Printing system, color profile management method, and management apparatus

A printing system that enables an image processing apparatus to, in the configuration in which one printing apparatus is managed by a plurality of management apparatuses, obtain a suitable color profile from one of the management apparatuses.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-102407, filed May 24, 2017 and 2017-155114, filed Aug. 10, 2017 are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a technique for managing color profiles for use in color management processing.

2. Related Art

In JP-A-2010-102398, there is disclosed a system in which a printing apparatus performs printing of an image on a printing medium on the basis of a set of printing data having been generated by a printing control apparatus. This printing control apparatus generates the set of printing data by executing color matching using one of international color consortium (ICC) profiles. This configuration enables the printing apparatus to perform printing of an image having a suitable color tone.

Such color profiles (the ICC profiles) differ for each of the types of printing media. In addition, in recent years when various types of printing media have been supplied from individual vendors, there is a possibility that an ICC profile that is to be used is not possessed by an image processing apparatus (the printing control apparatus) for generating a set of printing data. In such a case, a configuration in which a management apparatus for managing the printing apparatus is provided, and the management apparatus obtains a color profile associated with a printing medium that is to be used, by means of downloading or the like, and transfers the color profile to the image processing apparatus can be considered.

For such a configuration, however, under an environment in which one printing apparatus is shared by a plurality of users, a situation where a plurality of management apparatuses are provided to the respective plurality of users is assumed. In this case, there may occur a situation where each of the plurality of management apparatuses obtains a color profile associated with one of mutually different types of printing media, and allows the printing apparatus to perform printing. As a result, in a case where printing on the same type of printing medium is performed again, or any other similar case, such the situation has been likely to lead to a situation where the image processing apparatus cannot grasp which one of the management apparatuses possesses the color profile associated with the printing medium that is to be used, and thus cannot obtain a color profile suitable for the printing medium.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that a technique is provided that enables an image processing apparatus to, in the configuration in which one printing apparatus is managed by a plurality of management apparatuses, obtain a suitable color profile from one of the management apparatuses.

A printing system according to a first aspect of the invention includes an image processing apparatus configured to execute color management processing on each of printing jobs using a color profile that is one of a plurality of color profiles each associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of mutually different types of printing media and that is associated with a printing medium included in the plurality of mutually different types of printing media and used as an execution target of the each printing job; a printing apparatus configured to perform printing of an image represented by the each printing job on the printing medium by executing the each printing job on which the color management processing has been executed; and a plurality of management apparatuses including at least one first management apparatus, and a second management apparatus configured to store in itself the plurality of color profiles, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of mutually different types of printing media. Further, when the image processing apparatus makes a request, to a first management apparatus among the at least one first management apparatus, for the color profile, which is associated with the printing medium used as the execution target of the each printing job, the first management apparatus, having received the request, transfers the request to the second management apparatus, and then, the second management apparatus transmits the color profile, which is specified based on the request, to the image processing apparatus.

A color profile management method according to a second aspect of the invention includes making a request, by an image processing apparatus, to a first management apparatus among at least one first management apparatus, for a color profile that is one of a plurality of color profiles each associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of mutually different types of printing media and that is associated with a printing medium included in the plurality of mutually different types of printing media and used as an execution target of each of printing jobs; transferring, by the first management apparatus, the request to a second management apparatus storing in itself the plurality of color profiles, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of mutually different types of printing media; and transmitting, by the second management apparatus, the color profile, which is specified based on the request, to the image processing apparatus.

A management apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention includes a control section configured to manage a printing apparatus for executing each of printing jobs, on which an image processing apparatus has executed color management processing using a color profile that is one of a plurality of color profiles each associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of mutually different types of printing media and that is associated with a printing medium included in the plurality of mutually different types of printing media and used as an execution target of the each printing job; a storage section configured to store in itself the plurality of color profiles, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of mutually different types of printing media; and a communication section configured to perform communication with each of an external apparatus for managing the printing apparatus and the image processing apparatus. Further, when a request for the color profile, which is associated with the printing medium used as the execution target of the each printing job, is transferred to the control section, via the communication section, from the external apparatus having received the request from the image processing apparatus, the control section transmits the color profile, which is specified based on the request, to the image processing apparatus via the communication section.

According to the first, second, and third aspects of the invention (namely, the printing system, the color profile management method, and the management apparatus), having been configured in such ways as described above, the second management apparatus stores in itself the plurality of color profiles each associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of mutually different types of printing media, and upon receipt of the request, which specifies the color profile that is one of the plurality of color profiles and that is associated with the printing medium included in the plurality of mutually different types of printing media and used as the execution target of the each printing job, the first management apparatus transfers the request to the second management apparatus. Further, the second management apparatus transmits the color profile, which is specified based on the request, to the image processing apparatus. Thus, this configuration enables the image processing apparatus to, in the configuration in which the single printing apparatus is managed by the plurality of management apparatuses, obtain the color profile, which is suitable for the printing medium used as the execution target of the each printing job, from the first management apparatus.

Further, the printing system may be configured such that the printing apparatus stores in itself a piece of management information indicating which one of the plurality of management apparatuses is the second management apparatus, and, when the image processing apparatus makes the request to the first management apparatus, the first management apparatus, having received the request, specifies the second management apparatus based on the piece of management information, and transfers the request to the specified second management apparatus. This configuration enables the first management apparatus to properly specify the second management apparatus on the basis of the piece of management information stored in the printing apparatus.

Further, the printing system may be configured such that, upon receipt of the request, the first management apparatus stores in itself an address of the second management apparatus having been specified based on the piece of management information stored in the printing apparatus, and upon receipt of the request afterward, the first management apparatus transfers the request to the second management apparatus based on the stored address. This configuration enables the first management apparatus to, after the obtaining of the address of the second management apparatus, transfer the request to the second management apparatus without making the inquiry about the second management apparatus to the printing apparatus.

Further, the printing system may be configured such that each of the at least one first management apparatus, including the first management apparatus, is capable of obtaining one or more color profiles among the plurality of color profiles. This configuration enables a user of the each of the at least one first management apparatus to obtain, when needed, one or more color profiles included in the plurality of color profiles and having been determined to be necessary by the user.

In this case, the printing system may be configured such that, in a case where the first management apparatus already obtains the color profile specified by the request, the first management apparatus transmits the color profile to the image processing apparatus, and in a case where the first management apparatus does not obtain the color profile specified by the request, the first management apparatus transfers the request to the second management apparatus. This configuration enables the image processing apparatus to obtain the color profile, which is suitable for the printing medium used as the execution target of the each printing profile, from one of the at least one first management apparatus.

Further, the printing system may be configured such that the each of the at least one first management apparatus transmits the obtained one or more color profiles to the second management apparatus. This configuration enables the second management apparatus to collectively store in itself the one or more color profiles obtained by the each of the at least one first management apparatus.

Here, various kinds of configurations for allowing each of the at least one first management apparatus to obtain the one or more color profiles can be configured. That is, the printing system may be configured such that the second management apparatus allows the plurality of color profiles, which is stored in the second management apparatus itself, to be synchronized with the each of the at least one first management apparatus to allow the each of the at least one first management apparatus to obtain the plurality of color profiles. Alternatively, the printing system may be configured such that, when, in response to the request, the second management apparatus transmits the color profile to the image processing apparatus, the second management apparatus transmits the color profile to the first management apparatus to allow the first management apparatus to obtain the color profile.

Here, various kinds of configurations for the transmission of the color profile from the second management apparatus to the image processing apparatus can be configured. That is, the printing system may be configured such that the second management apparatus transmits the color profile, which is specified based on the request, to the image processing apparatus via the first management apparatus. Alternatively, the printing system may be configured such that the second management apparatus transmits the color profile, which is specified based on the request, to the image processing apparatus directly, that is, not via the first management apparatus.

Further, the printing system may be configured such that the second management apparatus stores in itself a plurality of sets of setting information one of which is set to the printing apparatus when the each printing job is executed, in such a way that, for each of the plurality of mutually different types of printing media, a corresponding one of the plurality of sets of setting information is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of color profiles. This configuration enables the second management apparatus to collectively the plurality of sets of setting information together with the plurality of color profiles.

In this case, the printing system may be configured such that the second management apparatus transmits, to the printing apparatus, a set of setting information that is one of the plurality of sets of setting information and that is associated with the printing medium, which is included in the plurality of mutually different types of printing media and used as the execution target of the each printing job. This configuration enables the printing system to execute the each printing job using a suitable set of setting information appropriate associated with the type of the printing medium, which is used as the execution target of the each printing job.

Further, the printing system may be configured such that, when the first management apparatus transfers the request to the second management apparatus, the first management apparatus requests the image processing apparatus to establish a connection to the second management apparatus. This configuration enables the color profile to be certainly transmitted from the second management apparatus to the image processing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system1, as a printing system according to embodiments of the invention, which will be described later. The printing system1includes a raster image processor (RIP)2and a printing apparatus3, and allows the printing apparatus3to execute printing processing for printing an image represented by a printing job J. This printing job J is a printing job on which image processing has been executed by the RIP2. Further, the printing system1includes a plurality of (three) management apparatuses4and a network5(for example, a local area network). These management apparatuses4manage the printing apparatus3. The network5allows the management apparatuses4, the RIP2, and the printing apparatus3to be connected to one another. Each of the management apparatuses4includes a control means41, a storage means42, and a communication means43. The control means41is constituted by a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), and the like. The storage means42is constituted by a hard disc drive or the like. The communication means43is connected to the network5. Note that, in the flowing description, the three management apparatuses4will be distinguished as management apparatuses4A,4B, and4C when needed.

The RIP2is a computer in which software for executing image processing including color management processing and rasterization is installed. That is, the RIP2executes the color management processing using an ICC profile on the printing job J. Moreover, the RIP2performs the rasterization of the printing job J having been subjected to the color management processing. The printing job J (a set of raster data) having been rasterized in this way is transmitted to the printing apparatus3from the RIP2.

The printing apparatus3includes a control means301, a storage means302, and a printing execution means303. The control means301is constituted by a CPU, a RAM, and the like. The storage means302is constituted by a hard disc drive or the like. The printing execution means303corresponds to mechanical components for performing printing of an image on a printing medium. The printing apparatus3performs printing of an image represented by the printing job J on the printing medium in such a way that the control means301allows the printing execution means303to execute the printing job J having been received from the RIP2.

FIG. 2is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the structure of the printing execution means303, which is included in the printing apparatus3. The printing execution means303includes a transport portion31, and this transport portion31transports a printing medium M in a transport direction X by means of a roll-to-roll method. The transport portion31includes a feed-out roller311, a pair of rollers312and313, and a winding roller314, and these components are arranged in series in the transport direction X of the printing medium M. The printing medium M is in a state of being wounded in a roll shape, and the feed-out roller311feeds out such the printing medium M in the transport direction X. The pair of rollers312and313pinches the printing medium M having been fed out by the feed-out roller311. The roller313is energized by the roller312, and gives a constant weight to the printing medium M; while the roller312transports the printing medium M in the transport direction X while giving a constant tension to the printing medium M by giving a predetermined torque to the printing medium M. Further, the winding roller314winds up the printing medium M from the pair of rollers312and313.

Further, the printing execution means303include a pre-heater32, a platen heater33, and an after-heater34between the feed-out roller311and the roller312, these heaters being arranged in series in the transport direction X. Further, the printing execution means303heats the printing medium M being in contact with the upper faces of the above three kinds of heaters. Moreover, the printing execution means303includes a printing head35. The printing head35faces the platen heater33across a predetermined platen gap g, and ejects inks onto the printing medium M supported by the platen heater33by means of an ink jet method.

In such the printing execution means303, the transport portion31intermittently transports the printing medium M in the transport direction X, and thereby, sequentially feeds out an unprinted region of the printing medium M onto the platen heater33. Further, the printing head35executes main-scanning for ejecting the inks while moving in a scanning direction Y. This scanning direction Y is orthogonal to the transport direction X. In this case, the number of the executions of the main-scanning by the printing head35(namely, a pass execution number) can be optionally set. The printing head35executes the main-scanning a plurality of times equal to the pass execution number having been set, and thereby performs printing of an image on the printing medium M being halted on the platen heater33. Further, an execution interval between every two successive ones of the plurality of executions of the main-scanning is adjusted to control a drying duration during which inks having been landed on the printing medium M by an immediately previous execution of the main-scanning are dried by the platen heater33.

Let us return toFIG. 1and continue the description. As described above, the printing system1allows the management apparatuses4to control the RIP2and the printing apparatus3. Particularly, each of the management apparatuses4controls the operation of the RIP2and that of the printing apparatus3in accordance with the medium type of the printing medium M. Here, non-limiting examples of physical configurations behaving as elements that prescribe the medium type of the printing medium M include the length of the printing medium M; the width of the printing medium M; the thickness of the printing medium M; the weight per unit area of the printing medium M; the material of the printing medium M (paper, film, a material resulting from laminating these materials, or the like); the water absorption property of the printing medium M; the color of the printing medium M; and the presence or absence of paste in the printing medium M. Namely, in the case where, for any two printing media M, there is a difference in at least any one of the above physical configurations, it can be handled that the medium types of the two printing media M are different from each other.

On the other hand, non-limiting examples of machine parameters for the printing performed by the printing apparatus3include the tension given to the printing medium M; the weight of the roller313; the platen gap g; the number of the executions of the main-scanning (the pass execution number); the execution interval for the executions of the main-scanning; the temperature of the pre-heater32; the temperature of the platen heater33and the temperature of the after-heater34, and one or more of these machine parameters may differ for each of the medium types of the printing media M.

Thus, each of the management apparatuses4specifies, to the printing apparatus3, machine parameters associated with the medium type of the printing medium M that is to be used in the printing processing, and then, the printing apparatus3executes the printing job J using the specified machine parameters. Specifically, the printing apparatus3stores a table Ta in the storage means302, and this table Ta stores therein sets of setting information Im, each of these sets of setting information Im being associated with a corresponding one of medium types Mk for the printing medium M, and indicating corresponding values of the individual machine parameters. Further, the printing apparatus3executes the printing job J using a set of setting information Im having been specified from among the sets of setting information Im stored in the table Ta.

FIG. 3is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the table Ta, stored in the printing apparatus3. The table Ta includes a plurality of storage regions R (R1to R8) each associated with a corresponding one of the mutually different medium types Mk. Further, identification numbers ID (ID1to ID8) are each added to a corresponding one of the storage regions R to identify the individual storage regions R. Further, in each of the storage regions R, a corresponding one of the sets of setting information Im (Im1to Im8) and a corresponding one of the medium types Mk, that is to say specifically, a corresponding one of pieces of medium type information Ik (Ik1to Ik8), are stored in such a way as to be associated with each other. Here, each of the pieces of medium type information Ik indicates a corresponding one of the medium types Mk. In this case, non-limiting examples of content stored in the table Ta as each of the pieces of medium type information Ik, namely, as each of the medium Types Mk, include the name of a corresponding printing medium M; an identification code for identifying the each medium type Mk, and the specific value of each of one or more of the physical configurations for the corresponding printing medium M. Further, as the each piece of medium type information Ik, additionally, a vendor that supplies the corresponding printing medium M may be stored. Namely, information indicating each of the medium types Mk of the printing media M can be stored as a corresponding one of the pieces of medium type information Ik.

Further, the content of the storage means42of each of the management apparatuses4is synchronized with that of the storage means302of the printing apparatus3, and the content of the table Ta of the storage means302is periodically reflected into the storage means42of each of the management apparatuses4. Further, each of the management apparatuses4instructs the printing apparatus3to use a set of setting information Im being among the sets of setting information Im of the table Ta and associated with a medium type Mk of a printing medium M used as a printing target in a printing job J that is to be executed. The printing apparatus3executes the printing job J using the instructed set of setting information Im.

Further, in the color management processing executed by the RIP2, an ICC profile to be used differs in accordance with a medium type Mk of a printing medium M that is to be used. Thus, one of the management apparatuses4specifies, to the RIP2, an ICC profile associated with a medium type Mk of a printing medium M that is to be used in printing processing, and then, the RIP2executes the color management processing on the printing job J using the specified ICC profile.

Specifically, the management apparatus4A, as one management apparatus4among the plurality of management apparatuses4, is selected in advance by a user as a second management apparatus. Here, the management apparatuses4B and4C other than the second management apparatus4A among the plurality of management apparatuses4will be referred to as first management apparatuses when needed. For example, the user is able to select a management apparatus4having been initially introduced, or a management apparatus4having the highest arithmetic ability among the plurality of management apparatuses4, as the second management apparatus. In addition to the selection of the second management apparatus, the user allows the storage means302of the printing apparatus3to store therein a piece of management information Ic, as a piece of management information indicating which one of the management apparatuses4is the second management apparatus4A (specifically, the piece of management information Ic being the address or the like of the second management apparatus4A). The second management apparatus4A having been selected in this way stores a table Tb in the storage means42, and in this table Tb, for each of the medium types Mk, a corresponding ICC profile and a corresponding set of setting information Im are stored in such a way as to be associated with each other. Further, in response to a request from the RIP2, the second management apparatus4A selects an ICC profile from among the ICC profiles stored in the table Tb, and sends back the selected ICC profile to the RIP2.

FIG. 4is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the table Tb, stored in the second management apparatus4A. The table Tb stores therein the plurality of sets of setting information Im each associated with a corresponding one of the mutually different medium types Mk. As described above, the sets of setting information Im are synchronized with those of the table Ta of the printing apparatus3, and thereby, are stored into the table Tb. Moreover, the table Tb stores therein a plurality of ICC profiles P (P1to P8) each associated with a corresponding one of the mutually different medium types Mk. In this way, in the table Tb, for each of the medium types Mk, a corresponding set of setting information Im and a corresponding ICC profile P are associated with each other. In addition, the ICC profiles P are obtained by means of downloading to the second management apparatus4A from a profile server via, for example, the Internet communication network.

Further, the RIP2makes a request, to one of the management apparatuses4, for an ICC profile P that is among the plurality of ICC profiles P stored in the table Tb and that is associated with a medium type Mk of a printing medium M that is to be used, and then, obtains the ICC profile P. Note that, in the present embodiment, the RIP2does not recognize which one of the management apparatuses4is the second management apparatus4A, and thus, the RIP2transmits the request for the ICC profile P to a management apparatus4having been registered in a way using registration processing illustrated in nextFIG. 5. Further, the management apparatus4having received the request from the RIP2specifies the second management apparatus4A on the basis of the piece of management information Ic stored in the printing apparatus3, and then, mediates between the RIP2and the second management apparatus4A. In the following description, a series of these operations will be described in detail.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for registering one management apparatus4into the RIP2. In step S101, the RIP2transmits, onto the network5, an inquiry about the presence or absence of at least one management apparatus4by means of broadcasting. In step S102, the RIP2confirms whether or not there exists any reply to the inquiry having been made in step S101. Further, in the case where there exists a reply (“YES” in step S102), the RIP2registers a management apparatus4having sent back the reply, as the destination of the transmission of the request (step S103). In this way, among the plurality of management apparatuses4, one management apparatus4having firstly sent back the reply to the RIP2is registered. According to such the flowchart, there may be a case where the second management apparatus4A is registered, but, here, a case where the first management apparatus4B is registered and the first management apparatus4B does not possess a color profile requested by the RIP2will be described.

First Embodiment

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation executed by the printing system1in this first embodiment. In step S201, the RIP2receives a user instruction for instructing the execution of the image processing (the color management processing and the rasterization) on a printing job J. This user instruction is made in such a way as to include the specification of a medium type Mk of a printing medium M that is to be used as the printing target of the printing job J. In step S202, the RIP2transmits, to the first management apparatus4B, a profile request for requesting an ICC profile P associated with the medium type Mk indicated by the user instruction. Upon receipt of the profile request from the RIP2, the first management apparatus4B makes an inquiry to the printing apparatus3about the second management apparatus4A indicated by the piece of management information Ic (step S203), and the printing apparatus3sends back a response indicating the second management apparatus4A indicated by the piece of management information Ic (step S204).

When the second management apparatus4A has been specified in this way, the first management apparatus4B transfers, to the second management apparatus4A, the profile request from the RIP2(step S205). Upon receipt of the profile request, the second management apparatus4A transmits, to the RIP2, an ICC profile P corresponding to the profile request (step S206). The RIP2executes the color management processing on the printing job J using the ICC profile P having been received from the second management apparatus4A (step S207), and further, executes the rasterization (step S208). The printing job J having been subjected to the image processing in this way is transmitted to the printing apparatus3from the RIP2(step S209). Further, an image is printed on the printing medium M through the execution of such the printing job J by the printing apparatus3(step S210).

In the first embodiment described above, among the plurality of management apparatuses4for managing the printing apparatus3, one management apparatus4serves as the second management apparatus4A, and the other management apparatuses4serve as the first management apparatuses4B and4C. The second management apparatus4A collectively stores therein the plurality of ICC profiles P each associated with a corresponding one of the printing media M having the mutually different medium types Mk. On the other hand, upon receipt of a request from the RIP2for an ICC profile P associated with a medium type Mk of a printing medium M that is to be used as the execution target of a printing job J, the first management apparatus4B transfers the request to the second management apparatus4A. Further, the second management apparatus4A transmits, to the RIP2, the ICC profile P, which is specified on the basis of the request. In this way, in the configuration in which the single printing apparatus3is managed by the plurality of management apparatuses4, the above procedures enable the RIP2to obtain a suitable ICC profile P from one of the management apparatuses4.

Further, the printing apparatus3stores therein the piece of management information Ic, which indicates which one of the plurality of management apparatuses4is the second management apparatus4A. Further, when the RIP2makes a request to the first management apparatus4B, the first management apparatus4B, having received the request, transfers the request to the second management apparatus4A, having been specified by the first management apparatus4B on the basis of the piece of management information Ic. Thus, the above configuration enables the first management apparatus4B to properly specify the second management apparatus4A on the basis of the piece of management information Ic, stored in the printing apparatus3.

By the way, for the above plurality of management apparatuses4, a management apparatus4capable of obtaining one or more ICC profiles P from a file server is not limited to the second management apparatus4A. That is, the printing system1may be configured such that each of the first management apparatuses4B and4C is also capable of obtaining the one or more ICC profiles P. Subsequently, a second embodiment that is suitable for such a configuration will be described. Note that the following description will be made mainly on points different from the first embodiment, and points in common with the first embodiment will be denoted by equivalent reference signs to allow the description on such points in common to be appropriately omitted. In this regard, however, the second embodiment includes constituent elements in common with the first embodiment, and thus, it is needless to say that, in the second embodiment, the same advantageous effects as those of the first embodiment are brought about.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation executed by the first management apparatus4B in this second embodiment. Note that, although the operation executed by the first management apparatus4B is described here, the first management apparatus4C also executes the same operation. In step S301, the first management apparatus4B downloads one or more ICC profiles P from a profile server, and stores the one or more ICC profiles P into the storage means42in such a way that each of the one or more ICC profiles is associated with a corresponding one of medium types Mk of printing media M. Further, in step S302, the first management apparatus4B transmits the downloaded one or more ICC profiles P to the second management apparatus4A. Such the transmission of the one or more ICC profiles P is made in the same way as described above, that is, in the way that refers to the piece of management information Ic stored in the printing apparatus3. The above procedures enable the second management apparatus4A to collectively store the one or more ICC profiles P, having been obtained by the first management apparatus4B, into the table Tb in such a way that each of the one or more ICC profiles P is associated with a corresponding one of the medium types Mk.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation executed by the printing system1in the second embodiment. In this flowchart, upon receipt of a profile request from the RIP2, the first management apparatus4B determines whether or not its own storage means42possesses an ICC profile P corresponding to the profile request (step S211). In the case where the storage means42possesses the ICC profile P (in the case of “YES” in step S211), the first management apparatus4B transmits the ICC profile P to the RIP (step S212). Further, the RIP2executes the color management processing using the ICC profile P having been received from the first management apparatus4B (step S207). In contrast, in the case where the storage means42does not possess the ICC profile P (in the case of “NO” in step S211), step S203and subsequent steps are executed just like in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment described above, the first management apparatus4B is capable of obtaining one or more ICC profiles P. Thus, a user of the first management apparatus4B is able to obtain, when needed, one or more ICC profiles P having been determined by the user to be necessary.

In this case, in the case where the first management apparatus4B already obtains the requested ICC profile P, the first management apparatus4B transmits the ICC profile P to the RIP2; while, in the case where the first management apparatus4B does not obtain the requested ICC profile P, the first management apparatus4B transfers the request to the second management apparatus4A. This procedure enables the RIP2to obtain a suitable ICC profile P from one of the management apparatuses4.

Further, the first management apparatus4B transmits the obtained one or more ICC profiles P to the second management apparatus4A. This procedure enables the second management apparatus4A to collectively store therein the one or more ICC profiles P having been obtained by the first management apparatus4B.

Third Embodiment

In the above second embodiment, the first management apparatus4B obtains the one or more ICC profiles P by means of downloading from a profile server. In this regard, in this third embodiment, the first management apparatus4B obtains the plurality of ICC profile P by allowing the content of its own storage means42to be synchronization with the content of the storage means42of the second management apparatus4A. Specifically, when one of predetermined triggers occurs, the content of the storage means42of the second management apparatus4A and the content of the storage means42of the first management apparatus4B are synchronized with each other. As a result, the content of the table Tb of the storage means42of the second management apparatus4A is periodically reflected into the storage means42of the first management apparatus4B. Non-limiting examples of timing points when the synchronization is triggered include a timing point when the first management apparatus4B is powered on; a timing point when the first management apparatus4B is connected to the network; a timing point when the second management apparatus4A obtains one or more of the plurality of ICC profiles P; and a timing point when the plurality of ICC profiles P of the second management apparatus4A is updated.

In such the third embodiment, in the case where the synchronization between the second management apparatus4A and the first management apparatus4B is already executed, and the first management apparatus4B already possesses an ICC profile P corresponding to the profile request, the result of the determination in step S211ofFIG. 8becomes “YES”, and the ICC profile P is transmitted to the RIP2from the first management apparatus4B (step S212). In contrast, in the case where the synchronization between the second management apparatus4A and the first management apparatus4B is not yet executed, and the first management apparatus4B does not possess the ICC profile P corresponding to the profile request, the result of the determination in step S211ofFIG. 8becomes “NO”, and steps S203to S206are executed.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation executed by the printing system1in this fourth embodiment. In this fourth embodiment, another modification example of the configuration for allowing the first management apparatus4B to obtain one or more ICC profiles P will be described. That is, in this modification example, upon receipt of a profile request in step S205, the second management apparatus4A transmits an ICC profile P to the RIP (step S206), and simultaneously transmits the ICC profile P to the first management apparatus4B (step S401). Further, the first management apparatus4B stores and retains the received ICC profile P in the storage means42.

Further, in each of operations after the execution of the above procedures, in the case where the first management apparatus4B has received a request for an ICC profile P having already been received from the second management apparatus4A, the result of the determination in step S211becomes “YES”, and the ICC profile P is transmitted to the RIP2from the first management apparatus4B (step S212). In contrast, in the case where the first management apparatus4B has not yet received the ICC profile P from the second management apparatus4A, the result of the determination in step S211becomes “NO”, and steps S203to S206are executed.

In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the first management apparatus4B is capable of obtaining the one or more ICC profiles P. Thus, a user of each of the first management apparatuses4B and4C is able to obtain, when needed, one or more ICC profiles P having been determined by the user to be necessary.

In this case, when the first management apparatus4B already obtains the requested ICC profile P, the first management apparatus4B transmits the ICC profile P to the RIP2; while, when the first management apparatus4B does not obtain the requested ICC profile P, the first management apparatus4B transfers the request to the second management apparatus4A. This procedure enables the RIP2to obtain a suitable ICC profile P from one of the management apparatuses4.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation executed by the printing system1in this fifth embodiment. The difference between this fifth embodiment and the first embodiment is that the connection between the RIP2and the second management apparatus4A is secured. That is, the first management apparatus4B transfers a profile request to the second management apparatus4A in step S205, and simultaneously, makes a request to the RIP2for a connection to the second management apparatus4A (step S501). Further, the RIP2having received the request for the connection establishes the connection to the second management apparatus4A (step S502). These procedures enable the ICC profile P to be certainly transmitted to the RIP2from the second management apparatus4A in step S206.

In the description of the above embodiments, the printing system1corresponds to an example of a “printing system” according to the invention; the RIP2corresponds to an example of an “image processing apparatus” according to the invention; the printing apparatus3corresponds to an example of “a printing apparatus” according to the invention; the management apparatuses4correspond to an example of “a plurality of management apparatuses” according to the invention; the second management apparatus4A corresponds to an example of “a second management apparatus” according to the invention; each of the first management apparatuses4B and4C corresponds to an example of one of “at least one first management apparatus” according to the invention; the ICC profile P corresponds to an example of a color profile” according to the invention; and the piece of management information Ic corresponds to an example of “a piece of management information” according to the invention.

Others

It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made on the above description of the embodiments within a scope not departing from the gist of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the second management apparatus4A having received a profile request from the first management apparatus4B transmits an ICC profile P corresponding to the profile request to the RIP2directly, that is, not via the first management apparatus4B. In this regard, however, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the second management apparatus4A may transmit the ICC profile P corresponding to the profile request to the RIP2via the first management apparatus4B.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a modification example of the operation executed by the printing system1. The difference between the flowcharts illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 6is that steps S801and S802are executed instead of step S206. That is, upon receipt of a profile request from the first management apparatus4B in step S205, the second management apparatus4A transmits an ICC profile P corresponding to the profile request to the first management apparatus4B (step S801). Further, in step S802, the ICC profile P is transmitted to the RIP2, not from the second management apparatus4A, but from the first management apparatus4B.

Moreover, a modification can be made on the above embodiments having been described with reference to the flowcharts illustrated inFIG. 6andFIGS. 8 to 11. That is, in this modification example, the first management apparatus4B stores and retains, in its storage means42, an address identifying the second management apparatus4A, and having been obtained from the printing apparatus3through the executions of steps S203and S204. Further, upon receipt of a profile request thereafter (step S202), the first management apparatus4B does not execute steps S203and S204, but transmits the profile request to the second management apparatus4A on the basis of the address stored in the storage means42(step S205). This configuration enables the first management apparatus4B to, after the obtaining of the address of the second management apparatus4A, transfer the request to the second management apparatus4A without making the inquiry about the second management apparatus4A to the printing apparatus3.

Further, as described above, according to the flowchart ofFIG. 5, there may occur a case where the second management apparatus4A among the plurality of management apparatuses4is registered as the destination of the transmission of a profile request by the RIP2. In this case, the second management apparatus4A may be configured to, upon receipt of the profile request, send back, to the RIP2, an ICC profile corresponding to the profile request.

By the way, the second management apparatus4A stores therein the sets of setting information Im and the ICC profiles P, one of the sets of setting information Im and one of the ICC profiles being set to the printing apparatus3when a printing job j is executed, in such a way that, for each of the medium types Mk of the media M, a corresponding one of the sets of setting information Im and a corresponding one of the ICC profiles P are associated with each other. This configuration enables the second management apparatus4A to collectively manage the sets of setting information Im for the printing apparatus3together with the ICC profiles P.

Further, the function of the second management apparatus4A may be expanded utilizing such an advantage. That is, the second management apparatus4A is also capable of transmitting, to the printing apparatus3, a set of setting information Im associated with a medium type Mk of a printing medium M that is to be used as the execution target of a printing job J. This configuration enables the printing apparatus3to execute the printing job J using a suitable set of setting information Im associated with the medium type Mk of the printing medium M.

Further, a modification can be made on the above-described method for establishing the connection between the RIP2and the second management apparatus4A, this method being illustrated inFIG. 10. In this modification example, the RIP2transmits, onto the network5, an inquiry about the presence or absence of at least one management apparatus4by means of broadcasting, and then, establishes a connection to each of one or more management apparatuses4having sent back a reply within a constant period of time from the transmission of the inquiry. This configuration enables the RIP2to establish a connection to the second management apparatus4A. Thus, upon receipt of the profile request in step S205, the second management apparatus4A is capable of certainly transmitting the ICC profile P to the RIP2using the established connection.

Further, the total number for the management apparatuses4for managing the printing apparatus3is not limited “three” described above. Moreover, the total number for the RIP2included in the printing system1is not limited to “one” described above.