Patent Publication Number: US-2023141186-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, image forming system, information processing method, 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. 2021-182825, filed on Nov. 9, 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, an information processing method, and a non-transitory recording medium. 
     Related Art 
     Printing companies need to maintain the quality of printed matter. In order to maintain such quality, a predetermined color chart is printed and read with a colorimetric device such as a scanner, to adjust color reproducibility for individual printing machines according to a difference between the color of the printed predetermined color chart and the color of quality target. For this reason, a printing company that has a plurality of printing machines executes color matching processing and generates a printer profile for each of the plurality of printing machines individually using a chart having color patches for color matching. 
     There is known a technique of adjusting the color reproducibility of a printing machine. An 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 values converted from measured values 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 the 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 in which a determined color chart is loaded and stores the printer profile in the past history storage unit. 
     However, in a related art, when adjustment of the color reproducibility of the printing machine is performed, various works such as colorimetry (reading) of a color chart printed out by a printing machine, checks of values of the reading result, profile generation and registration, and reprinting of the color chart are performed for each of the plurality of printing machines individually. In this case, there are issues that workability of color matching processing and manageability of data of color matching result are poor. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an information processing apparatus includes circuitry to cause an image reading device to execute reading processing of a first color chart printed by a particular image forming apparatus of a plurality of image forming apparatuses and display, for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a progress status of each stage of processing from the reading processing of the first color chart to registration processing of a profile generated based on color information data obtained by the reading processing of the first color chart. 
     In another aspect, an image forming system includes the image reading device, the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the information processing apparatus described above. 
     In another aspect, an information processing method includes causing an image reading device to execute reading processing of a first color chart printed by a particular image forming apparatus of a plurality of image forming apparatuses and displaying on a display, for each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a progress status of each stage of processing from the reading processing of the first color chart to registration processing of a profile generated based on color information data obtained by the reading processing of the first color chart. 
     In another aspect, a non-transitory recording medium carrying computer readable codes for controlling a computer system to perform the method described above. 
    
    
     
       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 first color chart according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating an example of a second color chart according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of determination patches according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating an example of a color adjustment screen in an initial state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram illustrating an example of the color adjustment screen when color matching processing is in progress according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating an operation of checking an abnormality or warning message on the color adjustment screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    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.  12    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.  13    is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition performed by the information processing apparatus in case of additional reading processing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating an example of the color matching processing to be executed for a single image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of preliminary determination to be executed by the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating an example of the color matching processing to be executed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating an example of the color matching processing to be executed for the plurality of image forming apparatuses in the image forming system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition when the color matching processing is suspended in the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  19    is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition when the color matching processing is ended in the information processing apparatus 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, an information processing method, and a non-transitory recording medium according to one embodiment 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 the 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 efficiently enables color matching processing for a plurality of image forming apparatuses by using color charts. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the image forming system  1  includes image forming apparatuses  10   a  to  10   d , 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 apparatuses  10   a  to  10   d  are image forming apparatuses 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. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the image forming apparatuses  10   a  to  10   d  receive image data of a color chart (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as color chart data) corresponding to each of the image forming apparatuses  10   a  to  10   d  held by the information processing apparatus  20 , and print out, based on the corresponding color chart data, respective color charts CCa to CCd to be used for color adjustment (adjustment color charts) and color charts to be used for confirmation of processing of posterior determination after the color adjustment (confirmation color charts). A description is given of a specific configuration of the adjustment color charts later with reference to  FIGS.  5  and  6   . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG.  1   , four image forming apparatuses  10   a  to  10   d  are illustrated as the image forming apparatuses, but the number of the image forming apparatuses is not limited in particular, and may be any number not smaller than two. A plurality of image forming apparatuses (in this example, the image forming apparatuses  10   a  to  10   d  in  FIG.  1   ) is referred to as image forming apparatuses  10  when the plurality of image forming apparatuses is referred to without distinction or collectively, and one thereof is referred to as an image forming apparatus  10 . 
     Similarly, the adjustment color charts printed out by an individual image forming apparatus  10  (in this example, the adjustment color charts CCa to CCd in  FIG.  1   ) are referred to as color charts CC when the adjustment color charts are referred to without distinction or collectively, and one thereof is referred to as a color chart CC. Note that the individual 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 that holds the color chart data to be printed out by the individual image forming apparatus  10 . When the color matching processing is executed for the individual image forming apparatus  10 , the information processing apparatus  20  transmits the color chart data to the individual image forming apparatus  10 . In addition, the information processing apparatus  20  executes the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  by using image data obtained by the image reading device  30  executing reading processing of the adjustment color charts CC printed out by the individual image forming apparatus  10 , and displays a progress status of the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  on a screen. The information processing apparatus  20  generates an international color consortium (ICC) profile by executing the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and transmits the ICC profile to the corresponding image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the corresponding image forming apparatus  10  performs print output using the ICC profile (hereinafter, simply referred to as a profile). 
     A program for controlling display operation of the above-described screen that presents the progress status of the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  displayed by the information processing apparatus  20  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 the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC (a first color chart) and the confirmation color chart (a second color chart) printed out by the individual image forming apparatus  10 , and generates color information data by converting read values of the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart into colorimetric values such as L*a*b* values, XYZ values, or RGB values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data formed of the converted colorimetric values 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 color information data of the adjustment color chart and the confirmation color chart. In the present embodiment, the colorimetric values converted from the read data obtained by the image reading device  30  executing the reading processing are described as L*a*b* values of the L*a*b* colorimetric system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “Lab values”). The colorimetric values read by the image reading device  30  are not limited to the colorimetric values converted from the read data obtained by the image reading device  30  executing the reading processing. 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  that are connected by a peripheral component interconnect (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  receives an input to the controller  500  (input function) and displays a status of the image forming apparatus  10  (display function), and 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  includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The system memory  502  is a memory for storing programs and data, loading programs and data, and loading drawing data. 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 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 graphics accelerator cards to accelerate graphics processing. The AGP bus  505  can speed up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the system memory  502  with high throughput. 
     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 programs 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) that 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.  FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating an example of a first color chart according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating an example of a second color chart according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of determination patches 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  FIGS.  4  to  7   . 
     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 color chart data from the information processing apparatus  20 . In addition, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires normal print jobs (print jobs other than the print job of the color chart data) 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 print out a color chart (the adjustment color chart CC, the confirmation color chart) based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102 . Note that the confirmation color chart is printed out with a profile acquired by the profile acquisition unit  104  being applied. Further, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to print out the normal print jobs acquired by the job acquisition unit  102  by applying a profile acquired by the profile acquisition unit  104 . When the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to print out the color chart (the adjustment color chart CC, the confirmation color chart), the print control unit  103  also causes the plotter  531  to print, on the color chart, identification information (first identification information) for identifying the image forming apparatus  10  that has printed out the color chart, identification information (second identification information) for identifying a sheet type (i.e., the sheet type of the color chart in this example), page information indicating a sheet number of the color chart, a date and time of the print output, and a color code including identification information indicating a patch array of the color chart. Since the identification information indicating the patch array of the color chart serves as identification information for distinguishing the color chart from other color charts, the identification information indicating the patch array of the color chart can also be regarded as the page information indicating the sheet number of the color chart. Accordingly, the identification information indicating the patch array of the color chart enables determination of whether the color chart is the adjustment color chart CC or the confirmation color chart. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the adjustment color chart CC is formed of two sheets and the confirmation color chart is formed of one sheet. However, the numbers of the sheets forming the adjustment color chart and the confirmation color chart are not limited thereto. The color chart CC may be formed of one sheet or three or more sheets, and the confirmation color chart may be formed of a plurality of sheets. In a case where the adjustment color chart CC is formed of one sheet, a deviation between sheets is not necessarily calculated. The print control unit  103  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  501  illustrated in  FIG.  2    executing a program. 
     An adjustment color chart CCA illustrated in  FIG.  5    and an adjustment color chart CCB illustrated in  FIG.  6    are examples of the two sheets of the adjustment color chart printed out under the control of the print control unit  103 . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the adjustment color chart CCA is an example of a first sheet of the adjustment color chart CC, and includes a color code CA and a color adjustment patch group CPA. As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the adjustment color chart CCB is an example of a second sheet of the adjustment color chart CC, and includes a color code CB and a color adjustment patch group CPB. 
     As described above, each of the color codes CA and CB is a group of color patches in which the identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus  10  that has printed out each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, the identification information for identifying the sheet type of a sheet on which each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB is printed out, the page information indicating the sheet number of each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, the date and time of the print output of each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, and the identification information indicating the patch array of each of the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB are encoded. The color codes CA and CB are referred to as color condes C when the color codes CA and CB are referred to without distinction or collectively, and one thereof is referred to as a color code C. Also, the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB are referred to as color adjustment patch groups CP when the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB are referred to without distinction or collectively, and one thereof is referred to as a color adjustment patch group CP. The color code C is formed of, for example, five color patches of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and white (W). At both ends of each of the color codes C, color patches indicating the ends of the color code C and specifying a direction of the color code C are arranged. Specifically, as illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the color of two color patches at the left end of the color code C are cyan (C) and magenta (M) from the left in order, and the color of two color patches at the right end of the color code C are yellow (Y) and black (K) from the left in order. Since the colors of these four color patches are fixed and the patch arrays of these four color patches are also fixed, the direction of the color code C can be specified by identifying the patch arrays of these four color patches. The color code C may include color patches of mixed colors of C, M, Y, K, and W in addition to the single colors of these five colors. 
     Further, color patches arranged between each two color patches at both ends of the color code C indicate encoded information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as color code information). Each color patch forming the color code C is arranged such that the color patches adjacent to each other do not have the same color. In addition, an integer of numerical values from 0 to 3 is assigned to each color patch indicating the color code information depending on the color of each color patch, for example. Further, the number of digits of a numerical value is determined by the number of color patches indicating the color code information, and the encoded color code information can be digitized (decoded). The numerical value decoded from the color code information includes two numerical value parts: One is associated with setting information and the other indicates the date and time. By referring to the setting information corresponding to the part of the numerical value associated with the setting information, the image forming apparatus  10  (a device name, a device type, an IP address, etc.), the sheet type, the page information indicating the sheet number of the color chart, and the patch array of the adjustment color chart CC (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CP) defined in the setting information are identified. In addition, the date and time when the adjustment color chart CC is printed out is directly identified with the part of the numerical value indicating the date and time. Thus, the individual image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type for which the information processing apparatus  20  executes the color matching processing are automatically identified. 
     Although the identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus  10  that has printed out each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, the identification information for identifying the sheet type of the sheet on which each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB is printed out, the page information indicating the sheet number of each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, the date and time of the print output of each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, and the identification information indicating the patch array of each of the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB are encoded in each of the color codes CA and CB, the encoded information is not limited thereto. For example, the color codes CA and CB may also include identification information indicating print settings (image density, etc.). In this case, specifically, the identification information indicating print settings may not be directly included in the color code information. The contents of the print settings may be included in the setting information corresponding to the part of the numerical value associated with the setting information. In a case where the date and time when the color codes CA and CB are printed is not necessarily managed, the content indicating the date and time may not be included in the color code information. 
     Each of the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB is a group of color patches used by the information processing apparatus  20  for executing the color matching processing for the image forming apparatus  10  identified with each of the color codes CA and CB. Each of the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB is affected by a printing state of each of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB on a sheet according to a printing operation state of the image forming apparatus  10 , and unevenness may occur in one sheet (or one page). When the above-described unevenness in one sheet occurs in the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB, the color matching processing for the image forming apparatus  10  cannot be properly executed. For this reason, determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  are embedded at nine positions in the color adjustment patch group CPA of the adjustment color chart CCA according to the present embodiment as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . The determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  serve as determination patches for evaluating unevenness in one sheet on which the adjustment color chart CCA is printed. Similarly, determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  are embedded at nine positions in the color adjustment patch group CPB of the adjustment color chart CCB according to the present embodiment as illustrated in  FIG.  6   . The determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  serve as determination patches for evaluating unevenness in one sheet on which the adjustment color chart CCB is printed. In addition, the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  are arranged at positions independent of each color patch forming the color adjustment patch group CPA as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . Similarly, the determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  are arranged at positions independent of each color patch forming the color adjustment patch group CPB as illustrated in  FIG.  6   . Further, the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  are arranged over a wide area in the color adjustment patch group CPA as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . Similarly, the determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  are arranged over a wide area in the color adjustment patch group CPB as illustrated in  FIG.  6   . 
     Each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9  is a group of color patches having the same number of color patches, the same color in respective color patches, and the same array of the color patches. In other words, each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9  is formed of a plurality of color patches arranged in a configuration of the same array as illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . Note that the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9  are referred to as determination patches JP when the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9  are referred to without distinction or collectively, and one thereof is referred to as a determination patch JP.  FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of an example of the determination patch JP according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the determination patch JP is formed of four kinds of color patches (gray patches) P 1  to P 4  in total to facilitate a detection of unevenness in one sheet with high sensitivity. For example, the color patch P 1  is a halftone gray patch formed of black (K) single color and the color patches P 2  to P 4  are halftone gray patches each of which has different halftone gray formed of a composite color (mixed colors) obtained by adding cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) in three different densities to black. As illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the above-described determination patch JP is arranged at the nine positions in each of the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB as determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9 . Note that the number of color patches, color in each of the color patches, and an array of the color patches in the determination patch JP are not limited thereto, and the number of color patches in the determination patch JP may not be four, for example. In addition, the number of positions in which the determination patch JP is arranged is not limited to nine, and may be other than nine. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , no white portion of the sheet surrounds the determination patch JP and no color patch formed of white (W) is arranged adjacent to the determination patch JP in order to prevent an inability to properly measure a color due to an influence of a flare caused by light reflected from paper white in a white portion of the sheet or a color patch formed of white. In other words, color patches formed of other than white (W) are arranged around the determination patch JP. The unevenness in one sheet of the adjustment color chart CCA is evaluated by digitizing deviations among color values (colorimetric values) obtained by measuring the determination color patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  arranged in the nine positions as color differences. Similarly, the unevenness in one sheet of the adjustment color chart CCB is evaluated by digitizing deviations among color values (colorimetric values) obtained by measuring the determination color patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  arranged in the nine positions as color differences. A description is given in detail later of a method to evaluate (determine) the unevenness in one sheet of the adjustment color chart CCA (or the adjustment color chart CCB) using the color differences of the colorimetric values of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  (or the determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9 ). 
     Returning to  FIG.  4   , the description of the functional configuration of the image forming system is continued. 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 processing using the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. The profile acquisition unit  104  stores (registers) the acquired profile for the image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type 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  (an example of a read instruction unit), a chart transmission unit  202 , a colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  (an acquisition unit), an identification unit  204 , a patch acquisition unit  205 , a calculation unit  206 , a first determination unit  207 , a profile generation unit  208  (a generation unit), a profile transmission unit  209  (a transmission unit), a second determination unit  210 , 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 chart transmission unit  202  is a functional unit that transmits, to the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 , a print job of color chart data based on which an adjustment color chart CC or a confirmation color chart is to be printed out by the image forming apparatus  10 . The chart transmission unit  202  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  is a functional unit that acquires, from the image reading device  30  via the communication unit  201 , color information data formed of colorimetric values (Lab values) of each color patch of the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart obtained by the image reading device  30  executing reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart printed out by the image forming apparatus  10 . The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The identification unit  204  is a functional unit that identifies color code information of each of the color codes CA and CB from the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of each of the color codes CA and CB, and identifies the image forming apparatus  10  (device type, etc.), the sheet type, the sheet number of the adjustment color chart CC, the patch array of the adjustment color chart CC (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CP), and the date and time of the print output. The identification unit  204  executes the same processing described above for the color code of the confirmation color chart. The identification unit  204  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The patch acquisition unit  205  is a functional unit that identifies parts corresponding to the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9  embedded at the nine positions in each of the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB from the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , and acquires colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patches P 1  to P 4  in each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9 . The patch acquisition unit  205  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The calculation unit  206  is a functional unit that calculates an average value or the like of the colorimetric values of the patches P 1  to P 4  in each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9  acquired by the patch acquisition unit  205 . Specifically, assuming that the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patch P 1  of each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  of the adjustment color chart CCA are values of (L*A1_1, a*A1_1, b*A1_1), (L*A1_2, a*A1_2, b*A1_2), . . . , and (L*A1_9, a*A1_9, b*A1_9), the calculation unit  206  calculates an average colorimetric value of (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) which is an average value of the colorimetric values of the patch P 1  of each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  by using the following formula (1). 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         L 
                         * 
                       
                       ⁢ 
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                       ⁢ 
                       1 
                       ⁢ 
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                     = 
                     
                       
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                       ⁢ 
                       
                         
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                             = 
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                           9 
                         
                         
                           
                             a 
                             * 
                           
                           ⁢ 
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                           ⁢ 
                           1 
                           ⁢ 
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                   , 
                   
                     
                       
                         b 
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                       ⁢ 
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                       ⁢ 
                       _ave 
                     
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                       ⁢ 
                       
                         
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                             i 
                             = 
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                           9 
                         
                         
                           
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                     ( 
                     1 
                     ) 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Further, assuming that the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patch P 1  of each of the determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  of the adjustment color chart CCB are values of (L*B1_1, a*B1_1, b*B1_1), (L*B1_2, a*B1_2, b*B1_2), . . . , and (L*B1_9, a*B1_9, b*B1_9), the calculation unit  206  calculates an average colorimetric value of (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) which is an average value of the colorimetric values of the patch P 1  of each of the determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  by using the following formula (2). 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         L 
                         * 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       B 
                       ⁢ 
                       1 
                       ⁢ 
                       _ave 
                     
                     = 
                     
                       
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                             i 
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                             i 
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                           ⁢ 
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                     ( 
                     2 
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     Next, the calculation unit  206  calculates respective color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9 between the values of (L*A1_1, a*A1_1, b*A1_1) to (L*A1_9, a*A1_9, b*A1_9) which are the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patch P 1  of each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  of the adjustment color chart CCA and the calculated average colorimetric value of (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave). As a formula for calculating a color difference, for example, ΔE2000 which has a high affinity with human senses may be used, or ΔE76 or ΔE94 which is easier to calculate may be used. Then, the calculation unit  206  determines the maximum value ΔEA1_Max among the calculated color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9. Similarly, the calculation unit  206  determines the respective maximum values ΔEA2_Max to ΔEA4_Max using the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patches P 2  to P 4  of each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9 . In other words, the maximum values ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max determined by the calculation unit  206  are regarded as deviations in one sheet of the adjustment color chart CCA. 
     Further, the calculation unit  206  calculates respective color differences ΔEB1_1 to ΔEB1_9 between the values of (L*B1_1, a*B1_1, b*B1_1) to (L*B1_9, a*B1_9, b*B1_9) which are the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patch P 1  of each of the patches JPB 1  to JPB 9  of the adjustment color chart CCB and the calculated average colorimetric value of (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave). Then, the calculation unit  206  determines the maximum value ΔEB1_Max among the calculated color differences ΔEB1_1 to ΔEB1_9. Similarly, the calculation unit  206  determines the respective maximum values ΔEB2_Max to ΔEB4_Max using the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patches P 2  to P 4  of each of the determination patches JPB 1  to JPB 9 . In other words, the maximum values ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max determined by the calculation unit  206  are regarded as deviations in one sheet of the adjustment color chart CCB. The deviations in one sheet of the adjustment color chart CC are referred to as “in-sheet deviations” and one thereof is referred to as an “in-sheet deviation.” 
     Further, the calculation unit  206  calculates a difference ΔE1_AB between the average colorimetric value of (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) of the adjustment color chart CCA and the average colorimetric value of (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) of the adjustment color chart CCB. Similarly, the calculation unit  206  calculates the respective differences ΔE2_AB to ΔE4_AB using the colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patches P 2  to P 4  of each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9 . In other words, the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB calculated by the calculation unit  206  are regarded as deviations between the sheets of the adjustment color chart CCA and the adjustment color chart CCB. The deviations between the sheets of the adjustment color chart CCA and the adjustment color chart CCB are referred to as “inter-sheet deviations” and one thereof is referred to as an “inter-sheet deviation.” 
     The calculation unit  206  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The first determination unit  207  is a functional unit that performs determination (preliminary determination) (first determination) regarding unevenness of the adjustment color chart CC based on each value calculated by the calculation unit  206 . First, the first determination unit  207  determines whether each of the maximum values ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max (the in-sheet deviations) determined by the calculation unit  206  is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value “Thresh” according to the following formula (3). Similarly, the first determination unit  207  determines whether each of the maximum values ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max (the in-sheet deviations) determined by the calculation unit  206  is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” by adapting the following formula (3). 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   { 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             Δ 
                             ⁢ 
                             EA 
                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                           ≧ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                           ≧ 
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                             ⁢ 
                             EA 
                             ⁢ 
                             3 
                             ⁢ 
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                           ≧ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
                             4 
                             ⁢ 
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                     ( 
                     3 
                     ) 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Further, the first determination unit  207  determines whether each of the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB (the inter-sheet deviations) calculated by the calculation unit  206  is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value “Thresh2” according to the following formula (4). 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   { 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           
                             Δ 
                             ⁢ 
                             E 
                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                           ≧ 
                           
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
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                             ⁢ 
                             4 
                             ⁢ 
                             _AB 
                           
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                             ⁢ 
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                   ⁢ 
                       
                   
                     ( 
                     4 
                     ) 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     In a case where at least one of the maximum values ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max in the formula (3) is satisfied, the first determination unit  207  determines that there is unevenness in one sheet of the color adjustment patch group CPA included in the adjustment color chart CCA. Similarly, in a case where at least one of the maximum values ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max in the formula (3) is satisfied, the first determination unit  207  determines that there is unevenness in one sheet of the color adjustment patch group CPB included in the adjustment color chart CCB. In addition, in a case where at least one of the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB in the formula (4) is satisfied, the first determination unit  207  determines that there is unevenness between the sheets of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. In the formula (3), the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” is not necessarily the same for the maximum values ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max (the maximum values ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max), and may vary for at least one of the maximum values ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max (the maximum values ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max). In the formula (4), the threshold value “Thresh2” is not necessarily the same for the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB, and may vary for at least one of the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB. 
     The first determination unit  207  determines whether to continue the color matching processing for the image forming apparatus  10  identified by the identification unit  204  based on the determination results of the in-sheet deviations and the inter-sheet deviation for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. The first determination unit  207  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The profile generation unit  208  is a functional unit that generates a profile by using the colorimetric value of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patch group CP included in the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB in a case where the first determination unit  207  determines to continue the color matching processing for the image forming apparatus  10  identified by the identification unit  204 . Specifically, since the color value of each patch in the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB is known in advance, the profile generation unit  208  generates the profile by executing known color matching processing to approximate the colorimetric value of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB to the color value of each patch in the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. The profile generation 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 profile generation unit  208  to the image forming apparatus  10  identified by the identification unit  204  via the communication unit  201 . Then, the profile transmission unit  209  receives, from the image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 , a notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered. The profile transmission unit  209  is implemented by, for example, the CPU  601  illustrated in  FIG.  3    executing a program. 
     The second determination unit  210  is a functional unit that performs determination (posterior determination) (second determination) regarding an average deviation and a maximum deviation in comparison with a print standard such as “Japan Color,” “G7,” or “Fogra” using the color information data of the confirmation color chart acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 . The second determination unit  210  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 a 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 a color adjustment 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 color chart data, the profile generated by the profile generation unit  208 , 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 Adjustment Screen of Information Processing Apparatus 
       FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating an example of a color adjustment screen in an initial state according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  9    is a diagram illustrating an example of the color adjustment screen when color matching processing is in progress according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating an operation of checking an abnormality or warning message on the color adjustment screen according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the color adjustment screen  1000  displayed on the information processing apparatus  20  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS.  8  to  10   . 
     The color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in  FIG.  8    is a screen displayed on the display unit  213  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 adjustment screen  1000  is a screen for displaying a progress status of color matching processing to be executed by the image forming system  1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the color adjustment screen  1000  includes a status mark  1001 , a message section  1002 , a suspension button  1003 , a read button  1004 , a color matching progress area  1100 , a message display area  1200 , a posterior determination area  1300 , and an exit button  1005 . 
     The status mark  1001  is a mark that indicates an operating state of the information processing apparatus  20  and the image reading device  30 . For example, the status mark  1001  indicates a state of standby, a state of reading processing or color matching processing being executed by the image reading device  30 , or a state of suspension by changing the color of the status mark  1001 . 
     The message section  1002  is a display area in which a message indicating the operating state of the information processing apparatus  20  and the image reading device  30  in accordance with the status mark  1001  is displayed. 
     The suspension button  1003  is a button for suspending the color matching processing being executed by the image forming system  1 . The read button  1004  is a button for causing the image reading device  30  to execute reading processing of a color chart. The exit button  1005  is a button for ending the color matching processing and returning to a top screen  2000  to be described later. 
     The color matching progress area  1100  is a display area in which a progress status of color matching processing to be executed by the image forming system  1  for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type is displayed. The progress status of the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type is separately displayed in an individual color matching progress record  1110  of the color matching progress area  1100 . The individual color matching progress record  1110  includes a device name cell  1111 , a sheet type cell  1112 , a preliminary determination cell  1113 , a profile generation cell  1114 , and a profile registration cell  1115 . Since the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in  FIG.  8    is a screen in an initial state before execution of the color matching processing, no information is displayed in any cells of the color matching progress record  1110 . 
     The device name cell  1111  is a cell in which the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  identified with the color code of the adjustment color chart CC is displayed. Here, the cell is a display area of the color matching progress record  1110 , in which a progress status of the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type is displayed sequentially in stages. The sheet type cell  1112  is a cell in which the sheet type identified with the color code of the adjustment color chart CC is displayed. When the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type are identified by the identification unit  204  with the color code of either the adjustment color chart CCA or CCB, the display control unit  212  respectively displays the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank. As a result, the display of progress of the color matching processing corresponding to the identified device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the identified sheet type starts. In other words, the display of the device name in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type in the sheet type cell  1112  represents that the adjustment color chart CC has been read by the image reading device  30 . For example, “GLOSS COATED,” “MATTE,” and “PLAIN” are displayed as examples of the sheet type in  FIG.  9   . 
     The preliminary determination cell  1113  is a cell in which determination results (in-sheet deviations, inter-sheet deviation, and the like) of the preliminary determination for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB performed by the first determination unit  207  are displayed as a progress status. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , when the determination results of the preliminary determination performed by the first determination unit  207  are obtained, the display control unit  212  displays the in-sheet deviations and the inter-sheet deviation which are the determination results of the preliminary determination for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, a device value (CMYK value) at the time of determination, and the time at the time of determination. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , when the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are normal, the display control unit  212  displays a normal completion mark  1121  representing a normal state in the preliminary determination cell  1113  together with the determination results, and displays the entire preliminary determination cell  1113 , for example, in green. Further, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , when the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are not normal but that the determination results do not hinder profile generation in the subsequent processing, the display control unit  212  displays a warning mark  1122  representing a cautious state together with the determination results and a number (e.g., “(2),” “(3),” etc.) that indicates the type of the warning in the preliminary determination cell  1113 . The display control unit  212  may highlight a determination result that is not normal (e.g., a device value that is not normal) of the determination results. Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , when the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are abnormal, the display control unit  212  displays an abnormality mark  1123  representing an abnormal state in the preliminary determination cell  1113  together with the determination results. In this case, the display control unit  212  displays the entire preliminary determination cell  1113 , for example, in red (i.e., in a color different from a color used for representing a normal state), and displays a number (e.g., “(1),” etc.) that indicates the type of the abnormality in the preliminary determination cell  1113 . Note that, in case of an abnormal state to the extent that the in-sheet deviations or the inter-sheet deviation cannot be calculated (e.g., occurrence of a sheet jam), the display control unit  212  does not necessarily display the in-sheet deviations and the inter-sheet deviation as the determination results of the preliminary determination. 
     The profile generation cell  1114  is a cell in which a result of profile generation performed by the profile generation unit  208  is displayed as a progress status. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , when a profile is successfully generated by the profile generation unit  208 , the display control unit  212  displays the normal completion mark  1121  representing a normal state in the profile generation cell  1114  and displays, for example, a name of the profile, a description of the profile, and a time of profile generation in the profile generation cell  1114 . In this case, the display control unit  212  displays the entire profile generation cell  1114 , for example, in green. In a case where an abnormality occurs in the profile generation performed by the profile generation unit  208 , the display control unit  212  displays the abnormality mark  1123  representing an abnormal state, a time of occurrence of the abnormality, and a number indicating the type of the abnormality in the profile generation cell  1114 . In this case, the display control unit  212  displays the entire profile generation cell  1114 , for example, in red. 
     The profile registration cell  1115  is a cell in which a result of registration of a profile in a target image forming apparatus  10  after the profile is transmitted by the profile transmission unit  209  to the target image forming apparatus  10  is displayed as a progress status. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , when the profile is successfully registered in the target image forming apparatus  10 , the display control unit  212  displays the normal completion mark  1121  representing a normal state in the profile registration cell  1115 , and displays, for example, a time of registration of the profile in the profile registration cell  1115 . In this case, the display control unit  212  displays the entire profile registration cell  1115 , for example, in green. In a case where an abnormality occurs in the registration of the profile in the target image forming apparatus  10  (e.g., a case where a notification indicating completion of the registration of the profile is not returned even though the profile has been transmitted), the display control unit  212  displays the abnormality mark  1123  representing an abnormal state, a time of occurrence of the abnormality, and a number indicating the type of the abnormality in the profile registration cell  1115 . In this case, the display control unit  212  displays the entire profile registration cell  1115 , for example, in red. 
     As described above, the progress status of each stage of the processing such as the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC, the preliminary determination performed by the first determination unit  207 , the profile generation performed by the profile generation unit  208 , and the profile registration performed in the image forming apparatus  10  is displayed sequentially in stages in the color matching progress record  1110  corresponding to the individual image forming apparatus  10  and each sheet type. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in a case where any stage of the processing has not been successfully completed, nothing is displayed in the cell that presents the progress status of the subsequent stage of the processing. As a result, since the progress statuses of the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatuses  10  in the stages are collectively grasped, the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatuses  10  can be executed without individually checking the progress of the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatuses  10 . Thus, the workability of color matching processing and the manageability of data of color matching result are increased. 
     Further, in the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type, in a case where the color matching processing at each of the stages has been successfully completed or has caused occurrence of a warning, the color matching processing proceeds to the next stage of the color matching processing, and in a case where the color matching processing at each of the stages has caused occurrence of an abnormality, the color matching processing does not proceed to the next stage of the color matching processing but stops at the stage where the abnormality has occurred. 
     Returning to  FIGS.  8  to  10   , the description of the color adjustment screen  1000  is continued. The message display area  1200  is an area in which a message is displayed in a case where a warning or abnormality occurs in the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type. Examples of the message include, for example, a cause of occurrence of the warning or abnormality, a specific content of the warning or abnormality, and a treatment method for resolving the warning or abnormality. Further, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the message display area  1200  includes a tab  1201  on which numbers indicating the types of warning or abnormality are displayed. 
     Assuming that a warning or abnormality occurs in the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10 , when the user presses the tab  1201  on which a number indicating the type of warning or abnormality displayed, the display control unit  212  displays a message corresponding to the warning or abnormality indicated by the number in the message display area  1200 . In the example illustrated in  FIG.  9   , a state of the tab  1201  on which the number “(1)” indicating the type of abnormality displayed is pressed is illustrated. In this state, when the tab  1201  on which the number “(2)” indicating the type of warning displayed is pressed, the display control unit  212  displays a message corresponding to the warning indicated by the number “(2)” in the message display area  1200  as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . As described above, in the case where the warning or abnormality occurs in the color matching processing, the user can check a message corresponding to the warning or abnormality by pressing the tab  1201  on which a corresponding number is displayed. Thus, the user can grasp a cause of occurrence of the warning or abnormality, a specific content of the warning or abnormality, and a treatment method for resolving the warning or abnormality. 
     The posterior determination area  1300  is a display area in which a determination result of the posterior determination for the confirmation color chart performed by the second determination unit  210  is displayed. The determination result of the posterior determination for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type is separately displayed in an individual posterior determination record  1310 . Since the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in  FIG.  8    is a screen in an initial state before execution of the color matching processing, no information is displayed in the posterior determination area  1300 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , when the determination result of the posterior determination performed by the second determination unit  210  is obtained, the display control unit  212  displays the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type corresponding to the determination result of the posterior determination, whether the determination result is normal or abnormal, a determination chart (print standard) to be compared, the average deviation, and the maximum deviation in the posterior determination record  1310 . The display control unit  212  may display a mark similar to the above-described normal completion mark  1121  when the second determination unit  210  determines that the determination result of the posterior determination is normal, and may display a mark similar to the above-described abnormality mark  1123  when the second determination unit  210  determines that the determination result of the posterior determination is abnormal. As a result, since the determination results of the posterior determination for the individual image forming apparatuses  10  can be collectively grasped and it is not necessary to work while individually checking the progresses of the posterior determination for the individual image forming apparatuses  10 , the workability of color matching processing and the manageability of data of color matching result are increased. 
     Overall Processing to be Executed by Image Forming System 
       FIG.  11    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.  11   . 
     Step S 11   
     The user performs an operation for printing out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the control panel  510  included in the image forming apparatus  10 . Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit  202  included in the information processing apparatus  20 . Alternatively, the job acquisition unit  102  may generate the print job by acquiring the color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB stored in the image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102 . 
     Step S 12   
     The user sets the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  on the image reading device  30 . 
     Step S 13   
     The user operates the image reading device  30  to execute reading processing of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB set on the image reading device  30  to generate color information data by converting read values of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The reading processing to be executed by the image reading device  30  may be executed by an operation on a screen displayed on the information processing apparatus  20  as described later. 
     Step S 14   
     The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     Step S 15   
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  included in the information processing apparatus  20  acquires the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  included in the information processing apparatus  20  identifies color code information of each of the color codes CA and CB from the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of each of the color codes CA and CB, and identifies the image forming apparatus  10  (device type, etc.), the sheet type, the sheet number of the adjustment color chart CC, the patch array of the adjustment color chart CC (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CP), and the date and time of the print output. Then, the display control unit  212  included in the information processing apparatus  20  respectively displays the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank. Thus, the user can recognize completion of the reading processing of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. 
     Next, the patch acquisition unit  205  included in the information processing apparatus  20  identifies parts corresponding to the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9  embedded at the nine positions in each of the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB from the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , and acquires colorimetric values (Lab values) of the patches P 1  to P 4  in each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9 . Next, the calculation unit  206  included in the information processing apparatus  20  determines the respective maximum values ΔEA1_Max to ΔEA4_Max (the in-sheet deviations) and ΔEB1_Max to ΔEB4_Max (the in-sheet deviations), and the respective differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE4_AB (the inter-sheet deviations), using the colorimetric values of the patches P 1  to P 4  of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  and JPB 1  to JPB 9 . Next, the first determination unit  207  included in the information processing apparatus  20  performs preliminary determination for the in-sheet deviations and the inter-sheet deviation calculated by the calculation unit  206 . 
     Then, the display control unit  212  displays the determination results of the preliminary determination for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB performed by the first determination unit  207  in the preliminary determination cell  1113  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110 . Thus, the user can recognize the determination results of the preliminary determination performed by the first determination unit  207 . 
     Step S 16   
     In a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results of the preliminary determination are normal (or cautious) and that the color matching processing for the image forming apparatus  10  can be continued, the profile generation unit  208  included in the information processing apparatus  20  generates a profile by using the colorimetric value of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB included in the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. In other words, in a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results of the preliminary determination is not abnormal, an operation of generating the profile is proceeded by the profile generation unit  208 . Then, the display control unit  212  displays an indication indicating that the profile is successfully generated by the profile generation unit  208  in the profile generation cell  1114  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110 . Thus, the user can recognize that the profile is generated by the profile generation unit  208 . 
     Step S 17   
     The profile transmission unit  209  included in the information processing apparatus  20  transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit  208  to the image forming apparatus  10  identified by the identification unit  204  via the communication unit  201 . The communication unit  101  included in the image forming apparatus  10  receives the profile. 
     Step S 18   
     The profile acquisition unit  104  included in 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 for the image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type in the storage unit  105 . Then, the profile acquisition unit  104  transmits a notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered to the information processing apparatus  20  via the communication unit  101 . 
     In response to receiving the notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered in the target image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 , the display control unit  212  included in the information processing apparatus  20  displays an indication indicating that the profile is successfully registered in the profile registration cell  1115  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110 . Thus, the user can recognize that the profile generated by the profile generation unit  208  is registered in the image forming apparatus  10 . 
     Step S 19   
     The user performs an operation for printing out the confirmation color chart via the control panel  510  included in the image forming apparatus  10 . Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of color chart data of the confirmation color chart from the chart transmission unit  202  included the information processing apparatus  20 . Alternatively, the job acquisition unit  102  may generate the print job by acquiring the color chart data of the confirmation color chart stored in the image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to print out the confirmation color chart by applying the profile registered in step S 18  based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102 . 
     Step S 20   
     The user sets the confirmation color chart printed out by the image forming apparatus  10  on the image reading device  30 . 
     Step S 21   
     The user operates the image reading device  30  to execute reading processing of the confirmation color chart set on the image reading device  30  to generate color information data by converting read values of the confirmation color chart read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The reading processing to be executed by the image reading device  30  may be executed by an operation on a screen displayed on the information processing apparatus  20  as described later. 
     Step S 22   
     The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the confirmation color chart generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     Step S 23   
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the confirmation color chart received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code from the color information data of the confirmation color chart acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code, and identifies the image forming apparatus  10  (device type, etc.), the sheet type, the patch array of the confirmation color chart, and the date and time of the print output. 
     Next, the patch acquisition unit  205  acquires a colorimetric value (Lab value) of each patch forming the confirmation color chart from the color information data acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 . Next, the second determination unit  210  performs posterior determination regarding the average deviation and the maximum deviation in comparison with a print standard such as “Japan Color,” “G7,” or “Fogra” using the colorimetric value of each patch forming the confirmation color chart acquired by the patch acquisition unit  205 . 
     Then, the display control unit  212  displays the determination result of the posterior determination for the confirmation color chart performed by the second determination unit  210  in a corresponding posterior determination record  1310 . Thus, the user can recognize the determination result of the posterior determination performed by the second determination unit  210 . In a case where the second determination unit  210  determines that the determination result of the posterior determination is normal, the profile registered in step S 18  is applied to control of printing to be executed by the target image forming apparatus  10  on the target sheet type. 
     Screen Transition Performed by Information Processing Apparatus 
       FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal screen transition performed by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  13    is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition performed by the information processing apparatus in case of additional reading processing according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit  213  included in the information processing apparatus  20  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS.  12  and  13   . 
     When a program is activated by the CPU  601  included in the information processing apparatus  20 , first, the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  12    on the display unit  213 . The top screen  2000  is a screen for selecting to start either easy color matching processing or color sample matching processing. The top screen  2000  includes an easy color matching button  2001  and a color sample matching button  2002 . 
     The easy color matching button  2001  is a button for executing the easy color matching processing (in this example, the color matching processing). The color sample matching button  2002  is a button for executing the color sample matching processing. 
     When the user presses the easy color matching button  2001 , the display control unit  212  displays the color adjustment screen  1000  in a state of standby illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  12   . Since the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  12    is a screen in an initial state before execution of the easy color matching processing, no information is displayed in any cells of the color matching progress record  1110 . When the user presses the exit button  1005  on the color adjustment screen  1000 , the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  12   . When the user presses the read button  1004  on the color adjustment screen  1000 , the display control unit  212  displays a read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  12   . 
     In a case where the easy color matching button  2001  on the top screen  2000  is pressed, it is usually assumed that the reading processing of the adjustment color charts CCA, CCB, or the confirmation color chart is started. For this reason, in the case where the easy color matching button  2001  is pressed, the processing may directly transition to the read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  12   . 
     The read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  12    is a dialog box for causing the image reading device  30  to execute the reading processing of the adjustment color charts CCA, CCB, or the confirmation color chart. The read dialog box  1400  includes a reading start button  1401  and a cancel button  1402 . The reading start button  1401  is a button for causing the image reading device  30  to start the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCA, CCB, or the confirmation color chart. The cancel button  1402  is a button for returning to the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  12    without causing the image reading device  30  to execute the reading processing. 
     When the user presses the reading start button  1401 , the display control unit  212  displays the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  12    and the communication unit  201  transmits an instruction to start the reading processing to the image reading device  30 . Accordingly, the color matching processing is executed from step S 13  illustrated in  FIG.  11   . As illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  12   , on the color adjustment screen  1000 , the progress status of each stage of the processing such as the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC, the preliminary determination performed by the first determination unit  207 , the profile generation performed by the profile generation unit  208 , and the profile registration performed in the image forming apparatus  10  is displayed sequentially in stages in the color matching progress record  1110  corresponding to the individual image forming apparatus  10  and each sheet type in accordance with the progress of the color matching processing as described above with reference to  FIG.  9   . In this state, when the user presses the exit button  1005  on the color adjustment screen  1000 , the color matching processing is suspended and the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  12   . 
     When the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type on the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  12    advances and the color matching processing is completed for all the individual image forming apparatuses  10  and all the sheet types (normally or abnormally), the color adjustment screen  1000  transitions to a state illustrated in part (e) of  FIG.  12   . In this state, when the user presses the exit button  1005  on the color adjustment screen  1000 , the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  12   . 
     Next, a description is given of a screen transition in case of additional reading processing of a color chart with reference to  FIG.  13   . 
     The screen transitions to the read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  13   , the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  13   , and the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  13    are the same as the screen transitions to the read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  12   , the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  12   , and the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (e) of  FIG.  12   , respectively. When the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type advances and the color matching processing is complete for all the individual image forming apparatuses  10  and all the sheet types (normally or abnormally), the color adjustment screen  1000  transitions to a state illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  13    in which the read button  1004  is operable. 
     Here, in a case where the user desires the image reading device  30  to additionally execute the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCA, CCB or the confirmation color chart, the user presses the read button  1004 . Then, the display control unit  212  again displays the read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  13   . Here, in a case where the user presses the cancel button  1402 , the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  13    returns to the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  13   . In a case where the user presses the reading start button  1401  in a state where the color chart subjected to additional reading processing is set on the image reading device  30 , the display control unit  212  displays the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  13    and the communication unit  201  transmits an instruction to start the reading processing to the image reading device  30 . Accordingly, the color matching processing for the additional color chart is executed from step S 13  illustrated in  FIG.  11   . 
     When the user presses the exit button  1005  on the color adjustment screen  1000  in the state illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  13   , the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  13   . 
     Color Matching Processing for Single Image Forming Apparatus 
       FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating an example of the color matching processing to be executed for a single image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the present embodiment.  FIG.  15    is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of preliminary determination to be executed by the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the color matching processing to be executed for a single image forming apparatus  10  in the image forming system  1  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS.  14  and  15   . In  FIG.  14   , the processing of posterior determination after execution of the color matching processing is also described. 
     Step S 31   
     The user performs an operation for printing out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the control panel  510  included in the image forming apparatus  10 . Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit  202  included in the information processing apparatus  20 . Then, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 32 . 
     Step S 32   
     In accordance with a user operation, the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCA (a first adjustment color chart CC) and generates color information data by converting read values of the adjustment color chart CCA read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  included in the information processing apparatus  20  acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  included in the information processing apparatus  20  identifies color code information of the color code CA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code CA, and identifies the image forming apparatus  10  (device type, etc.), the sheet type, the adjustment color chart CCA being the first color chart, the patch array of the adjustment color chart CCA (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CPA), and the date and time of the print output. Then, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the display control unit  212  included in the information processing apparatus  20  respectively displays the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank on the color adjustment screen  1000 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 33 . 
     Step S 33   
     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 (step S 33 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 35 . On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from such an error (step S 33 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 34 . 
     Step S 34   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 32 . 
     Step S 35   
     In accordance with a user operation, the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCB (a second adjustment color chart CC) and generates color information data by converting read values of the adjustment color chart CCB read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code CB from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code CB, and identifies the image forming apparatus  10  (device type, etc.), the sheet type, the adjustment color chart CCB being the second color chart, the patch array of the adjustment color chart CCB (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CPB), and the date and time of the print output. Note that, when the adjustment color chart CCB that is the second adjustment color chart CC has been read, the display control unit  212  may respectively display the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 36 . 
     Step S 36   
     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 (step S 36 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 38 . On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from such an error (step S 36 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 37 . 
     Step S 37   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 32 . 
     Step S 38   
     Next, the information processing apparatus  20  executes the processing of preliminary determination of steps S 381  to S 387  illustrated in  FIG.  15    for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. A description is now given of the processing of preliminary determination with reference to  FIG.  15   . 
     Step S 381   
     The patch acquisition unit  205  included in the information processing apparatus  20  identifies parts corresponding to the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  embedded at the nine positions in the color adjustment patch group CPA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , and acquires a colorimetric value (Lab value) of the patch P 1  in each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 382 . 
     Step S 382   
     The calculation unit  206  included in the information processing apparatus  20  calculates an average colorimetric value of (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) which is an average value of the colorimetric values of each patch P 1  of each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  acquired by the patch acquisition unit  205  according to the above formula (1). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 383 . 
     Step S 383   
     Next, the calculation unit  206  calculates respective color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9 between the values of (L*A1_1, a*A1_1, b*A1_1) to (L*A1_9, a*A1_9, b*A1_9) which are the colorimetric values (Lab values) of each patch P 1  of each of the determination patches JPA 1  to JPA 9  of the adjustment color chart CCA and the calculated average colorimetric value of (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 384 . 
     Step S 384   
     Then, the calculation unit  206  determines the maximum value ΔEA1_Max among the calculated color differences ΔEA1_1 to ΔEA1_9. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 385 . 
     Step S 385   
     The first determination unit  207  included in the information processing apparatus  20  determines whether the maximum values ΔEA1_Max determined by the calculation unit  206  is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” according to the above formula (3). When the first determination unit  207  determines that the maximum value ΔEA1_Max is smaller than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” (step S 385 : Yes), the processing returns to step S 381  to repeat the processing in steps S 381  to S 385  for the patch P 1  of the adjustment color chart CCB. In a case where the processing in steps S 381  to S 385  for the patch P 1  of the adjustment color chart CCB is completed, the processing proceeds to step S 386 . On the other hand, when the first determination unit  207  determines that the maximum value ΔEA1_Max is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” (step S 385 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 387 . 
     Step S 386   
     Further, the first determination unit  207  determines whether the difference ΔE1_AB calculated by the calculation unit  206  is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh2” according to the above formula (4). It is assumed that the first determination unit  207  determines that the difference ΔE1_AB is smaller than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh2” (step S 386 : Yes). In a case where the processing in steps S 381  to S 387  is not completed for all of the patches P 2  to P 4  of the adjustment color chart CCA and CCB, the processing returns to step S 381  to repeat the processing in steps S 381  to S 387  for all of the patches P 2  to P 4  of the adjustment color chart CCA and CCB to be completed. In a case where the processing in steps S 381  to S 387  is completed for all of the patches P 2  to P 4  of the adjustment color chart CCA and CCB, the processing of preliminary determination ends, and the processing proceeds to step S 39  illustrated in  FIG.  14   . In the case where the processing in steps S 381  to S 387  is completed for all of the patches P 1  to P 4  of the adjustment color chart CCA and CCB, the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are normal. Then, the display control unit  212  displays the in-sheet deviations and the inter-sheet deviation which are the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, a device value (CMYK value) at the time of determination, the time at the time of determination, and the normal completion mark  1121  representing a normal state in the preliminary determination cell  1113  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110 , and displays the entire preliminary determination cell  1113 , for example, in green. On the other hand, when the first determination unit  207  determines that the difference ΔE1_AB is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh2” (step S 386 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 387 . 
     Step S 387   
     When the first determination unit  207  determines that the maximum value ΔEA1_Max is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” or determines that the difference ΔE1_AB is equal to or greater than the threshold value “Thresh2,” the first determination unit  207  determines that there is unevenness in one sheet of the color adjustment patch group CPA included in the adjustment color chart CCA, the color adjustment patch group CPB included in the adjustment color chart CCB, or both, and determines that the image forming apparatus  10  identified by the identification unit  204  is in an abnormal state. Assuming that the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are cautious or abnormal, the display control unit  212  displays the in-sheet deviations and the inter-sheet deviation which are the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, a device value (CMYK value) at the time of determination, and the time at the time of determination in the preliminary determination cell  1113  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110  on the color adjustment screen  1000  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . In a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are cautious, the display control unit  212  displays the warning mark  1122  representing the cautious state together with the determination results and a number that indicates the type of the warning in the preliminary determination cell  1113  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110 . In a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are abnormal, the display control unit  212  displays the abnormality mark  1123  representing the abnormal state together with the determination results and a number that indicates the type of the abnormality in the preliminary determination cell  1113  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110 , and displays the entire preliminary determination cell  1113 , for example, in red. Then, the processing of preliminary determination ends, and the processing proceeds to step S 39 . 
     Step S 39   
     In a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that any of the in-sheet deviations is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” or determines that the inter-sheet deviation is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh2”, the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are abnormal (step S 39 : No). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 40 . On the other hand, in the case where the first determination unit  207  determines that all of the in-sheet deviations are smaller than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” and determines that the inter-sheet deviation is smaller than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh2”, the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB are not abnormal (step S 39 : Yes). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 41 . 
     Step S 40   
     The user performs maintenance of an ink head or the like of the target image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the processing returns to step S 31 . 
     Step S 41   
     The first determination unit  207  determines whether set values determined in advance (e.g., in-sheet deviation, inter-sheet deviation, device value, etc.) exceed (deviate from) respective reference values. In a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that all of the set values are smaller than the respective reference values (in a case where the result of the final determination is normal), or determines that some of the set values exceed the respective reference values (an example of a case where the results are not normal but satisfy a predetermined condition) (in a case where the result of the final determination is cautious), the first determination unit  207  determines that the color matching processing can be continued without suspension (step S 41 : Yes). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 43 . On the other hand, in a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that all of the set values exceed the respective reference values (in a case where the result of the final determination is abnormal), the first determination unit  207  determines that the color matching processing cannot be continued (step S 41 : No). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 42 . The determination method is not limited to the above example, and for example, the determination may be performed using a plurality of reference values for one set value. 
     Step S 42   
     The user performs maintenance of an ink head or the like of the target image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the processing returns to step S 31 . 
     Step S 43   
     The profile generation unit  208  included in the information processing apparatus  20  generates a profile by using the colorimetric value of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB in the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. Then, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the display control unit  212  displays an indication indicating that the profile is successfully generated by the profile generation unit  208  in the profile generation cell  1114  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110  on the color adjustment screen  1000 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 44 . 
     Step S 44   
     The profile transmission unit  209  included in the information processing apparatus  20  transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit  208  to the image forming apparatus  10  identified by the identification unit  204  via the communication unit  201 . The profile acquisition unit  104  included in 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 for the image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type in the storage unit  105 . Then, the profile acquisition unit  104  transmits, to the information processing apparatus  20  via the communication unit  101 , a notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered. In response to receiving the notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered in the target image forming apparatus  10  via the communication unit  201 , the display control unit  212  displays an indication indicating that the profile is successfully registered in the profile registration cell  1115  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110  on the color adjustment screen  1000  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 45 . 
     Step S 45   
     The user performs an operation for printing out the confirmation color chart via the control panel  510  included in the image forming apparatus  10 . Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of color chart data of the confirmation color chart from the chart transmission unit  202  included the information processing apparatus  20 . Then, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to print out the confirmation color chart by applying the profile registered in step S 44  based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 46 . 
     Step S 46   
     In accordance with a user operation, the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the confirmation color chart and generates color information data by converting read values of the confirmation color chart read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the confirmation color chart generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the confirmation color chart received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code from the color information data of the confirmation color chart acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code, and identifies the image forming apparatus  10  (device type, etc.), the sheet type, the patch array of the confirmation color chart, and the date and time of the print output. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 47 . 
     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 (step S 47 : Yes), the processing 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 such an error (step S 47 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 48 . 
     Step S 48   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 46 . 
     Step S 49   
     The patch acquisition unit  205  acquires a colorimetric value (Lab value) of each patch forming the confirmation color chart from the color information data acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 . Next, the second determination unit  210  performs posterior determination regarding the average deviation and the maximum deviation in comparison with a print standard such as “Japan Color,” “G7,” or “Fogra” using the colorimetric value of each patch forming the confirmation color chart acquired by the patch acquisition unit  205 . Then, the display control unit  212  displays the determination result of the posterior determination for the confirmation color chart performed by the second determination unit  210  in a corresponding posterior determination record  1310  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 50 . 
     Step S 50   
     In a case where the second determination unit  210  determines that the average deviation or the maximum deviation exceeds (deviates from) the corresponding reference value (in a case where the determination result of the posterior determination is abnormal) (step S 50 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 51 . In a case where the second determination unit  210  determines that neither the average deviation nor the maximum deviation exceeds the corresponding reference value (in a case where the determination result of the posterior determination is normal) (step S 50 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 52 . 
     Step S 51   
     The user again performs an operation for printing out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the control panel  510  included the image forming apparatus  10 . Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  acquires a print job of color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit  202  included in the information processing apparatus  20 . Then, the print control unit  103  causes the plotter  531  to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB by applying the profile registered in step S 44  based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit  102 . Then, the processing returns to step S 32 . In other words, since the determination result of the posterior determination is abnormal for the confirmation color chart, the color matching processing is executed again by using the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by applying the latest profile. 
     Step S 52   
     In a case where the second determination unit  210  determines that the determination result of the posterior determination is normal, the profile generated and registered in steps S 43  and S 44  respectively is applied to control of printing to be executed by the target image forming apparatus  10  on the target sheet type. 
     Color Matching Processing for Plurality of Image Forming Apparatuses 
       FIGS.  16  and  17    are flowcharts illustrating an example of the color matching processing to be executed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses in the image forming system according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the color matching processing to be executed for a plurality of image forming apparatuses  10  in the image forming system  1  according to the present embodiment with reference to  FIGS.  16  and  17   . In  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the processing of posterior determination after execution of the color matching processing is also described. In  FIGS.  16  and  17   , assuming that color matching processing is executed for two image forming apparatuses  10 , the two image forming apparatuses  10  are referred to as a “printer A” and a “printer B,” respectively 
     Step S 61   
     The user performs an operation for printing out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB via the control panel  510  included in each of the printers A and B. Accordingly, the job acquisition unit  102  included in each of the printers A and B acquires a print job of color chart data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB from the chart transmission unit  202  included in the information processing apparatus  20 . Then, the print control unit  103  included in each of the printers A and B causes a corresponding plotter  531  to print out the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the respective job acquisition units  102 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 62 . 
     Step S 62   
     In accordance with a user operation, the image reading device  30  collectively executes reading processing of a plurality of adjustment color charts CC set on the image reading device  30 . First, in accordance with a user operation, when the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCA (the first adjustment color chart CC) printed out by the printer A, the image reading device  30  generates color information data by converting read values of the adjustment color chart CCA read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data generated by the image reading device  30  reading the adjustment color chart CCA printed out by the printer A to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  included in the information processing apparatus  20  acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA printed out by the printer A received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  included in the information processing apparatus  20  identifies color code information of the color code CA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA printed out by the printer A acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code CA, and identifies the device name of the printer A, the sheet type, the adjustment color chart CCA being the first color chart, the patch array of the adjustment color chart CCA (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CPA), and the date and time of the print output. Then, the display control unit  212  included in the information processing apparatus  20  respectively displays the device name of the printer A and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank on the color adjustment screen  1000  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 63 . 
     Step S 63   
     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 (step S 63 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 65 . On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from such an error (step S 63 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 64 . 
     Step S 64   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 62 . 
     Step S 65   
     Subsequently, in accordance with a user operation, the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the next adjustment color chart CC and generates color information data by converting read values of the next adjustment color chart CC read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code C from the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code C, and identifies the device name of the image forming apparatus  10 , the sheet type, the page information indicating the sheet number, the patch array (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CP), and the date and time of the print output corresponding to the next adjustment color chart CC. Then, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in a case where no corresponding color matching progress record  1110  exists on the color adjustment screen  1000  yet, the display control unit  212  respectively displays the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 66 . 
     Step S 66   
     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 (step S 66 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 68 . On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from such an error (step S 66 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 67 . 
     Step S 67   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 65 . 
     Step S 68   
     In a case where the identification unit  204  identifies that the next adjustment color chart CC is the adjustment color chart CCB printed out by the printer A (the second adjustment color chart CC) from the color information data of the next color chart CC in step S 65  (step S 68 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 82 . On the other hand, in a case where the identification unit  204  identifies that the next adjustment color chart CC is not the adjustment color chart CCB printed out by the printer A (the second adjustment color chart CC) from the color information data of the next color chart CC in step S 65  (step S 68 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 69 . 
     Step S 69   
     Subsequently, in accordance with a user operation, when the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCA (the first adjustment color chart CC) printed out by the printer B, the image reading device  30  generates color information data by converting read values of the adjustment color chart CCA read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data generated by the image reading device  30  reading the adjustment color chart CCA printed out by the printer B to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA printed out by the printer B received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code CA from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCA printed out by the printer B acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code CA, and identifies the device name of the printer B, the sheet type, the adjustment color chart CCA being the first color chart, the patch array of the adjustment color chart CCA (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CPA), and the date and time of the print output. Then, the display control unit  212  respectively displays the device name of the printer B and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank on the color adjustment screen  1000  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . Thus, for example, in a state where a plurality of color charts printed out by the printer A and a plurality of color charts printed out by the printer B are mixed one by one alternately, even if the plurality of color charts printed out by the printer A and the plurality of color charts printed out by the printer B are collectively read by the image reading device  30 , the color matching processing can be continued without being stopped or causing an error. In addition, the user can easily check for which printer and sheet type the pending processing after reading the first color chart is to be executed. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 70 . 
     Step S 70   
     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 (step S 70 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 72 . On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from such an error (step S 70 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 71 . 
     Step S 71   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 69 . 
     Step S 72   
     Subsequently, in accordance with a user operation, the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the next adjustment color chart CC and generates color information data by converting read values of the next adjustment color chart CC read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code C from the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code C, and identifies the device name of the image forming apparatus  10 , the sheet type, the page information indicating the sheet number, the patch array (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CP), and the date and time of the print output corresponding to the next adjustment color chart CC. Then, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in a case where no corresponding color matching progress record  1110  exists on the color adjustment screen  1000  yet, the display control unit  212  respectively displays the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 73 . 
     Step S 73   
     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 (step S 73 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 75 . On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from such an error (step S 73 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 74 . 
     Step S 74   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 72 . 
     Step S 75   
     In a case where the identification unit  204  identifies that the next adjustment color chart CC is the adjustment color chart CCB printed out by the printer A (the second adjustment color chart CC) from the color information data of the next color chart CC in step S 72  (step S 75 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 82 . On the other hand, in a case where the identification unit  204  identifies that the next adjustment color chart CC is not the adjustment color chart CCB printed out by the printer A (the second adjustment color chart CC) from the color information data of the next color chart CC in step S 72  (step S 75 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 76 . 
     Step S 76   
     Subsequently, in accordance with a user operation, when the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCB (the second adjustment color chart CC) printed out by the printer B, the image reading device  30  generates color information data by converting read values of the adjustment color chart CCB read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB printed out by the printer B received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code CB from the color information data of the adjustment color chart CCB printed out by the printer B acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code CB, and identifies the device name of the printer B, the sheet type, the adjustment color chart CCB being the second color chart, the patch array of the adjustment color chart CCB (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CPB), and the date and time of the print output. Note that the device name of the printer B and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  are already displayed respectively in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  on the color adjustment screen  1000  in step S 69 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 77 . 
     Step S 77   
     At this time, since the reading processing of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer B has been executed by the image reading device  30 , the information processing apparatus  20  executes the processing of preliminary determination of steps S 381  to S 387  illustrated in  FIG.  15    for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer B. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 78 . 
     Step S 78   
     Subsequently, in accordance with a user operation, the image reading device  30  executes the reading processing of the next adjustment color chart CC and generates color information data by converting read values of the next adjustment color chart CC read by the image reading device  30  into colorimetric values. The image reading device  30  transmits the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC generated by the image reading device  30  to the information processing apparatus  20 . The communication unit  201  included in the information processing apparatus  20  receives the color information data. 
     The colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC received by the communication unit  201 . The identification unit  204  identifies color code information of the color code C from the color information data of the next adjustment color chart CC acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , digitizes (decodes) the color code information of the color code C, and identifies the device name of the image forming apparatus  10 , the sheet type, the page information indicating the sheet number, the patch array (the patch array of the color adjustment patch group CP), and the date and time of the print output corresponding to the next adjustment color chart CC. Then, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in a case where no corresponding color matching progress record  1110  exists on the color adjustment screen  1000  yet, the display control unit  212  respectively displays the device name of the image forming apparatus  10  and the sheet type identified by the identification unit  204  in the device name cell  1111  and the sheet type cell  1112  of the color matching progress record  1110  which is blank. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 79 . 
     Step S 79   
     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 (step S 79 : Yes), the processing proceeds to step S 81 . On the other hand, when the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30  is determined not to be free from such an error (step S 79 : No), the processing proceeds to step S 80 . 
     Step S 80   
     The user deals with an error occurred in the reading processing executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing returns to step S 78 . 
     Step S 81   
     At this time, the reading processing of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer A has already been executed by the image reading device  30 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 82 . 
     Step S 82   
     The information processing apparatus  20  executes the processing of preliminary determination of steps S 381  to S 387  illustrated in  FIG.  15    for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB. Then, the processing proceeds to step S 83 . 
     At the time when the reading processing of the two adjustment color charts CCA and CCB has been executed, the processing of preliminary determination can be performed for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB, and it is not necessary to wait until the reading processing of the other two adjustment color charts CCA and CCB is completed. 
     Step S 83   
     The processing of the subsequent steps S 83  to S 96  is executed for the printer A at the time when the processing of preliminary determination for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer A is completed. Further, the processing of the subsequent steps S 83  to S 96  is executed for the printer B at the time when the processing of preliminary determination for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer B is completed. The following description focuses on the processing for the printer A, but the processing for the printer B is executed in the same manner 
     In a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that any of the in-sheet deviations is equal to or greater than the threshold value “Thresh” or determines that the inter-sheet deviation is equal to or greater than the threshold value “Thresh2”, the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer A are abnormal (step S 83 : No). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 84 . On the other hand, in a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that all of the in-sheet deviations are smaller than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh” and determines that the inter-sheet deviation is smaller than the predetermined threshold value “Thresh2”, the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer A are not abnormal (step S 83 : Yes). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 85 . 
     Step S 84   
     The user performs maintenance of an ink head or the like of the target image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the processing returns to step S 61 . 
     Step S 85   
     The first determination unit  207  determines whether set values determined in advance (e.g., in-sheet deviation, inter-sheet deviation, device value, etc.) exceed (deviate from) respective reference values for the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer A. In a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that all of the set values are smaller than the respective reference values (in a case where the result of the final determination is normal), or determines that some of the set values exceed the respective reference values (an example of a case where the results are not normal but satisfy a predetermined condition) (in a case where the result of the final determination is cautious), the first determination unit  207  determines that the color matching processing can be continued without suspension (step S 85 : Yes). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 87 . On the other hand, in a case where the first determination unit  207  determines that all of the set values exceed the respective reference values (in a case where the result of the final determination is abnormal), the first determination unit  207  determines that the color matching processing cannot be continued (step S 85 : No). Then, the processing proceeds to step S 86 . The determination method is not limited to the above example, and for example, the determination may be performed using a plurality of reference values for one set value. 
     Step S 86   
     The user performs maintenance of an ink head or the like of the target image forming apparatus  10 . Then, the processing returns to step S 61 . 
     Step S 87   
     The profile generation unit  208  included in the information processing apparatus  20  generates a profile by using the colorimetric value of each patch corresponding to the color adjustment patch groups CPA and CPB in the color information data of the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer A. Then, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the display control unit  212  displays an indication indicating that the profile is successfully generated by the profile generation unit  208  in the profile generation cell  1114  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110  on the color adjustment screen  1000 . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 88 . 
     Step S 88   
     The profile transmission unit  209  included in the information processing apparatus  20  transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit  208  to the printer A identified by the identification unit  204  via the communication unit  201 . The profile acquisition unit  104  included in the printer A acquires the profile received by the communication unit  101  from the information processing apparatus  20 . The profile acquisition unit  104  stores (registers) the generated profile for the printer A and for each sheet type in the storage unit  105 . Then, the profile acquisition unit  104  transmits, to the information processing apparatus  20  via the communication unit  101 , a notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered. In response to receiving the notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered in the printer A via the communication unit  201 , the display control unit  212  displays an indication indicating that the profile is successfully registered in the profile registration cell  1115  of a corresponding color matching progress record  1110  on the color adjustment screen  1000  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . Then, the processing proceeds to step S 89 . 
     Steps S 89  to S 96   
     The processing in steps S 89  to S 96  is the same as the processing in steps S 45  to S 52  in  FIG.  14    described above. 
     As described above, in a case where the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer A and the adjustment color charts CCA and CCB printed out by the printer B are set on the image reading device  30  in random order, the device name of the image forming apparatus  10 , the sheet type, and the page information indicating the sheet number of the adjustment color chart CC are identified with the color code information of the color code C of each adjustment color chart CC. Thus, each stage of the processing such as preliminary determination to be performed by the first determination unit  207 , profile generation to be performed by the profile generation unit  208 , and profile registration to be performed in the image forming apparatus  10  is sequentially executed for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type without suspension. Although the operation of the color matching processing executed for the two image forming apparatuses  10 , namely, the printers A and B, is described in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the color matching processing for different sheet types can be simultaneously executed for a single image forming apparatus  10 , or the color matching processing for three or more image forming apparatuses  10  can be simultaneously executed. Further, the color chart is identified whether to be an adjustment color chart CC or a confirmation color chart with the color code information of the color code C included in the color chart. Thus, in a case where the adjustment color chart CC and the confirmation color chart are set on the image reading device  30  in random order, the color matching processing using the color chart C and the processing of posterior determination using the confirmation color chart can be independently and simultaneously executed. 
     Screen Transition when Color Matching Processing is Suspended 
       FIG.  18    is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition when the color matching processing is suspended in the information processing apparatus according to present embodiment. A description is given of the screen transition when the color matching processing is suspended in the information processing apparatus  20  with reference to  FIG.  18   . 
     The screen transitions to the read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  18    and the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  18    are the same as the screen transitions to the read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  13    and the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated part (c) of  FIG.  13    respectively. 
     When the user presses the suspension button  1003  on the color adjustment screen  1000  that presents the progress status of the color matching processing illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  18   , the information processing apparatus  20  starts processing to suspend (stopping processing) the color matching processing being executed, and the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  18    is transitioned to the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  18    by the display control unit  212 . Specifically, in a case where the reading processing of the plurality of adjustment color charts CC or the confirmation color chart is being executed by the image reading device  30 , the image reading device  30  completes the reading processing of the color chart being executed at the time when the suspension button  1003  is pressed, and stops without executing the reading processing of the next color chart. Further, the processing executable based on the color information data of the color chart of which the reading processing has already been completed (preliminary determination to be performed by the first determination unit  207 , profile generation to be performed by the profile generation unit  208 , profile registration to be performed in the image forming apparatus  10 , or posterior determination to be performed by the second determination unit  210 ) is continued to be executed until the color matching processing normally or abnormally ends. The color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  18    is an example of a screen that presents a result of the processing executable based on the color information data of the color chart of which the reading processing has already been completed continued to be executed until the color matching processing normally or abnormally ends. In other words, the read button  1004  is again operable on the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (d) of  FIG.  18   . Here, in a case where the user desires the image reading device  30  to restart the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CCA, CCB or the confirmation color chart, the user presses the read button  1004 . Then, the display control unit  212  again displays the read dialog box  1400  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  18   . 
     Screen Transition when Color Matching Processing is Ended 
       FIG.  19    is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition when the color matching processing is ended in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. A description is given of the screen transition when the color matching processing is ended in the information processing apparatus  20  with reference to  FIG.  19   . 
     The color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in  FIG.  19    presents a state in which the color matching processing displayed in the color matching progress area  1100  is completed for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type, and the processing of posterior determination displayed in the posterior determination area  1300  is completed for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and for each sheet type. In this state, it is assumed that the user presses the exit button  1005 . In a case where an indication indicating that the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and a sheet type abnormally ends (including an end with a warning) exists or in a case where an indication indicating that the determination result of posterior determination for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and a sheet type is abnormal exists, the display control unit  212  displays an alert dialog box  1500  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  19   . 
     The alert dialog box  1500  illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  19    is a dialog box for notifying that the indication indicating that the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and a sheet type abnormally ends (including an end with a warning) exists or the indication indicating that the determination result of posterior determination for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and a sheet type is abnormal exists. In the example illustrated in part (b) of  FIG.  19   , a message indicating that the profile is not stored is displayed in the alert dialog box  1500  since the indication indicating that the color matching processing for the individual image forming apparatus  10  and a sheet type abnormally ends exists. The alert dialog box  1500  includes an “OK” button  1501  and a cancel button  1502 . The “OK” button  1501  is a button for forcibly stopping the alert dialog box  1500  and returning to the top screen  2000 . The cancel button  1502  is a button for returning to the color adjustment screen  1000  in order to execute the color matching processing or the processing of posterior determination again. 
     In a case where the user presses the “OK” button  1501 , the display control unit  212  displays the top screen  2000  illustrated in part (c) of  FIG.  19   . In a case where the user presses the cancel button  1502 , the display control unit  212  displays the color adjustment screen  1000  illustrated in part (a) of  FIG.  19   . 
     As described above, in the information processing apparatus  20  according to the present embodiment, the communication unit  201  causes the image reading device  30  to execute the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC printed out by the image forming apparatus  10 , and the display control unit  212  causes the display  608  to display, for the individual image forming apparatuses  10 , the progress status of each stage of the processing from the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC to be executed by the image reading device  30  for the individual image forming apparatus  10  to the processing of registration of the profile generated based on the color information data obtained by the image reading device  30  executing the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC. In addition, the display control unit  212  causes the display  608  to display the states of the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC, preliminary determination executed based on the color information data, profile generation, and profile registration in stages as a progress status of each stage of the processing. Specifically, color information data includes identification information for identifying the individual image forming apparatus  10 , the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203  acquires the color information data obtained by the image reading device  30  executing the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC, the identification unit  204  identifies, from identification information included in the color information data acquired by the colorimetric value acquisition unit  203 , the image forming apparatus  10  that has printed out the adjustment color chart CC corresponding to the color information data, and the first determination unit  207  performs preliminary determination regarding unevenness of the adjustment color chart CC based on the color information data. When the first determination unit  207  determines that the determination results of the preliminary determination are not abnormal, the profile generation unit  208  generates a profile based on the color information data, and the profile transmission unit  209  transmits the profile generated by the profile generation unit  208  to the image forming apparatus  10  identified by the identification unit  204  and receives a notification indicating that the profile is successfully registered in the image forming apparatus  10 . When the identification unit  204  identifies the image forming apparatus  10 , the display control unit  212  displays information indicating the image forming apparatus  10  (device name, etc.) as the progress status in order to indicate that the reading processing of the adjustment color chart CC corresponding to the image forming apparatus  10  has been executed, the results of the preliminary determination performed by the first determination unit  207  as a progress status, the result of profile generation performed by the profile generation unit  208  as a progress status, and the result of profile registration transmitted by the profile transmission unit  209  as a progress status. As a result, it is not necessary to perform various works such as colorimetry (reading) of a color chart printed out by the individual image forming apparatus  10 , checks of values of the reading result, profile generation and registration, and the like for the individual image forming apparatuses  10 . Thus, the workability of color matching processing and the manageability of data of color matching result are increased. 
     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.