPU 201 executes a color management program stored in the ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 211. Referring to Figure 3, the CPU 201 includes a registration unit 251, a deletion unit 253, a shared setting unit 255, an association unit 257, an access control unit 261, a patch image editing unit 263, an instruction unit 265, a color measurement result acquisition unit 267, and a result association unit 269.

[0053] The access control unit 261 controls the communication unit 205 to authenticate a user operating one of the terminal devices 100, 100A, or 100C. For example, the access control unit 261 receives a login request from terminal device 100 and requests the transmission of authentication information. Terminal device 100 returns the authentication information entered by the user operating it. Based on the authentication information received from terminal device 100, the access control unit 261 authenticates the user operating terminal device 100. The authentication information is, but is not limited to, a combination of user ID and password. When the access control unit 261 authenticates a user based on the authentication information, it identifies that user and then responds to requests received from terminal device 100 within the scope of the user's predetermined authority. The predetermined scope will be described later.

[0054] The registration unit 251 registers various types of data used for color management. The registration unit 251 registers various types of data according to instructions from the color expert. The various types of data used for color management include patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information. Specifically, when the registration unit 251 receives instructions from the color expert to register various types of data, it stores them in the HDD 204. The patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information stored in the HDD 204 are assigned identification information to identify them.

[0055] When the registration unit 251 stores patch image data in the HDD 204, it generates a patch image sharing record containing patch image identification information to identify the patch image data and adds it to the patch image sharing table stored in the HDD 204. When the registration unit 251 stores target configuration in the HDD 204, it generates a color management sharing record containing color management identification information to identify the target configuration and adds it to the color management sharing table stored in the HDD 204. When the registration unit 251 stores tracking information in the HDD 204, it generates a tracking information sharing record containing tracking identification information to identify the tracking information and adds it to the tracking information sharing table stored in the HDD 204.

[0056] The association unit 257 includes a first association unit 281, a second association unit 283, and a generation unit 285. The first association unit 281 associates a patch image with a target configuration according to instructions input by a color expert. There may be multiple patch images and multiple target configurations. The first association unit 281 associates one of the multiple patch images with at least one of the multiple target configurations. Multiple target configurations may be associated with one patch image, and one target configuration may be associated with multiple patch images. Specifically, when the first association unit 281 associates a patch image with a target configuration, it generates an association record that includes patch image identification information for identifying the patch image data representing that patch image and color management identification information for identifying the target configuration, and adds it to the association table stored in the HDD 204.

[0057] The second association unit 283 associates target configurations with printing devices according to instructions from a color expert. There may be multiple target configurations and multiple printing devices. The second association unit 283 associates one of the multiple target configurations with at least one of the multiple printing devices. Multiple printing devices may be associated with a single target configuration, and one printing device may be associated with multiple printing devices.

[0058] The generation unit 285 generates tracking information based on the target configuration and printing device associated by the second association unit 283. The tracking information is information that associates the target configuration and the printing device. When the target configuration and printing device are associated by the second association unit 283, the generation unit 285 generates tracking information including color management identification information to identify the target configuration and device identification information to identify the printing device, and stores it in the HDD 204. Specifically, the generation unit 285 generates a tracking information record including tracking identification information to identify the tracking information and the tracking information, and adds it to the tracking information table stored in the HDD 204. In some cases, multiple printing devices may be associated with a single target configuration by the second association unit 283, in which case the generation unit 285 adds the same number of tracking information records to the tracking information table as the number of printing devices. In some cases, the second association unit 283 may associate one printing device with multiple target configurations. In this case, the generation unit 285 adds the same number of tracking information records as the number of target configurations to the tracking information table.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of the format of a related record. Referring to Figure 4, the related record includes a color management configuration information field and a patch image field. The color management configuration information field contains color management identification information to identify the target configuration. The patch image field contains patch image identification information to identify the patch image data.

[0060] Figure 5 shows an example of the format of a tracking information record. Referring to Figure 5, the tracking information record includes a tracking information item, a color management setting information item, and a printer item. The tracking information item is set with tracking identification information to identify the tracking information. The color management setting information item is set with color management identification information to identify the target configuration. The printer item is set with device identification information to identify one of the printers 101 to 106.

[0061] Returning to Figure 3, the sharing settings unit 255 sets permissions that allow users to access various data stored on the HDD 204. Specifically, the sharing settings unit 255 sets permissions for each type of data for the color expert and operators A through C. The various types of data set by the sharing settings unit 255 include patch images, target configurations, and tracking information.

[0062] The shared settings unit 255 includes an expert settings unit 271, an operator settings unit 273, and a related settings unit 275. The expert settings unit 271 sets permissions for each operator A to C for patch images, target configurations, and tracking information according to the shared settings instructions entered by the color expert. The shared settings instructions include target data identification information that identifies one of the patch images, target configurations, and tracking information, and operator identification information that identifies at least one of the operators A to C. The expert settings unit 271 sets the data identified by the target data identification information included in the shared settings instructions to a state where it can be accessed by the operator identified by the target data identification information.

[0063] The patch image sharing table, color management sharing table, and tracking information sharing table are stored on HDD204. When a patch image is registered by the registration unit 251, a patch image sharing record containing patch image identification information for identifying the patch image data of that patch image is added to the patch image sharing table. When a target configuration is registered by the registration unit 251, a color management sharing record containing color management identification information for identifying the target configuration is added to the color management sharing table. When tracking information is generated by the generation unit 285, a tracking information sharing record containing tracking identification information for identifying the tracking information is added to the tracking information sharing table.

[0064] Figure 6 shows an example of the format of a patch image sharing record. Referring to Figure 6, the patch image sharing record includes a patch image item, a color expert item, an operator A item, an operator B item, and an operator C item. The patch image item is set with patch image identification information to identify the patch image data. The color expert item corresponds to the color expert and is set to indicate whether the color expert has access to the patch image. The operator A item, operator B item, and operator C item correspond to operator A, operator B, and operator C respectively and are set with symbols indicating whether operator A, operator B, and operator C each have access to the patch image. The symbol indicating accessibility is, for example, "1" if accessible and "0" if inaccessible. When the patch image is registered by the registration unit 251, the patch image sharing record is set with the expert item set to "1", and the operator A item, operator B item, and operator C item are each set to "0".

[0065] Figure 7 shows an example of the format of a color management shared record. Referring to Figure 7, the color management shared record includes a color management setting information item, a color expert item, an operator A item, an operator B item, and an operator C item. The color management setting information item is set with color management identification information to identify the target configuration. The color expert item corresponds to the color expert and is set to indicate whether the color expert has access to the target configuration. The operator A item, operator B item, and operator C item correspond to operator A, operator B, and operator C respectively and are set with symbols indicating whether operator A, operator B, and operator C each have access to the target configuration. The symbol indicating accessibility is, for example, "1" if accessible and "0" if inaccessible. When the target configuration is registered by the registration unit 251, the color management shared record is set with the expert item set to "1", and the operator A item, operator B item, and operator C item are each set to "0".

[0066] Figure 8 shows an example of the format of a tracking information sharing record. Referring to Figure 8, the tracking information sharing record includes fields for tracking information, color expert, operator A, operator B, and operator C. The tracking information field includes a tracking information field to identify the tracking information. G-knowledgeOther information is set. The Color Expert field corresponds to the Color Expert and sets whether the Color Expert has access to the tracking information. The Operator A field, Operator B field, and Operator C field correspond to Operator A, Operator B, and Operator C respectively and set symbols indicating whether Operator A, Operator B, and Operator C have access to the tracking information. The symbol indicating accessibility is, for example, "1" if access is possible and "0" if access is not possible. When the tracking information is registered by the generation unit 285, the tracking information sharing record is set with the Expert field set to "1" and the Operator A field, Operator B field, and Operator C field each set to "0".

[0067] Returning to Figure 3, the expert setting unit 271 identifies the patch image sharing record if the sharing setting instruction includes patch image identification information as target data identification information. The expert setting unit 271 refers to the patch image sharing table and identifies the patch image sharing record in which the patch image identification information included in the sharing setting instruction is set. Then, the expert setting unit 271 changes the item corresponding to the operator identified in the operator identification information included in the sharing setting instruction of the patch image sharing record to the symbol "1" to indicate that it is accessible.

[0068] The expert setting unit 271 identifies the color management shared record if the shared setting instruction includes color management identification information as target data identification information. The expert setting unit 271 refers to the color management shared table and identifies the color management shared record in which the color management identification information included in the shared setting instruction is set. Then, the expert setting unit 271 changes the item corresponding to the operator identified in the operator identification information included in the shared setting instruction of the color management shared record to the symbol "1" to indicate that it is accessible.

[0069] The expert setting unit 271 identifies the tracking information sharing record if the sharing setting instruction includes tracking identification information as target data identification information. The expert setting unit 271 refers to the tracking information sharing table and identifies the tracking information sharing record in which the tracking identification information included in the sharing setting instruction is set. Then, the expert setting unit 271 identifies the tracking information share Change the symbol "1" to indicate that the field corresponding to the operator identified in the operator identification information included in the record sharing settings instruction is accessible.

[0070] The operator setting unit 273 sets permissions for one of operators A to C for patch images, target configurations, and tracking information, according to the sharing setting request entered by the operator. The sharing setting request includes target data identification information that identifies one of the patch images, target configurations, and tracking information, and operator identification information that identifies at least one of operators A to C. The operator setting unit 273 sets the records identified by the target data identification information included in the sharing setting request as the records to be processed. The records that the operator setting unit 273 processes are records that are set to be accessible to the operator who enters the sharing setting request.

[0071] The shared setting process performed by the operator setting unit 273 is the same for patch images, target configurations, and tracking information. Therefore, this explanation will use the case where a patch image is the data to be processed, and where operator A sets up shared settings for operator B. In this case, a shared setting request is entered by operator A, and this shared setting request includes patch image identification information to identify the patch image data as target data identification information, and user identification information to identify operator B as operator identification information.

[0072] When operator A submits a sharing setting request, operator setting unit 273 requests operator B permission to access the patch image. For example, operator setting unit 273 sends a permission request screen to terminal device 100B operated by operator B and receives information from terminal device 100B indicating either permission or denial entered by operator B. Specifically, terminal device 100B displays the permission request screen received from color management server 200, and accepts operator B's input of either permission or denial according to the permission request screen. Terminal device 100B returns information indicating either permission or denial to color management server 200. The permission request screen includes at least patch image identification information for identifying patch image data. The permission request screen may also include the patch image. If the information received from terminal device 100B indicates permission, operator setting unit 273 sets the sharing setting according to the sharing setting request. Specifically, operator setting unit 273 refers to the patch image sharing table and identifies the patch image sharing record with the patch image identification information included in the sharing setting request as the target for processing. Then, the operator setting unit 273 changes the item corresponding to operator B, identified by the user identification information included in the sharing setting request of the patch image sharing record, to the symbol "1" indicating that it is accessible. If the information received from terminal device 100B indicates a denial, the operator setting unit 273 sends information to terminal device 100A operated by operator A notifying it that sharing has been denied by operator B, without modifying the patch image sharing record.

[0073] The association setting unit 275, when a target configuration is shared by either the expert setting unit 271 or the operator setting unit 273, sets the patch image to be accessible to authorized operators if the target configuration is associated with a patch image by the first association unit 281. An authorized operator is an operator that has been set to have access to the target configuration.

[0074] For example, let's consider a case where target configuration A and patch image A are associated by the first association unit 281, and target configuration A is configured to be accessible by operator A by either the expert setting unit 271 or the operator setting unit 273. In this case, operator A is an authorized operator, and operator A is configured to be able to access patch image A.

[0075] Specifically, when shared settings are configured by either the expert setting unit 271 or the operator setting unit 273, the related setting unit 275 refers to the related table stored in the HDD 204 to identify the related record containing the color management identification information of the shared target configuration. When identifying the related record, the related setting unit 275 refers to the patch image sharing table stored in the HDD 204 to identify the patch image sharing record containing the patch image identification information set in that related record. Then, the related setting unit 275 changes the item corresponding to operator A in that patch image sharing record to the accessible information "1".

[0076] Furthermore, if a patch image is shared by either the expert setting unit 271 or the operator setting unit 273, the related setting unit 275 may configure the target configuration to be accessible to authorized operators if the patch image is associated with a target configuration by the first association unit 281.

[0077] When an access instruction to access data is entered by a color expert or operator, the access control unit 261 grants access if the color expert or operator has access. Hereinafter, the user who enters an instruction to access data is referred to as the access user. Access users include color experts and operators. Specifically, when an access user requests patch images, the access control unit 261 refers to the patch image sharing table stored in the HDD 204 to determine whether the access user has access. For example, if a list of patch images is requested, the access control unit 261 extracts patch image sharing records in the patch image sharing table that the access user has access to, and sends a list of patch image data defined by one or more extracted patch image sharing records to the terminal device operated by the access user. Also, when a transmission request containing patch image identification information is received, the access control unit 261 refers to the patch image sharing table to extract patch image sharing records that contain that patch image identification information and that are set to be accessible to the access user, and sends the patch image data defined by the extracted patch image sharing records to the terminal device operated by the access user.

[0078] When an access user requests a target configuration, the access control unit 261 refers to the color management shared table stored in the HDD 204 to determine whether the access user has access to it. For example, if a list of target configurations is requested, the access control unit 261 extracts the color management shared records in the color management shared table that the access user has access to, and sends a list of target configurations defined by one or more extracted color management shared records to the terminal device operated by the access user. Also, when a transmission request containing color management identification information is received, the access control unit 261 refers to the color management shared table to extract the color management shared records that contain that color management identification information and that are set to be accessible to the access user, and sends the target configurations defined by the extracted color management shared records to the terminal device operated by the access user.

[0079] When an access user requests tracking information, the access control unit 261 refers to the tracking information sharing table stored in the HDD 204 to determine whether the access user has access to the information. For example, if a list of tracking information is requested, the access control unit 261 extracts the tracking information sharing records in the tracking information sharing table that the access user has access to, and sends the list of tracking information defined in one or more extracted tracking information sharing records to the terminal device operated by the access user. Also, when a transmission request containing tracking identification information is received, the access control unit 261 refers to the tracking information sharing table to extract the tracking information sharing records that contain the tracking identification information and that are set to be accessible to the access user, and sends the tracking information defined in the extracted tracking information sharing records to the terminal device operated by the access user.

[0080] The patch image editing unit 263 generates and modifies patch images. The patch image editing unit 263 sends an editing screen displaying the patch image to a terminal device and edits the patch image based on instructions received from the terminal device. The patch image editing unit 263 stores patch image data showing the edited patch image in the HDD 204. The patch image editing unit 263 accepts only instructions input by the color expert and does not accept instructions from operators A to C. The patch image editing unit 263 may also read the patch image data stored in the HDD 204 and edit the patch image. When the patch image editing unit 263 stores patch image data corresponding to a new patch image in the HDD 204, the registration unit 251 registers the new patch image.

[0081] The deletion unit 253 deletes patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information stored in the HDD 204. The deletion unit 253 deletes patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information according to deletion instructions entered by the color expert. The deletion instruction includes information that identifies one of the patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information. Furthermore, if a deletion instruction is entered by any of operators A to C, the deletion unit 253 deletes the patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information only if deletion is permitted by the color expert. Each of operators A to C has limited access to patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information. Therefore, each of operators A to C can enter a deletion instruction that includes information to identify the data they are permitted to access from among the patch image data, target configuration, and tracking information.

[0082] The instruction unit 265 receives color measurement instructions input by the color expert and notifies the operator of the color measurement instructions. The color measurement instructions include information that identifies the target configuration, patch image, and printing device. The color measurement instructions may also include information that identifies tracking information instead of the target configuration and printing device. In response to receiving the color measurement instructions, the instruction unit 265 identifies the operator responsible for operating the printing device based on the device identification information included in the color measurement instructions. For each of operators A to C, a table should be prepared in advance that associates the printing device that the operator is responsible for operating.

[0083] Here, we will explain using the case where the printing device 101 is identified by a color measurement instruction as an example. In this case, the instruction unit 265 identifies operator A, who is responsible for operating the printing device 101, and notifies operator A of the color measurement instruction. If operator A is logged into the system, the instruction unit 265 sends the color measurement instruction to the terminal device 100A operated by operator A. If operator A is not logged into the system, the instruction unit 265 sends the color measurement instruction to the terminal device 100A operated by operator A in response to operator A logging into the system. Furthermore, if recipient information such as the email addresses of operators A and B is registered in advance, the instruction unit 265 may send the color measurement instruction to operator A using the transmission method determined by that recipient information.

[0084] When Operator A receives a color measurement instruction, Operator A performs the color measurement work according to the instruction. Specifically, Operator A has the printing device 101, which is specified by the color measurement instruction, print the patch image specified by the color measurement instruction. The printing device 101 has the colorimeter it has installed measure the color of the patch image printed on the recording medium, and transmits the color measurement data output by the colorimeter to the color management server 200.

[0085] When the communication unit 205 receives color measurement data transmitted by the printing device 101, the color measurement result acquisition unit 267 acquires the color measurement data as a color measurement result. The color measurement result acquisition unit 267 stores the color measurement data in the HDD 204 with identification information attached.

[0086] The result association unit 269 associates the color measurement instruction with the color measurement result. Specifically, the result association unit 269 generates a color measurement result association record that associates the tracking information and patch image included in the color measurement instruction with the color measurement result, and adds it to the color measurement result association table stored in the HDD 204.

[0087] Figure 9 shows an example of the format of a colorimetric result-related record. Referring to Figure 9, the colorimetric result-related record includes a tracking information field, a patch image field, and a colorimetric data field. The tracking information field includes a tracking information field to identify the tracking information. G-knowledge Other information is set. The patch image item is set with patch image identification information to identify the patch image. The color measurement data item is set with color measurement data identification information to identify the color measurement data. The color expert can modify the patch image and target configuration by referring to the color measurement result-related records.

[0088] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the registration process flow. The registration process is performed by the CPU 201 of the color management server 200, which executes a color management program stored in the ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 211. The CPU 201 performs the registration process according to instructions entered by the color expert when the user logged into the system is a color expert. For example, after a color expert logs into the system by operating the terminal device 100, the CPU 201 performs the registration process according to instructions received from the terminal device 100.

[0089] Referring to Figure 10, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a patch image has been stored (step S01). If the color expert generates a new patch image or edits an existing patch image to generate a new patch image, the new patch image is stored in the HDD 204 as patch image data. If a new patch image is stored in the HDD 204, the process proceeds to step S02; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S03.

[0090] In step S02, a patch image sharing record is generated, and the process proceeds to step S03. A patch image sharing record in the format shown in Figure 6 is generated. At this stage, the symbol "1" is set in the Color Expert field to indicate that access rights have been granted, and the symbols "0" are set in the fields for Operators A to C, respectively, to indicate that access rights have not been granted. The generated patch image sharing record is added to the patch image sharing table stored in HDD204.

[0091] In step S03, it is determined whether or not a target configuration has been stored. If the color expert generates a new target configuration or edits an existing target configuration to generate a new one, the new target configuration is stored in HDD204. If a new target configuration is stored in HDD204, the process proceeds to step S04; otherwise, the registration process ends.

[0092] In step S04, a color management shared record is generated, and the registration process is completed. The generated color management shared record is added to the color management shared table stored on HDD204. A color management shared record in the format shown in Figure 7 is generated. At this stage, the symbol "1" is set in the Color Expert field to indicate that access rights have been granted, and the symbols "0" are set in the fields for Operator A to Operator C, respectively, to indicate that access rights have not been granted. The generated color management shared record is added to the color management shared table stored on HDD204.

[0093] Figure 11 shows an example of a patch image registration screen. Here, a patch image is referred to as a custom wedge. Referring to Figure 11, the patch image registration screen includes a custom wedge name field, a CMYK reference field, a comment field, and a button labeled "Import." The custom wedge name field is where patch image identification information is set to identify the patch image data. The CMYK reference field is where the CMYK reference name of the reference that defines the value for converting the color of the patch image, expressed in the CMYK color system, to the RGB color system is set. The comment field is where any string can be set. When the button labeled "Import" is clicked, the patch image data identified by the patch image identification information set in the custom wedge name field is registered.

[0094] Figure 12 shows an example of the patch image generation screen. Referring to Figure 12, the patch image generation screen includes a custom wedge name field and a custom wedge information area. The custom wedge name field is where patch image identification information is set to identify the patch image data. The custom wedge information area includes an array specification area that specifies the rows and columns of 20 patches arranged in 2 rows and 10 columns, a display area that displays the 20 patches arranged in 2 rows and 10 columns, and a setting area that sets the color of the patch. The display area indicates that the patch located in the 1st row and 4th column is selected as the target for processing. The setting area indicates that the values ​​of C, M, and Y are set to 0, and the value of K is in the process of being set. The leftmost frame of the setting area displays the color determined by the set CMYK values. The same color is also displayed on the patch located in the 1st row and 4th column of the display area. When the button with the word OK is pressed, the patch image data with the patch image identification information set in the custom wedge name field is stored in HDD204.

[0095] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the association process flow. The association process is performed by the CPU 201 of the color management server 200, which executes a color management program stored in ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 211. The CPU 201 performs the association process according to instructions entered by the color expert when the user logged into the system is a color expert.

[0096] Referring to Figure 13, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a patch image association instruction (step S11). If the CPU 201 has received a patch image association instruction, it proceeds to step S12; otherwise, it proceeds to step S13. A patch image association instruction is an instruction that associates a target configuration with a patch image, and both the target configuration and the patch image are identified. For example, a patch image association instruction includes color management identification information and patch image identification information.

[0097] In step S12, an associated record is generated, and the process proceeds to step S13. Based on the color management identification information and patch image identification information included in the patch image association instruction, an associated record in the format shown in Figure 4 is generated. The generated associated record is added to the associated table stored in HDD204.

[0098] In step S13, it is determined whether or not the printer association instruction has been received. If the printer association instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the association process ends. The printer association instruction is an instruction that associates a target configuration with a printer, and both the target configuration and the printer are specified. For example, the printer association instruction includes color management identification information and device identification information.

[0099] In step S14, tracking information is generated, and the process proceeds to step S15. Tracking information is information that associates the target configuration with the printing device. Tracking information is generated based on the color management identification information and device identification information included in the printing device association instruction. The generated tracking information is stored in HDD204 with tracking identification information attached.

[0100] In step S15, a tracking information sharing record is generated. Related The process is completed. A tracking information sharing record in the format shown in Figure 8 is generated. At this stage, the symbol "1" is set in the Color Expert field to indicate that access rights have been granted, and the symbols "0" are set in the fields for Operators A to C, respectively, to indicate that access rights have not been granted. The generated tracking information sharing record is added to the tracking information sharing table stored on HDD204.

[0101] Figure 14 shows an example of a tracking information generation screen. Referring to Figure 14, the tracking information generation screen consists of two areas, left and right. The left area includes fields for the tracking name and target configuration, while the right area is for identifying the printing device. The tracking name field is where the tracking identification information attached to the tracking information is set. The target configuration field is where the color management identification information used to identify the target configuration is set.

[0102] The area on the right includes fields for Department, Printer Name, Printer Model, and Printer Serial Number. The Department field defines the scope of management for the printing device. This scope may be a group of individuals within an organization or a geographical area. Here, the Printer Name field contains device identification information to identify the printing device. The Printer Model field contains the type of printing device. The Printer Serial Number field contains the manufacturing number of the printing device. Note that setting data in the Department, Printer Model, and Printer Serial Number fields is optional. When the button displaying the word OK is pressed, tracking information is generated that associates the target configuration identified by the color management identification information set in the Target Configuration field with the printing device set in the Printer Name field. The generated tracking information is stored in HDD204 with the tracking identification information set in the Tracking Name field attached.

[0103] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the shared settings process. The shared settings process is performed by the CPU 201 of the color management server 200, which executes a color management program stored in ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 211.

[0104] Referring to Figure 15, the CPU 201 determines whether a patch image has been selected. If a patch image has been selected, the process proceeds to step S22; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S26. For example, if the color expert or any of operators A to C select a patch image from the list of patch images, it is determined that a patch image has been selected. Since operators A to C are only permitted to access patch images for which they are authorized, they can select patch images for which they are authorized.

[0105] In step S22, it is determined whether or not the sharing setting instruction has been accepted. The sharing setting instruction includes user identification information to identify the operator to whom the information will be shared. The operator to whom the information will be shared is the operator who is to be granted access. If the sharing setting instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S23, it is determined whether or not the user who entered the sharing setting instruction is a color expert. If the user is a color expert, the process proceeds to step S25; if the user is any of operators A to C, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0106] In step S24, it is determined whether permission has been granted by the sharing operator. If permission is granted by the sharing operator, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S26. The sharing operator is notified that access rights to the patch image have been granted by the sharing operator. The sharing operator is the operator who entered the sharing setting instructions. If the sharing operator responds to the notification with acceptance, it is determined that permission has been granted by the sharing operator. If the sharing operator does not respond to the notification, or responds with a denial, it is determined that permission has not been granted by the sharing operator.

[0107] In step S25, sharing is configured, and the process proceeds to step S26. The patch image sharing record contained in the patch image sharing table stored in HDD204 is updated. Specifically, the patch image sharing table is referenced, and a patch image sharing record containing patch image identification information to identify the patch image selected in step S21 is extracted. Then, the symbol "1" is set in the field corresponding to the sharing destination operator of that patch image sharing record, indicating that access is permitted. The sharing destination operator is identified by the user identification information included in the sharing configuration instruction.

[0108] In step S26, it is determined whether a target configuration has been selected. If a target configuration has been selected, the process proceeds to step S27; otherwise, the shared configuration process ends. For example, if a color expert or any of operators A-C select a target configuration from the list of target configurations, it is determined that a target configuration has been selected. Since operators A-C are only permitted to access target configurations for which they are authorized, they can select target configurations for which they are authorized.

[0109] In step S27, it is determined whether the sharing setting instruction has been accepted. The sharing setting instruction includes user identification information to identify the operator to whom the information will be shared. The operator to whom the information will be shared is the operator who is to be granted access. If the sharing setting instruction has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S28; otherwise, the sharing setting process ends. In step S28, it is determined whether the user who entered the sharing setting instruction is a color expert. If the user is a color expert, the process proceeds to step S30; if the user is any of operators A to C, the process proceeds to step S29.

[0110] In step S29, it is determined whether permission has been accepted by the sharing destination operator. If permission is granted by the sharing destination operator, the process proceeds to step S30; otherwise, the sharing setup process ends. The sharing destination operator is notified that access rights to the target configuration have been granted by the sharing source operator. The sharing source operator is the operator who entered the sharing setup instruction. If the sharing destination operator responds with an acceptance of the notification, it is determined that permission has been granted by the sharing destination operator. If the sharing destination operator does not respond to the notification, or responds with a rejection, it is determined that permission has not been granted by the sharing destination operator.

[0111] In step S30, the sharing setting is configured, and the process proceeds to step S31. The color management sharing record contained in the color management sharing table stored on HDD204 is updated. Specifically, the color management sharing table is referenced, and the color management sharing record in which the color management identification information for identifying the target configuration selected in step S26 is set is extracted. Then, the symbol "1" is set in the field corresponding to the sharing destination operator of the color management sharing record, indicating that access is permitted. The sharing destination operator is identified by the user identification information included in the sharing setting instruction.

[0112] In step S31, it is determined whether the target configuration is associated with a patch image. If it is associated with a patch image, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, the sharing configuration process ends. The association table stored in HDD204 is referenced, and an association record containing color management identification information to identify the target configuration selected in step S26 is extracted. If such an association record is extracted, it is determined that the target configuration is associated with a patch image.

[0113] In step S32, the patch image associated with the target configuration is set to share, and the sharing setting process ends. The patch image sharing record in the patch image sharing table stored on HDD204 is updated. Specifically, the patch image sharing table is referenced, and the patch image sharing record in which patch image identification information for identifying the patch image determined to be associated with the target configuration in step S31 is set is extracted. Then, the symbol "1" is set in the item corresponding to the sharing destination operator of the patch image sharing record, indicating that access is permitted. The sharing destination operator is the user identified by the user identification information included in the sharing setting instruction.

[0114] Figure 16 is the first diagram showing an example of the patch image list screen. Referring to Figure 16, the patch image list screen contains one record for each patch image data. In Figure 16, eight records are displayed, corresponding to seven patch image data. The records displayed on the patch image list screen include a Share field, an In-Use field, a Custom Wedge field, an Owning Company field, a Creation / Import Date and Time field, and a Comment field. The Custom Wedge field is set with patch image identification information. The Owning Company field is set with user identification information to identify the color expert who generated the patch image data. Here, the user identification information of the color expert is set to the name of the company to which the color expert belongs. The Creation / Import Date and Time field is set with the date and time the patch image data was created or registered in the system. The Comment field is set with an arbitrary string.

[0115] Records with the image <...> set in the shared field indicate that the corresponding patch image is set to be shared. Sharing means that it is set to be accessible to multiple operators. In Figure 16, it is shown that the four patch images corresponding to the records in rows 3 through 6 are set to be shared.

[0116] Additionally, a checkbox to the left of the first row of records is marked, and the entire record is highlighted. Users can select a record to process by checking the checkbox, and the highlighting indicates that the patch image of the first row of records is the one to be processed.

[0117] Figure 17 shows an example of the shared operator settings screen. Referring to Figure 17, the shared operator settings screen includes a custom wedge name field and two areas on the left and right sides of the screen. The custom wedge field displays patch image identification information to identify the patch image data of the patch image to be processed. The two areas are the candidate area on the left and the permitted area on the right. The candidate area displays user identification information to identify operators who are candidates for being granted access. The permitted area displays user identification information of operators who are granted access. If an arrow is indicated between the candidate area and the permitted area, the selected user identification information moves between the candidate area and the permitted area. For operators identified by the user identification information displayed in the permitted area, the patch image corresponding to the patch image data of the patch image identification information displayed in the custom wedge field is set to be accessible.

[0118] Figure 18 shows an example of a sharing request screen. The sharing request screen is displayed when an operator selects a patch image on the patch image list screen shown in Figure 16, and then uses the sharing operator settings screen shown in Figure 17 to designate another operator as the recipient operator. Referring to Figure 18, the sharing request screen includes an input area for entering an email address and a confirmation area. The input area is where the email address assigned to the recipient operator who is to be granted access is entered. The confirmation area is where the same email address as the one entered in the input area is entered. If the input area and the confirmation area match, a sharing request email is sent to the email address entered in the input area. The sharing request email includes a link key to enable the recipient operator who is to be granted access to access the patch image. The link key is information for authenticating the recipient operator who is to be granted access. The link key can be any string of characters.

[0119] Figure 19 shows an example of a link key reception screen. The link key reception screen is displayed when the sharing destination operator who is to be granted access is logged into the system, or after logging into the system. Referring to Figure 19, the link key reception screen includes an area where the link key is entered. The sharing destination operator who is to be granted access has received an email from the system. That email contains the link key. When the sharing destination operator who is to be granted access enters the link key into the link key reception screen, the sharing reception screen is displayed.

[0120] Figure 20 shows an example of a sharing request screen. Referring to Figure 20, the sharing request screen includes fields for Custom Wedge Name, Link Key, and Sharing Source. The Custom Wedge Name field displays patch image identification information to identify the patch image. The Link Key field displays the link key. The Sharing Source field displays the user identification information of the sharing source operator who requested permission to access. When the receiving operator who is to be granted access points to the sharing request screen, the patch image identified by the patch image identification information displayed in the Custom Wedge Name field is set to a state where the receiving operator can access it.

[0121] Figure 21 is a second diagram showing an example of a patch image list screen. Referring to Figure 21, in the first row of records, the symbol <...> indicating that sharing is enabled has been added to the Shared field. Therefore, if the patch image list screen shown in Figure 21 is viewed by a color expert, it indicates that the patch image in the first row of records is set to be accessible to multiple operators. Also, if the patch image list screen shown in Figure 21 is viewed by an operator, it indicates that the patch image in the first row of records is set to be accessible to another operator.

[0122] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the access control process flow. The access control process is performed by the CPU 201 of the color management server 200, which executes a color management program stored in the ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 211.

[0123] Referring to Figure 22, CPU 201 authenticates the user (step S41) and proceeds to step S42. At this stage, the user authorized to log in to the system is identified.

[0124] In step S42, it is determined whether or not a data access request has been accepted. The system waits until a data access request is accepted (NO in step S42), and if a data access request is accepted (YES in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43. The data can be patch image data, target configuration, or tracking information. The access request may be a request to specify the data, or a request to display a list of data.

[0125] In step S43, the shared tables are determined. Since a patch image shared table is defined for patch images, a color management shared table for target configurations, and a tracking information shared table for tracking information, the shared table corresponding to the data for which an access request was made in step S42 is determined.

[0126] In step S44, it is determined whether access is permitted. Referring to the shared table determined in step S43, it is determined whether the user authenticated in step S41 can access the data specified in step S42. If access is permitted, the process proceeds to step S45; otherwise, the access control process ends. If the access request requests the display of a list of data, access is deemed permitted if there is at least one record in the shared table that grants access to the user authenticated in step S41.

[0127] In step S45, the data for which access has been permitted is output, and the access control process ends. The data is output to the terminal device operated by the user authenticated in step S41. If the access request requests the display of a list of data, the data identified for each record for which access has been permitted for the user authenticated in step S41 is output from the shared table.

[0128] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the deletion process flow. The deletion process is performed by the CPU 201 of the color management server 200, which executes the color management program stored in ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 211.

[0129] Referring to Figure 23, CPU 201 selects the data to be deleted (step S51) and proceeds to step S52. The data specified by the user is to be deleted. The data to be deleted is one of the following: patch image data, target configuration, or tracking information. Also, since operators A to C are only permitted to access the data they are authorized to access, they can specify the data they are authorized to access as the data to be deleted.

[0130] In step S52, it is determined whether or not the deletion instruction has been received. If the deletion instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S53; otherwise, the deletion process ends. In step S53, it is determined whether or not the user who entered the deletion instruction is an operator. If the user is an operator, the process proceeds to step S54; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S57.

[0131] In step S54, it is determined whether the color expert has authorized the deletion. If the color expert authorizes the deletion, the process proceeds to step S55; otherwise, the deletion process ends. The color expert is notified that the operator who entered the deletion instruction has requested the deletion of data. For example, a deletion approval screen is displayed on the terminal device 100 operated by the color expert. If the color expert responds with acceptance to the notification, it is determined that the deletion has been authorized by the color expert. On the other hand, if the color expert does not respond to the notification, or responds with a denial, it is determined that the deletion has not been authorized by the color expert. If the color expert does not authorize the deletion, the data is not deleted. This ensures that the color expert can subsequently use the data.

[0132] In step S55, it is determined whether the data to be deleted is accessible to other operators. The shared table corresponding to the data is referenced, and it is determined whether an operator other than the operator who entered the delete instruction is accessible to it. If another operator is accessible, the process proceeds to step S56; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S57. In step S56, the access rights of the operator who entered the delete instruction to the data to be deleted are changed to none, and the deletion process ends. Specifically, the symbol "0" is set for the record corresponding to the data to be deleted in the shared table, indicating that the operator who entered the delete instruction cannot access the corresponding field.

[0133] In step S57, it is determined whether there is any related data for the data to be deleted. Related data is data associated with that data. If the data to be deleted is a patch image or a target configuration, one may be associated with the other. The related table stored in HDD204 is referenced, and if a related record containing the data identification information of the data to be deleted exists, the process proceeds to step S58; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S59. In step S58, the related record containing the data identification information of the data to be deleted is deleted from the related table stored in HDD204, and the process proceeds to step S59.

[0134] In step S59, it is determined whether tracking information exists for the data to be deleted. If the data to be deleted is a target configuration, a tracking information record may exist. The tracking information table stored in HDD204 is referenced to determine whether a tracking information record exists that includes color management identification information to identify the target configuration, which is the data to be deleted. If a tracking information record exists, the process proceeds to step S60; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0135] In step S60, the tracking information record is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S61. The tracking information table stored in HDD204 is referenced, and the tracking information record containing color management identification information to identify the target configuration, which is the data to be deleted, is deleted. In step S61, the tracking information sharing record is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S62. The tracking information sharing table stored in HDD204 is referenced, and the tracking information sharing record containing color management identification information to identify the target configuration, which is the data to be deleted, is deleted.

[0136] In step S62, the shared record is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S63. The shared table corresponding to the data to be deleted is referenced, and the shared record corresponding to the data to be deleted is deleted. In step S63, the data to be deleted is deleted, and the deletion process ends. The data to be deleted stored on HDD204 is erased.

[0137] Figure 24 shows an example of a deletion confirmation screen. The deletion confirmation screen includes user identification information to identify the color expert and is a screen to confirm whether or not to request deletion. When the button with the word OK is selected, permission to delete is requested from the color expert.

[0138] Figure 25 shows an example of the deletion approval screen. The deletion approval screen is displayed when a color expert is logged into the system, or after logging into the system. Referring to Figure 25, the deletion approval screen includes patch image identification information to identify the patch image to be deleted, and is a screen where settings can be entered to delete the patch image or to not allow access by the sharing operator.

[0139] Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the color measurement process. The color measurement process is performed by the CPU 201 of the color management server 200, which executes a color management program stored in ROM 202, HDD 204, or CD-ROM 211. If the user logged into the system is a color expert, the CPU 201 performs the color measurement process according to the instructions entered by the color expert.

[0140] Referring to Figure 26, CPU 201 accepts the specification of the target configuration (step S71) and proceeds to step S72. The target configuration specified by the color expert is identified.

[0141] In step S72, the printing device is specified, and the process proceeds to step S73. The printing device specified by the color expert is identified. If tracking information is specified by the color expert, the target configuration and printing device defined in the tracking information may also be identified. In this case, steps S71 and S72 are unnecessary. In step S73, the patch image is specified, and the process proceeds to step S74. The patch image specified by the color expert is identified.

[0142] In step S74, a color measurement instruction is sent. The color measurement instruction is sent to the operator who will operate the printing device specified in step S72. The color measurement instruction includes information that identifies the target configuration, printing device, and patch image, as specified in steps S71 to S73. If the operator who will operate the printing device is logged into the system, the color measurement instruction is notified to that operator. If the operator who will operate the printing device is not logged into the system, the color measurement instruction may be notified when the operator logs in, or if a destination for the operator is predetermined, the color measurement instruction may be sent to that destination.

[0143] An operator who receives a color measurement instruction performs the color measurement work according to the instruction. Specifically, the operator has the printing device specified by the color measurement instruction print the patch image specified by the color measurement instruction. The printing device has the colorimeter built into the printing device measure the color of the patch image printed on a recording medium such as paper, and transmits the color measurement data output by the colorimeter to the color management server 200.

[0144] In the next step, S75, the system waits until color measurement data transmitted from the printing device is received (NO in step S75). Once the color measurement data is received (YES in step S75), the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, a color measurement result-related record is generated, and the color management process is completed. A color measurement result-related record is generated, associating tracking information, patch images, and color measurement data, and is added to the color measurement result-related table stored in HDD204. A color measurement result-related record in the format shown in Figure 9 is generated.

[0145] Figure 27 shows an example of a color measurement instruction screen. Referring to Figure 27, the color measurement instruction screen has the target configuration setting area, the tolerance range setting area, and the device setting area arranged from left to right.

[0146] The target configuration setting area includes items for target configuration, basic settings, and measurement conditions. The target configuration items contain color management identification information to identify the target configuration. The basic settings items include wedge selection and target profile items. The wedge selection items contain patch image identification information to identify the patch image data corresponding to the patch image. The target profile items contain profile identification information to identify the profile information.

[0147] The color measurement conditions section includes the following items: instrument selection, illumination conditions, profiling chart, and number of measurements. The instrument selection item contains colorimeter identification information to identify the colorimeter used for color verification or profile creation. The illumination conditions item contains identification information to identify the illumination conditions of the colorimeter. The profiling chart item contains identification information to identify the chart used when creating a profile. The chart is used for profile creation, which is performed when the color verification results are poor. The number of measurements item sets the number of times the same patch image is measured during color measurement. Selecting multiple measurements increases the reliability of the color measurement results. Note that profile information and color measurement conditions may also be set by specifying a target configuration.

[0148] The tolerance range setting area is where tolerance values ​​defined by the standard or user-defined tolerance values ​​are set. If the color measurement result exceeds the tolerance value, it is judged as defective. The device setting area is where the printing conditions of the printer, various profiles, and the amount of ink or toner are set.

[0149] <Variation> In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the color management server 200 is connected to the network 5 which is the Internet. However, as shown in Figure 28, the color management server 200, terminal devices 100, 100A to 100C may all be connected to the same local area network 5A.

[0150] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 29, the functions of the color management server 200 may be provided by terminal device 100A, and terminal devices 100B and 100C may be directly connected to terminal device 100A.

[0151] As described above, in the color management system 1 of this embodiment, the color management server 200 is an information processing device accessible to a color expert who manages the colors of images printed by the printing devices 101 to 106, and to operators A to C, each capable of operating at least one of the printing devices 101 to 106. The color management server 200 registers a patch image to be printed by any of the printing devices 101 to 106 and / or a target configuration that defines the conditions for printing by the printing device, in accordance with instructions from the color expert. It sets the patch image and / or target configuration to be accessible to one or more operators, and in response to a request from any of operators A to C, it grants access to the patch image and / or target configuration that is set to be accessible to the requesting operator. As a result, the patch image and / or target configuration corresponding to any of the printing devices 101 to 106 becomes accessible to operators capable of operating that printing device. Furthermore, when applying the same patch image and / or target configuration to multiple printing devices 101-106, Color Expert does not require operators A-C to register the patch image and / or target configuration separately, thus simplifying operation.

[0152] Furthermore, the color management server 200 makes patch images or target configurations accessed by a color expert or operators A-C accessible to one or more operators specified by the accessing color expert or operator. Therefore, when an operator makes other operators accessible, the color expert does not need to perform the operation to make the other operators accessible, simplifying the operation. Since patch images and / or target configurations are shared among operators A-C without any operation by the color expert, the burden on the color expert can be reduced.

[0153] The color management server 200 will not enable a shared operator to access a patch image or color management configuration information unless a predetermined operation is accepted by one or more shared operators designated by a color expert or operator accessing the patch image or color management configuration information. Therefore, the shared operator can select which patch images and / or target configurations they will be able to access.

[0154] Furthermore, the color management server 200 deletes patch images and / or target configurations according to instructions from the color expert, but does not delete patch images and / or target configurations according to instructions from any of operators A, B, or C. This ensures that patch images and / or target configurations that may be used by the color expert are not deleted.

[0155] Furthermore, the color management server 200 associates one of the multiple patch images with at least one of the multiple target configurations, and if the shared configuration information of one of the multiple target configurations allows access by an authorized operator among operators A to C, it sets the patch image associated with the shared configuration information to be accessible by the authorized operator. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary for authorized operators to perform an operation to make the patch image associated with the target configuration accessible.

[0156] Furthermore, the color management server 200 associates one of the multiple patch images with at least one of the multiple target configurations, generates tracking information that associates one of the multiple target configurations with at least one of the printing devices 101 to 106, and if the tracking information allows access by an authorized operator among operators A to C, and if the target configuration associated with the printing device in the tracking information is associated with a patch image, the server sets the target configuration and the patch image associated with that target configuration to be accessible by the authorized operator. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to perform operations to make the target configuration and patch image accessible to the authorized operator.

[0157] Furthermore, the color management server 200 generates a patch image list screen that displays a list of one or more patch images that each operator A to C is configured to access, and includes an indicator for each of the one or more patch images that shows whether or not other operators can access them. This makes it easier for operators viewing the patch image list screen to select patch images that should be shared with other operators.

[0158] Furthermore, when an image of a patch image is printed on at least one printing device operated by any of operators A to C according to the target configuration, the color management server 200 obtains the color measurement result obtained by measuring the color of the patch image printed on the recording medium, and associates the color measurement result with the printing device, target configuration, and patch image from which the color measurement result was obtained. This makes it easy to view the printing device, target configuration, and patch image corresponding to the color measurement result.

[0159] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0160] 1 Color management system, 5 Network, 5A Local area network, 100, 100A, 100B, 100C Terminal device, 101~106 Printing device, 200 Color management server, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 HDD, 205 Communication unit, 206 Display unit, 207 Operation unit, 210 External storage device, 211 CD-ROM, 251 Registration unit, 253 Deletion unit, 255 Shared setting unit, 257 Association unit, 261 Access control unit, 263 Patch image editing unit, 265 Instruction unit, 267 Color measurement result acquisition unit, 269 Result association unit, 271 Expert setting unit, 273 Operator setting unit, 275 Association setting unit, 281 First association unit, 283 Second association unit, 285 Generation unit.

Claims

1. An information processing device accessible to a color expert who manages the colors of images printed on multiple printing devices, and a number of operators different from the color expert, each capable of operating at least one of the multiple printing devices, wherein A registration means for registering a patch image to be printed on one of the multiple printing devices in accordance with the instructions of the color expert, and color management setting information including profile information to be set on the printing device when printing the patch image, A shared configuration means that configures the patch image and the color management settings information so that one or more operators other than the color expert can access them, An information processing device comprising: access control means that, in response to a request from any of the multiple operators different from the color expert, permits the requesting operator to access the patch image and the color management setting information which are set to be accessible.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color management setting information further includes color measurement conditions, which are conditions for measuring the color of the patch image printed by the printing device.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sharing setting means sets the patch image or the color management setting information so that it can be accessed by one or more operators designated by the color expert or operator who has been granted permission to access it.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sharing setting means does not set the sharing destination operators to be able to access the patch image or the color management setting information unless a predetermined operation is accepted by one or more sharing destination operators designated by the color expert or operator who has been granted permission to access the patch image or the color management setting information.

5. The system further includes a deletion means for deleting the patch image and / or the color management setting information in accordance with the instructions of the color expert, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the deletion means does not delete the patch image and / or the color management setting information in accordance with instructions from any of the multiple operators.

6. The system further includes association means for associating any of the multiple patch images with at least one of the multiple color management setting information, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sharing setting means sets the patch image associated with the sharing setting information to be accessible by the authorized operator when the sharing setting information among the plurality of color management setting information is permitted to be accessed by the authorized operator among the plurality of operators.

7. Association means for associating any of the multiple patch images with at least one of the multiple color management setting information, The system further comprises a generation means for generating tracking information that associates any of the multiple color management setting information with at least one of the multiple printing devices, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sharing setting means sets the color management setting information and the patch image associated with the color management setting information to be accessible by the authorized operator when the tracking information is permitted to be accessed by an authorized operator among a plurality of operators, and when the color management setting information associated with the printing device in the tracking information is associated with the patch image.

8. The system further comprises a screen generation means that generates a list screen showing a list of one or more patch images that each of the multiple operators is configured to be accessible to, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the list screen includes a mark indicating whether or not each of the one or more patch images is accessible to other operators.

9. When the image of the patch image is printed by any of the operators on at least one of the printing devices that the operator can operate, according to the color management setting information, a color measurement result acquisition means for acquiring a color measurement result obtained by measuring the color of the printed result, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: result association means for associating the color measurement result with the printing apparatus from which the color measurement result was obtained, the color management setting information, and the patch image.

10. A color management method performed on an information processing device accessible to a color expert who manages the colors of images printed on multiple printing devices, and a number of operators different from the color expert, each capable of operating at least one of the multiple printing devices, wherein A registration step in which, in accordance with the instructions of the color expert, a patch image to be printed on one of the multiple printing devices and color management setting information including profile information to be set on the printing device when printing the patch image are registered, A shared configuration step that makes the patch image and the color management settings information accessible to one or more operators other than the color expert, A color management method comprising: an access control step that, in response to a request from any of the operators other than the color expert, grants the requesting operator access to the patch image and the color management settings information that are configured to be accessible.

11. The color management method according to claim 10, wherein the color management setting information further includes color measurement conditions, which are conditions for measuring the color of the patch image printed by the printing device.

12. A color management program executed on a computer that controls an information processing device accessible to a color expert who manages the colors of images printed on multiple printing devices, and a number of operators different from the color expert, each capable of operating at least one of the multiple printing devices, wherein A registration step in which, in accordance with the instructions of the color expert, a patch image to be printed on one of the multiple printing devices and color management setting information including profile information to be set on the printing device when printing the patch image are registered, A shared configuration step that makes the patch image and the color management settings information accessible to one or more operators other than the color expert, A color management program that causes the computer to perform an access control step that, in response to a request from any of the operators other than the color expert, grants the requesting operator access to the patch image and the color management settings information that are set to be accessible to the requesting operator.

13. The color management program according to claim 12, wherein the color management setting information further includes color measurement conditions, which are conditions for measuring the color of the patch image printed by the printing device.

Images