Patent Description:
In a printing company, it is necessary to maintain quality of printed materials. To maintain the quality of printed materials, a predetermined color chart is printed, the predetermined color chart is read by using a color measuring device, such as a scanner, that reads colors, and color adjustment is performed for each of printers depending on a difference from a quality target color. Therefore, after performing color adjustment, it is necessary to print a confirmation chart including a color patch for performing check, cause the color measuring device to read the confirmation chart, and confirm whether a plurality of printers meet a printing quality standard.

As a technology for confirming the printing quality as described above, a configuration for managing and adjusting image quality based on operation regulations in order to perform adjustment without unnecessarily increasing man-hours even if operation is changed has been disclosed (for example, <CIT>).

However, the technology described in <CIT> does not aim at managing a plurality of printers, and there is a problem in that there is a large burden on a user to identify each of the printers when managing a plurality of printers.

<CIT> discloses a print color management apparatus including a table control section that creates a first table; a registering section that causes each image forming apparatus to register a specific print color assigned to itself and a name of the specific print color; and a chart data creating section that creates print data of a chart. In the print data, color values are specified for color patches for print color management and color name is specified for a first specific patch on the basis of the first table. The print color management apparatus further includes a chart judging section that obtains measured color data of a chart printed, and judges, on the basis of the measured color data, whether the measured chart is usable for print color management of a designated image forming apparatus; and a print color management section that performs the print color management according to the judgement result.

<CIT>discloses a terminal device including: a colorimetry unit that performs colorimetry on color values of respective measurement regions on a gradation characteristic measurement sheet where the plural measurement regions are formed in different densities; and a determination unit that determines identification information to identify the gradation characteristic measurement sheet based on a result of colorimetry of identification information measurement regions arranged to identify the gradation characteristic measurement sheet in a result of colorimetry by the colorimetry unit. The present invention has been conceived in view of the foregoing situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a color chart, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing system capable of effectively performing evaluation of printing quality by using a color chart by which an image forming apparatus that has performed output can be identified.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus in accordance with claim <NUM> is provided.

According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively perform evaluation of printing quality by using a color chart by which an image forming apparatus that has performed output can be identified.

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. Identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the various drawings.

In describing preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology may be employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent 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 the same function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiments below, and structural elements in the embodiments below include one that can be easily thought of by a person skilled in the art, one that is practically identical, and one that is within an equivalent range. Furthermore, within the scope of the appended claims, various omission, replacement, modification, and combinations of the structural elements may be made.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. The overall configuration of an image forming system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

The image forming system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is an information processing system capable of effectively evaluating printing quality of a plurality of image forming apparatuses by using color charts. As illustrated in <FIG>, the image forming system <NUM> includes image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d, an information processing apparatus <NUM>, and an image reading apparatus <NUM>. All of the apparatuses included in the image forming system <NUM> are able to perform data communication with one another via a network (a network N illustrated in <FIG> to be described later).

The image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d are image forming apparatuses, such as multifunction peripherals (MFPs), as targets for a quality evaluation process. Here, the MFP is a multifunction machine that has at least two of a copier function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. As illustrated in <FIG>, the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d receive pieces of image data of color charts (hereinafter, may be referred to as color chart data), which correspond to the respective image forming apparatuses and which are held by the information processing apparatus <NUM>, and print out color charts CCa to CCd that are used to evaluate printing quality on the basis of the respective pieces of color chart data. A detailed configuration of the color charts will be described later with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Meanwhile, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the four image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d are illustrated as the image forming apparatuses, but the number of the apparatuses is not specifically limited as long as at least two image forming apparatuses are included. Furthermore, the number of the image forming apparatuses included in the system may be one, but it is possible to improve efficiency of color adjustment operation by increasing the number of the image forming apparatuses. Moreover, when the plurality of image forming apparatuses (the image forming apparatuses 10a to 10d in <FIG>) are referred to in a non-distinguishing manner or in a collective manner, they will be referred to as image forming apparatuses <NUM>. Furthermore, similarly, when the color charts (the color charts CCa to CCd in <FIG>) that are output from the respective image forming apparatuses <NUM> are referred to in a non-distinguishing manner or in a collective manner, they will be referred to as color charts CC. Moreover, each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> is not limited to an MFP, and may be a normal printer of an electrophotographic type or an inkjet type that has a printer function as a main function, for example. Furthermore, each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> may be a commercial printer or the like that is controlled to print processed print job data transmitted from a digital front end (DFE) that performs predetermined image processing on a print job data received from a personal computer (PC) or the like. In the present embodiment, explanation will be given based on the assumption that the image forming apparatuses <NUM> are MFPs.

The information processing apparatus <NUM> is an information processing apparatus, such as a PC or a workstation, that holds the color chart data to be printed out by each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> and that transmits the color chart data to each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> when the quality evaluation process is performed on each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM>. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs the quality evaluation process on each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> by using image data that is obtained by causing the image reading apparatus <NUM> to perform a reading process on the color chart CC that is printed out by each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM>.

The image reading apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus that performs the reading process on the color chart CC that is printed out by each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM>, and generates color information data in which a read value is converted to a color measurement value, such as an L*a*b*value, an XYZ value, or an RGB value. The image reading apparatus <NUM> transmits the color information data including the generated color measurement value to the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Meanwhile, the image reading apparatus <NUM> may be, for example, an image scanner, a certain device, such as a color measurement device, an inline sensor arranged on a recording medium conveying path inside the image forming apparatus <NUM>, or the like, but is not specifically limited, and indicates general apparatuses capable of acquiring the color information data of the color chart CC. Furthermore, explanation will be given based on the assumption that the color measurement value that is converted from the read value by the image reading apparatus <NUM> is a L*a*b*value (hereinafter, simply referred to as a Lab value) of the L*a*b*color system. Moreover, the read value that is read by the image reading apparatus <NUM> need not always be converted to the color measurement value by the image reading apparatus <NUM>, and it may be possible to cause the image reading apparatus <NUM> to transmit the read value as it is, as RAW data, to the information processing apparatus <NUM> and cause the information processing apparatus <NUM> to convert the RAW data to the color measurement value.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a controller <NUM>, an operation display unit <NUM>, a facsimile control unit (FCU) <NUM>, a plotter <NUM> (printing device), and a scanner <NUM>, all of which are connected to one another via a peripheral component interface (PCI) bus.

The controller <NUM> is a device that controls the entire image forming apparatus <NUM>, drawing, communication, and input from the operation display unit <NUM>.

The operation display unit <NUM> is a device, such as a touch panel, that receives input to the controller <NUM> (input function), displays a state or the like of the image forming apparatus <NUM> (display function), and is directly connected to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) <NUM> to be described later.

The FCU <NUM> is a device that implements a facsimile function, and is connected to the ASIC <NUM> by the PCI bus, for example.

The plotter <NUM> is a device that implements a printing function to form an image on a recording medium, such as a sheet or a web, and perform printing, and is connected to the ASIC <NUM> by the PCI bus, for example. The scanner <NUM> is a function to implement a scanner function, and is connected to the ASIC <NUM> by the PCI bus, for example.

The controller <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a system memory (MEM-P) <NUM>, a north bridge (NB) <NUM>, a south bridge (SB) 504a, a network interface (I/F) 504b, a universal serial bus (USB) I/F 504c, a Centronics I/F 504d, the ASIC <NUM>, a local memory (MEM-C) <NUM>, and an auxiliary storage device <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> controls the entire image forming apparatus <NUM>, is connected to a chipset including the system memory <NUM>, the north bridge <NUM>, and the south bridge 504a, and is connected to other devices via the chipset.

The system memory <NUM> is a memory used as a memory for storing computer programs and data, a memory for loading computer programs and data, and a memory for use in picture drawing performed by a printer, and includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM is a read only memory used as a memory for storing computer programs and data, and the RAM is a writable and readable memory used as a memory for loading computer programs and data and a memory for picture processing performed by a printer.

The north bridge <NUM> is a bridge for connecting the CPU <NUM>, the system memory <NUM>, the south bridge 504a, and an accelerated graphics port (AGP) bus <NUM> to one another, and includes a memory controller, a PCI master, and an AGP target for controlling read and write with respect to the system memory <NUM>, for example.

The south bridge 504a is a bridge for connecting the north bridge <NUM>, a PCI device, and a peripheral device to one another. The south bridge 504a is connected to the north bridge <NUM> via a PCI bus. Further, the network I/F 504b, the USB I/F 504c, the Centronics I/F 504d, and the like are connected to the PCI bus.

The network I/F 504b is an interface for performing data communication with an external apparatus, such as the information processing apparatus <NUM>, by using the network N. For example, the network I/F 504b is compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark) and is able to perform communication compliant with Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP) or the like.

The USB I/F 504c is an interface capable of performing communication with an apparatus compliant with the USB standard.

The Centronics I/F 504d is an interface that has specifications for a parallel port capable of transmitting a plurality of bits.

The AGP bus <NUM> is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card introduced to speed up graphics operation. The AGP bus <NUM> is a bus that allows direct access to the system memory <NUM> with a high throughput, thereby speeding up the graphics accelerator card.

The ASIC <NUM> is an integrated circuit (IC) that includes a hardware element for image processing, is used for image processing, and has a function as a bridge to connect the AGP bus <NUM>, the PCI bus, the auxiliary storage device <NUM>, and the local memory <NUM> to one another. The ASIC <NUM> includes a PCI target and an AGP master; an arbiter (ARB) that is the central core of the ASIC <NUM>; a memory controller that controls the local memory <NUM>; a plurality of direct memory access controllers (DMACs) that rotate image data by using hardware logic; and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the plotter <NUM> and the scanner <NUM> via the PCI bus. The FCU <NUM>, the plotter <NUM>, and the scanner <NUM> are connected to the ASIC <NUM> via the PCI bus, for example. Furthermore, the ASIC <NUM> is also connected to a host PC, a network, and the like (not illustrated).

The local memory <NUM> is a memory for use as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.

The auxiliary storage device <NUM> is a storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a secure digital (SD) card, or a flash memory, and used for storing image data, storing programs, storing font data, and storing forms.

Meanwhile, the programs of the image forming apparatus <NUM> as described above may be distributed by being recorded in a computer readable recording medium (the auxiliary storage device <NUM> or the like) in a computer-installable or computer-executable file format.

Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is one example; therefore, it is not necessary to include all of the structural devices, and it may be possible to include other structural devices.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the information processing apparatus <NUM> includes a CPU <NUM>, a ROM <NUM>, a RAM <NUM>, an auxiliary storage device <NUM>, a media drive <NUM>, a display <NUM> (display device), a network I/F <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a mouse <NUM>, and a digital versatile disc (DVD) drive <NUM>.

The CPU <NUM> is an arithmetic device that controls the entire operation of the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The ROM <NUM> is a non-volatile storage device that stores therein a program for the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The RAM <NUM> is a volatile storage device used as a work area for the CPU <NUM>.

The auxiliary storage device <NUM> is a storage device, such as an HDD or an SSD, used for storing various kinds of data and programs. The media drive <NUM> is a device that controls read and write of data with respect to a recording medium <NUM>, such as a flash memory, under the control of the CPU <NUM>.

The display <NUM> is a display device configured with liquid crystal, organic electro luminescence (EL), or the like for displaying various kinds of information, such as a cursor, a menu, a window, a character, or an image.

The network I/F <NUM> is an interface for performing data communication with an external apparatus, such as the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the image reading apparatus <NUM>, by using the network N. The network I/F <NUM> is, for example, a network interface card (NIC) or the like that is compatible with Ethernet (registered trademark) and is able to perform communication compliant with TCP/IP or the like.

The keyboard <NUM> is an input device for selecting a character, a numeral, or various kinds of instructions, and moving the cursor, for example. The mouse <NUM> is an input device for selecting and executing various kinds of instructions, selecting a processing target, and moving a cursor, for example.

The DVD drive <NUM> is a device that controls read and write of data with respect to a DVD <NUM>, such as a DVD-ROM or a DVD-recordable (DVD-R), as one example of a removable storage medium.

The CPU <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, the RAM <NUM>, the auxiliary storage device <NUM>, the media drive <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the network I/F <NUM>, the keyboard <NUM>, the mouse <NUM>, and the DVD drive <NUM> as described above are communicably connected to one another via a bus <NUM>, such as an address bus or a data bus.

Meanwhile, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is one example; therefore, it is not necessary to include all of the structural devices, and it may be possible to include other structural devices.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the color chart. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of determination patches included in the color chart. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the determination patch. With reference to <FIG>, the functional block configuration and operation of the image forming system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes a communication unit <NUM>, a job acquisition unit <NUM>, a print control unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> is a functional unit that performs data communication with the information processing apparatus <NUM> via the network N. The communication unit <NUM> is implemented by the network I/F 504b illustrated in <FIG> and by causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The job acquisition unit <NUM> is a functional unit that acquires a print job of the color chart data from the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The job acquisition unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program. Meanwhile, the job acquisition unit <NUM> may be one of functions of the DFE, and in this case, it may be possible to transmit the print job of the color chart data and print settings from the information processing apparatus <NUM> to the DFE, and allow a user to perform operation of causing the image forming apparatus <NUM> to execute the print job of the color chart data, on an operation screen or the like of the DFE at a desired printing timing.

The print control unit <NUM> is a functional unit that causes the plotter <NUM> to print out the color chart on the basis of the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit <NUM>. Furthermore, when causing the color chart to be printed out, the print control unit <NUM> causes a color code including identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>, identification information on a paper type, date and time of printing, and identification information on patch arrangement of the color chart to be printed out. The identification information on the patch arrangement of the color chart also serves as identification information for distinguishing the color chart, and therefore may be regarded as identification information on the color chart as a page. The print control unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

Here, the color chart CC is illustrated in <FIG> as one example of the color chart that is printed out under the control of the print control unit <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the color chart CC includes a color code C and a color evaluation patch CP.

As described above, the color code C is a code in which the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM> that has printed out the color chart CC, the identification information on the paper type, the date and time of printing, and the identification information on arrangement of the color evaluation patch CP are coded as color patches. The color code C is configured with color patches of five colors, such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and white (W). Color patches that indicate ends of the color code C and that identify an orientation of the color code C (an orientation of the arrangement of the color patch) are arranged at both ends of the color code C. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, two color patches arranged on the left end as one of the both ends are colored in cyan (C) and magenta (M) in this order from left, and two color patches arranged on the right end are colored in yellow (Y) and black (K) in this order from left, where the colors and the arrangement of the four color patches are fixed, so that it is possible to identify the orientation of the color code C by identifying the arrangement of the color patches. The information arranged on the left end or the right end of the color code C may be regarded as arrangement identification information for identifying the orientation, the arrangement, and the like of the color code C. The colors and the positions of the arrangement identification information may be determined by using a different method. Meanwhile, the color code C may include a color patch of a mixed color of C, M, Y, K, and W in addition to the single colors of C, M, Y, K, and W described above, and need not always be arranged in the above-described manner. Furthermore, the color code C may be configured with a color material of a different color, or may be configured with a less-visible color patch by using clear toner that is colorless and transparent or by using invisible red (IR) toner whose presence is recognized by infrared irradiation.

Moreover, the color patches arranged between the two color patches at one end of the color code C and the two color patches at the other end of the color code C specifically represent coded information (hereinafter, may be referred to as color code information). Each of the color patches included in the color code C is arranged so as not to have the same color as a color of an adjacent color patch. Furthermore, a numeral of <NUM> to <NUM> is assigned to each of the color patches included in the color code information, in accordance with the color of the color patch. Moreover, the number of digits of a numeral is determined by the number of the color patches included in the color code information, and the coded color code information can be represented by a numeral (decoded). Furthermore, the numeral converted from the color code information is formed of a numeral portion that is associated with setting information and a numeral portion that indicates date and time. With reference to the setting information corresponding to the numeral portion associated with the setting information (as will be described later, the setting information is stored in the information processing apparatus <NUM>), it is possible to identify the image forming apparatus <NUM> (an apparatus type, an IP address, or the like), the paper type, and the patch arrangement of the color chart CC (the arrangement of the color evaluation patch CP) that are defined in the setting information. Moreover, it is possible to directly identify the date and time at which the color chart CC is printed out, by using the numeral portion indicating date and time. With this configuration, the information processing apparatus <NUM> is able to automatically identify the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the paper type as targets of the quality evaluation process to be performed by the information processing apparatus <NUM>, and store and display an evaluation result.

Meanwhile, it is assumed that, in the color code C, the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM> that has printed out the color chart CC, the identification information on the paper type used for the printing, the date and time of printing, and the identification information on the arrangement of the color evaluation patch CP are coded, but embodiments are not limited to this example. For example, the color code C may further include identification information on print setting (density or the like) or the like. In this case, specifically, it is sufficient to include details of the print setting in the setting information corresponding to the numeral portion associated with the setting information, instead of directly including the identification information on the print setting in the color code information. Furthermore, if it is not necessary to manage the date and time of printing in the color code C, details indicating the date and time need not be included in the color code information.

The color evaluation patch CP is a group of color patches for use to perform, by the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the quality evaluation process on the image forming apparatus <NUM> that is identified by the color code C. Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, the color evaluation patch CP is arranged at a position independent of the color code C. With this configuration, it is possible to clearly distinguish the position of the color code C, it is possible to prevent the information processing apparatus <NUM> from making an error in specific operation on the color code C, and it is possible to reduce mistakes about the position of the color code C even if the image reading apparatus <NUM> reads the color chart CC upside down. As illustrated in <FIG>, the color evaluation patch CP includes determination patches JP1 to JP7 that are arranged at seven positions as determination patches for evaluating printing quality of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The determination patches JP1 to JP7 are arranged over a wide area in the color evaluation patch CP as illustrated in <FIG>.

Each of the determination patches JP1, JP3, JP5, and JP7 is a group of the same number of color patches with the same colors and in the same arrangement. In other words, as illustrated in <FIG>, each of the determination patches JP1, JP3, JP5, and JP7 includes a plurality of color patches in the same arrangement. Furthermore, each of the determination patches JP2, JP4, and JP6 has a configuration obtained by rotating the group of color patches in the determination patch JP1 (JP3, JP5, and JP7) by <NUM> degrees. In other words, each of the determination patches JP1 to JP7 includes one of the color patch groups in the same arrangement and arranged in different arrangement directions. In this manner, by changing the arrangement directions of the determination patches JP1 to JP7 by rotation or the like, it is possible to reduce an influence of printing unevenness in a main-scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction in evaluating the printing quality. Meanwhile, if the determination patches JP1 to JP7 are referred to in a non-distinguishing manner or in a collective manner, they will be simply referred to as the determination patches JP. An enlarged view of one example of the determination patch JP is illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, to evaluate the printing quality with high accuracy, the determination patch JP includes, for example, patches P1 to P54 that are <NUM> color patches (gray patches) of different colors. As described above, the determination patches JP are arranged, as the determination patches JP1 to JP7, at the seven positions in the color evaluation patch CP as illustrated in <FIG>. Meanwhile, the number, the color, and the arrangement of the color patches in each of the determination patches JP are not limited to those as described above, and, for example, the number of the color patches in each of the determination patches JP is not limited to <NUM>. Furthermore, the arrangement positions of the determination patches JP are not limited to the seven positions, but may be the different number of positions.

Moreover, as illustrated in <FIG>, neither a portion of white of paper or a white (W) color patch is arranged adjacent to the determination patch JP in order to avoid a situation in which color measurement is not appropriately performed due to flare caused by reflected light from white of paper. In other words, certain color patches rather than white of paper are arranged as color patches around the determination patch JP. The printing quality of the image forming apparatus <NUM> is evaluated on the basis of color values (color measurement values) that are measured from the determination patches JP1 to JP7 at the seven positions as described above. A printing quality evaluation method (determination method) using the color measurement values of the determination patches JP1 to JP7 will be described in detail later.

Referring back to <FIG>, explanation of the functional blocks will be continued. The storage unit <NUM> is a functional unit that stores therein various kinds of data, programs, and the like. The storage unit <NUM> is implemented by the auxiliary storage device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Meanwhile, at least a part of the functional units that are implemented by software among the functional units of the image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be implemented by a hardware circuit, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC.

Furthermore, each of the functional units of the image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is functionally conceptual, and configuration thereof is not limited to this example. For example, a plurality of functional units that are illustrated as independent functional units in the image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be configured as a single functional unit. In contrast, a function of a single functional unit in the image forming apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be divided into a plurality of functions, and may be configured as a plurality of functional units. Moreover, any of the functions may be implemented by a DFE or a different apparatus.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the information processing apparatus <NUM> includes a communication unit <NUM>, a chart transmission unit <NUM>, a color value acquisition unit <NUM> (acquisition unit), an identification unit <NUM>, a patch acquisition unit <NUM>, a calculation unit <NUM>, a determination unit <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a display control unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. Meanwhile, the information processing apparatus <NUM> may be a terminal device, such as a PC or a smartphone, used by a user, or may be a cloud computing server device or a cloud computing system that provides functions as cloud computing services.

The communication unit <NUM> is a functional unit that performs data communication with the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the image reading apparatus <NUM> via the network N. The communication unit <NUM> is implemented by the network I/F <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and by causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The chart transmission unit <NUM> is a functional unit that transmits the print job of the color chart data, which is used by the image forming apparatus <NUM> to print out the color chart, to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. The chart transmission unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The color value acquisition unit <NUM> is a functional unit that acquires, from the image reading apparatus <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>, color information data configured with the color measurement values (Lab values) of the respective color patches in the color chart CC that is obtained by the image reading apparatus <NUM> by performing a reading process on the color chart CC printed out by the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The color value acquisition unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The identification unit <NUM> is a functional unit that identifies the color code information on the color code C from the color information data on the color chart CC acquired by the color value acquisition unit <NUM>, represents the color code information by a numeral (decoding), and identifies the image forming apparatus <NUM> (apparatus type or the like), the paper type, the patch arrangement of the color chart CC (arrangement of the color evaluation patch CP), and the date and time of printing. The identification unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The patch acquisition unit <NUM> is a functional unit that identifies portions corresponding to the determination patches JP1 to JP7 at the seven positions arranged in the color evaluation patch CP from the color information data that is acquired by the color value acquisition unit <NUM>, and acquires the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P1 to P54 in each of the determination patches JP1 to JP7. The patch acquisition unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The calculation unit <NUM> is a functional unit that calculates an average value of the color measurement values for each of the patches P1 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 acquired by the patch acquisition unit <NUM>. Specifically, assuming that the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P1 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 are represented by (L*1_1, a*1_1, b*1_1), (L*1_2, a*1_2, b*1_2),. , (L*1_7, a*1_7, b*1_7), the calculation unit <NUM> first calculates an average color measurement value (L*1_ave, a*1_ave, b*1_ave) that is an average value of the color measurement values of the patches P1 by using Expression (<NUM>) below.

Subsequently, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates, as ΔE1, a color difference between the calculated average color measurement value (L*1_ave, a*1_ave, b*1_ave) and a predetermined reference value (L*1_std, a*1_std, b*1_std). Meanwhile, as a formula for calculating the color difference, it may be possible to use ΔE2000 that is compatible with human sense, or it may be possible to use ΔE76, ΔE94, or the like for which calculations are simpler, for example. Similarly, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates color differences ΔE2 to ΔE54 by using the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P2 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7. Then, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates a color difference average value ΔE_ave that is an average value of the color differences ΔE1 to ΔE54 and calculates a maximum value ΔE_Max. The calculation unit <NUM> stores the calculated various values in the storage unit <NUM>.

The calculation unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The determination unit <NUM> is a functional unit that determines whether the color difference average value ΔE_ave and the maximum value ΔE_Max calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> are respectively equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold Thresh1 and a predetermined threshold Thresh2 by Expressions (<NUM>) below.

If at least one of Expressions (<NUM>) is satisfied, the determination unit <NUM> determines that the printing quality of the color chart CC is abnormal, and determines that the state of the image forming apparatus <NUM> identified by the identification unit <NUM> is abnormal. The determination unit <NUM> stores a determination result in the storage unit <NUM>. The determination unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The input unit <NUM> is a functional unit that receives input of operation from a user. The input unit <NUM> is implemented by the keyboard <NUM> and the mouse <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The display control unit <NUM> is a functional unit that controls display of various screens and various kinds of information on the display unit <NUM>. The display control unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, causing the CPU <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to execute a program.

The display unit <NUM> is a functional unit that performs operation of displaying various screens and various kinds of information under the control of the display control unit <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> is implemented by the display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The storage unit <NUM> is a functional unit that stores therein the color chart data, various values calculated by the calculation unit <NUM>, the determination result obtained by the determination unit <NUM>, and the like. The storage unit <NUM> is implemented by the auxiliary storage device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Meanwhile, at least a part of the functional units that are implemented by software among the functional units of the information processing apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be implemented by a hardware circuit, such as an FPGA or an ASIC.

Furthermore, each of the functional units of the information processing apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is functionally conceptual, and configuration thereof is not limited to this example. For example, a plurality of functional units that are illustrated as independent functional units in the information processing apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be configured as a single functional unit. In contrast, a function of a single functional unit in the information processing apparatus <NUM> <FIG> illustrated in <FIG> may be divided into a plurality of functions, and may be configured as a plurality of functional units.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the quality evaluation process performed by the image forming system according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the determination process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a color chart reading direction. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating another example of the color chart reading direction. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of an evaluation abnormality screen. The flow of the quality evaluation process performed by the image forming system <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

First, the chart transmission unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> transmits the print job of the color chart data, which is used by the image forming apparatus <NUM> as a target for the quality evaluation process to print out the color chart, to the image forming apparatus <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. In this case, the chart transmission unit <NUM> may transmit the print job of the color chart data to the plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM>. Then, the process proceeds to Step S12.

The job acquisition unit <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> acquires the print job of the color chart data from the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Further, the print control unit <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> causes the plotter <NUM> to print out the color chart based on the print job of the color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit <NUM>. In this case, when causing the color chart CC to be printed out, the print control unit <NUM> causes the color code including the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>, the identification information on the paper type, the date and time of printing, and the identification information on the patch arrangement of the color chart CC to be printed. The color chart CC is configured as described above. Then, the process proceeds to Step S13.

The image reading apparatus <NUM> performs the reading process on the color chart CC that is printed out by the image forming apparatus <NUM>, and generates color information data in which the read values on the entire surface of the color chart CC are converted to the color measurement values (Lab values). The image reading apparatus <NUM> transmits the generated color information data to the information processing apparatus <NUM>. Then, the process proceeds to Step S14. Meanwhile, the image reading apparatus <NUM> may be able to collectively place and sequentially read the plurality of color charts CC, in each of which the color code including the identification information on the different image forming apparatus <NUM>, the identification information on the paper type, and the like are printed, and transmit the pieces of acquired color information data to the information processing apparatus <NUM> sequentially or collectively.

The color value acquisition unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> acquires the color information data corresponding to the color chart CC that is printed out by the image forming apparatus <NUM>, from the image reading apparatus <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. Then, the process proceeds to Step S15.

The identification unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs scanning from a leading end of the color information data in order to identify the color code C from the color information data on the color chart CC acquired by the color value acquisition unit <NUM>, and searches for the color patches on both ends of the color code C. In general, it is assumed that reading is performed in a direction of arrow in <FIG> as a reading direction of the color information data; however, if reading is performed while reversing the chart reading direction as illustrated in <FIG>, the color code C is detected in a horizontally-inverted orientation as compared to the orientation read in <FIG>. To accurately recognize the color code C even in this case, determination is performed based on whether the colors at the ends of the color code C correspond to the color patches of the predetermined colors as described above. Meanwhile, even if the color chart CC that is arranged upside down is included when the plurality of color charts CC are collectively placed, it is possible to accurately recognize the color codes C.

Specifically, if a search is performed in the orientation illustrated in <FIG>, the identification unit <NUM> recognizes that the two color patches arranged on the left end as one of the both ends of the color code C are colored in cyan (C) and magenta (M) in this order from left, and recognizes that the two color patches arranged on the right end are colored in yellow (Y) and black (K) in this order from left, thereby identifying the color code information on the color chart CC. In contrast, if a search is performed in the orientation illustrated in <FIG>, the identification unit <NUM> recognizes that the two color patches arranged on the left end as one of the both ends of the color code C are colored in black (K) and yellow (Y) in this order from left, and recognizes that the two color patches arranged on the right end are colored in magenta (M) and cyan (C) in this order from left, thereby recognizing that the arrangement is inverted as compared to the arrangement in <FIG>. In this case, the identification unit <NUM> adds a process of rotating, by <NUM> degrees, the color information data on the entire surface of the color chart CC that is obtained by performing reading in the reading direction illustrated in <FIG>, in order to conform to the arrangement obtained in the reading direction illustrated in <FIG>. By adding the process as described above, the identification unit <NUM> is able to appropriately perform a process on the color information data on the color chart CC that is read in a different direction, and identify the color code information on the color chart CC.

Further, the identification unit <NUM> represents the identified color code information by a numeral (decoding), and identifies the image forming apparatus <NUM> (apparatus type or the like), the paper type, the patch arrangement of the color chart CC (arrangement of the color evaluation patch CP), and the date and time of printing. Then, the process proceeds to Step S16.

Subsequently, the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs the determination process on the color chart CC through Steps S161 to S167 illustrated in <FIG>. The determination process will be described below.

The patch acquisition unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> identifies portions corresponding to the determination patches JP1 to JP7 at the seven positions arranged in the color evaluation patch CP from the color information data that is acquired by the color value acquisition unit <NUM>, and acquires the color measurement value (Lab value) of the patch P1 in each of the determination patches JP1 to JP7. Then, the process proceeds to Step S162.

The calculation unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> calculates the average color measurement value (L*1_ave, a*1_ave, b*1_ave) that is an average value of the color measurement values of the patches P1 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 acquired by the patch acquisition unit <NUM>, by Expression (<NUM>) above. Then, the process proceeds to Step S163.

Subsequently, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates, as ΔE1, the color difference between the calculated average color measurement value (L*1_ave, a*1_ave, b*1_ave) and the predetermined reference value (L*1_std, a*1_std, b*1_std).

The processes from Steps S161 to S163 are repeated on the patches P2 to P54 in each of the determination patches JP1 to JP7, and the color differences ΔE2 to ΔE54 are obtained. Then, the process proceeds to Step S164.

The calculation unit <NUM> calculates the color difference average value ΔE_ave that is an average value of the calculated color differences ΔE1 to ΔE54 and calculates the maximum value ΔE_Max. Then, the process proceeds to Step S165.

The determination unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> determines whether the color difference average value ΔE_ave calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold Thresh1 by Expression (<NUM>) above. If the color difference average value ΔE_ave is smaller than the threshold Thresh1 (YES at Step S165), the process proceeds to Step S166, and, if the color difference average value ΔE_ave is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh1 (NO at Step S165), the process proceeds to Step S167.

Subsequently, the determination unit <NUM> determines whether the maximum value ΔE_Max calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold Thresh2 by Expression (<NUM>) above. If the maximum value ΔE_Max is smaller than the threshold Thresh2 (YES at Step S166), the determination process is terminated, and, if the maximum value ΔE_Max is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh2 (NO at Step S166), the process proceeds to Step S167.

If it is determined that the color difference average value ΔE_ave is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh1 or if the maximum value ΔE_Max is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh2, the determination unit <NUM> determines that the printing quality of the color chart CC is abnormal, and determines that the state of the image forming apparatus <NUM> identified by the identification unit <NUM> is abnormal. In this case, the display control unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> causes the display unit <NUM> to display an evaluation abnormality screen <NUM> indicating that the printing quality of the color chart CC is abnormal as illustrated in <FIG> to thereby give a warning to a user. In this case, as illustrated in <FIG>, the display control unit <NUM> causes the evaluation abnormality screen <NUM> to display the identification information (the apparatus type, the IP address, or the like) on the image forming apparatus <NUM> that is identified by the color code C of the color chart CC for which the printing quality is determined as being abnormal. With this configuration, it is possible to easily recognize the image forming apparatus <NUM> whose printing quality is abnormal. Meanwhile, the display control unit <NUM> may cause the evaluation abnormality screen <NUM> to display at least any of the paper type, the date and time, and page information, in addition to the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>. Then, the determination process is terminated.

If the determination process from Steps S161 to S167 as described above is terminated, the quality evaluation process is terminated.

As described above, in the image forming system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the color chart CC that is printed out by the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes the color evaluation patch CP used for the quality evaluation process and the color code C including at least the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>. Further, the information processing apparatus <NUM> identifies the color code C from the color information data of the color chart CC read by the image reading apparatus <NUM>, and identifies the image forming apparatus <NUM> on the basis of the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM> included in the color code C. In this manner, when the plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM> output the color charts CC, it is possible to distinguish the image forming apparatuses <NUM> that have output the color charts by identifying the image forming apparatuses <NUM> by the color codes C included in the color charts CC, so that it is possible to automatically and effectively perform evaluation of the printing quality without operation by a user.

Furthermore, the color code C of the color chart CC further includes the identification information on the paper type of the sheet on which the color chart CC is output, in addition to the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>. If the paper type to be used is changed, a problem may occur in that a printing quality level as desired by a user is not achieved because a profile does not match a profile that is prepared in advance; however, as described above, in the present embodiment, the color chart CC includes the identification information on the paper type in addition to the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>, so that it is possible to evaluate the printing quality with respect to the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the paper type, and it is possible to perform evaluation of quality in accordance with each of paper types.

Moreover, the color evaluation patch CP of the color chart CC includes the plurality of determination patches that are embedded to evaluate the printing quality of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. In the conventional technology, if the state of the image forming apparatus <NUM> is not appropriate, a color adjustment process may be performed; however, with use of the plurality of determination patches as described above, it is possible to evaluate (determine) the printing quality of the printed color chart CC. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the printing quality is not checked for a long time and printing is continued in a state in which the printing quality is not appropriate.

Meanwhile, in the image forming system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the color code includes the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>, the identification information on the paper type, the date and time of printing, and the identification information on the patch arrangement of the color chart CC, but embodiments are not limited to this example. For example, it may be possible to include the information as described above in a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like, and print out the code on the color chart CC together with the color evaluation patch CP.

An image forming system <NUM> according to a second embodiment will be described below, mainly in terms of a difference from the image forming system <NUM> according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the operation has been explained in which the information processing apparatus <NUM> performs the determination process on the single color chart CC that is printed out by the image forming apparatus <NUM>. In the present embodiment, operation will be described in which at least the single image forming apparatus <NUM> performs the determination process by using a plurality of color charts. Meanwhile, hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment and a functional block configuration of the image forming system <NUM> are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The determination process of the present embodiment is advantageous in that, in an image forming apparatus capable of forming images on a plurality of sheets in one cycle of image forming operation, it is possible to evaluate printing quality of an entire image forming means (the plotter <NUM> or the like), for example. The one cycle of the image forming operation indicates, for example, one rotation of a transfer means for transferring an image onto a sheet or one rotation of a conveying means for conveying a sheet at the time of image formation. By determining, as evaluation between sheets, whether printing quality is not defective over the entire image forming means that is able to perform printing on a plurality of sheets in one cycle, it is possible to confirm whether a process of adjusting the image forming unit, color adjustment using a profile, or repair and replacement needs to be performed again. Meanwhile, it may be possible to cause the single image forming apparatus <NUM> to print out a plurality of color charts and cause the image reading apparatus to perform read and determination, or it may be possible to cause the plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM> to print a plurality of color charts, cause the image reading apparatus to collectively read the color charts, and collectively determine the plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a first color chart. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a second color chart. In the present embodiment, an overview of the operation performed by the image forming system <NUM> will be described based on the assumption that the determination process is performed by using two color charts. Meanwhile, the same operation as described below is performed in a determination process using three or more color charts.

The job acquisition unit <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> acquires print jobs of two pieces of color chart data from the information processing apparatus <NUM>. The print control unit <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> causes the plotter <NUM> to print out the two color charts on the basis of the print jobs of the two pieces of color chart data acquired by the job acquisition unit <NUM>. Furthermore, when causing the two color charts to be printed out, the print control unit <NUM> causes color codes each including identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM>, identification information on a paper type, date and time of printing, and identification information on the patch arrangement of the color charts to be printed. In this case, the two color charts are distinguished from each other by the identification information (page information) on the patch arrangement included in the printed color codes.

Here, a first color chart CCA is illustrated in <FIG> and a second color chart CCB is illustrated in <FIG> as examples of the two color charts that are printed out under the control of the print control unit <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the color chart CCA includes a color code CA and a color evaluation patch CPA, similarly to the first embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the color chart CCB includes a color code CB and a color evaluation patch CPB, similarly to the first embodiment.

Each of the color codes CA and CB is a code in which, as described above, the identification information on the image forming apparatus <NUM> that has printed out each of the color charts CCA and CCB, the identification information on the paper type used for printing, the date and time of printing, and the identification information on arrangement of each of the color evaluation patches CPA and CPB are coded as the color patches. Similarly to the first embodiment, color patches that indicate ends of each of the color codes CA and CB and that identify orientation of each of the color codes CA and CB are arranged at both ends of each of the color codes CA and CB.

Each of the color evaluation patches CPA and CPB is a group of color patches for use to perform, by the information processing apparatus <NUM>, the quality evaluation process on the image forming apparatus <NUM> that is identified by each of the color codes CA and CB. In each of the color evaluation patches CPA and CPB, the determination patches JP1 to JP7 are arranged at seven positions as the determination patches for evaluating the printing quality of the image forming apparatus <NUM>. The configurations of the determination patches JP1 to JP7 in each of the color evaluation patches CPA and CPB are the same as those of the first embodiment as described above.

The calculation unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> calculates an average value or the like of the color measurement values for each of the patches P1 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 of each of the color evaluation patches CPA and CPB acquired by the patch acquisition unit <NUM>. Specifically, assuming that, with respect to the color chart CCA, the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P1 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 are represented by (L*A1_1, a*A1_1, b*A1_1), (L*A1_2, a*A1_2, b*A1_2),. , and (L*A1_7, a*A1_7, b*A1_7), the calculation unit <NUM> first calculates an average color measurement value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) that is an average value of the color measurement values of the patches P1 by Expression (<NUM>) below.

Furthermore, assuming that, with respect to the color chart CCB, the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P1 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 are represented by (L*B1_1, a*B1_1, b*B1_1), (L*B1_2, a*B1_2, b*B1_2),. , and (L*B1_7, a*B1_7, b*B1_7), the calculation unit <NUM> calculates an average color measurement value (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) that is an average value of the color measurement values by Expression (<NUM>) below.

Subsequently, with respect to the color chart CCA, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates, as ΔEA1, a color difference between the calculated average color measurement value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) and a predetermined reference value (L*1_std, a*1_std, b*1_std). Similarly, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates color differences ΔEA2 to ΔEA54 by using the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P2 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 in the color chart CCA. Then, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates a color difference average value ΔEA_ave that is an average value of the calculated color differences ΔEA1 to ΔEA54 and calculates a maximum value ΔEA_Max.

Furthermore, with respect to the color chart CCB, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates, as ΔEB1, a color difference between the calculated average color measurement value (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) and a predetermined reference value (L*1_std, a*1_std, b*1_std). Similarly, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates color differences ΔEB2 to ΔEB54 by using the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P2 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 in the color chart CCB. Then, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates a color difference average value ΔEB_ave that is an average value of the calculated color differences ΔEB1 to ΔEB54 and calculates a maximum value ΔEB_Max.

Moreover, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates a difference ΔE1_AB between the average color measurement value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) of the color chart CCA and the average color measurement value (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) of the color chart CCB. Similarly, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates the differences ΔE2_AB to ΔE54_AB by using the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P2 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7.

The calculation unit <NUM> stores the various calculated values in the storage unit <NUM>.

The determination unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> determines whether the color difference average value ΔEA_ave and the maximum value ΔEA_Max calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> are respectively equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold Thresh1 and the predetermined Thresh2 by Expressions (<NUM>) above. Furthermore, the determination unit <NUM> determines whether the color difference average value ΔEB_ave and the maximum value ΔEB_Max calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> are respectively equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold Thresh1 and the predetermined threshold Thresh2 by Expressions (<NUM>) above.

Moreover, the determination unit <NUM> determines whether the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> are equal to or larger than predetermined thresholds Thresh3 by Expressions (<NUM>) below.

If at least one of Expressions (<NUM>) above is satisfied with respect to the color difference average values ΔEA_ave, ΔEB_ave and the maximum values ΔEA_Max, ΔEB_Max or if at least one of Expressions (<NUM>) above is satisfied with respect to the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB, the determination unit <NUM> determines that the printing quality of the color charts CCA and CCB is abnormal, and determines that the state of the image forming apparatus <NUM> identified by the identification unit <NUM> is abnormal. Meanwhile, in Expressions (<NUM>), the thresholds Thresh3 for the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB need not always be the same values, but at least any of the thresholds may be a different value. The determination unit <NUM> stores a determination result in the storage unit <NUM>.

Operation of the other functional units of the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> are the same as the operation described in the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the determination process performed by the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of an inter-page evaluation abnormality screen. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the determination process performed by the information processing apparatus <NUM> in the quality evaluation process performed by the image forming system <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the determination process illustrated in <FIG> is performed at Step S16 in the quality evaluation process illustrated in <FIG>.

The patch acquisition unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> identifies portions corresponding to the determination patches JP1 to JP7 at the seven positions arranged in the color evaluation patch CPA from the color information data of the color chart CCA acquired by the color value acquisition unit <NUM>, and acquires the color measurement value (Lab value) of the patch P1 in each of the determination patches JP1 to JP7. Then, the process proceeds to Step S162a.

The calculation unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> calculates the average color measurement value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) that is an average value of the color measurement values of the patches P1 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7 acquired by the patch acquisition unit <NUM>, by Expression (<NUM>) above. Then, the process proceeds to Step S163a.

Subsequently, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates, as ΔEA1, the color difference between the calculated average color measurement value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) and the predetermined reference value (L*1_std, a*1_std, b*1_std) with respect to the color chart CCA.

The processes from Steps S161a to S163a are repeated on the patches P2 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7, and the color differences ΔEA2 to ΔEA54 are obtained. Then, the process proceeds to Step S164a.

The calculation unit <NUM> calculates the color difference average value ΔEA_ave that is an average value of the calculated color differences ΔEA1 to ΔEA54 and calculates the maximum value ΔEA_Max. Then, the process proceeds to Step S165a.

The determination unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> determines whether the color difference average value ΔEA_ave calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold Thresh1 by Expression (<NUM>) above. If the color difference average value ΔEA_ave is smaller than the threshold Thresh1 (YES at Step S165a), the process proceeds to Step S166a, and, if the color difference average value ΔEA_ave is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh1 the threshold Thresh1 (NO at Step S165a), the process proceeds to Step S168a.

Subsequently, the determination unit <NUM> determines whether the maximum value ΔEA_Max calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold Thresh2 by Expression (<NUM>) above. If the maximum value ΔEA_Max is smaller than the threshold Thresh2 (YES at Step S166a), and if any of the patches P2 to P54 of the color charts CCA and CCB is not subjected to the process, the process returns to Step S161a, and the processes from Steps S161a to S167a are repeated. In contrast, if the maximum value ΔEA_Max is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh2 (NO at Step S166a), the process proceeds to Step S168a.

Furthermore, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates the difference ΔE1_AB between the average color measurement value (L*A1_ave, a*A1_ave, b*A1_ave) of the color chart CCA and the average color measurement value (L*B1_ave, a*B1_ave, b*B1_ave) of the color chart CCB. Similarly, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates the differences ΔE2_AB to ΔE54_AB by using the color measurement values (Lab values) of the patches P2 to P54 in the determination patches JP1 to JP7. Then, the determination unit <NUM> determines whether the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> are equal to or larger than the predetermined thresholds Thresh3 by Expressions (<NUM>) above. If all of the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB are smaller than the thresholds Thresh3 (YES at Step S167a), the determination process is terminated, and, if at least any of the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh3 (NO at Step S167a), the process proceeds to Step S168a.

If at least one of Expressions (<NUM>) above is satisfied with respect to the color difference average values ΔEA_ave, ΔEB_ave and the maximum values ΔEA_Max, ΔEB_Max or if at least one of Expressions (<NUM>) above is satisfied with respect to the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB, the determination unit <NUM> determines that the printing quality of the color charts CCA and CCB is abnormal, and determines that the state of the image forming apparatus <NUM> identified by the identification unit <NUM> is abnormal. In this case, if it is determined that at least one of Expressions (<NUM>) above is satisfied with respect to the color difference average values ΔEA_ave, ΔEB_ave and the maximum values ΔEA_Max, ΔEB_Max, the display control unit <NUM> of the information processing apparatus <NUM> causes the display unit <NUM> to display the evaluation abnormality screen <NUM> indicating that the printing quality of the color charts CCA and CCB is abnormal as illustrated in <FIG> above to thereby give a warning to a user. Furthermore, if it is determined that at least any of the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB is equal to or larger than the threshold Thresh3, the display control unit <NUM> causes the display unit <NUM> to display an inter-page evaluation abnormality screen <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> indicating that the color values vary between the pages (the color charts CCA and CCB) to thereby give a warning to the user. Then, the determination process is terminated and the quality evaluation process is terminated.

As described above, in the image forming system <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the plurality of color charts CC are printed out, whether the printing quality is abnormal is determined by using each of the color charts CC, and presence or absence of color variation between the plurality of color charts CC (between the pages) is determined. With this configuration, it is possible to confirm that the image forming apparatus <NUM> is in an appropriate state.

An image forming system <NUM> according to a third embodiment will be described below, in terms of operation of displaying a graph of various values calculated by the calculation unit <NUM>. Meanwhile, hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment and a functional block configuration of the image forming system <NUM> are the same as those described in the first and the second embodiments.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a graph display screen. The graph display screen will be described with reference to <FIG>.

A graph display screen <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a screen in which, in the information processing apparatus <NUM>, various values calculated by the calculation unit <NUM> are chronologically displayed as a graph to check variation in quality evaluation. The graph display screen <NUM> is displayed by the display unit <NUM> under the control of the display control unit <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the graph display screen <NUM> includes a category selection region <NUM>, an operation region <NUM>, a display range setting region <NUM>, a sheet selection region <NUM>, an apparatus type selection region <NUM>, and a graph display region <NUM>. Meanwhile, the graph display screen <NUM> may be a software user interface installed in the information processing apparatus <NUM>, or a screen of a Web browser of a terminal device, an image forming apparatus, or the like for displaying a cloud computing service provided by a cloud computing server.

The category selection region <NUM> is a region for selecting a category. Here, categories indicate sections in which the plurality of image forming apparatuses <NUM> are managed, and are categorized as, for example, an office, a building, a floor, and the like.

The operation region <NUM> is a region for performing operation of displaying a graph and setting various setting values. The operation region <NUM> includes an update button 1102a and a setting button 1102b.

The update button 1102a is a button for updating a graph in the graph display region <NUM> to latest contents. The setting button 1102b is a button for selecting a value (for example, the color difference average value, the maximum value, the differences ΔE1_AB to ΔE54_AB in Expressions (<NUM>) above, or the like) that is to be displayed as a graph in the graph display region <NUM> among the values calculated by the calculation unit <NUM>, and for setting a threshold for the selected value, for example.

The display range setting region <NUM> is a region for setting a display period in which the graph is displayed in the graph display region <NUM>. In the display range setting region <NUM>, for example, a start time and an end time of the display period are set as illustrated in <FIG>. After setting the display period in the display range setting region <NUM>, if the update button 1102a is pressed, graph display is updated so as to reflect the display period.

The sheet selection region <NUM> is a region for setting a paper type for which a graph is displayed in the graph display region <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, it is possible to make setting as to whether each of plain paper, gross paper, matte paper, and other paper is to be displayed.

The apparatus type selection region <NUM> is a region for selecting the image forming apparatus <NUM> for which a graph is displayed in the graph display region <NUM>. In the apparatus type selection region <NUM>, for example, a list of IP addresses, apparatus numbers, or the like for identifying the image forming apparatuses <NUM> is displayed, and it is possible to select whether to display a graph in the graph display region <NUM> for each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> by changing ON and OFF of a checkbox provided for each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM>. Furthermore, the image forming apparatuses <NUM> that are displayed as a list in the apparatus type selection region <NUM> belong to the category selected in the category selection region <NUM>.

The graph display region <NUM> is a display region in which a graph of the value that is selected by the setting button 1102b and that corresponds to the display period set by the display range setting region <NUM> with respect to the paper type selected in the sheet selection region <NUM> is displayed for each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> that are selected in the apparatus type selection region <NUM>. Furthermore, in the graph display region <NUM>, a line of the threshold (a dashed line illustrated in <FIG>) set by the setting button 1102b is displayed, so that it is possible to check whether each of the values displayed on the graph is smaller than the threshold. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, graphs for apparatus types (for example, the IP addresses as the identification information on the apparatus types) of "<NUM>. <NUM>" and "<NUM>. <NUM>" are displayed, but it is possible to check graph display for other selected apparatus types by performing scroll operation. Furthermore, the example illustrated in <FIG> illustrates a state in which the plain paper, the gross paper, the matte paper, and the other paper are selected as the paper types in the sheet selection region <NUM>, but as for the image forming apparatus <NUM> corresponding to the apparatus type of "<NUM>. <NUM>", values corresponding to the plain paper and the other are not present, so that they are not displayed on the graph.

With the graph display screen <NUM> as described above, it is possible to chronologically check variation in various values calculated by the calculation unit <NUM>, so that it is possible to recognize variation in the printing quality for each of the image forming apparatuses <NUM> and for each of the paper types, and it is possible to effectively evaluate and manage the printing quality.

Meanwhile, in each of the embodiments as described above, if at least any of the functional units of the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> is implemented by a program, the program is provided by being incorporated in ROM or the like in advance. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments as described above, the program executed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> may be provided by being recorded in a computer readable recording medium, such as a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a flexible disk (FD), or a digital versatile disk (DVD) in a computer-installable or a computer-executable file format. Moreover, in each of the embodiments as described above, the program executed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> may be stored in a computer connected to a network, such as the Internet, and may be provided by being downloaded via the network. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments as described above, the program executed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> may be provided or distributed via a network, such as the Internet. Moreover, in each of the embodiments as described above, the program executed by the image forming apparatus <NUM> and the information processing apparatus <NUM> has a module structure including at least any of the functional units as described above, and as actual hardware, the CPU <NUM> (the CPU <NUM>) reads the program from the storage device as described above (for example, the system memory <NUM>, the auxiliary storage device <NUM>, the auxiliary storage device <NUM>, or the like) and executes the program, so that each of the functional units as described above is loaded and generated on a main storage device.

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, at least one element of different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other or substituted for each other within the scope of the appended claims. Further, features of components of the embodiments, such as the number, the position, and the shape are not limited the embodiments and thus may be preferably set. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

The method steps, processes, or operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance or clearly identified through the context. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed within the scope of the appended claims.

Further, any of the above-described apparatus, devices or units can be implemented as a hardware apparatus, such as a special-purpose circuit or device, or as a hardware/software combination, such as a processor executing a software program.

Further, as described above, any one of the above-described and other methods of the present invention may be embodied in the form of a computer program stored in any kind of storage medium. Examples of storage mediums include, but are not limited to, flexible disk, hard disk, optical discs, magneto-optical discs, magnetic tapes, nonvolatile memory, semiconductor memory, read-only-memory (ROM), etc..

Alternatively, any one of the above-described and other methods of the present invention may be implemented by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), prepared by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits or by a combination thereof with one or more conventional general purpose microprocessors or signal processors programmed accordingly.

Claim 1:
An information processing apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
an acquisition unit (<NUM>) configured to acquire color information data generated by reading, by an image reading apparatus (<NUM>), a color chart (CC) output from an image forming apparatus (<NUM>) on which evaluation of printing quality is to be performed and including identification information on the image forming apparatus (<NUM>), and a color evaluation patch (CP) including a plurality of color patches for performing evaluation of printing quality on the image forming apparatus (<NUM>);
an identification unit (<NUM>) configured to identify the image forming apparatus (<NUM>) from the identification information included in the color information data; and
a determination unit (<NUM>) configured to determine whether the printing quality of the image forming apparatus (<NUM>) identified by the identification unit (<NUM>) is abnormal, based on a color measurement value of the color evaluation patch (CP) included in the color information data, wherein
the color evaluation patch (CP) includes a plurality of determination patches (JP1-<NUM>) for determining whether printing quality of the color chart (CC) is abnormal, and
the determination unit (<NUM>) is configured to determine whether the printing quality of the image forming apparatus (<NUM>) identified by the identification unit (<NUM>) is abnormal, based on color measurement values of the plurality of determination patches (JP1-<NUM>) included in the color information data,
characterised in that:
the plurality of determination patches (JP1-<NUM>) each include one of a plurality of color patch groups having a same arrangement and arranged in different arrangement directions,
the information processing apparatus (<NUM>) further comprises a calculation unit (<NUM>) configured to calculate average values of color measurement values of color patches at corresponding positions in the plurality of determination patches (JP1-<NUM>), and
the determination unit (<NUM>) determines whether the printing quality of the image forming apparatus (<NUM>) identified by the identification unit is abnormal, based on the average values calculated by the calculation unit (<NUM>) .