INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM

An information processing apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information of an image forming apparatus; a display control unit configured to, based on the information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the acquisition unit, display a setting screen for setting a schedule by which to execute a color verification, wherein the color verification includes a plurality of steps, and the display control unit, based on the information of the image forming apparatus, specifies which steps can be executed without a user operation from the start of the color verification among the plurality of steps, and based on the specified steps, displays on the setting screen a selection candidate for a step to be executed when a scheduled time arrives.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for verifying color quality of a printed matter, a method, and a storage medium storing a program.

Description of the Related Art

As a method for verifying the color quality of a printed matter printed by an image forming apparatus, there is a process in which a chart on which several color patches are printed is read by a colorimeter, and the read information is compared with a printing industry color standard/reference or a color standard/reference independently established by a printing company. In this process, the color quality is typically verified by calculating an average color difference of all patches and a maximum color difference in all patches from the result of the comparison, and determining whether these are equal to or less than tolerance values set in advance by a user. In addition to the average color difference and the maximum color difference, conditions may be determined based on various considerations.

There are functions for scheduling tasks such as color verification to be executed on specific days/times. Further, there are functions for setting when the color quality of an image forming apparatus is to be corrected based on the result of the color verification (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-224749).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The color verification operations that can be performed without user operation differ depending on the image forming apparatus. The present invention provides an information processing apparatus that can flexibly set a color verification operation to be performed by an image forming apparatus when a scheduled time arrives, a method, and a storage medium for storing a program.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention in one aspect provides an information processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising: at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information of an image forming apparatus; a display control unit configured to, based on the information of the image forming apparatus acquired by the acquisition unit, display a setting screen for setting a schedule by which to execute a color verification, wherein the color verification includes a plurality of steps, and the display control unit, based on the information of the image forming apparatus, specifies which steps can be executed without a user operation from the start of the color verification among the plurality of steps, and based on the specified steps, displays on the setting screen a selection candidate for a step to be executed when a scheduled time arrives.

By virtue of the present invention, it is possible to flexibly set a color verification operation to be executed by the image forming apparatus when a scheduled time arrives.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but limitation is not made an invention that requires all such features, and multiple such features may be combined as appropriate.

Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration including a client computer, an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and a color management server according to the present embodiment. A client computer101is connected via a network118to an image processing apparatus112and a color management server117, which are on the same network. Information necessary for color verification (described later inFIG.4) and color verification results are stored in the color management server117on the network, and the information is transmitted to the client computer101via the network118. The information necessary for the color verification and color verification results may be stored and managed in the client computer101instead of the color management server117on the network. Further, at the time of color verification, the client computer101issues instructions to print a chart in which color patches for color verification are arranged, and to perform colorimetry, to the image processing apparatus112via the network118based on the set information, and thereby performs color verification. These are executed by a control unit described later with reference toFIG.3. In the present embodiment, color verification is treated as including a plurality of steps. For example, color verification includes at least a step of notifying that the color verification is performed, a step of printing a chart, and a step of performing colorimetry on the printed chart.

An image forming apparatus102is connected to the image processing apparatus112via a cable113and a cable114. The image forming apparatus102includes a UI panel103, a sheet feeding deck104, a sheet feeding deck105, and a spectroscopic sensor107. Further, an optional deck106including three sheet feeding cassettes is connected. The image forming apparatus102is, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The UI panel103is, for example, a user interface including a capacitive touch panel. The spectroscopic sensor107is a sensor that irradiates a substance with light and acquires information by measuring reflection, scattering, and absorption of a spectrum thereof, and colorimetry on a printed matter can be performed using the sensor.

The image forming apparatus102further includes an automatic adjustment unit108and a sheet discharge apparatus111. The automatic adjustment unit108is connected to the image forming apparatus102via a cable115. Furthermore, the automatic adjustment unit108includes two types of sensors: a spectroscopic sensor109and a contact image sensor (CIS)110. The spectroscopic sensor109has the same role as the spectroscopic sensor107included in the image forming apparatus102. The CIS110is an image reading sensor. The sheet discharge apparatus111is connected to the image forming apparatus102or the automatic adjustment unit108via a cable116. Further, the sheet discharge apparatus111includes several sheet discharging trays, and is capable of loading a product printed by the image forming apparatus102.

A job is generated by the client computer101, transmitted to the image processing apparatus112via the network118, and managed by the image processing apparatus112. Then, the job is transmitted from the image processing apparatus112to the image forming apparatus102via the cable113and the cable114, and the image forming apparatus102performs a process of printing on a printing medium such as a sheet. The job may be generated by the image processing apparatus112, transmitted to the image forming apparatus102via the cable113and the cable114, and managed by the image forming apparatus102. In addition, a plurality of image forming apparatuses102may be present on the network118. The image forming apparatus102may be directly connected to the network118.

Note that the embodiment of connections of the client computer101, the image forming apparatus102, the image processing apparatus112, and the color management server117illustrated in the present embodiment is merely an example, and embodiments of connections other than that illustrated in the present embodiment may be adopted.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the client computer101, the image forming apparatus102, the image processing apparatus112, and the color management server117. A central processing unit (CPU)201is responsible for control and computation for the respective units in the client computer101via a system bus206. The CPU201is responsible for executing a program that is stored in a storage unit203and loaded into Random Access Memory (RAM)202. The RAM202is a type of typical volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU201and is used as a work area of the CPU201or as a temporary data storage region. The storage unit203functions as a temporary storage region and a working memory for when the client computer101operates. A network interface (NW I/F)204is connected to an NW I/F238of the image processing apparatus112on the network via the network118, and is responsible for communication between the client computer101and the image processing apparatus112. The NW I/F204is connected to an NW I/F245of the color management server117on the network via the network118, and is responsible for communication between the client computer101and the color management server117. A display unit205is a hardware configuration and is a user interface for visually showing information in the client computer101. For example, the display unit205is a monitor display.

A CPU207is responsible for control and calculation for the respective units in the image forming apparatus102via a system bus219. The CPU207is stored in a storage unit209and is responsible for executing a program to be loaded into a RAM208. The RAM208is a type of typical volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU207and is used as a work area of the CPU207or as a temporary data storage region. The storage unit209functions as a temporary storage region and a working memory for when the image forming apparatus102operates.

An NW OF210is connected to an NW OF239of the image processing apparatus112via the cable113, and is responsible for communication between the image processing apparatus112and the image forming apparatus102. A video OF211is connected to a video OF240via the video cable114, and is responsible for the communication of image data between the image processing apparatus112and the image forming apparatus102. A UI panel212is a hardware configuration of the UI panel103and is a user interface for general user operation of the image forming apparatus102. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the UI panel212includes a capacitive touch panel. A spectroscopic sensor213is a hardware configuration of the spectroscopic sensor107, and performs colorimetry on a printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus102.

A sheet feeding deck OF214controls communication with a sheet feeding deck215. The sheet feeding deck215is a collective term for the sheet feeding decks104and105and the optional deck106, as a hardware configuration. An engine OF216controls communication with a printer engine217. An accessory OF218is connected to an accessory OF226and an accessory OF233via the cable115and the cable116. That is, the image forming apparatus102communicates with the automatic adjustment unit108and the sheet discharge apparatus111via the accessory I/Fs218,226and233.

A CPU221is responsible for control and calculation for the respective units in the automatic adjustment unit108via a system bus228. The CPU221is stored in a storage unit223and is responsible for executing a program to be loaded into a RAM222. The RAM222is a type of typical volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU221and is used as a work area of the CPU221or as a temporary data storage region. The storage unit223functions as a temporary storage region and a working memory for a colorimetry operation and an adjustment operation. A spectroscopic sensor224is a hardware configuration of the spectroscopic sensor109, and performs colorimetry on a printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus102. A CIS225is a hardware configuration of the CIS110and captures a printed matter printed by the image forming apparatus102. The accessory OF226connects to the accessory OF218via the cable115and controls communication between the automatic adjustment unit108and the image forming apparatus102. An accessory OF227connects to the accessory OF233via the cable116and controls communication between the automatic adjustment unit108and the sheet discharge apparatus111.

A CPU229is responsible for control and calculation for the respective units in the sheet discharge apparatus111via the system bus234, and execution of programs stored in a storage unit231and loaded into a RAM230. The RAM230is a type of typical volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU229and is used as a work area of the CPU229or as a temporary data storage region. The storage unit231functions as a temporary storage region and a working memory for when the sheet discharge apparatus111operates. A sheet discharging unit232is responsible for a sheet discharging operation to a sheet discharging tray included in the sheet discharge apparatus111and monitors and controls a stacking state of each tray. The accessory OF233is connected to the accessory OF218and the accessory OF227via the cable115and the cable116. That is, the sheet discharge apparatus111communicates with the image forming apparatus102and the automatic adjustment unit108via the accessory I/Fs233,218, and227.

A CPU235is responsible for control and calculation for the respective units in the image processing apparatus112via a system bus241, and execution of programs stored in a storage unit237and loaded into a RAM236. The RAM236is a type of typical volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU235and is used as a work area of the CPU235or as a temporary data storage region. The storage unit237functions as a temporary storage region and a working memory for when the image processing apparatus112operates. The NW OF238is connected to the NW I/Fs204and245via the network118. The image processing apparatus112communicates with the client computer101via the NW OF238and the NW OF204. The image processing apparatus112communicates with the color management server117via the NW OF238and the NW OF245. The NW OF239is connected to the NW OF210of the image forming apparatus102via the cable113, and is responsible for communication between the image processing apparatus112and the image forming apparatus102. The video OF211is connected to the video I/F240via the video cable114, and is responsible for the communication of image data between the image processing apparatus112and the image forming apparatus102.

A CPU242is responsible for control and calculation for the respective units in the color management server117via a system bus246. The CPU242is stored in a storage unit244and is responsible for executing a program to be loaded into a RAM243. The RAM243is a type of typical volatile storage device that can be directly accessed from the CPU242and is used as a work area of the CPU242or as a temporary data storage region. The storage unit244functions as a temporary storage region and a working memory for when the color management server117operates. The NW OF245is connected to the NW OF204of the client computer101on the network via the network118and is responsible for the communication between the color management server117and the client computer101. The NW OF245is connected to the NW OF238of the image processing apparatus112on the network via the network118, and is responsible for communication between the color management server117and the image processing apparatus112.

FIG.3is a software block diagram illustrating an example of a connection system of the control units of the client computer101, the image forming apparatus102, the automatic adjustment unit108, the sheet discharge apparatus111, the image processing apparatus112, and the color management server117.

The client computer101includes a color verification UI control unit1401and a data management unit1402, and the color verification UI control unit1401is present in the RAM202of the client computer101or the storage unit203. The color verification UI control unit1401is called by the CPU201of the client computer101and performs UI control for color verification setting and execution, and schedule setting. The data management unit1402is called by the CPU201of the client computer101and temporarily manages data relating to color verification setting and execution, and schedule setting in the client computer101.

The image forming apparatus102includes a print processing unit1403, a colorimetry control unit1404, and a data management unit1405, which are present in the RAM208or the storage unit209of the image forming apparatus102and are executed by the CPU207. The print processing unit1403is called by the CPU207of the image forming apparatus102and performs print processing. The colorimetry control unit1404is called by the CPU207of the image forming apparatus102and performs control for colorimetry on color patches printed on a printing medium such as a sheet. The data management unit1405is called by the CPU207of the image forming apparatus102and manages configuration information, capability information, and print job data of the image forming apparatus102.

The automatic adjustment unit108comprises a colorimetry control unit1406, which resides in the RAM222or the storage unit223of the automatic adjustment unit108and is executed by the CPU221. The colorimetry control unit1406is called by the CPU221of the automatic adjustment unit108and performs control for colorimetry on color patches printed on a printing medium such as a sheet.

The sheet discharge apparatus111includes a post-processing control unit1407. The post-processing control unit1407is present in the RAM230of the sheet discharge apparatus111or the storage unit231, and is executed by the CPU229. The post-processing control unit1407is called by the CPU229of the sheet discharge apparatus111, and discharges the printed matter to the tray.

The image processing apparatus112includes a print job processing unit1408, a print instruction unit1409, and a data management unit1410, which are each present in the RAM236or the storage unit237and are executed by the CPU235. The print job processing unit1408is called by the CPU235of the image processing apparatus112and performs raster image processing (RIP) of a received print job. The print instruction unit1409is called by the CPU235of the image processing apparatus112, transmits a job that has been processed by the image processing apparatus112to the image forming apparatus102, and instructs the execution of print processing. The data management unit1410is called by the CPU235of the image processing apparatus112and manages capability information, and print job data of the image forming apparatus102and the image processing apparatus112.

The color management server117includes a color verification control unit1411, a color verification determination unit1412, a schedule setting unit1413, a color verification job generation unit1414, a color verification job input unit1415, a data request unit1416, and a data management unit1417. Each of these is present in the RAM243or the storage unit244, and is executed by the CPU242. The color verification control unit1411is called by the CPU242of the color management server117, and controls processes necessary for color verification such as downloading and printing of a chart when performing color verification, and colorimetry on a chart. The color verification determination unit1412is called by the CPU242of the color management server117, and performs color verification by comparing the results of colorimetry on a color verification chart with reference values stored in the storage unit244of the color management server117. The schedule setting unit1413is called by the CPU242of the color management server117, and performs setting for scheduling the days/times on which the color verification is to be executed, and information that is set is stored in the storage unit244. The color verification job generation unit1414is called by the CPU242of the color management server117and creates a job for which color settings for color verification have been made. Hereinafter, a job for color verification may be referred to as a color verification job or a print job. The color verification job input unit1415is called by the CPU242of the color management server117, and inputs a color verification job generated by the color verification job generation unit1414to the image forming apparatus102or the image processing apparatus112. The data request unit1416is called by the CPU242of the color management server117, and executes an instruction to the image forming apparatus102or the image processing apparatus112for acquiring the capability information of the image forming apparatus102or the image processing apparatus112. The data management unit1417is called by the CPU242of the color management server117, and manages the reference information for color verification, color verification results, capability information of the image forming apparatus102or the image processing apparatus112, and the data of the schedule setting of the color verification in the storage unit244of the color management server117.

FIG.4toFIG.7are diagrams illustrating examples of information necessary for color verification and capability information of image forming apparatuses stored in the color management server117. This information is stored in the storage unit244of the color management server117.FIG.4is a diagram illustrating color reference information for when performing color verification. A table301is a table indicating what kind of information the color reference to be used when performing color verification is stored as. An item302is ID information for identifying the stored color reference. Although a four-digit number is illustrated in the present example, it is merely an example, and various other methods of identifying the reference such as a combination of random characters may be used. An item303indicates a name of a stored color reference. An item304indicates what tolerance values, such as the average color difference, the maximum color difference, and the like, have been set in the stored color reference. Although only the average color difference and the maximum color difference are illustrated in this example, various other tolerance values such as the average color difference of a gray region may be used.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating information indicating which color reference values are held for various color patches in each color reference illustrated inFIG.4. A table305specifies what reference values a color reference has for which color patch. An item306is ID information for indicating which color reference table it is. In this example, it can be seen that it is a “company original” color reference when the table305is searched for an ID matching the item302ofFIG.4. An item307is ID information for identifying the color patch. Items308,309,310, and311indicate Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K), respectively, where a signal value between 0 and 100 is stored. The items312,313, and314respectively indicate reference values (Lab values) in Lab color space corresponding to combinations of CMYK signal values. In this example, L=91.111, a=−48.111, and b=−14.111 are set as the reference values when the signal values of C=100 and M/Y/K=0 are combined. These reference values are set to different values for each color reference.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating capability information of the image forming apparatus102to be subjected to color verification. A table315is a table that defines what configuration and capabilities image forming apparatuses102to be subjected to the color verification have. An item316indicates a type of the image forming apparatus102to be subjected to color verification. An item317indicates capability information as to whether or not a color verification job can be remotely input to the image forming apparatus102of item316using a function such as JDF (Job Definition Format). In other words, for example, the item317indicates whether or not each image forming apparatus102of the item316supports a job in which a JDF job step or the like is defined.

An item318is an item indicating which color settings can be remotely set for the image forming apparatus102of the item316. In other words, the item318indicates what color settings can be set for a color verification job to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus102of the item316. In the present embodiment, settings for the job to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus102are expressed as remote settings for the image forming apparatus102. An item319indicates whether or not the image forming apparatus102of the item316has a mechanism for performing colorimetry on a color patch for color verification printed by execution of a color verification job when executing the color verification job. According to the example ofFIG.6, a color verification job can be remotely input to the printer A and the printer A has a mechanism for automatically performing colorimetry on a color patch for color verification. In addition, color settings such as an input/output profile, a rendering intent, and a black point correction can be remotely set for the image forming apparatus102.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating information indicating color settings necessary when executing a color verification job. A table320indicates what color settings are necessary for color verification. In the example ofFIG.7, three color settings—an input/output profile, a rendering intent, and a black point correction—are given as color settings necessary for color verification. The rendering intent indicates how processing is performed in the conversion of a color space (color gamut compression or the like). Black point correction is one type of dynamic range correction.

With reference toFIG.8,FIG.9,FIGS.10A and10B,FIGS.11A and11B, a flow of a process for scheduling color verification in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG.8is an example of a color verification schedule setting screen used when scheduling a color verification, andFIG.9is an example of information stored when a schedule is set. The schedule setting screen ofFIG.8is displayed on the display unit205of the client computer101by the CPU201of the client computer101. A schedule setting screen401illustrates the entire setting screen which is used when setting a schedule for a color verification. A display402indicates that the screen being displayed is a screen for selecting a color reference. A display403is a list of reference IDs and reference names for color verification that the system holds. The display403displays a list of reference IDs of the item302and reference names of the item303in the color reference information table301ofFIG.4.

A display404indicates a screen for setting a schedule for a color reference selected in the color reference list displayed on the display403. The screen of the display404is displayed after an arbitrary color reference is selected in the color reference list of the display403. A display405indicates what color reference the schedule setting is for. In the display405, a reference name of the color reference selected in the color reference list displayed in the display403is displayed. A display406indicates an item for selecting the image forming apparatus102that performs color verification. The display407displays a list of image forming apparatuses102which are candidates to be selected for color verification. In the list of the selection candidates of the display407, the printer names of the item316inFIG.6are displayed in the list. The list of image forming apparatuses102which are selection candidates is displayed in a drop-down list, and the user selects the image forming apparatus102to be subjected to color verification from the list.

A display408indicates an item for setting the extent to which the color verification is to be performed without a user operation when the color verification is scheduled. A display409displays a list of setting item selection candidates for setting the extent to which the color verification is to be performed. The list of setting item selection candidates on the display409is displayed in a drop-down list, and the user selects a setting item to be performed from the list. The items displayed at this time vary depending on the capability information (FIG.6) of the image forming apparatuses102to be subjected to the color verification.

A display410indicates an item for setting days/times for executing color verification. A display411is an item for inputting days/times for executing color verification. A display412is an item for setting which days of the week the color verification is to be periodically executed on. A display413indicates an item for setting notification destinations for when the scheduled days/times are reached. A display414is an item for inputting notification destinations for when the scheduled days/times are reached. In the present example, an example in which e-mail addresses are input as notification destinations is illustrated, and one or more people may be set as the notification destinations.

When a cancel button415is pressed, the schedule setting is not performed, and the currently displayed screen is closed. When an OK button416is pressed, the current schedule setting is stored in the storage unit244of the color management server117, and the currently displayed screen is closed. In this example, the reference name “company original” is set to be executed on “printer A”. In addition, “print & colorimetry” color verification is set to be carried out at “8:00” “every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday”, and “aaa@mail, bbb@mail” are to be notified when the days/times are reached.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating an example of color verification schedule setting information. The information ofFIG.9is stored in the storage unit244of the color management server117. A table417is a table based on schedule settings set on the schedule setting screen ofFIG.8. An item418is ID information for distinguishing a stored schedule setting. Although a four-digit number is illustrated in the present example, it is merely an example, and various other ways of distinguishing the setting such as a combination of random characters may be used. An item419is ID information for distinguishing a color reference of the schedule setting. Although a four-digit number is illustrated in the present example, it is merely an example, and various other ways of distinguishing the reference such as a combination of random characters may be used. An item420indicates the name of the color reference of the schedule setting. An item421indicates a type of the image forming apparatus102scheduled to be subjected to color verification. An item422indicates an extent to which the scheduled color verification is to be executed. An item423indicates a setting of the days/times on which the color verification is to be performed periodically. An item424indicates notification destinations for when the scheduled days/times are reached.

FIGS.10A and10Bare flowcharts illustrating a process at a time of performing a color verification schedule setting. The following process is executed by the CPU201of the client computer101.

In step S501, the CPU201of the client computer101acquires the color reference set by the user on the color verification schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8from the color management server117via the network118and stores it in the RAM202. In step S502, the CPU201of the client computer101acquires information of the tolerance values of the item304, and the color patches used in the color reference and reference values therefor from the color reference acquired in step S501. The information of the color patches used in the color reference and the reference values therefor acquired here is the information illustrated in the table305ofFIG.5.

In step S503, the CPU201of the client computer101acquires the information of the image forming apparatus102to be subjected to the color verification selected by the user on the display407of the schedule setting screen401inFIG.8. In step S504, the CPU201of the client computer101acquires, via the network118, the capability information of the image forming apparatus102ofFIG.6stored in the storage unit244of the color management server117on the basis of the information acquired in step S503, and stores the capability information in the RAM202.

In step S505, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the color verification job can be remotely input based on the capability information of the image forming apparatus102acquired in step S504. In other words, for example, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus102selected from the user supports a JDF job. In a case where the color verification job is determined to be remotely inputtable in step S505, the process proceeds to step S506. In a case where the color verification job is determined to be remotely inputtable in step S505, the process proceeds to step S511.

In step S506, the CPU201of the client computer101, based on capability information of the image forming apparatus102acquired in step S504, acquires information of color settings that can be performed remotely for the image forming apparatus102selected by the user. The information of the color settings that can be remotely set is the information of the item318inFIG.6.

In step S507, the CPU201of the client computer101, based on capability information of the image forming apparatus102acquired in step S506, determines whether or not the color settings necessary in the color verification can be performed remotely for the image forming apparatus102selected by the user. In a case where the color settings necessary in the color verification are determined to be remotely settable in step S507, the process proceeds to step S508. In a case where the color settings necessary in the color verification are determined to not be remotely settable in step S507, the process proceeds to step S511.

In step S508, the CPU201of the client computer101, based on capability information of the image forming apparatus102acquired in step S506, determines whether or not an automatic colorimetry mechanism is present in the image forming apparatus102selected by the user. In a case where it is determined in step S508that the automatic colorimetry mechanism is present, the process proceeds to step S509. In a case where it is determined in step S508that there is no automatic colorimetry mechanism, the process proceeds to step S510.

In step S509, the CPU201of the client computer101displays “print & colorimetry”, “print”, and “notification only” as selection candidates in the display409of the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8. In other words, in this case, since the image forming apparatus102can execute up to the colorimetry in the color verification without using a user operation, execution is without user operation whichever of the above options is selected.

In step S510, the CPU201of the client computer101displays “print”, and “notification only” as selection candidates in the display409of the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8. In other words, in this case, since the image forming apparatus102can execute up to the printing in the color verification without a user operation, the above two options are executed without a user operation.

In step S511, the CPU201of the client computer101displays “print”, and “notification only” as selection candidates in the display409of the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8. That is, in this case, since the image forming apparatus102cannot remotely input the color verification job, only the selection candidate of “notification only” is used.

In step S512, the CPU201of the client computer101stores the execution setting selected by the user on the display409in the RAM202. In step S513, the CPU201of the client computer101stores the days/times setting of the color verification set by the user in the RAM202. In step S514, the CPU201of the client computer101stores the color verification notification destination setting that has been set by the user in the RAM202.

In step S515, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the OK button416has been selected in the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8. In a case where it is determined that the OK button416has been selected in step S515, the process proceeds to step S516. In a case where it is determined that the OK button416has not been selected in step S515, the process proceeds to step S517.

In step S516, the CPU201of the client computer101stores, in the storage unit244of the color management server117via the network118, the schedule setting for the color verification illustrated in the table417ofFIG.9, based on the information set in steps S501, S503, S512, S513, and S514. After step S516, the process ofFIGS.10A and10Bis ended.

In step S517, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the cancel button415has been selected in the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8. In a case where it is determined that the cancel button415has been selected in step S517, the process ofFIGS.10A and10Bis ended. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the cancel button415has not been selected, the process from step S515is repeated.

FIGS.11A and11Bare flowcharts illustrating a process executed in a case where a set scheduled time arrives. The following process is executed by the CPU242of the color management server117.

In step S1501, the CPU242of the color management server117acquires, from the storage unit244of the color management server117, list information for color verification for which a schedule setting illustrated in the table417ofFIG.9has been performed. In step S1502, the CPU242of the color management server117acquires the present date and time. In step S1503, the CPU242of the color management server117compares the scheduled days/times of the item423in the list information of the scheduled color verification acquired in step S1501with the present date and time acquired in step S1502. Then, in step S1504, the CPU242of the color management server117determines whether or not the scheduled days/times acquired in step S1501and the present date and time acquired in step S1502match as the result of the comparison in step S1503. In a case where it is determined that the scheduled days/times acquired in step S1501matches the present date and time acquired in step S1502, the process proceeds to step S1505. In a case where it is determined that the scheduled days/time acquired in step S1501does not match the present date and time acquired in step S1502, the process from step S1501is repeated.

In step S1505, the CPU242of the color management server117specifies the color verification whose scheduled days/times matches the present date and time acquired in step S1502, from the scheduled color verification list information acquired in step S1501, and acquires the execution setting thereof. Note that the acquired execution setting is information of the item422in the table417in FIG.9. In step S1506, the CPU242of the color management server117acquires the notification destinations in the color verification specified in step S1505. Note that the acquired notification destinations are information of the item424in the table417inFIG.9.

In step S1507, the CPU242of the color management server117determines whether or not the execution setting acquired in step S1505is “print & colorimetry”. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1505is “print & colorimetry”, the process proceeds to step S1508. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1505is not “print & colorimetry”, the process proceeds to step S1509.

In step S1509, the CPU242of the color management server117determines whether or not the execution setting acquired in step S1505is “print”. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1505is “print”, the process proceeds to step S1513. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1505is not “print”, the process proceeds to step S1516.

In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1505is “print & colorimetry”, in step S1508, the CPU242of the color management server117acquires the information of the printer that is to execute the color verification according to the schedule setting specified in step S1505. Note that the acquired printer information is information of the item421in the table417inFIG.9. In step S1510, the CPU242of the color management server117inputs a color verification job to the image forming apparatus102corresponding to the information acquired in step S1508, and starts color verification.

In step S1511, the CPU242of the color management server117determines whether or not the color verification performed in step S1510has ended. The determination as to whether or not the color verification has ended is based on whether or not the color verification job print processing has been performed, the CPU242has received the colorimetry results for the printed color patches, and the comparison between the reference values and the colorimetry results has been completed. In a case where it is determined that the color verification started in step S1510has ended, the process proceeds to step S1512. In a case where it is determined that the color verification started in step S1510has not ended, the process of step S1511is repeated.

In step S1512, the CPU242of the color management server117notifies the notification destinations acquired in step S1506that the scheduled color verification was started and has ended. As a notification method, the user is notified by e-mail. However, configuration may be taken to, in addition to the notification by e-mail, notify the user by a pop-up display on their screen in a case where the user associated with an e-mail address of the notification destinations is using the color inspection server117. After step S1512, the process ofFIGS.11A and11Bis ended.

In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1505is “print”, in step S1513, the CPU242of the color management server117acquires the information of the printer that executes the color verification according to the schedule setting specified in step S1505. Note that the acquired printer information is information of the item421in the table417inFIG.9. In step S1514, the CPU242of the color management server117inputs a color verification job to the image forming apparatus102corresponding to the information acquired in step S1513, and starts color verification. In step S1515, the CPU242of the color management server117notifies the notification destinations acquired in step S1506that the scheduled color verification has started. The notification method may be notification by e-mail, for example, as in the case of step S1512, or may be another method. After step S1515, the process ofFIGS.11A and11Bis ended.

In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1505is not “print”, in step S1516, the CPU242of the color management server117notifies the notification destinations acquired in step S1506that a scheduled day/time at which to start the color verification has arrived. The notification method may be notification by e-mail, for example, as in the case of step S1512, or may be another method. After step S1516, the process ofFIGS.11A and11Bis ended.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8is displayed, selection candidates for the extent to which the color verification is to be executed without a user operation are displayed based on the capability information of the image forming apparatus102. The user selects a desired execution setting from the displayed list of color verification execution setting selection candidates, and performs the color verification schedule setting. This enables flexible remote execution of color verification without user operation in accordance with the capability information of the image forming apparatus102.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it is described that only “notification” is displayed as an execution setting selection candidate in a case where the color setting necessary for the color verification is not remotely settable for the image forming apparatus102, even though a color verification job can be remotely input to the image forming apparatus102. In this case, since the color verification job can be remotely input, in the present embodiment, the color verification job is input to the image forming apparatus102as a job waiting to print without user operation. The user then manually performs the color settings necessary for color verification for the job waiting to print on the image forming apparatus102, and then the job is executed.

With reference toFIG.12,FIG.13,FIGS.14A and14B, a flow of a process for scheduling color verification in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG.12is a diagram illustrating an example of a color verification schedule setting screen when scheduling color verification.FIG.13is a diagram illustrating information stored when a schedule setting is performed. The schedule setting screen ofFIG.12is displayed on the display unit205of the client computer101by the CPU201of the client computer101. A display601displays a list of setting item selection candidates for setting the extent to which the color verification is to be performed. The list of setting item selection candidates on the display601is displayed in a drop-down list, and the user selects a setting item to be performed from the list. In the present example, it can be seen from the information ofFIGS.6and7that the color verification job can be remotely input to the printer C, but the color setting necessary for the color verification cannot be remotely set for the printer C. Therefore, “wait to print” which is input as a job waiting to print in the image forming apparatus102and “notification only” are displayed as a list of selection candidates.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an example of a color verification schedule setting information. The data ofFIG.13is stored in the storage unit244of the color management server117. The schedule setting602indicates an example of the schedule setting in which the execution setting is set to “wait to print”. In this example, “printer C” is set as the image forming apparatus102on which color verification is to be performed, and “wait to print” is set as the execution setting.

FIGS.14A and14Bare flowcharts illustrating a process at a time of performing a color verification schedule setting. The following process is executed by the CPU201of the client computer101. Steps S501to S517inFIGS.14A and14Bare the same as is described for steps S501to S517inFIGS.10A and10B, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

In a case where the color setting necessary in color verification is determined to not be remotely settable in step S507, the process proceeds to step S701. In step S701, the CPU201of the client computer101displays “wait to print”, and “notification only” as selection candidates in the display601of the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.12. After step S701, the processing advances to step S512.

As described above, in the present embodiment, “wait to print” is displayed as an execution setting selection candidate in a case where the color setting necessary for the color verification is not remotely settable for the image forming apparatus102, even though the color verification job can be remotely input to the image forming apparatus102. Thus, even if up to printing of the color verification job cannot be performed remotely, execution can be performed without a user operation up to the inputting of the color verification job to the image forming apparatus102. Note that the CPU201of the client computer101may control the print execution in the image forming apparatus102so that a command for waiting to print is included in the job. Further, the image forming apparatus102may display an editing screen for a job waiting to print on the UI panel103, and may execute the job when an instruction to execute the job is received from the user on the editing screen.

Third Embodiment

Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first and second embodiments. In the first embodiment, when the schedule setting screen401ofFIG.8is displayed, execution setting selection candidates are displayed based on the capability information of the image forming apparatus102. In the present embodiment, in a case where the color verification is executed according to the execution setting at the scheduled days/times, display is controlled to make a screen to be displayed differ in accordance with the extent to which the color verification has been executed.

With reference toFIG.15,FIG.16,FIG.17,FIG.18, andFIG.19, a flow of a display control process for making a screen to be displayed differ according to the extent to which the color verification has been performed in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG.15is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen with a list of scheduled color verifications that have been executed. The screen ofFIG.15is displayed on the display unit205of the client computer101by the CPU201of the client computer101. A screen801illustrates an entire screen for displaying a list of color verifications executed according to a schedule. The display802indicates that the displayed screen is a screen with a list of color verifications executed according to the schedule. A display803is a list of color verifications performed according to the schedule. The “history ID” is used to identify the respective histories in the executed color verification list. The “schedule ID” identifies the schedule set inFIG.8orFIG.12. The “reference ID” is ID information for distinguishing a color reference of the schedule setting. Although a four-digit number is illustrated in the present example, it is merely an example, and various other methods of distinguishing the reference such as a combination of random characters may be used. The “reference name” indicates the name of the color reference of the schedule. The “printer” is an item indicating a type of the image forming apparatus102that executed the scheduled color verification. The “execution time” indicates the date and time when the scheduled color verification was actually executed. The “execution time” is described as YYYY/MM/DD in the present example; YYYY means year, MM means month, and DD means day, and the actual date and time of execution are entered. This format is only an example, and the present invention is not limited to this format. When a close button804is selected, the screen801closes.

In the present embodiment, after the schedule setting is executed, one of the screens illustrated inFIGS.16,17, and18is displayed in accordance with the execution setting in the schedule setting. These screens are displayed on the display unit205of the client computer101by the CPU201of the client computer101.

FIG.16is an example of a screen displayed in a case where “notification only” is set as the execution setting when scheduling the color verification. A screen901illustrates an entire screen for downloading a chart for color verification. A display902indicates that the displayed screen is a screen for downloading a chart for color verification. A display903indicates which color reference a color verification corresponds to. A display904indicates an item for selecting the type of chart to be downloaded. A display905indicates a list of selection candidates for selecting the type of chart to be downloaded. In this example, two types of charts are displayed in a list: a chart in the case of manual colorimetry, and a chart in the case of automatic colorimetry. When a cancel button906is pressed, the screen901is closed without downloading the chart. When a download button907is pressed, the chart selected in the display905is downloaded.

FIG.17is an example of a screen displayed in a case where “print” is set as the execution setting when scheduling the color verification. A screen908illustrates an entire screen for performing colorimetry on a printed chart for color verification. A display909indicates that the screen being displayed is a screen for performing colorimetry on a chart. The display910indicates a reference name for identifying which color reference is to be displayed on the current chart colorimetry screen. A display911illustrates a preview of chart information based on a color reference. When a colorimetry start button914is pressed, colorimetry on the chart is started. When a cancel button912is pressed, the colorimetry on the chart is stopped. An end button913is activated when the colorimetry is finished for all patches of the chart, and when the end button913is pressed after activation, the colorimetry of the chart ends.

FIG.18is an example of a screen displayed in a case where “print & colorimetry” is set as the execution setting when scheduling the color verification. A screen914illustrates an entire screen for confirming the color verification result. A display915indicates the reference name of the color reference used in the color verification. A display916displays a table indicating reference values, colorimetry data indicating the results of colorimetry using the colorimetry mechanism, and color differences between the reference values and colorimetry data. Although the colorimetry data is described in the form of x, y, and z in the present example, numerical values are actually included. A display917displays a result of comparing color reference tolerance values with colorimetry results with respect to average color difference and maximum color difference. If all of the tolerance values are met, the test result is OK, and if any of the conditions are not met, the test result is NG. When a close button918is pressed, the screen914closes.

FIG.19is a flowchart illustrating a display control process that follows execution of a scheduled color verification. The following process is executed by the CPU201of the client computer101. In step S1001, the CPU201of the client computer101acquires the executed color verification selected by the user on the executed color verification list screen ofFIG.15from the color management server117via the network118and stores it in the RAM202. In step S1002, the CPU201of the client computer101acquires information of tolerance values (the item304ofFIG.4) of the color verification acquired in step S1001, the color patches used with the color reference and reference values thereof, and the schedule setting data ofFIG.9(the table305ofFIG.5).

In step S1003, the CPU201of the client computer101acquires the execution setting information of the item422based on the schedule setting data acquired in step S1002. In step S1004, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the execution setting acquired in step S1003is “print & colorimetry”. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1003is “print & colorimetry”, the process proceeds to step S1005. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1003is not “print & colorimetry”, the process proceeds to step S1006.

In step S1005, the CPU201of the client computer101displays the color verification result screen914ofFIG.18as a screen for displaying that the execution setting acquired in step S1003is “print & colorimetry”. After that, the process ofFIG.19is ended.

In step S1006, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the execution setting acquired in step S1003is “print”. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1003is “print”, the process proceeds to step S1007. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting acquired in step S1003is not “print”, the process proceeds to step S1008.

In step S1007, the CPU201of the client computer101displays the chart colorimetry screen908for color verification ofFIG.17as a screen for displaying that the execution setting acquired in step S1003is “print”. After that, the process ofFIG.19is ended. Meanwhile, in step S1008, the CPU201of the client computer101displays the screen901for downloading a chart for the color verification ofFIG.16as a screen for displaying that the execution setting acquired in step S1003is “notification only”. After that, the process ofFIG.19is ended.

As described above, in a case where a scheduled execution setting is executed according to the schedule, the screen to be displayed is made different according to the execution setting. As a result, the user can confirm the result of a color verification executed according to a schedule in accordance with the execution setting or can confirm subsequent steps.

Fourth Embodiment

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first and third embodiments. In the first embodiment, in a case where “print and colorimetry” is set in the execution setting when a color verification schedule setting is performed, since the color verification is performed up to colorimetry after printing, there will be no case where a scheduled color verification will be left unaddressed. However, in a case where “print” is set in the execution setting, the execution will be performed up to the printing of the chart for color verification, but the colorimetry must be manually performed by the user, and there is a possibility that the color verification will not be executed. In addition, in a case where “notification only” is set in the execution setting, the user is only notified that the date and time when the color verification is to be executed has come. Therefore, the user must manually perform the color verification from the printing of the chart for the color verification, and there is a possibility that the color verification will not be executed.

In the present embodiment, a setting for performing a reminder notification is executed in a case where the scheduled color verification has not been executed for a predetermined time, when the color verification schedule setting is performed.

With reference toFIG.20,FIG.21,FIGS.22A and22B, in the present embodiment, a flow of a process for setting a reminder notification to a user when setting a schedule for a color verification will be described.

FIG.20is a diagram illustrating an example of a color verification schedule setting screen when scheduling color verification.FIG.21is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored when a schedule setting is performed. The schedule setting screen ofFIG.20is displayed on the display unit205of the client computer101by the CPU201of the client computer101. A display1101indicates that it is an item for setting a time until a notification as a reminder that a scheduled color verification has not been performed or completed when color verification is scheduled is to be performed. A display1102is an item for inputting the time until the notification as a reminder that a scheduled color verification has not been performed or completed when color verification is scheduled is to be performed. In this example, the elapsed time until the reminder (reminder time) is set to be 30 minutes, for example. In this example, the user directly inputs the time, but a list of selection candidates for a predetermined reminder times may be displayed, and the user may select an arbitrary time from the list. In a case where no time is input into the display1102or zero minutes is input, a reminder notification is not performed.

FIG.21is a diagram illustrating an example of color verification schedule setting information. The data ofFIG.21is stored in the storage unit244of the color management server117. An item1103is an item indicating the reminder time which is the time until the color verification reminder notification is to be performed. The time set in the display1102ofFIG.20is stored. An item1104is an item indicating content (a message) to be notified to a user when the reminder notification is executed. In this case, the content (message) to be notified is changed according to the execution setting of the item422. For example, in a case where the execution setting is “print”, “chart printed but color verification not yet completed” is stored as the content (message) to be notified by the reminder notification. In a case where the execution setting is “notification only”, “color verification has not been started” is stored as the content (message) to be notified by the reminder notification.

FIGS.22A and22Bare flowcharts illustrating a process of setting a reminder notification to a user when scheduling a color verification. The following process is executed by the CPU201of the client computer101. Steps S501to S517inFIGS.22A and22Bare the same as is described for steps S501to S517inFIGS.10A and10B, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

After step S514, in step S1201, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the execution setting selected by the user is a setting other than “print & colorimetry”. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting selected by the user is a setting other than “print & colorimetry”, the process proceeds to step S1202. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting selected by the user is a setting other than “print & colorimetry”, that is in a case where it is determined that the execution setting selected by the user is “print & colorimetry”, the process proceeds to step S515.

In step S1202, the CPU201of the client computer101displays the display1101and the item for inputting the reminder time of the display1102inFIG.20. In step S1203, the CPU201of the client computer101receives the setting of the reminder time from the user. Then, the CPU201of the client computer101stores the reminder time setting in the RAM202.

In step S1204, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the reminder time set in step S1203is a time other than zero minutes. In a case where it is determined that the reminder time is a time other than zero minutes, the process proceeds to step S1205. In a case where it is determined that the reminder time is not a time other than zero minutes, that is the reminder time is zero minutes, the process proceeds to step S515.

In step S1205, the CPU201of the client computer101determines whether or not the execution setting selected by the user is “print”. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting selected by the user is a setting other than “print”, the process proceeds to step S1206. In a case where it is determined that the execution setting selected by the user is not “print”, the process proceeds to step S1207.

In step S1206, the CPU201of the client computer101stores in the RAM202“chart printed but color verification not yet completed” as the content (message) to be notified when the reminder notification is executed. Meanwhile, in step S1207, the CPU201of the client computer101stores in the RAM202“color verification not yet started” as the content (message) to be notified when the reminder notification is executed.

If it is determined in step S515that the OK button416has been selected, the CPU201of the client computer101creates, in step S1208, the color verification schedule setting information ofFIG.21based on the information set in steps S501, S503, S512, S513, S1203, S1206, and S1207. Then, the CPU201of the client computer101stores the created color verification schedule setting information in the storage unit244of the color management server117via the network118. After that, the process ofFIGS.22A and22Bis ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the reminder time in a case where the execution setting is “print” or “notification only” when the schedule setting of the color verification is performed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce cases where a color verification scheduled by the user is not executed.

Fifth Embodiment

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first and fourth embodiments. In the first embodiment, in a case where “print” and “notification only” are set for the execution setting during the schedule setting, there is a possibility that a normal job (print job or the like) will be executed while the color verification has not been completed. For example, in the case of a normal print job, the user cannot know whether the executed normal print job has been printed with a normal color quality.

In the present embodiment, when a scheduled day/time for executing the color verification is reached, an execution stop instruction for restricting execution of normal jobs other than the color verification job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus102. Thus, for example, it is possible to prevent a normal print job from being printed in a situation where the color verification has not been completed.

With reference toFIG.23, a flow of a process for restricting execution of a job other than the color verification job at a scheduled date and time in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG.23is a flowchart illustrating a process of restricting execution of a job other than the color verification job at a scheduled date and time. The following process is executed by the CPU242of the color management server117. Steps S1501to S1504inFIG.23are the same as is described for steps S1501to S1504inFIGS.11A and11B, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

In a case where it is determined in step S1504that the scheduled days/times acquired in step S1501and the present date and time acquired in step S1502match, the process proceeds to S1301. In step S1301, the CPU242of the color management server117specifies the color verification whose scheduled days/time (item423ofFIG.21) match the present date and time acquired in step S1502from among the scheduled color verification list information acquired in step S1501, and starts execution.

In step S1302, the CPU242of the color management server117transmits, to the image forming apparatus102on which the execution of the color verification is started in step S1301, an instruction to stop the execution of normal jobs other than the color verification job via the network118.

In step S1303, the CPU242of the color management server117determines whether or not the color verification whose execution is started in step S1301has ended. The determination of step S1303is performed in the same manner as step S1511ofFIGS.11A and11B. In a case where it is determined that execution of the color verification started in step S1301has ended, the process proceeds to step S1304. In a case where it is determined that the color verification whose execution is started in step S1301has not ended, the process of step S1303is repeated.

In step S1304, the CPU242of the color management server117transmits, via the network118, to the image forming apparatus102on which the execution of the color verification is started in step S1301, an instruction (resume job execution) to cancel the stoppage of j ob execution in step S1302. After that, the process ofFIG.23is ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a scheduled day/time for executing the color verification is reached, an instruction to stop execution of normal jobs other than the color verification job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus102. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a normal print job from being executed in a situation where the color verification has not been completed.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-173655, filed Oct. 28, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.