Management device and management program

Abstract

To easily set a spot color to each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses.SOLUTION: A management device manages the color of an image formed by each image forming apparatus. When a first image forming apparatus is set with a first set value for forming an image satisfying a first target value that should be satisfied by an image in a spot color, and when a first color space of an image formed by the first image forming apparatus and a second color space of an image formed by a second image forming apparatus are similar to each other, an arithmetic circuit of the management device uses the first set value as a second set value for forming the image satisfying the first target value in the second image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management device and a management program.

Background Art

[0002] In the printing industry, the output capacity of printers is managed based on color management target values defined by standardization organizations such as Japan Color (registered trademark), IDEAlliance, FOGRA, ISO (registered trademark), or color management target values defined within a company. Hereinafter, the color management target value may sometimes be simply referred to as the target value.

[0003] In a printing company, for example, before printing a printed matter, color management of the printer is performed based on the target value. Specifically, the target value set by a person in charge within the printing company or the like is compared with the color measurement result obtained by measuring the color printed on the printed matter with a color measuring device, and the printer settings are adjusted so that the color measurement result satisfies the target value, thereby performing color management of the printer.

[0004] In the printing industry, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are used as the primary colors. Colors that cannot be reproduced with only the primary colors or colors that require accurate color reproducibility need to be individually set and are called special colors. Printing companies reproduce special colors by using specially formulated dedicated inks or by combining the primary colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0005] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-181842 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus provided with toners selected from among gold, silver, transparent, white, orange, etc. in addition to the primary colors of YMCK.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] Spot colors are colors that require individual settings. Therefore, printing companies print patch images, measure each patch, and visually compare each patch to a color guide to determine the settings necessary to reproduce the spot color. Thus, setting spot colors is a very time-consuming process.

[0008] On the other hand, printing companies often possess multiple image forming machines, and if they can provide multiple image forming machines capable of reproducing spot colors, they can improve printing efficiency. However, as mentioned above, setting up spot colors is time-consuming, so setting up spot colors for each of the multiple image forming machines is a time-consuming and laborious task.

[0009] One of the objectives of this disclosure is to facilitate the setting of features for each of multiple image forming apparatuses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A management device according to a certain aspect of this disclosure is configured to communicate with a plurality of image forming apparatuses and manages the color of images formed by each image forming apparatus. The management device includes a storage device and an arithmetic circuit that stores in the storage device, for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, identification information of the image forming apparatus, a target value that the feature color image should satisfy, and a setting value for forming the feature color image in association with each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The plurality of image forming apparatuses include a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus. The arithmetic circuit uses the first setting value as a second setting value for forming an image that satisfies the first target value in the second image forming apparatus when a first setting value for forming an image that satisfies the first target value is set in the first image forming apparatus, and the first color space of the image formed by the first image forming apparatus and the second color space of the image formed by the second image forming apparatus are similar.

[0011] Preferably, the arithmetic circuit uses the first set value as the second set value based on whether the first color space and the second color space are similar when the identification information of the second image forming apparatus and the first target value are stored in the memory device in association.

[0012] Preferably, the settings for forming a spot color image include color information that can identify the color used to form the spot color image. The color information consists of output values ​​for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0013] Preferably, when the first color space and the second color space are similar, the arithmetic circuit reflects the changes to the first setting value in the second setting value when the first setting value is changed.

[0014] Preferably, the management device further includes a communication interface for sending and receiving information with a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The communication interface is configured to send and receive information with a display device and to receive instructions from a user via an input device. When a first setting value is changed and the first color space and the second color space are similar, the arithmetic circuit displays an image on the display device requesting an instruction on whether or not to reflect the changes to the first setting value in the second setting value, and reflects the changes to the first setting value in the second setting value in response to the instructions from the user via the input device.

[0015] Preferably, the management device further includes a communication interface for sending and receiving information with a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The communication interface is configured to send and receive information with a display device and to receive instructions from a user via an input device. The arithmetic circuit causes the display device to display identification information for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and information associated with said identification information, in response to instructions from the user via the input device.

[0016] Preferably, the arithmetic circuit is capable of acquiring model information that can identify the model of each of the multiple image forming apparatuses, and determines that the first color space and the second color space are similar when the model of the second image forming apparatus is the same model or of the same series as the model of the first image forming apparatus.

[0017] Preferably, the calculation circuit is capable of acquiring color measurement results obtained by measuring the color of each image formed by multiple image forming apparatuses, and compares the color measurement results of the image formed by the first image forming apparatus with the color measurement results of the image formed by the second image forming apparatus to determine whether the first color space and the second color space are similar.

[0018] A management program according to other aspects of this disclosure is a management program for managing the color of an image formed by an image forming apparatus including an arithmetic circuit. The arithmetic circuit executes the management program and performs the steps of: associating identification information of an image forming apparatus with a target value that a feature color image should satisfy and a setting value for forming the feature color image for each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, including a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus; and, in the case where a first setting value is set for the first image forming apparatus to form an image that satisfies the first target value that a feature color image should satisfy, and the first color space of the image formed by the first image forming apparatus and the second color space of the image formed by the second image forming apparatus are similar, using the first setting value as a second setting value for forming an image that satisfies the first target value in the second image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to this disclosure, it is possible to easily set features for each of multiple image forming apparatuses. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the color management system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a printer's hardware configuration. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a color management server. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a client PC. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the processing flow by the color management server when a special feature is set. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a method for setting a special feature. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of target value information. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of management information. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of history information. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing a method for setting a special feature. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing a method for updating special feature information. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inquiring about reflecting changes. [Figure 13] [[ID=3l]]This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inquiring about adding a special feature setting. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for viewing management information.

Embodiments for Implementing the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications according to the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0022] [Overall Configuration of Color Management System] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the color management system. The color management system 1 comprises multiple printers 100a, 100b, and 100c, a color management server 200, and client PCs 300. The multiple printers 100a, 100b, and 100c, the color management server 200, and the client PCs 300 are configured to communicate with each other via a network 12. The network 12 includes wireless and wired communication networks. Such a communication network may be a public network such as the Internet, a public network, or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or it may be a private network such as a LAN or a VPN (Virtual Private Network), or it may be a combination of these networks.

[0023] The multiple printers 100a, 100b, and 100c are examples of image forming apparatus and will be referred to as "printer 100" unless otherwise specified. Printer 100 performs printing based on print jobs sent from client PC 300. Printer 100 forms a color image on a recording medium such as printing paper in a tandem format, for example, by superimposing toner images of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following, the recording medium output from printer 100 may be simply referred to as "printed material."

[0024] The printer 100 may be equipped with a colorimeter 400a. Additionally, a colorimeter 400b is connected to the client PC 300, and printouts from the printer 100, which does not have a colorimeter, are measured by inputting the printout into the colorimeter 400b. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the colorimeters 400a and 400b will be referred to as "colorimeter 400".

[0025] The colorimeter 400 measures color by uniformly irradiating a recording medium on which an image has been formed with light and focusing the reflected light onto a line-shaped sensor. The colorimeter 400 sends the color measurement results to the color management server 200. More specifically, the colorimeter 400a sends the color measurement results to the printer 100, and the printer 100 sends the color measurement results to the color management server 200. In addition, the colorimeter 400b sends the color measurement results to the client PC 300, and the client PC 300 sends the color measurement results to the color management server 200.

[0026] The color management server 200 is an example of a management device that manages the colors of images formed by a printer 100 that can communicate with the color management server 200. The colors managed by the color management server 200 include the basic colors of YMCK and individually set spot colors. The color management server 200 also manages spot color information that indicates the setting values ​​for reproducing spot colors in the printer 100.

[0027] The client PC 300 issues print commands to each of the multiple printers 100 and accesses the color management server 200 to configure settings for managing the colors of the printed materials output from each printer 100.

[0028] Printer 100 and client PC 300 each send information such as their settings to the color management server 200. The color management server 200 manages the received information. Users can access the color management server 200 to view information related to the color management of each printer 100 and make various settings.

[0029] [Printer configuration] Figure 2 shows an example of the printer's hardware configuration. Printer 100 is an inkjet printer that ejects ink to form an image on a recording medium, and is a color inkjet printer that ejects four colors of ink: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In addition, printer 100 may also be equipped with specially formulated inks in addition to the four colors of ink. In Figure 2, printer 100 is assumed to be equipped with a colorimeter 400a, but it is not required to be equipped with a colorimeter 400a.

[0030] The printer 100 includes an arithmetic circuit 101, a storage device 103, an image forming unit 104, a fuser unit 105, an operation panel 106, a communication interface 107, and a colorimeter 400a. The arithmetic circuit 101, the storage device 103, the image forming unit 104, the fuser unit 105, the operation panel 106, the communication interface 107, and the colorimeter 400a are connected by a bus 108.

[0031] The arithmetic circuit 101 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) that performs predetermined functions by executing a program. The storage device 103 is implemented, for example, as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, other storage devices, or a combination thereof as appropriate.

[0032] The storage device 103 stores a program 131, device information 132, configuration information 133, and history information 134. The program 131 includes computer-readable instructions for controlling the printer 100.

[0033] Program 131 may be provided not as a standalone program, but incorporated as part of any other program. In this case, processing according to this embodiment is realized in cooperation with the other program. Even if a program does not include such a partial module, it does not deviate from the spirit of the printer 100 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by Program 131 may be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0034] The arithmetic circuit 101 controls various parts of the printer 100 by executing the program 131. For example, the arithmetic circuit 101 operates the image forming unit 104, a transport roller (not shown), and a fixing unit 105 based on the image data to form an image on the paper and output a printed document. The image data may be received from a device that can communicate with the printer 100, such as a client PC 300, or it may be generated by a scanner if the printer 100 is equipped with one.

[0035] The device information 132 includes identification information that can identify the printer 100 and model information that can identify the model of the printer 100. The identification information is information that can identify each printer 100 (in this embodiment, printers 100a, 100b, and 100c) that is connected to the color management server 200 in a communicable manner, and is, for example, the serial number and IP (Internet Protocol) address of the printer 100. The model information is information for identifying the model of the printer 100, such as the model name and model number.

[0036] The configuration information 133 is information relating to the settings of the printer 100, and includes information used when the printer 100 outputs the colors indicated by the input image data. The configuration information 133 includes at least a color profile for outputting target values ​​of the basic colors required for the printer 100. If the printer 100 has settings related to spot colors, the configuration information 133 includes spot color information indicating the setting values ​​for outputting spot colors.

[0037] The history information 134 includes at least the color measurement results of printed materials output from the printer 100. The history information 134 may also include the date and time the color measurement results were obtained and identification information that can identify the colorimeter 400 used to obtain the color measurement results. Furthermore, the history information 134 may also include a history of settings. The history of settings may include, for example, the date and time the settings were changed and the settings before the change.

[0038] The image forming unit 104 forms an image on a recording medium supplied from a paper feed tray (not shown). The image forming unit 104 includes a heating unit and an ink head unit (not shown). The heating unit heats the recording medium so that its temperature is within a predetermined range. The ink head unit is a unit that ejects ink onto the recording medium heated by the heating unit to form an image. The ink head unit includes an ink head for ejecting ink, and in this embodiment, it includes ink heads for each of the YMCK colors.

[0039] The fixing unit 105 hardens the ink by irradiating the recording medium from which the ink has been ejected by the ink head unit with energy rays such as ultraviolet light, thereby fixing the ink to the recording medium.

[0040] The operation panel 106 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an input device such as a touch panel superimposed on the screen of the display device. The operation panel 106 displays various information such as the operating status of the printer 100, processing results, and setting values, and also converts input operations into signals and outputs them to the arithmetic circuit 101.

[0041] The communication interface 107 transmits and receives information with various devices connected to the network 12, such as the color management server 200 and client PCs 300. For example, the arithmetic circuit 101 receives instructions for changing various settings from the color management server 200, receives image data from the client PCs 300, and notifies the color management server 200 that various settings have been changed via the communication interface 107. Also, if the printer 100 does not have a colorimeter 400a, the arithmetic circuit 101 receives the color measurement results from the client PCs 300 via the communication interface 107 and stores them in the storage device 103 as history information 134.

[0042] [Color management server configuration] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a color management server. The color management server 200 comprises an arithmetic circuit 201, a storage device 203, and a communication interface 204. The arithmetic circuit 201, the storage device 203, and the communication interface 204 are connected by a bus 205.

[0043] The arithmetic circuit 201 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that performs predetermined functions by executing a program. The storage device 203 is implemented, for example, as a DRAM, SRAM, HDD, SSD, or flash memory, or other storage device, or a combination thereof as appropriate.

[0044] The memory device 203 stores a program 231, target value information 232, history information 233, device information 234, and management information 20. The program 231 includes computer-readable instructions for implementing various functions of the color management server 200.

[0045] Program 231 may be provided not as a standalone program, but incorporated as part of any other program. In this case, processing according to this embodiment is realized in cooperation with the other program. Even if a program does not include such a partial module, it does not deviate from the intent of the color management server 200 according to this embodiment. Some or all of the functions provided by Program 231 may be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0046] The arithmetic circuit 201 executes program 231 to implement various functions for managing the color of printed materials output from each printer 100 connected via the communication interface 204. More specifically, the arithmetic circuit 201 associates the identification information of each printer 100 with the target color value of the printed material output from the printer 100 and the setting value for outputting a printed material that satisfies the target value, and stores this management information 20 in the storage device 203.

[0047] The target value information 232 includes the target value that the colorimeter 400 should satisfy when measuring the image formed by the printer 100. The history information 233 includes the colorimeter results for each printer 100. The device information 234 includes the identification information and model information for each printer 100. The management information 20 is information that associates the identification information of the printer 100 with the target value and the set value.

[0048] The communication interface 204 transmits and receives information with various devices such as multiple printers 100 and client PCs 300 connected to the network 12. For example, the arithmetic circuit 201 receives setting information from each printer 100 via the communication interface 204 and receives instructions from the client PC 300 to view various information stored in the storage device 203. The arithmetic circuit 201 also sends spot color information indicating setting values ​​for forming spot color images to the printer 100 via the communication interface 204.

[0049] [Client PC Configuration] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a client PC. The client PC 300 includes an arithmetic circuit 301, a storage device 303, an input device 304, a display device 305, a device interface 306, and a communication interface 307. The arithmetic circuit 301, the storage device 303, the input device 304, the display device 305, the device interface 306, and the communication interface 307 are connected by a bus 308.

[0050] The arithmetic circuit 301 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or MPU that performs predetermined functions by executing a program. The storage device 303 is implemented, for example, as a DRAM, SRAM, HDD, SSD, flash memory, or other storage device, or a combination thereof as appropriate.

[0051] The storage device 303 stores a program 331 and history information 332. The program 331 includes computer-readable instructions for implementing various functions of the color management server 200.

[0052] Program 331 may be provided not as a standalone program, but incorporated as part of any other program. In this case, processing according to this embodiment is realized in cooperation with the other program. Even a program that does not include such a partial module does not deviate from the intent of the client PC 300 according to this embodiment. Some or all of the functions provided by Program 331 may be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0053] The arithmetic circuit 301 executes program 331 to issue print commands to the printer 100, which is connected via the communication interface 307, to perform setting operations for managing the color of printed materials, and to control the colorimeter 400b.

[0054] The history information 332 includes at least the color measurement results generated by the calculation circuit 301 when the colorimeter 400b measures the color of the printed material.

[0055] The input device 304 is, for example, a mouse, keyboard, or touch sensor, and receives user input and outputs an operation signal corresponding to that input to the arithmetic circuit 301. The display device 305 is, for example, a display that shows various setting information for controlling the colorimeter 400b and various information transmitted from the color management server 200.

[0056] The device interface 306 transmits and receives information with the colorimeter 400b. The arithmetic circuit 301 controls the colorimeter 400b via the device interface 306 and acquires the color measurement results obtained by the colorimeter 400b.

[0057] The communication interface 307 transmits and receives information with various devices connected to the network 12, such as multiple printers 100 and a color management server 200. For example, the arithmetic circuit 301 sends print commands to the printers 100 and requests information viewing from the color management server 200 via the communication interface 307. The arithmetic circuit 301 also receives various information stored in the storage device 203 of the color management server 200 via the communication interface 307 and displays this information on the display device 305.

[0058] [Processing performed when special features are set] Figure 5 shows the processing flow by the color management server when spot colors are set. The process will be explained in the order of (1) to (6) in the figure.

[0059] (1) Setting of features Let's assume that spot colors have been set for printer 100a. The method for setting spot colors will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the method for setting spot colors.

[0060] When attempting to reproduce a single feature, as shown in Figure 6, the printer 100 prints a chart C consisting of multiple patches P. Each of the multiple patches P is formed such that the density of each color (also called the "output value") of YMCK is different from that of the others.

[0061] Printer 100 reprints Chart C, changing at least one output value, primarily based on the YMCK density of the patch P that is closest to the color of the spot color to be reproduced. In the example shown in Figure 6, in the first print, it is assumed that among the multiple patches P, patch P in column G, row 6, was the closest to the color of the spot color to be reproduced.

[0062] The method for selecting patch P is not limited to any particular method. This could include visual selection by comparing it to a spot color sample, or selection by comparing the measured color values ​​obtained by measuring each patch P with a colorimeter 400 to the target values ​​of the spot colors. If the color measurement results for each patch P are available, the user may select the patch P, or the calculation circuit 101 of the printer 100 or the calculation circuit 301 of the client PC 300 may select it.

[0063] By repeatedly selecting patch P and printing chart C again, the settings necessary to reproduce the spot color are determined. The example shown in Figure 6 illustrates how the settings were determined after printing chart C for the third time.

[0064] (2) Registering settings Referring again to Figure 5, if a spot color setting is made, the printer 100a transmits information containing the setting values ​​for forming the spot color image. Based on the transmitted information, the color management server 200 adds the spot color information 24a to the printer 100a's management information 20a as the setting value for forming the spot color image in the printer 100a. The management information 20a includes the printer 100a's identification information 23a and identification information 22a that can identify the target value. Details of the management information 20 will be described later with reference to Figure 8.

[0065] (3) Registration of new management information Next, suppose that printer 100b is newly connected to network 12, and the color management server 200 generates management information 20b for printer 100b. For example, a user registers management information 20b for printer 100b by operating the printer 100b's control panel 106 or the input device 304 of the client PC 300. The management information 20b at the time of registration includes the printer 100b's identification information 23b and the target value identification information 22b.

[0066] When registering management information 20b, the user may select and register a target value to set for the printer 100b from among several types of target values, or they may create and register a new target value. The multiple types of target values ​​are stored as target value information 232 in the storage device 203 of the color management server 200 and are configured to be viewable and selectable via the printer 100 or client PC 300.

[0067] Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of target value information. The storage device 203 stores target value information 232 for each type of target value. The target value information 232 includes target value identification information 232A, the creation date of the target value 232B, information about the spot color 232C, the standard used to verify the target value 232D, the wedge used to verify the target value 232E, the permissible tolerance range 232F for the target value, and the target value 232G for the basic color.

[0068] The feature information 232C includes information 232C1 that identifies the feature and information 232C2 that indicates the target value set for the feature. The feature information 232C is generated when a feature is defined.

[0069] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, a spot color named "PT7408" is defined for a target value named "JapanColor target + sp". On the other hand, no spot color is set for a target value named "Forgra target setting", and the spot color information column 232C is blank. The number in parentheses next to "PT7408" in the "Spot Color Setting" column is the reference value of the YMCK output value required to reproduce that spot color. The number in the "Spot Color Target Value" column is the target value, for example, the Lab value. When setting a spot color, as explained in Figure 6, Chart C is printed using the printer 100 that uses the reference value as the central point, and the spot color setting value in the printer 100 is determined by fine-tuning the YMCK output value so that it matches the measured color value of the defined target value. In other words, in this embodiment, the setting value consists of the output values ​​for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0070] When a target value for the printer 100b is selected and registered, the calculation circuit 201 of the color management server 200 generates management information 20b that associates the printer 100b with the target value and stores it in the storage device 203.

[0071] Figure 8 shows an example of the data structure of management information. The storage device 203 stores management information 20 for each managed object, which is associated with a target value and a printer 100. The management information 20 includes the name of the managed object 21, identification information of the target value 22, identification information of the printer 100 23, and special color information 24 for identifying the special color setting value. The arithmetic circuit 201 manages the printer 100 and the target value information 232 by associating them based on the identification information of the target value 22 and the identification information of the printer 100 23.

[0072] If the target value to be managed includes the setting of a spot color, the spot color information 24 is associated with and stored in the management information 20. For example, as shown in Figure 5, when a spot color is set in the printer 100a, the spot color information 24, which can identify the setting value, is associated with the identification information 23a of the printer 100a and stored in the storage device 203. In this embodiment, the spot color information 24 included in the management information 20 is information that can identify the difference value from the reference value of the spot color. The calculation circuit 201 can identify the actual setting value of the spot color based on the spot color information 24 and the spot color-identifying information 232C1 of the target value information 232.

[0073] (4) Comparison of color spaces Referring again to Figure 5, the calculation circuit 201 determines that the color space of the printed material output from printer 100a, which has a spot color setting value set, is similar to the color space of the printed material output from printer 100b, and uses the spot color setting value set for printer 100a as the setting value for printer 100b.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 5, a target value including spot color settings is selected as the target value for printer 100b, and the types of spot colors included in the target value are the same for printer 100a and printer 100b. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines whether the color space of the image formed by printer 100a and the color space of the image formed by printer 100b are similar. If they are similar, the arithmetic circuit 201 uses the setting value of printer 100a as the setting value for printer 100b to output a printout that satisfies the selected target value of the spot color.

[0075] The color management server 200 determines whether the color spaces are similar by comparing the models and comparing the color measurement results. The color management server 200 compares the models based on the model information contained in the device information 234 and compares the color measurement results based on the history information 233.

[0076] Figure 9 shows an example of the data structure of history information. History information 233 includes history number 233A, measurement date 233B, name of managed object 233C, measurement result 233D, name of colorimeter used 233E, measurement value of basic color 233F, and measurement value of spot color 233G. For example, the color management server 200 calculates the color gamut (color space coordinates) that the printer 100 can reproduce from the measurement value of the basic color 233F, and determines whether the color spaces are similar based on the degree of overlap of the color gamuts.

[0077] (5) Use of distinctive information Referring again to Figure 5, let's assume that the arithmetic circuit 201 has determined that the color space of the image formed by printer 100a and the color space of the image formed by printer 100b are similar. The arithmetic circuit 201 uses the spot color information 24b as the spot color information 24a associated with printer 100a. For example, in Figure 8, let's assume that printer 100a is registered with the name "Printer A" and printer 100b is registered with the name "Printer B". In this case, if the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the color spaces of printer 100a and printer 100b are similar, it copies the spot color information associated with printer A to the spot color information associated with printer B.

[0078] (6) Registering special color settings to the printer Referring again to Figure 5, the calculation circuit 201 registers the setting value of the spot color indicated by the spot color information 24b with the printer 100b when the spot color information 24a is used for the spot color information 24b. The calculation circuit 201 identifies the setting value of the printer 100 for forming the spot color image by referring to the spot color information 24a and the target value information 232 corresponding to the target value identification information 22, and transmits the information including the identified setting value to the printer 100b.

[0079] The arithmetic circuit 101 of the printer 100b stores the received spot color setting value as setting information 133 in the storage device 103.

[0080] This allows the spot color settings to be registered for printer 100b without having to configure the spot color settings as shown in Figure 6. As a result, spot color settings can be easily configured for each of the multiple printers 100.

[0081] [How to set special features] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the method for setting spot colors. The process shown in Figure 10 is executed when the printer 100 is newly connected to the network 12 and the target value is set. Each process (step) in Figure 10 is realized by the arithmetic circuit 201 of the color management server 200 executing program 331. Hereafter, steps will be simply abbreviated as "S". As an example, the explanation assumes that the user makes the settings by operating the operation panel 106 of the printer 100. Needless to say, the same process is performed even when the settings are made via the client PC 300.

[0082] In step S101, the arithmetic circuit 201 generates management information 20 for the newly connected printer 100 and stores it in the storage device 203. The arithmetic circuit 201 displays the target value information 232 stored in the storage device 203 on the operation panel 106. The user selects a target value to set for the newly connected printer 100 based on the target value information 232. Once a target value is selected, the arithmetic circuit 201 generates management information 20 that associates the identification information 22 of the selected target value with the identification information 23 of the newly connected printer 100. Note that in this step, the spot color information 24 is empty.

[0083] In S102, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines whether or not the selected target value includes a special setting. Specifically, it determines whether or not the selected target value includes a special setting based on the target value identification information 22 and target value information 232 included in the management information 20 generated in S101. If it does not include a special setting (NO in S102), the arithmetic circuit 201 terminates the process. If it does include a special setting (YES in S102), the arithmetic circuit 201 proceeds to S103.

[0084] In S103, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines whether or not management information 20 containing the feature information 24 is stored in the storage device 203. At this time, the arithmetic circuit 201 searches for management information 20 containing the feature information 24 of the same feature setting as the feature setting selected in S101.

[0085] If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the data is not stored in the storage device 203 (NO in S103), it proceeds to S120. If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the data is stored in the storage device 203 (YES in S103), it proceeds to S104. In the following, the printer 100 corresponding to the management information 20 identified in S103 may be referred to as the "referenced printer 100".

[0086] In S104, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines, based on the device information 234, whether the referenced printer 100 is the same model as the newly connected printer 100. The same model means the same or same series model.

[0087] If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the models are the same (YES in S104), it proceeds to S107. If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the models are not the same (NO in S104), it proceeds to S105.

[0088] In S105, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines whether it is possible to obtain the color measurement results of the newly connected printer 100 and the reference printer 100. More specifically, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines whether it is possible to obtain the color measurement results of the newly connected printer 100 and the color measurement results of the reference printer 100 based on the history information 233 stored in the storage device 203.

[0089] Furthermore, if the history information 233 does not include the color measurement results from the printer 100, the calculation circuit 201 may instruct at least one of the printer 100 and the client PC 300 to send the color measurement results. Based on the transmission results from each device that received the instruction, the calculation circuit 201 may determine whether it is possible to obtain the color measurement results again.

[0090] If it is determined that a color measurement result cannot be obtained (NO in S105), the calculation circuit 201 proceeds to S120. If it is determined that a color measurement result can be obtained (YES in S105), the calculation circuit 201 proceeds to S106.

[0091] Furthermore, if the calculation circuit 201 determines that it cannot obtain a color measurement result, it may display a message on the printer 100's operation panel 106 or the like prompting the user to perform the color measurement result acquisition operation before proceeding to S120. After obtaining the color measurement result, the calculation circuit 201 may then proceed to S106.

[0092] In S106, the calculation circuit 201 determines whether the color space of the printout from the newly connected printer 100 is equivalent to that of the original printer 100 by comparing the color measurement results. For example, the calculation circuit 201 calculates the color gamut (color space coordinates) that the printer 100 can reproduce from the color measurement results. The calculation circuit 201 compares the color gamut that the newly connected printer 100 can reproduce with the color gamut that the original printer 100 can reproduce and determines whether the color spaces are similar based on the degree of overlap between the two color gamuts.

[0093] If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the device does not have a color space equivalent to that of the same model (NO in S106), it proceeds to S120. If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the device does have a color space equivalent to that of the same model (YES in S106), it proceeds to S107.

[0094] In S107, the calculation circuit 201 checks whether to reflect the spot color information 24 of the reference printer 100 to the spot color information 24 of the newly connected printer 100. Specifically, the calculation circuit 201 displays a message on the printer 100's operation panel 106 requesting a decision on whether to reflect the information. The calculation circuit 201 may also display information necessary for the decision on the printer 100's operation panel 106. The information necessary for the decision may include, for example, the model information of the reference printer 100, information for comparing the color space coordinates of the reference printer 100 with the color space coordinates of the newly connected printer 100, the target value of the spot color, and the setting value of the spot color. The calculation circuit 201 may also request the newly connected printer 100 to perform processing to obtain the information necessary for the decision. For example, the calculation circuit 201 may request the newly connected printer 100 to form an image using the setting value of the reference printer 100. In this way, the user can check the actual printed output and then decide whether or not to use the settings of the reference printer 100.

[0095] In S108, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines whether or not it has received an input indicating that the feature information 24 should be reflected. If it has not received an input indicating that the feature information should be reflected, that is, if it has received an input indicating that the feature information should not be reflected (NO in S108), the arithmetic circuit 201 proceeds to S120. If it has received an input indicating that the feature information should be reflected (YES in S108), the arithmetic circuit 201 proceeds to S109.

[0096] In S109, the arithmetic circuit 201 uses the spot color information 24 of the referenced printer 100 as the spot color information 24 of the newly connected printer 100.

[0097] In S110, the calculation circuit 201 sends the setting value indicated by the spot color information 24 used in S109 to the newly connected printer 100 and terminates processing. The printer 100 then reflects the received setting value in the setting information 133.

[0098] If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that there is no information on the reference printer 100 (NO in S103), that it is not possible to obtain the color measurement result (NO in S105), that it does not have a color space equivalent to that of the same model (NO in S106), or that it is determined that the reflection was not accepted (NO in S108), the arithmetic circuit 201 proceeds to S120.

[0099] In S120, the calculation circuit 201 requests the newly connected printer 100 to perform the task of obtaining a setting value that satisfies the set target value for the spot color, and obtains the setting value. The calculation circuit 201 reflects the obtained setting value in the spot color information 24 of the management information 20 of the newly connected printer 100, and terminates the process.

[0100] Furthermore, if the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the reflection was not accepted (NO in S108) and executes the process in S120, it may send the setting value of the reference printer 100 to the newly connected printer 100, and the printer 100 may create chart C using the transmitted setting value as the initial reference value. By starting the setting based on the setting value of the reference printer 100, the user can complete the setting more quickly.

[0101] Therefore, the color management server 200 can reflect the existing spot color settings on the newly connected printer 100 if spot color settings are configured for a printer 100 that outputs images with a color space similar to the color space of the image output by the newly connected printer 100. This makes it easy to configure spot color settings for multiple printers 100.

[0102] [How to update feature information when feature settings are changed or added] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the method for updating spot color information. The process shown in Figure 11 is executed when a spot color setting value is received from a printer 100 connected to the network 12. Each process (step) in Figure 11 is realized when the calculation circuit 201 of the color management server 200 executes program 331.

[0103] In S201, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines whether or not the setting value has been changed. A change in the setting value means that the setting value corresponding to the feature color contained in the management information 20 has been changed. For example, the arithmetic circuit 201 extracts the name of the feature color (identification information) from the information sent from the printer 100 and makes a determination based on whether or not the setting of the feature color corresponding to the identification information is stored in the management information 20 of the printer 100.

[0104] If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the setting value has been changed (YES in S201), it executes the processes from S202 onwards. If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the setting value has not been changed (NO in S202), it executes the processes from S206 onwards.

[0105] In S202, the calculation circuit 201 identifies the target value of the spot color corresponding to the changed setting value. For example, if the color measurement result does not meet the target value, the user may change the setting value again to adjust the color. When the setting value is changed, the printer 100 sends the setting value and information that can identify the spot color corresponding to the setting value (for example, a name) to the color management server 200. The calculation circuit 201 identifies the target value based on the information that can identify the spot color received.

[0106] In S203, the calculation circuit 201 extracts printers 100 that have a common target value with the identified target value and have a similar color space.

[0107] In S204, the calculation circuit 201 asks whether to update the settings of each extracted printer. Specifically, the calculation circuit 201 displays information on the operation panel 106 or the display device 305 of the client PC 300 showing the spot color settings of each extracted printer and the changed spot color settings, and requests the user to select the printer 100 to which the changed settings should be applied.

[0108] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen for inquiring about the application of changes. Based on the displayed information, the user selects whether or not to apply the changes to any printer. Note that the screen shown in Figure 12 is just an example, and the results of color measurement of a spot color image may be displayed along with the setting values, or instead of the setting values. In this way, by displaying the setting values ​​and history information along with the printer 100 to which the changes will be applied, the user can easily decide whether or not to apply the settings. In addition, since the user can select the destination themselves, it is easier to make settings that take into account the individual circumstances of each printer 100.

[0109] In S205, the arithmetic circuit 201 reflects the query result and terminates processing. Specifically, the arithmetic circuit 201 updates the spot color information 24 of the printer 100 selected by the user and sends the updated spot color information (setting value) to each printer 100 to be updated. The printer 100 reflects the setting value indicated by the received spot color information in the setting information 133. The arithmetic circuit 201 may reflect the change without querying the user for confirmation of the setting. In this way, by making it possible to change the setting values ​​of other printers corresponding to one setting value, setting values ​​can be easily updated for multiple printers 100.

[0110] If the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that the setting value has not been changed (NO in S201), it executes the processing from S206 onwards. If the setting value has not been changed despite the sending of the feature information 24, the arithmetic circuit 201 determines that a new feature has been set.

[0111] In S206, the calculation circuit 201 registers the newly set target value of the feature and the set value in the management information 20.

[0112] In S207, the arithmetic circuit 201 extracts printers 100 that have a similar color space to the printer 100 that transmitted the spot color information.

[0113] In S208, the calculation circuit 201 inquires whether or not to reflect the registered spot colors in each of the extracted printers 100. Specifically, the calculation circuit 201 displays information indicating the management information 20 of each extracted printer and the information of the newly added spot color (target value and setting value) on the operation panel 106 or the display device 305 of the client PC 300, and requests the user to select the printer 100 to which the spot color will be added. Figure 13 shows an example of a screen for inquiring about the addition of a spot color setting. Based on the displayed information, the user selects whether or not to reflect the spot color setting in each printer.

[0114] In S209, the arithmetic circuit 201 terminates processing, reflecting the query results. Specifically, the arithmetic circuit 201 adds the target value and setting value of the special color as special color information to be newly added to the management information 20 of the printer 100 selected by the user, and transmits the special color information to be added to each selected printer 100. The printer 100 newly registers the setting value indicated by the received special color information in the setting information 133.

[0115] As described above, when the color management server 200 receives a spot color setting value, it extracts the printer 100 that can reflect that spot color setting value, asks the user whether or not to reflect it, and reflects the setting value according to the query result.

[0116] [View Management Information] Figure 14 shows an example of a screen for viewing management information. The client PC 300 requests the color management server 200 to view the management information 20 in response to user input. The color management server 200, in accordance with the request, displays the screen shown in Figure 14 on the display device 305 of the client PC 300.

[0117] Furthermore, the color management server 200 can display the history information shown in Figure 9 on the display screen of each device in response to requests from the client PC 300 or printer 100.

[0118] In this way, by making the management information 20, which includes spot color information, viewable, the spot color settings for multiple printers 100 can be easily managed.

[0119] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the color management server 200 manages the target value and setting value of the spot color for each printer 100. However, when setting a spot color for a single printer 100, the setting value may be changed depending on the type of recording medium used. Therefore, the color management server 200 may associate a target value of the spot color with each printer 100, and further associate a target value for each recording medium with the target value associated with each printer 100.

[0120] Even in such cases, the color management server 200 may use information that associates a target value with multiple setting values ​​associated with that target value as the setting value for printers 100 with similar color spaces.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the printer 100 is equipped with toners of the basic YMCK colors. In addition to the YMCK toners, the printer 100 may also be equipped with toners (inks) adjusted for spot colors. Even in such a case, the user will need to adjust the settings to check the shades. Therefore, even if the setting includes output values ​​for specially adjusted colors that are different from the basic colors, the setting work can be made easier by sharing the setting values ​​between printers with similar color spaces.

[0122] [Note] The embodiments and variations described above encompass the following technical concepts.

[0123] (Composition 1) A management device configured to communicate with multiple image forming apparatuses and to manage the color of images formed by each image forming apparatus, Memory device and Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is provided with a calculation circuit that stores in the storage device, in association with the identification information of the image forming apparatus, the target value that the feature color image should satisfy, and the setting value for forming the feature color image. The plurality of image forming apparatuses include a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus, The calculation circuit is a control device that, in the first image forming apparatus, when a first setting value is set for forming an image that satisfies a first target value that a feature color image should satisfy, and when the first color space of the image formed by the first image forming apparatus and the second color space of the image formed by the second image forming apparatus are similar, uses the first setting value as a second setting value for forming an image that satisfies the first target value in the second image forming apparatus.

[0124] (Configuration 2) The management device according to Configuration 1, wherein the calculation circuit uses the first setting value as the second setting value based on whether the first color space and the second color space are similar when the identification information of the second image forming apparatus and the first target value are stored in the storage device in association with each other.

[0125] (Composition 3) The setting values ​​for forming a spot color image include color information that can identify the color used to form the spot color image. The aforementioned color information consists of output values ​​for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, as described in configuration 1 or configuration 2 of the control device.

[0126] (Composition 4) The management device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the calculation circuit reflects the changes to the first setting value in the second setting value when the first setting value is changed and the first color space and the second color space are similar.

[0127] (Composition 5) The system further includes a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses, The aforementioned communication interface is configured to send and receive information with the display device and to acquire instructions from the user via an input device. The aforementioned arithmetic circuit is When the first setting value is changed and the first color space and the second color space are similar, the display device is shown an image requesting an instruction on whether or not to reflect the change to the first setting value in the second setting value. The management device according to configuration 4, which reflects changes made to the first setting value in the second setting value in response to instructions from a user via the input device.

[0128] (Composition 6) The system further includes a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses, The aforementioned communication interface is configured to send and receive information with the display device and to acquire instructions from the user via an input device. The management device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the calculation circuit causes the display device to display identification information of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and information associated with said identification information in response to instructions from a user via the input device.

[0129] (Composition 7) The aforementioned arithmetic circuit is It is possible to obtain model information that allows for the identification of the model of each of the aforementioned multiple image forming apparatuses. A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, which determines that the first color space and the second color space are similar when the model of the second image forming apparatus is the same model or of the same series as the model of the first image forming apparatus.

[0130] (Composition 8) The aforementioned arithmetic circuit is The color measurement results obtained by measuring the color of each image formed by the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses can be acquired. A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, which compares the color measurement result of an image formed by the first image forming apparatus with the color measurement result of an image formed by the second image forming apparatus to determine whether the first color space and the second color space are similar.

[0131] (Composition 9) A management program for managing the color of an image formed by an image forming apparatus including an arithmetic circuit, The calculation circuit executes the management program, For each of the multiple image forming apparatuses, including the first and second image forming apparatuses, the steps include associating the identification information of the image forming apparatus with the target value that the feature color image should satisfy and the setting value for forming the feature color image, A management program that, in the first image forming apparatus, a first setting value is set for the first image forming apparatus to form an image that satisfies a first target value that the feature color image should satisfy, and when the first color space of the image formed by the first image forming apparatus and the second color space of the image formed by the second image forming apparatus are similar, the program performs the step of using the first setting value as a second setting value for the second image forming apparatus to form an image that satisfies the first target value.

[0132] 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]

[0133] 1 Color management system, 12 Network, 20 Management information, 21 Name, 22,23 Identification information, 24 Spot color information, 100,100a~100c Printer, 101,201,301 Arithmetic circuit, 103,203,303 Storage device, 104 Image forming unit, 105 Fixing unit, 106 Operation panel, 107,204,307 Communication interface, 108,205,308 Bus, 131,231,331 Program, 132,234 Device information, 133 Setting information, 134,233,332 History information, 200 Color management server, 232 Target value information, 304 Input device, 305 Display device, 306 Device interface, 400,400a,400b Colorimeter, 300 Client PC.

Claims

1. A management device configured to communicate with multiple image forming apparatuses and to manage the color of images formed by each image forming apparatus, Memory device and Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is provided with a calculation circuit that stores in the storage device, in association with the identification information of the image forming apparatus, the target value that the feature color image should satisfy, and the setting value for forming the feature color image. The plurality of image forming apparatuses include a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus, The calculation circuit is a control device that, in the first image forming apparatus, has a first setting value set for forming an image that satisfies a first target value that the feature color image should satisfy, and when the first color space of the image formed by the first image forming apparatus and the second color space of the image formed by the second image forming apparatus are similar, uses the first setting value as a second setting value for forming an image that satisfies the first target value in the second image forming apparatus.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation circuit uses the first setting value as the second setting value based on whether the first color space and the second color space are similar when the identification information of the second image forming apparatus and the first target value are stored in the storage device in association with each other.

3. The setting values ​​for forming a spot color image include color information that can identify the color used to form the spot color image. The control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the color information consists of output values ​​for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

4. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation circuit reflects the changes to the first setting value in the second setting value when the first color space and the second color space are similar.

5. The management device further comprises a communication interface for sending and receiving information with the plurality of image forming apparatuses, The aforementioned communication interface is configured to send and receive information with the display device and to acquire instructions from the user via an input device. The aforementioned arithmetic circuit is When the first color space and the second color space are similar, and the first setting value is changed, the display device is shown an image requesting an instruction on whether or not to reflect the change to the first setting value in the second setting value. The management device according to claim 4, which reflects the changes made to the first setting value in the second setting value in response to instructions from a user via the input device.

6. The management device further comprises a communication interface for sending and receiving information with the plurality of image forming apparatuses, The aforementioned communication interface is configured to send and receive information with the display device and to acquire instructions from the user via an input device. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation circuit causes the display device to display identification information of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and information associated with said identification information in response to instructions from a user via the input device.

7. The aforementioned arithmetic circuit is It is possible to obtain model information that allows for the identification of the model of each of the aforementioned multiple image forming apparatuses. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, which determines that the first color space and the second color space are similar when the model of the second image forming apparatus is the same model or of the same series as the model of the first image forming apparatus.

8. The aforementioned arithmetic circuit is The color measurement results obtained by measuring the color of each image formed by the aforementioned plurality of image forming apparatuses can be acquired. A management device according to claim 1 or 2, which compares the color measurement result of an image formed by the first image forming apparatus with the color measurement result of an image formed by the second image forming apparatus to determine whether the first color space and the second color space are similar.

9. A management program for managing the color of an image formed by an image forming apparatus including an arithmetic circuit, The calculation circuit executes the management program, For each of the multiple image forming apparatuses, including the first and second image forming apparatuses, the steps include associating the identification information of the image forming apparatus with the target value that the feature color image should satisfy and the setting value for forming the feature color image, A management program that, in the first image forming apparatus, a first setting value is set for the first image forming apparatus to form an image that satisfies a first target value that the feature color image should satisfy, and when the first color space of the image formed by the first image forming apparatus and the second color space of the image formed by the second image forming apparatus are similar, the program performs the step of using the first setting value as a second setting value for the second image forming apparatus to form an image that satisfies the first target value.

Images