Patent Publication Number: US-2023144579-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, image forming system, method for controlling display, and non-transitory recording medium

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-182016, filed on Nov. 8, 2021, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, a method for controlling a display, and a non-transitory recording medium. 
     Related Art 
     Adjusting color reproducibility of a printer to be used for a print job to reproduce color of a printed matter printed by a particular printer (a same printer in a past state or an ideal printer) or color of a print sample such as a book already existing as a printed matter is highly specialized and requires complex work. For example, in order to reproduce color of a printed matter specified by a customer, a person having a color management skill checks each operation one by one and adjusts color reproducibility of a printer to print out a printed matter whose color is approximated to the color of the printed matter specified by the customer. However, a printing company that lacks sufficient personnel having such a color management skill is unable to receive such kind of business order from the customer. In addition, in order to achieve such color reproducibility of the printer to reproduce the color of the printed matter printed by the particular printer or the color of the print sample such as the book already existing as a printed matter, it is necessary to adjust a color profile. 
     There is known a technique for adjusting the color reproducibility of a printer using an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a feature value conversion unit, a past history storage unit, a calculation unit, and a profile update unit. The feature value conversion unit performs color conversion of input data. The past history storage unit stores past history information on measurement of a color chart including a conversion value of a measured value of the color chart. The calculation unit compares the past history information stored in the past history storage unit with information on newly input measurement of another color chart to determine the number of color patches based on a result of the comparison. The profile update unit updates a printer profile based on data obtained by reading a determined color chart and stores the printer profile in the past history storage unit. 
     In a related art, achieving such color reproducibility described above largely depends on levels of the color management skill of skilled persons. In the first place, such color reproducibility is not achieved without a skilled person. Even if such a skilled person exists, there is an issue that a result of color reproduction varies depending on the level of the color management skill of the skilled person. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an information processing apparatus includes a display and circuitry. The circuitry controls the display to display a first display field for displaying a first image of document data, a second display field for displaying a second image based on a first data generated by an image reading device reading a print sample, a third display field for displaying a third image based on a second data generated by the image reading device reading a printed matter printed out by an image forming apparatus based on the document data, and a fourth display field for displaying a fourth image after execution of color matching for color of the third image to be matched with color of the second image based on the document data. 
     In another aspect, an image forming system includes the image reading device, the image forming apparatus, and the information processing apparatus. 
     In another aspect, a method for controlling a display includes displaying a first image of document data in a first display field, displaying a second image in a second display field based on a first data generated by an image reading device reading a print sample, displaying a third image in a third display field based on a second data generated by the image reading device reading a printed matter printed out by an image forming apparatus based on the document data, and displaying a fourth image after execution of color matching for color of the third image to be matched with color of the second image based on the document data in a fourth display field. 
     In another aspect, a non-transitory recording medium carries computer readable codes for controlling a computer system to perform a method. The method includes displaying a first image of document data in a first display field, displaying a second image in a second display field based on a first data generated by an image reading device reading a print sample, displaying a third image in a third display field based on a second data generated by the image reading device reading a printed matter printed out by an image forming apparatus based on the document data, and displaying a fourth image after execution of color matching for color of the third image to be matched with color of the second image based on the document data in a fourth display field. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of embodiments of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages and features thereof can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating an example of a color sample matching screen in an initial state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating an example of the color sample matching screen in a state when color matching is executed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating an example of an area designation screen for designating an area according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating an example of the color sample matching screen that presents a color difference map according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a sequence chart illustrating an example of overall processing to be executed by the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal screen transition performed by the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal screen transition performed by the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating an example of display operation of a screen for deleting an image of a print sample and an image of a reproduced image printed matter in the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is a diagram illustrating an example of display operation of a screen for switching between display and non-display of the color difference map in the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating an example of color matching processing to be executed by the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating an example of color matching processing to be executed by the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result. 
     Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Hereinafter, descriptions are given in detail of an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, a method for controlling a display, and a non-transitory recording medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the following one or more embodiments, and the constituent elements of the following one or more embodiments include elements that may be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those being substantially the same ones, and those being within equivalent ranges. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of the constituent elements may be made without departing from the gist of the following one or more embodiments. 
     Overall Configuration of Image Forming System 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. A description is given of an overall configuration of an image forming system  1  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIG.  1   . 
     The image forming system  1  illustrated in  FIG.  1    is an information processing system that enables efficient color matching for an image forming apparatus by using a print sample. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the image forming system  1  includes an image forming apparatus  10 , an information processing apparatus  20 , and an image reading device  30 . Each apparatus or device included in the image forming system  1  performs data communication with one another via a network (for example, a network N illustrated in  FIG.  4    to be described later). 
     The image forming apparatus  10  is an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) for which color matching processing is executed. Note that the MFP is a multifunction peripheral having at least two of a copying function, a printing function, a scanning function, and a facsimile communication function. The image forming apparatus  10  executes printing processing using an international color consortium (ICC) profile (hereinafter simply referred to as a profile) generated as a result of the color matching processing executed by the information processing apparatus  20 . 
     Note that the image forming apparatus  10  is not limited to the MFP, and may be, for example, an ordinary electrophotographic printing apparatus or an inkjet printing apparatus having a printing function as a main function, or a commercial printing apparatus controlled by a digital front end (DFE). In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus  10  is described as an MFP. 
     The information processing apparatus  20  is an information processing apparatus, such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation, which holds document data to be printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  and transmits the document data to the image forming apparatus  10  when the color matching processing is executed for the image forming apparatus  10 . In addition, the information processing apparatus  20  displays a screen that presents an image of the document data, an image of the print sample, an image of a printed matter printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  based on the document data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a reproduced image printed matter) (e.g., a reproduced image printed matter RIP illustrated in  FIG.  1   ), and an image after color matching, in order to execute color matching by using read data of the reproduced image printed matter and the print sample read by the image reading device  30 . The information processing apparatus  20  generates a profile by executing the color matching for the image forming apparatus  10  and transmits the profile to the image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the image forming apparatus  10  performs print output using the profile received from the information processing apparatus  20 . 
     A program for controlling display operation of the screen that presents each image displayed by the information processing apparatus  20  for executing the above-described color matching may be a native application executed on the information processing apparatus  20 , or may be a web application whose functionality is provided by a web server or a cloud server. 
     The image reading device  30  executes reading processing on the reproduced image printed matter printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  to generate the read data including colorimetric values such as L*a*b* values, XYZ values, or RGB values. The image reading device  30  transmits the read data to the information processing apparatus  20 . Examples of the image reading device  30  include, but are not limited to, devices such as an image scanner and a colorimeter, and include any device having a function of acquiring the read data of the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter. In the present embodiment, the colorimetric values of the read data obtained by the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  are described as L*a*b* values of the L*a*b* colorimetric system (hereinafter simply referred to as “Lab values”). The read data obtained by the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  are not limited to colorimetric values such as Lab values. The image reading device  30  may transmit the read data as raw data to the information processing apparatus  20  so that the information processing apparatus  20  converts the raw data into the colorimetric values. 
     Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the image forming apparatus  10  according to the present embodiment includes a controller  500 , a control panel  510 , a facsimile control unit (FCU)  520 , a plotter  531  (printing device), and a scanner  532 , which are connected one another via a peripheral component interface (PCI) bus. 
     The controller  500  is a device that controls entire operation, drawing, and communication performed by the image forming apparatus  10  and controls input from the control panel  510 . 
     The control panel  510  is, for example, a touch panel. The control panel  510  is a device that receives an input to the controller  500  (input function) and displays the status of the image forming apparatus  10  (display function). The control panel  510  is directly connected to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  506  to be described later. 
     The FCU  520  is a device that provides a facsimile communication function, and is connected to the ASIC  506  via, for example, the PCI bus. 
     The plotter  531  is a device that provides a printing function, and is connected to the ASIC  506  via, for example, the PCI bus. The scanner  532  is a device that provides a scanning function, and is connected to the ASIC  506  via, for example, the PCI bus. 
     The controller  500  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  501 , a system memory  502 , a north bridge (NB)  503 , a south bridge (SB)  504   a , a network interface (I/F)  504   b , a universal serial bus (USB) I/F  504   c , a Centronics I/F  504   d , the ASIC  506 , a local memory  507 , and an auxiliary memory  508 . 
     The CPU  501  controls entire operation of the image forming apparatus  10 . The CPU  501  is connected to a chipset including the system memory  502 , the NB  503 , and the SB  504   a , and is connected to other devices via the chipset. 
     The system memory  502  is a memory for storing programs and data, loading programs and data, and loading drawing data. The system memory  502  includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM is a read-only memory for storing programs and data. The RAM is a writable and readable memory for loading programs and data, and loading drawing data. 
     The NB  503  is a bridge for connecting the CPU  501  to the system memory  502 , the SB  504   a , and an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus  505 . The NB  503  includes a memory controller that controls reading from and writing to the system memory  502 , a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) master, and an AGP target. 
     The SB  504   a  connects the NB  503  with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The SB  504   a  is connected to the NB  503  via the PCI bus, and the network I/F  504   b , the USB I/F  504   c , and the Centronics I/F  504   d  are connected to the PCI bus. 
     The network I/F  504   b  is an interface for communicating data with an external apparatus such as the information processing apparatus  20  using the network N. The network I/F  504   b  is, for example, an interface compliant with ETHERNET and can establish communications in compliance with transmission control protocol (TCP)/internet protocol (IP). 
     The USB I/F  504   c  is an interface that can communicate with devices compliant with a USB standard. 
     The Centronics I/F  504   d  is an interface having a specification of a parallel port that can transmit a plurality of bits. 
     The AGP bus  505  is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card, which has been proposed to accelerate graphics processing. Through directly accessing the system memory  502  by high-throughput, speed of the graphics accelerator card is improved. 
     The ASIC  506  is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications including hardware elements for image processing and has a role of a bridge connecting the AGP bus  505 , the PCI bus, the auxiliary memory  508 , and the local memory  507  one another. The ASIC  506  includes a PCI target, an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) as a central processing unit of the ASIC  506 , a memory controller for controlling the local memory  507 , a plurality of direct memory access controllers (DMACs) capable of rotating image data with a hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the plotter  531  and the scanner  532  via the PCI bus. For example, the FCU  520 , the plotter  531 , and the scanner  532  are connected to the ASIC  506  via the PCI bus. The ASIC  506  is also connected to a host PC and a network. 
     The local memory  507  is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. 
     The auxiliary memory  508  is a storage area such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a secure digital (SD) card, or a flash memory, and stores image data, programs, font data, and forms. 
     The program designed for the image forming apparatus  10  may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as the auxiliary memory  508 , for distribution in an installable or an executable file format. 
     The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus  10  illustrated in  FIG.  2    is an example. The image forming apparatus  10  does not necessarily include all the components illustrated in  FIG.  2   , or may include some other components. 
     Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 
       FIG.  3    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus  20  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIG.  3   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the information processing apparatus  20  includes a CPU  601 , a ROM  602 , a RAM  603 , an auxiliary memory  605 , a medium drive  607 , a display  608 , a network I/F  609 , a keyboard  611 , a mouse  612 , and a digital versatile disc (DVD) drive  614 . 
     The CPU  601  is a processor that controls entire operation of the information processing apparatus  20 . The ROM  602  is a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs for the information processing apparatus  20 . The RAM  603  is a volatile storage device used as a work area for the CPU  601 . 
     The auxiliary memory  605  is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD that stores various data and programs. The medium drive  607  is a device that controls reading and writing of data to and from a recording medium  606  such as a flash memory under control of the CPU  601 . 
     The display  608  is a display device including a liquid crystal or an organic electro-luminescence (EL), which displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, characters, or an image. 
     The network I/F  609  is an interface for communicating data with an external apparatus such as the image forming apparatus  10  and the image reading device  30  using the network N. The network I/F  609  is, for example, a network interface card (NIC) compliant with ETHERNET and can establish communications in compliance with TCP/IP. 
     The keyboard  611  is an input device for selecting characters, numbers, or various instructions, and for moving a cursor, for example. The mouse  612  is an input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing object, and moving a cursor, for example. 
     The DVD drive  614  is a device that controls reading and writing of various data from and to a DVD  613  that is an example of a removable storage medium such as a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM) or a digital versatile disc recordable (DVD-R). 
     The CPU  601 , the ROM  602 , the RAM  603 , the auxiliary memory  605 , the medium drive  607 , the display  608 , the network I/F  609 , the keyboard  611 , the mouse  612 , and the DVD drive  614  are communicably connected to one another via a bus line  610  such as an address bus or a data bus. 
     Note that the configuration of the information processing apparatus  20  illustrated in  FIG.  3    is an example. The information processing apparatus  20  does not necessarily include all the components illustrated in  FIG.  3   , or may include some other components. 
     Functional Configuration and Operation of Image Forming System 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the functional configuration and operation of the image forming system  1  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIG.  4   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the image forming apparatus  10  includes a communication unit  101 , a job acquisition unit  102 , a print control unit  103 , a profile acquisition unit  104 , and a storage unit  105 . 
     The communication unit  101  is a functional unit that performs data communication with the information processing apparatus  20  via the network N. The communication unit  101  is implemented by the network I/F  504   b  and the CPU  501  illustrated in  FIG.  2    executing a program. 
     The job acquisition unit  102  is a functional unit that acquires a print job of the document data from the information processing apparatus  20 . In addition, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires normal print jobs from external devices via the network N. The job acquisition unit  102  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  501  illustrated in  FIG.  2    executing a program. 
     The print control unit  103  is a functional unit that causes the plotter  531  to perform print output of a reproduced image printed matter based on the print job of the document data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102  by applying a profile selected in advance. The print control unit  103  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  501  illustrated in  FIG.  2    executing a program. 
     The profile acquisition unit  104  is a functional unit that acquires, via the communication unit  101 , a profile generated by the information processing apparatus  20  executing the color matching. The profile acquisition unit  104  stores (registers) the acquired profile in the storage unit  105 . The profile stored in the storage unit  105  is applied to the control of the print output to a sheet performed by the print control unit  103 . The profile acquisition unit  104  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  501  illustrated in  FIG.  2    executing a program. 
     The storage unit  105  is a functional unit that stores the profile acquired by the profile acquisition unit  104 , various data, programs, and the like. The storage unit  105  is implemented by the auxiliary memory  508  illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
     Of the functional units of the image forming apparatus  10  illustrated in  FIG.  4   , at least a part of the functional units implemented by software (program) may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. 
     Further, each functional unit of the image forming apparatus  10  illustrated in  FIG.  4    is a conceptual representation of a function, and the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus  10  is not limited thereto. For example, two or more of the functional units of the image forming apparatus  10  illustrated as independent units in  FIG.  4    may be integrated into a single functional unit. By contrast, a plurality of functions provided by one functional unit of the image forming apparatus  10  illustrated in  FIG.  4    may be divided and allocated to a plurality of functional units. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the information processing apparatus  20  includes a communication unit  201  (read instruction unit), a job acquisition unit  202 , a setting unit  203 , a colorimetric value acquisition unit  204 , an area designation unit  205 , an alignment unit  206 , a color matching unit  207 , a color difference calculation unit  208 , a profile transmission unit  209 , an input unit  211 , a display control unit  212 , a display unit  213 , and a storage unit  214 . 
     The communication unit  201  is a functional unit that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus  10  and the image reading device  30  via the network N. The communication unit  201  is implemented by the network I/F  609  and the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The job acquisition unit  202  is a functional unit that transmits, to the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 , the print job of the document data to be printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  as the reproduced image printed matter. The job acquisition unit  202  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The setting unit  203  is a functional unit that performs, in accordance with an input to the input unit  211  operated by a user, setting a size of a document, selecting a profile, selecting an intent, and the like on a color sample matching screen  1000  to be described later. The setting unit  203  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  204  is a functional unit that acquires, from the image reading device  30  via the communication unit  201 , the read data including the colorimetric values obtained by the image reading device  30  executing the reading processing on the reproduced image printed matter printed out by the image forming apparatus  10 , a printed matter printed by a particular printer (the image forming apparatus  10  in a past state or an ideal printer), or a print sample such as a book already existing as a printed matter. The colorimetric value acquisition unit  204  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The area designation unit  205  is a functional unit that designates, in accordance with an input to the input unit  211  operated by the user, an area in each image of the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter to align both the images. The image of the print sample (hereinafter also referred to as a “sample image”) is an image displayed based on the read data of the print sample (first read data), and the image of the reproduced image printed matter (hereinafter also referred to as a “reproduced image”) is an image displayed based on the read data of the reproduced image printed matter (second read data). The area designation unit  205  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The alignment unit  206  is a functional unit that aligns the sample image and the reproduced image so that the color matching can be executed for the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image. The alignment unit  206  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The color matching unit  207  is a functional unit that executes the color matching for the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image based on the document data. Specifically, the color matching unit  207  generates a profile to be applied to the control of the print output of the document data by adjusting the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image. The color matching unit  207  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The color difference calculation unit  208  is a functional unit that calculates a color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching to generate a color difference map (second color difference image). For example, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates, for each pixel of the sample image, a color difference (difference in pixel value) from a corresponding pixel of the reproduced image. In addition, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates a color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image (that is, the reproduced image before color matching) to generate a color difference map (first color difference image). The color difference map is, for example, a map representing the color difference in each pixel in monochrome gradation. Further, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates an average color difference that is an average value of the color difference. The color difference calculation unit  208  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The profile transmission unit  209  is a functional unit that transmits the profile generated by the color matching unit  207  to the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 . Then, the profile transmission unit  209  receives a notification indicating registration of the profile from the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 . The profile transmission unit  209  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The input unit  211  is a functional unit that receives an input operated by the user. The input unit  211  is implemented by the keyboard  611  and the mouse  612  illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     The display control unit  212  is a functional unit that controls the display unit  213  (the display  608 ) to display various screens (such as the color sample matching screen  1000  to be described later) and information. The display control unit  212  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The display unit  213  is a functional unit that displays the various screens and the information under the control of the display control unit  212 . The display unit  213  is implemented by the display  608  illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     The storage unit  214  is a functional unit that stores the document data, the profile generated by the color matching unit  207 , and the like. The storage unit  214  is implemented by the auxiliary memory  605  illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     Of the functional units of the information processing apparatus  20  illustrated in  FIG.  4   , at least a part of the functional units implemented by software (program) may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC. 
     Further, each functional unit of the information processing apparatus  20  illustrated in  FIG.  4    is a conceptual representation of a function, and the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus  20  is not limited thereto. For example, two or more of the functional units of the information processing apparatus  20  illustrated as independent units in  FIG.  4    may be integrated into a single functional unit. By contrast, a plurality of functions provided by one functional unit of the information processing apparatus  20  illustrated in  FIG.  4    may be divided and allocated to a plurality of functional units. 
     Color Sample Matching Screen of Information Processing Apparatus 
       FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating an example of a color sample matching screen in an initial state according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating an example of the color sample matching screen in a state when color matching is executed according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating an example of an area designation screen for designating an area according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating an example of the color sample matching screen that presents a color difference map according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the color sample matching screen  1000  displayed in the information processing apparatus  20  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS.  5  to  8   . 
     The color sample matching screen  1000  illustrated in  FIG.  5    is a screen displayed on the display unit  213  (i.e., the display  608 ) under the control of the display control unit  212  in accordance with an input to the input unit  211  operated by the user. The color sample matching screen  1000  is a screen for executing color matching processing in the image forming system  1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the color sample matching screen  1000  includes a save button  1001 , an exit button  1002 , a document data operation field  1100 , a sample image operation field  1200 , a reproduced image operation field  1300 , a color matching operation field  1400 , and a color difference map display button  1408  (an example of a third operation element). 
     The save button  1001  is a button for saving the profile generated by the color matching unit  207  executing the color matching. The exit button  1002  is a button for ending the operation of the color matching on the color sample matching screen  1000  to transition to a top screen  2000  to be described later. 
     The document data operation field  1100  is a field for selecting the document data subjected to color matching to display an image of the document data (a first image). As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the document data operation field  1100  includes a document data display field  1101  (a first display field), a file selection button  1102 , an area designation button  1103 , a page back button  1104 , and a page forward button  1105 . 
     The document data display field  1101  is a field for displaying an image of document data selected according to an operation of the file selection button  1102 . 
     The file selection button  1102  is a button for selecting document data to be displayed as an image in the document data display field  1101 . As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the display control unit  212  displays, on the display  608 , the image of the document data selected according to the operation of the file selection button  1102  in the document data display field  1101 . 
     The area designation button  1103  is a button for designating an area in the image of the document data displayed in the document data display field  1101 . When the area designation button  1103  is pressed, the display control unit  212  displays an area designation screen  1500  illustrated in  FIG.  7   . 
     The page back button  1104  is a button for switching an image displayed in the document data display field  1101  to a previous image in a case where the document data includes a plurality of images. The page forward button  1105  is a button for switching the image displayed in the document data display field  1101  to the next image in the case where the document data includes the plurality of images. 
     The sample image operation field  1200  is a field for displaying the sample image (a second image) based on the read data of the print sample read by the image reading device  30 . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the sample image operation field  1200  includes a print sample display field  1201  (a second display field), a read button  1202  (an example of a first operation element), an area designation button  1203 , a size selection field  1204 , a sub-scanning length input field  1205 , and a delete button  1206 . 
     The print sample display field  1201  is a field for displaying the sample image based on the read data of the print sample. 
     The read button  1202  is a button for causing the image reading device  30  to execute reading processing on the print sample. As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the display control unit  212  displays the sample image in the print sample display field  1201  based on the read data of the print sample read by the image reading device  30  in response to the operation of the read button  1202 . 
     The area designation button  1203  is a button for designating an area in the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201 . When the area designation button  1203  is pressed, the display control unit  212  displays the area designation screen  1500  illustrated in  FIG.  7   . 
     A description is now given of the area designation screen  1500  illustrated in  FIG.  7   . The area designation screen  1500  is a screen for designating an area in each of the sample image and the reproduced image to align both the images. When the area designation screen  1500  is displayed in response to an operation of the area designation button  1203 , area designation in the sample image can be performed. As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the area designation screen  1500  includes an image display field  1501 , a left rotation button  1511 , a right rotation button  1512 , an “OK” button  1513 , and a cancel button  1514 . 
     The image display field  1501  is a field for displaying an image (in this example, the sample image). The area designation unit  205  designates an area (a designated area  1502 ) in the sample image according to a drag operation or the like performed by the user using the input unit  211 . 
     The left rotation button  1511  is a button for rotating the image displayed in the image display field  1501  to the left. The right rotation button  1512  is a button for rotating the image displayed in the image display field  1501  to the right. 
     The “OK” button  1513  is a button for confirming the area designated by the area designation unit  205 . The cancel button  1514  is a button for canceling the area designation by the area designation unit  205 . When the “OK” button  1513  or the cancel button  1514  is pressed, the display control unit  212  hides the area designation screen  1500  and displays the color sample matching screen  1000 . 
     The size selection field  1204  is a field for selecting a size of the print sample when the image reading device  30  executes reading processing on the print sample. The sub-scanning length input field  1205  is a field for inputting the length of the print sample in the sub-scanning direction when the size of the print sample selected in the size selection field  1204  is not a standard size. 
     The delete button  1206  is a button for deleting (hiding) the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201 . 
     The reproduced image operation field  1300  is a field for displaying the reproduced image (a third image) based on the read data of the reproduced image printed matter read by the image reading device  30 . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the reproduced image operation field  1300  includes a reproduced image display field  1301  (a third display field), a read button  1302  (an example of a second operation element), an area designation button  1303 , a size selection field  1304 , a sub-scanning length input field  1305 , a delete button  1306 , and a color difference before color matching display field  1307 . 
     The reproduced image display field  1301  is a field for displaying the reproduced image based on the read data of the reproduced image printed matter. 
     The read button  1302  is a button for causing the image reading device  30  to execute reading processing on the reproduced image printed matter. As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the display control unit  212  displays the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  based on the read data of the reproduced image printed matter read by the image reading device  30  in response to the operation of the read button  1202 . 
     The area designation button  1303  is a button for designating an area in the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301 . When the area designation button  1303  is pressed, the display control unit  212  displays the area designation screen  1500  illustrated in  FIG.  7   . The operation of designating the area in the reproduced image on the area designation screen  1500  is the same as the operation of designating the area in the sample image described above. 
     The size selection field  1304  is a field for selecting a size of the reproduced image printed matter when the image reading device  30  executes reading processing on the reproduced image printed matter. The sub-scanning length input field  1305  is a field for inputting the length of the reproduced image printed matter in the sub-scanning direction when the size of the reproduced image printed matter selected in the size selection field  1304  is not a standard size. 
     The delete button  1306  is a button for deleting (hiding) the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301 . 
     The color difference before color matching display field  1307  is a field for displaying an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image before color matching calculated by the color difference calculation unit  208  when color matching is executed by the color matching unit  207  in response to pressing of a color matching execution button  1404  to be described later. 
     The color matching operation field  1400  is a field for displaying an image after execution of color matching for the color of the reproduced image (a reproduced image after color matching) (a fourth image) displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  to be matched with the color of the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201 . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the color matching operation field  1400  includes a reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  (a fourth display field), a profile selection field  1402 , a rendering intent selection field  1403 , the color matching execution button  1404 , a profile addition button  1405 , a profile deletion button  1406 , and a color difference after color matching display field  1407 . 
     The reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  is a field for displaying an image after the color matching is executed by the color matching unit  207  for the color of the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  (the reproduced image after color matching) to be matched with the color of the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201 . 
     The profile selection field  1402  is a field for selecting a profile to be applied to the control of the print output of the reproduced image printed matter, which the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to perform based on the print job of the document data. In addition, for example, when the color matching is executed by the color matching unit  207  in response to pressing of the color matching execution button  1404 , the profile selected in the profile selection field  1402  is updated to the profile lastly generated by the color matching unit  207 . 
     The rendering intent selection field  1403  is a field for selecting a rendering intent to be applied to the control of the print output of the reproduced image printed matter based on the print job of the document data, which the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to perform. 
     The color matching execution button  1404  is a button for causing the color matching unit  207  to execute color matching for the color of the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  to be matched with the color of the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201 . The operation of the color matching execution button  1404  is enabled when the image of the document data is displayed in the document data display field  1101  (i.e., selection of the document data), the sample image is displayed in the print sample display field  1201  (i.e., acquisition of the read data of the print sample), and the reproduced image is displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  (i.e., acquisition of the read data of the reproduced image printed matter). 
     The profile addition button  1405  is a button for adding a profile to the selection in the profile selection field  1402 . The profile delete button  1406  is a button for deleting a profile included in the selection of the profile selection field  1402 . 
     The color difference after color matching display field  1407  is a field for displaying an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching calculated by the color difference calculation unit  208  when color matching is executed by the color matching unit  207  in response to pressing of the color matching execution button  1404  to be described later. 
     The color difference map display button  1408  is a button for switching display of the reproduced image (before color matching) in the reproduced image display field  1301  and display of the reproduced image (after color matching) in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  to displays of the respective color difference maps generated by the color difference calculation unit  208  as illustrated in  FIG.  8    after the color matching is executed in response to the operation of the color matching execution button  1404 . In other words, when the color difference map display button  1408  is pressed, the display control unit  212  switches the display of the reproduced image (before color matching) in the reproduced image display field  1301  to the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image (before color matching), and switches the display of the reproduce image after color matching in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  to the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching. In addition, when the color difference map display button  1408  is pressed again, the display control unit  212  returns the display of the reproduced image display field  1301  and the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  to the displays of the reproduced image and the reproduced image after color matching, respectively. 
     As described above, since the reproduced image display field  1301  and the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  are arranged adjacent to each other on the color sample matching screen  1000 , the reproduce images before and after color matching can be easily compared. 
     Overall Processing to be Executed by Image Forming System 
       FIG.  9    is a sequence chart illustrating an example of overall processing to be executed by the image forming system according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the overall processing to be executed by the image forming system  1  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIG.  9   . 
     Step S 11   
     The user performs, via the control panel  510  of the image forming apparatus  10 , an operation for printing out the document data subjected to color matching. Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of the document data from the information processing apparatus  20 . Alternatively, the job acquisition unit  102  may generate the print job by acquiring the document data stored in the image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to perform print output of a reproduced image printed matter based on the print job of the document data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102  by applying a profile selected in advance. The profile selected in advance is a profile selected in the profile selection field  1402  on the color sample matching screen  1000  displayed by the display control unit  212  of the information processing apparatus  20 . 
     Step S 12   
     The user sets the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  on the image reading device  30 . In this case, it is preferable that the reproduced image printed matter is set on the image reading device  30  after the print sample is read, or the operation is performed in the reverse order. Note that the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter can be set on the image reading device  30  at the same time in a case where it is possible to identify whether the print sample or the reproduced image printed matter by reading a code (e.g., a color code) or the like for identifying each of the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter printed on each of the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter. 
     Step S 13   
     The user selects the document data subjected to color matching by operating the file selection button  1102  in the document data operation field  1100  on the color sample matching screen  1000 . The display control unit  212  reads the document data selected in response to the operation of the file selection button  1102  from the storage unit  214  to display the image of the document data in the document data display field  1101 . 
     Step S 14   
     The user selects a size of the print sample in the size selection field  1204  of the sample image operation field  1200  on the color sample matching screen  1000  and presses the read button  1202 . The setting unit  203  of the information processing apparatus  20  sets the size according to the user operation. Further, the user selects a size of the reproduced image printed matter in the size selection field  1304  of the reproduced image operation field  1300  on the color sample matching screen  1000  and presses the read button  1302 . The setting unit  203  of the information processing apparatus  20  sets the size according to the user operation. 
     Step S 15   
     When the user presses the read button  1202  in the sample image operation field  1200 , the communication unit  201  of the information processing apparatus  20  transmits an instruction to read the print sample and the size of the print sample selected in the size selection field  1204  to the image reading device  30 . Further, when the user presses the read button  1302  in the reproduced image operation field  1300 , the communication unit  201  transmits an instruction to read the reproduced image printed matter and the size of the reproduced image printed matter selected in the size selection field  1304  to the image reading device  30 . 
     Step S 16   
     In response to receiving the instruction to read the print sample and the size of the print sample from the information processing apparatus  20 , the image reading device  30  executes reading processing on the print sample set on the image reading device  30  according to the selected size of the print sample. Further, in response to receiving the instruction to read the reproduced image printed matter and the size of the reproduced image printed matter from the information processing apparatus  20 , the image reading device  30  executes reading processing on the reproduced image printed matter set on the image reading device  30  according to the selected size of the reproduced image printed matter. 
     Step S 17   
     The image reading device  30  transmits the read data of the print sample to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  of the information processing apparatus  20  receives the read data of the print sample. Further, the image reading device  30  transmits the read data of the reproduced image printed matter to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  of the information processing apparatus  20  receives the read data of the reproduced image printed matter. 
     Although the above processing S 14  to S 17  is collectively described for the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter, the above processing S 14  to S 17  is actually executed individually for the print sample and the reproduced image printed matter. 
     Step S 18   
     The display control unit  212  displays the sample image in the print sample display field  1201  based on the read data of the print sample received by the communication unit  201 . Further, the display control unit  212  displays the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  based on the read data of the reproduced image printed matter received by the communication unit  201 . Then, the alignment unit  206  aligns both the sample image and the reproduced image so that color matching can be executed for the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image. The user confirms whether the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201  and the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  are properly aligned with each other. 
     Step S 19   
     The area designation unit  205  designates an area in each of the sample image and the reproduced image to align the sample image with the reproduced image in accordance with an input to the input unit  211  operated by the user as necessary. Then, the alignment unit  206  aligns the sample image with the reproduced image based on the area designated by the area designation unit  205  in each of the sample image and the reproduced image. 
     Step S 20   
     The color matching unit  207  executes color matching for the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image based on the document data. 
     Specifically, the color matching unit  207  generates a profile to be applied to the control of the print output of the document data by adjusting the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image. 
     Step S 21   
     When the user presses the color difference map display button  1408 , the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates the color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching to generate a color difference map. The display control unit  212  switches the display of the reproduced image after color matching in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  to the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching. In addition, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates the color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image (i.e., the reproduced image before color matching) to generate the color difference map. The display control unit  212  switches the display of the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  to the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image before color matching. 
     Further, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching. The display control unit  212  displays the average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching in the color difference after color matching display field  1407  of the color matching operation field  1400 . Furthermore, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image before color matching. The display control unit  212  displays the average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image before color matching in the color difference before color matching display field  1307  of the reproduced image operation field  1300 . 
     The user checks the color difference maps displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  and the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401 , and the average color differences displayed in the color difference before color matching display field  1307  and the color difference after color matching display field  1407  to determine whether to end or retry the color matching. The information processing apparatus  20  ends or retries the color matching according to a user operation based on the determination. 
     Step S 22   
     When the user determines to end the color matching (operation of the exit button  1002  is received), the profile transmission unit  209  transmits the profile generated by the color matching unit  207  to the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201  in accordance with a user operation. Then, the information processing apparatus  20  ends the color matching. The communication unit  101  of the image forming apparatus  10  receives the profile. 
     Step S 23   
     The profile acquisition unit  104  of the image forming apparatus  10  acquires the profile received by the communication unit  101  from the information processing apparatus  20 . The profile acquisition unit  104  stores (registers) the acquired profile in the storage unit  105 . Then, the profile acquisition unit  104  transmits a notification indicating registration of the profile to the information processing apparatus  20  via the communication unit  101 . 
     Normal Screen Transition Performed by Information Processing Apparatus 
       FIGS.  10  and  11    are diagrams illustrating examples of a normal screen transition performed by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the normal screen transition displayed on the display unit  213  of the information processing apparatus  20  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
     When a program is activated by the CPU  601  of the information processing apparatus  20 , first, the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  10    on the display unit  213 . The top screen  2000  is a screen for selecting to start either simple color adjustment processing or color matching processing with the color of the sample image (color matching processing). The top screen  2000  includes a simple color adjustment button  2001  and a color matching processing button  2002 . 
     The simple color adjustment button  2001  is a button for executing the simple color adjustment processing. The color matching processing button  2002  is a button for executing the color matching processing. 
     When the user presses the color matching processing button  2002 , the display control unit  212  displays the color sample matching screen  1000  in an initial state illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  10   . Since the color sample matching screen  1000  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  10    is a screen in the initial state before execution of the color matching processing, no image is displayed on the color sample matching screen  1000 . When the user presses the exit button  1002  on the color sample matching screen  1000 , the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  10   . 
     When the document data is selected according to an operation of the file selection button  1102 , the display control unit  212  displays the image of the selected document data in the document data display field  1101  as illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  10   . 
     When the user presses the read button  1202 , the image reading device  30  acquires read data of the print sample by executing reading processing on the print sample. The display control unit  212  displays the sample image in the print sample display field  1201  based on the read data of the print sample as illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  11   . 
     When the user presses the read button  1302 , the image reading device  30  acquires read data of the reproduced image printed matter by executing reading processing on the reproduced image printed matter. The display control unit  212  displays the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  based on the read data of the reproduced image printed matter as illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  11   . 
     When the user presses the color matching execution button  1404 , the color matching unit  207  executes color matching for the color of the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  to be matched with the color of the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201 . Then, as illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  11   , the display control unit  212  displays an image after the color matching is executed by the color matching unit  207  (a reproduced image after color matching) in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401 . 
     In the state of the color sample matching screen  1000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  11   , when the user presses the save button  1001 , the profile generated by the color matching unit  207  executing the color matching is stored in the auxiliary memory  605 . Alternatively, at the timing when the user presses the save button  1001 , the profile transmission unit  209  may transmit the profile generated by the color matching unit  207  executing the color matching to the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 . When the user presses the exit button  1002  after the profile is stored, the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  10   . On the other hand, when the user presses the exit button  1002  without the profile being stored, the display control unit  212  displays a data discard confirmation dialog box  1600  as illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  11   . 
     The data discard confirmation dialog box  1600  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  11    is a dialog box for confirming whether to discard the generated profile without being stored. The data discard confirmation dialog box  1600  includes an “OK” button  1601  and a cancel button  1602 . The “OK” button  1601  is a button for transitioning to the top screen  2000  without the generated profile being stored. The cancel button  1602  is a button for canceling the transition to the top screen  2000  to return to the color sample matching screen  1000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  11   . 
     Display Operation of Screen for Deleting Sample Image or Reproduced Image  FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating an example of display operation of a screen for deleting an image of a print sample (a sample image) and an image of a reproduced image printed matter (a reproduced image) in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the display operation for deleting the sample image and the reproduced image on the color sample matching screen  1000  with reference to  FIG.  12   . 
     The color sample matching screen  1000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  12    is in a state in which the image of the document data is displayed in the document data display field  1101 , the sample image is displayed in the print sample display field  1201 , and the reproduced image is displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301 . In this state, when the user presses the delete button  1206 , the display control unit  212  displays a read image discard confirmation dialog box  1700  as illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  12   . 
     The read image discard confirmation dialog box  1700  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  12    is a dialog box for confirming deletion of the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201  (or the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301 ). The read image discard confirmation dialog box  1700  includes an “OK” button  1701  and a cancel button  1702 . The “OK” button  1701  is a button for deleting (hiding) the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201  (or the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301 ). The cancel button  1702  is a button for canceling the deletion of the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201  (or the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301 ) to return to the color sample matching screen  1000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  12   . 
     When the user presses the “OK” button  1701 , the display control unit  212  deletes (hides) the sample image displayed in the print sample display field  1201  as illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  12   . Accordingly, when the image reading device  30  fails in the reading processing, for example, the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing on the print sample upside down or face and back sides in reverse, an improper image of the sample print can be deleted. Then, another image obtained by newly reading the print sample with the image reading device  30  can be displayed. 
     Deletion (non-display) of the reproduced image displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301  by using the delete button  1306  is also performed in substantially the same manner as the operation performed by using the delete button  1206 . 
     Display Operation of Screen for Switching Between Display and Non-Display of Color Difference Map 
       FIG.  13    is a diagram illustrating an example of display operation of a screen for switching between display and non-display of a color difference map in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the display operation for switching between the display and the non-display of the color difference map on the color sample matching screen  1000  with reference to  FIG.  13   . 
     The color sample matching screen  1000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  13    is in a state in which the image of the document data is displayed in the document data display field  1101 , the sample image is displayed in the print sample display field  1201 , the reproduced image is displayed in the reproduced image display field  1301 , and the reproduced image after color matching is displayed in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401 . In this state, when the user presses the color difference map display button  1408 , the display control unit  212  switches the display of the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  to the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image, and switches the display of the reproduce image after color matching in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  to the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching, as illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  13   . 
     When the user presses the color difference map display button  1408  on the color sample matching screen  1000  in the state illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  13   , the display control unit  212  switches the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  to the display of the reproduced image, and switches the display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  to the display of the reproduce image after color matching, as illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  13   . 
     Color Matching Processing to be Executed by Image Forming System 
       FIGS.  14  and  15    are flowcharts illustrating examples of color matching processing to be executed by the image forming system according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the color matching processing to be executed by the image forming system  1  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS.  14  and  15   . 
     Step S 31   
     The user performs, via the control panel  510  of the image forming apparatus  10 , an operation for printing out document data subjected to color matching. Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of the document data from the information processing apparatus  20 . Alternatively, the job acquisition unit  102  may generate the print job by acquiring the document data stored in the image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to perform print output of a reproduced image printed matter based on the print job of the document data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102  by applying a profile selected in advance. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 32 . 
     Step S 32   
     The user selects the document data subjected to color matching by operating the file selection button  1102  in the document data operation field  1100  on the color sample matching screen  1000 . The display control unit  212  reads the document data selected according to the operation of the file selection button  1102  from the storage unit  214  to display the image of the document data in the document data display field  1101 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 33 . 
     Step S 33   
     When the read document data is determined to be proper document data according to a user operation (step S 33 : Yes), the process proceeds to step S 35 . When the read document data is determined not to be proper document data according to a user operation (step S 33 : No), the process proceeds to step S 34 . 
     Step S 34   
     The user again selects document data subjected to color matching by operating the file selection button  1102  in the document data operation field  1100  on the color sample matching screen  1000 . The display control unit  212  reads the document data selected according to the operation of the file selection button  1102  from the storage unit  214  to display the image of the document data in the document data display field  1101 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 35 . 
     Step S 35   
     The user selects a size of the print sample in the size selection field  1204  of the sample image operation field  1200  on the color sample matching screen  1000 . The setting unit  203  sets the size according to the user operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S 36 . 
     Step S 36   
     When the size of the print sample selected in step S 35  is a standard size (step S 36 : Yes), the process proceeds to step S 38 . When the size of the print sample selected in step S 35  is not a standard size (step S 36 : No), the process proceeds to step S 37 . 
     Step S 37   
     The user inputs the length of the print sample in the sub-scanning direction to the sub-scanning length input field  1205 . The setting unit  203  sets the length according to the user operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S 38 . 
     Step S 38   
     When the user presses the read button  1202  in the sample image operation field  1200 , the communication unit  201  of the information processing apparatus  20  transmits an instruction to read the print sample and the size of the print sample selected in the size selection field  1204  to the image reading device  30 . In response to receiving the instruction to read the print sample and the size of the print sample from the information processing apparatus  20 , the image reading device  30  executes reading processing on the print sample set on the image reading device  30  according to the selected size of the print sample. 
     Step S 39   
     When the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined to be free from an error such as occurrence of a jam or a mistake of reversely reading front and back sides according to a user operation (step S 39 : Yes), the image reading device  30  transmits the read data of the print sample to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  of the information processing apparatus  20  receives the read data of the print sample. The display control unit  212  displays the sample image in the print sample display field  1201  based on the read data of the print sample received by the communication unit  201 . Then, the alignment unit  206  performs alignment of the sample image. The process proceeds to step S 41 . 
     On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from an error such as occurrence of a jam or a mistake of reversely reading front and back sides according to a user operation (step S 39 : No), the process proceeds to step S 40 . 
     Step S 40   
     The user deals with the error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the process returns to step S 38 . 
     Step S 41   
     When the information processing apparatus  20  receives a user operation indicating that the alignment of the sample image is appropriately performed by the alignment unit  206  (step S 41 : Yes), the process proceeds to step S 43 . When the information processing apparatus  20  receives a user operation indicating that the alignment of the sample image is not appropriately performed by the alignment unit  206  (step S 41 : No), the process proceeds to step S 42 . 
     Step S 42   
     The area designation unit  205  designates an area in the sample image on the area designation screen  1500  for performing alignment of the sample image in accordance with an input to the input unit  211  operated by the user. Then, the alignment unit  206  performs the alignment of the sample image based on the area designated by the area designation unit  205  in the sample image. Then, the process proceeds to step S 43 . 
     Step S 43   
     The user selects a size of the reproduced image printed matter in the size selection field  1304  of the reproduced image operation field  1300  on the color sample matching screen  1000 . The setting unit  203  sets the size according to the user operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S 44 . 
     Step S 44   
     When the size of the reproduced image printed matter selected in step S 43  is a standard size (step S 44 : Yes), the process proceeds to step S 46 . When the size of reproduced image printed matter selected in step S 43  is not a standard size (step S 44 : No), the process proceeds to step S 45 . 
     Step S 45   
     The user inputs the length of the reproduced image printed matter in the sub-scanning direction to the sub-scanning length input field  1305 . The setting unit  203  sets the length according to the user operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S 46 . 
     Step S 46   
     When the user presses the read button  1302  in the reproduced image operation field  1300 , the communication unit  201  of the information processing apparatus  20  transmits an instruction to read the reproduced image printed matter and the size of the reproduced image printed matter selected in the size selection field  1304  to the image reading device  30 . In response to receiving the instruction to read the reproduced image printed matter and the size of the reproduced image printed matter from the information processing apparatus  20 , the image reading device  30  executes reading processing on the reproduced image printed matter set on the image reading device  30  according to the selected size of the reproduced image printed matter. 
     Step S 47   
     When the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined to be free from an error such as occurrence of a jam or a mistake of reversely reading front and back sides according to a user operation (step S 47 : Yes), the image reading device  30  transmits the read data of the reproduced image printed matter to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  of the information processing apparatus  20  receives the read data of the reproduced image printed matter. Then, the display control unit  212  displays the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  based on the read data of the reproduced image printed matter received by the communication unit  201 . Then, the alignment unit  206  aligns both the sample image and the reproduced image so that the color matching can be executed for the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image. The process proceeds to step S 49 . 
     On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from an error such as occurrence of a jam or a mistake of reversely reading front and back sides according to a user operation (step S 47 : No), the process proceeds to step S 48 . 
     Step S 48   
     The user deals with the error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the process returns to step S 46 . 
     Step S 49   
     When the information processing apparatus  20  receives user operation indicating that the alignment of the sample image is appropriately performed by the alignment unit  206  (step S 49 : Yes), the process proceeds to step S 51 . When the information processing apparatus  20  receives user operation indicating that the alignment of the reproduced image is not appropriately performed by the alignment unit  206  (step S 49 : No), the process proceeds to step S 50 . 
     Step S 50   
     The area designation unit  205  designates an area in the reproduced image on the area designation screen  1500  for performing alignment of the sample image and the reproduced image in accordance with an input to the input unit  211  operated by the user. Then, the alignment unit  206  aligns both the sample image and the reproduced image based on the area designated by the area designation unit  205  in the reproduced image. Then, the process proceeds to step S 51 . 
     Step S 51   
     The setting unit  203  sets, according to a user&#39;s selecting operation, a profile to be applied to control of print output of as a reproduced image printed matter in the profile selection field  1402 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 52 . 
     Step S 52   
     The setting unit  203  sets, according to a user&#39;s selecting operation, a rendering intent to be applied to the control of the print output of the reproduced image printed matter in the rendering intent selection field  1403 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 53 . 
     Step S 53   
     The color matching unit  207  executes color matching for the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image based on the document data. Specifically, the color matching unit  207  generates a profile to be applied to the control of the print output of the document data by adjusting the color of the reproduced image to be matched with the color of the sample image. Then, the process proceeds to step S 54 . 
     Step S 54   
     When the user presses the color difference map display button  1408 , the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates a color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching to generate a color difference map. The display control unit  212  switches display of the reproduced image after color matching in the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  to display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching. In addition, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates a color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image (i.e., the reproduced image before color matching) to generate a color difference map. The display control unit  212  switches display of the reproduced image in the reproduced image display field  1301  to display of the color difference map between the sample image and the reproduced image before color matching. Thus, the user compares the color difference maps before and after color matching. Then, the process proceeds to step S 55 . 
     Step S 55   
     Further, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching. The display control unit  212  displays an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image after color matching in the color difference after color matching display field  1407  of the color matching operation field  1400 . Furthermore, the color difference calculation unit  208  calculates an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image before color matching. The display control unit  212  displays an average color difference between the sample image and the reproduced image before color matching in the color difference before color matching display field  1307  of the reproduced image operation field  1300 . 
     Thus, the user confirms the average color differences before and after color matching. Then, the process proceeds to step S 56 . 
     Step S 56   
     When the information processing apparatus  20  receives a user&#39;s operation indicating that the result of the color matching is satisfactory (step S 56 : Yes), the process proceeds to step S 58 . When the information processing apparatus  20  receives a user&#39;s operation indicating that the result of the color matching is not satisfactory (step S 56 : No), the process proceeds to step S 57 . 
     Step S 57   
     The user again performs, via the control panel  510  of the image forming apparatus  10 , an operation for printing out document data subjected to color matching. Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of the document data from the information processing apparatus  20 . Then, the print control unit  103  again causes the plotter  531  to perform print output of a reproduced image printed matter based on the print job of the document data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102  by applying the profile generated in step  53 . Then, the process returns to step S 46 . 
     Step S 58   
     When the information processing apparatus  20  receives a user&#39;s operation indicating that the result of the color matching is satisfactory, the profile transmission unit  209  transmits the profile generated by the color matching unit  207  to the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201  in accordance with a user operation. The communication unit  101  of the image forming apparatus  10  receives the profile. 
     The profile acquisition unit  104  of the image forming apparatus  10  acquires the profile received by the communication unit  101  from the information processing apparatus  20 . The profile acquisition unit  104  stores (registers) the acquired profile in the storage unit  105 . Then, the profile acquisition unit  104  transmits a notification indicating registration of the profile to the information processing apparatus  20  via the communication unit  101 . Thereafter, the image forming apparatus  10  performs printing by applying the registered profile. 
     As described above, the display control unit  212  of the information processing apparatus  20  according to the present embodiment controls the display  608  to display the document data display field  1101 , the print sample display field  1201 , the reproduced image display field  1301 , and the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401 . The document data display field  1101  is a field for displaying the image of the document data. The print sample display field  1201  is a field for displaying the sample image based on the read data of the print sample read by the image reading device  30 . The reproduced image display field  1301  is a field for displaying the reproduced image based on the read data generated by the image reading device  30  reading the reproduced image printed matter printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  based on the document data. The reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  is a field for displaying the reproduced image after color matching. The reproduced image after color matching is an image of the reproduced image printed matter for which the color matching has been executed based on the document data so that the color of the reproduced image matches the color of the print sample. As described above, since the sample image, the reproduced image (before color matching), and the reproduced image after color matching are displayed on the same screen, color reproducibility is easily judged. Thus, stable color reproducibility to reproduce the color of the print sample is achieved. In particular, since the display control unit  212  displays the reproduced image display field  1301  and the reproduced image after color matching display field  1401  adjacent to each other, judgement of color reproducibility is facilitated. 
     Note that, in a case where at least a portion of the functional units of the image forming apparatus  10  and the information processing apparatus  20  according to the above-described embodiment is implemented by execution of a computer program, the program can be prestored in a ROM or the like. The programs to be executed by the image forming apparatus  10  and the information processing apparatus  20  according to the embodiment described above may be configured to be recorded in any computer-readable recording medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a flexible disk (FD), a compact disc recordable (CD-R), or a DVD, in an installable or executable file format and provided as computer program products. In addition, the programs to be executed by the image forming apparatus  10  and the information processing apparatus  20  according to the embodiment described above may be configured to be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the programs to be executed by the image forming apparatus  10  and the information processing apparatus  20  according to the embodiment described above may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The programs to be executed by the image forming apparatus  10  and the information processing apparatus  20  according to the embodiment described above have module structure including at least one of the above-described functional units. Regarding the actual hardware related to the programs, the CPU  501  (CPU  601 ) reads and executes the programs from the memory (e.g., the system memory  502 , the auxiliary memory  508 , or the auxiliary memory  605 ) to load the programs onto the main memory to implement the above-described functional units. 
     The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention. Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from the one described above. 
     The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry which includes general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), conventional circuitry and/or combinations thereof which are configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functionality. Processors are considered processing circuitry or circuitry as they include transistors and other circuitry therein. In the disclosure, the circuitry, units, or means are hardware that carry out or are programmed to perform the recited functionality. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known which is programmed or configured to carry out the recited functionality. When the hardware is a processor which may be considered a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or units are a combination of hardware and software, the software being used to configure the hardware and/or processor.