Patent Description:
In stores where printing is performed, when the store receives an order to print based on document image data from a client, the store may receive an output product (color sample) as a target. In such situation, in order to reproduce a color in the color sample (target output), a color conversion table used in color conversion of the document image data is corrected from a relation of the colors between read image data (RGB value) obtained by reading the color sample and the document image data (CMYK value). With this, the color is matched (see <CIT>).

Specifically, software to create the color conversion parameter (ICC profile) is started, and the color sample is read by the scanner. Based on the read image data and the document image data, the color conversion parameter which reproduces the color closer to the color sample is created and the color conversion parameter is registered in a database.

Next, when the document image data is printed, a print application such as a printer driver is started, and a desired color conversion parameter is selected from the color conversion parameter registered in the database. With this, the color conversion parameter is corresponded to the document image data and the printing is performed.

<CIT> discloses an image forming system for printing mutually related jobs, which has a profile management unit that reflects color-measurement result of a second job a on profile produced based on first job.

The present invention is defined by the subject-matter of the appended claims.

The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and the appended drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention, and wherein:.

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Below, an embodiment of a control apparatus according to the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the illustrated examples.

<FIG> shows a system configuration of a print system <NUM> according to a first embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the print system <NUM> includes a Personal Computer (PC) <NUM> as a control apparatus, a scanner <NUM>, and a print apparatus <NUM>. The apparatuses are connected to be able to communicate data through a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. The print system <NUM> is provided in a print company, etc..

The PC <NUM> corrects a target profile when the color of the output from the print apparatus <NUM> is matched to the color of the color sample (target output), and a corrected result is provided to the print apparatus <NUM>. The color sample is output received from a customer when the customer submits the document. This is not data but the actual output. The PC <NUM> transmits a print instruction including the image data to be printed to the print apparatus <NUM>.

The scanner <NUM> reads the color sample and generates read image data (RGB value). As the scanner <NUM>, a scanner provided in the print apparatus <NUM> can also be used.

The print apparatus <NUM> uses four process colors including cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Color materials such as toner, ink or the like in the colors CMYK are used to form an image on a sheet. The print apparatus <NUM> includes a controller and a printer engine.

Based on the print instruction transmitted from the PC <NUM>, the controller performs computing processes such as a color conversion process, a rasterizing process, a screening process, and the like on image data which is to be printed, and generates raster data (CMYK value).

The printer engine performs a printing process based on the raster data (CMYK value) generated by the controller.

The print apparatus <NUM> includes a parameter DB (DataBase) <NUM>, and a print job storage <NUM>.

A plurality of color conversion parameters (target profile) are registered in the parameter DB <NUM>.

The print job storage <NUM> stores a print job printed by the print apparatus <NUM>. The print job includes document image data which is the print target and job setting which shows how the printing is performed. The job setting includes information showing the color conversion parameter (target profile) used in the color conversion on the document image data, number of copies, magnification rate, post-processing setting, and the like.

<FIG> shows a functional configuration of the PC <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the multifunction device <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an operator <NUM>, a communicator <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, and the like.

The controller <NUM> includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) <NUM>, a Read Only Memory (ROM) <NUM>, a Random Access Memory (RAM) <NUM>, and the like. The controller <NUM> controls each unit in the PC <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> reads various programs stored in the ROM <NUM> or the storage <NUM> and deploys the program in the RAM <NUM>, and according to the deployed program, various processes are executed. The ROM <NUM> is a read only memory which stores various programs and various data. The RAM <NUM> functions as a work space and temporarily stores the programs and data.

The display <NUM> includes a monitor which is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and the display <NUM> displays various screens according to an instruction of a display signal input from the controller <NUM>.

The operator <NUM> includes a keyboard including cursor keys, letter input keys, various function keys, and the like and a pointing device such as a mouse. The operator <NUM> outputs to the controller <NUM> the operation signal input by the key operation on the keyboard and the mouse operation. The operator <NUM> may include a touch panel layered on the display <NUM>, and the operation signal according to the position touched by the finger, etc. of the user can be output to the controller <NUM>.

The communicator <NUM> includes a network interface and transmitting and receiving of data are performed with an external device connected through a communication network N.

The storage <NUM> is a storage apparatus which stores various programs and various data.

The storage <NUM> stores a color conversion profile. The color conversion profile is a profile used in color conversion, and includes a scanner profile, a printer profile, a target profile, and the like.

The scanner profile shows a relation between a read value (RGB value) by the scanner <NUM> and a color value (L*a*b* value) (read properties by the scanner <NUM>).

The printer profile shows a relation between the image data (CMYK value) printed by the print apparatus <NUM> and the color value (L*a*b* value) (output properties of the print apparatus <NUM>).

The target profile shows a relation between the document image data (CMYK value) input to a target printer which printed the color sample and the color value (L*a*b* value) obtained from the color sample. The target profile is updated by correction. The target profile does not always have to be stored in the storage <NUM>, and the target profile can be obtained from the print apparatus <NUM> or newly generated when the target profile is used (corrected).

The controller <NUM> obtains the document image data (CMYK value) corresponding to the color sample. The document image data is image data which is the source from which the color sample is printed, and data received from the customer. For example, a PDF file, a TIFF file, and the like are used as the document image data.

The controller <NUM> obtains from the scanner <NUM> the read image data (RGB value) obtained by reading the color sample. For example, the PDF file, the TIFF file, etc. are used as the read image data.

Based on the document image data and the read image data, the controller <NUM> generates the color conversion parameter (ICC profile) regarding the color conversion of the document image data. Specifically, the controller <NUM> generates the color conversion parameter of the target profile.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, the flow of generating the color conversion parameter is described. Here, as the color conversion parameter, a CMYK target profile (CMYK source profile) is generated.

The RGB source profile is generated when the document image data is the RGB value.

The controller <NUM> obtains the first job corresponded to the first document image data (CMYK value) from the print apparatus <NUM>.

Specifically, the controller <NUM> displays the plurality of jobs stored in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> as a list on the display <NUM>, receives a selection of a first job from the plurality of jobs displayed as a list, and obtains the selected first job.

The controller <NUM> obtains the read image data of the color sample corresponding to the first document image data from the scanner <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> generates the first color conversion parameter regarding the color conversion of the first document image data based on the first document image data and the read image data.

The controller <NUM> automatically corresponds the first color conversion parameter to the first job.

Next, the operation of the PC <NUM> is described.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing a first color conversion parameter generating process performed by the PC <NUM>. This process is executed according to a software process by the CPU <NUM> of the controller <NUM> in coordination with the program stored in the storage <NUM>.

First, through the communicator <NUM>, the controller <NUM> displays as a list on the display <NUM> a plurality of print jobs stored in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the example of the job list screen <NUM> displayed on the display <NUM>. The job list screen <NUM> includes the job list display region 121A. A list of the print jobs is displayed on the job list display region 121A, and a job number, a file name (document image data), number of pages, and updated date/time are displayed for each print job.

The controller <NUM> receives a selection of the print job (first job) from the operator <NUM> by the user on the job list screen <NUM> (step S1). The user operates the operator <NUM> and selects the print job as the target of adjustment from the plurality of jobs displayed as the list. Through the communicator <NUM>, the controller <NUM> obtains the selected print job from the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>. The controller <NUM> stores the selected print job in the storage <NUM>.

Next, the controller <NUM> obtains the document image data (first document image data) (CMYK value) corresponded to the selected print job (step S2). The controller <NUM> stores the obtained document image data in the storage <NUM>.

When the document image data includes a plurality of pages, the page used for adjustment is specified by the user.

Next, the controller <NUM> displays the color sample scan screen on the display <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of the color sample scan screen <NUM> displayed on the display <NUM>. The color sample scan screen <NUM> includes an operation guide region 122A, a scan button B <NUM>, a read button B2, and the like.

The operation guide region 122A displays the guide regarding the operation to scan the color sample.

The scan button B <NUM> is a button to instruct the scanner <NUM> to execute the scanning of the color sample.

The read button B2 is a button to instruct reading of the read image data of the color sample scanned by the scanner <NUM>.

When the user places the color sample on the scanner <NUM>, and presses the scan button B <NUM>, the scanner <NUM> scans the color sample, and the read image data (RGB value) is generated. After the scanning is finished, when the user presses the read button B2, the controller <NUM> obtains the read image data (RGB value) from the scanner <NUM> through the communicator <NUM> (step S3). The controller <NUM> stores the obtained read image data in the storage <NUM>.

Next, the controller <NUM> controls the display <NUM> and displays an adjustment screen.

<FIG> shows an example of an adjustment screen <NUM> displayed on the display <NUM>. The adjustment screen <NUM> includes an operation guide region 123A, an adjust button B <NUM>, a detailed setting button B12, a check print button B13, a finish button B14, and the like.

The operation guide region 123A displays a guide regarding the operation used in the adjustment (color matching).

The adjust button B <NUM> is the button to instruct executing of the adjustment (creating a target profile).

The detailed setting button B12 is the button to perform the detailed setting regarding the adjustment.

The check print button B13 is the button to instruct check printing using the created target profile. According to such printing for the purpose of checking, it is possible to set the target profile, perform the printing, and check whether the desired color adjustment can be achieved before reflecting the correction of the target profile (color conversion parameter).

The finish button B <NUM> is a button to instruct the created target profile to be applied to the selected print job.

When the user presses the adjust button B <NUM>, the controller <NUM> generates the color conversion parameter (target profile) regarding the color conversion on the document image data based on the document image data and the read image data (step S4). The method to correct the color conversion parameter (target profile) is described with reference to <FIG>. The controller <NUM> stores the generated color conversion parameter in the storage <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> transmits the generated color conversion parameter to the print apparatus <NUM> through the communicator <NUM>. The color conversion parameter generated in the PC <NUM> is registered in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>.

Then, when the user presses the finish button B34, the controller <NUM> applies the color conversion parameter generated in step S4 to the print job selected in step S1 (step S5). Specifically, the controller <NUM> sets the color conversion parameter in the job setting of the print job and automatically corresponds the color conversion parameter to the print job.

In detail, the controller <NUM> transmits to the print apparatus <NUM> through the communicator <NUM> the corrected target profile (color conversion parameter) corresponded to the print job. In the print apparatus <NUM>, the job setting (color conversion setting) of the print job is updated in the print job storage <NUM> in the state corresponded to the new color conversion parameter.

With this, the first color conversion parameter generating process ends.

When the print apparatus <NUM> performs the printing regarding the print job, the controller performs the color conversion from the document image data (CMYK value) to the color value (L*a*b* value) using the target profile corresponded to the print job. Then, the printer profile is used to perform color conversion from the color value (L*a*b* value) to the print image data (CMYK value). Then, the printer engine performs the printing based on the print image data (CMYK value). With this, the color aiming for the color sample can be achieved.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the color conversion parameter is generated from the corresponding relation of the colors between the read image data obtained by reading the color sample (target output) and the color of the document image data corresponding to the color sample. The generated color conversion parameter is automatically corresponded to the print job corresponded to the document image data. With this, it is possible to prevent selection of undesired color conversion parameters for the print job, and the ease of operation can be enhanced.

In the job list screen <NUM> (see <FIG>) displayed on the display <NUM> of the PC <NUM>, the selection of the print job is received. In the color sample scan screen <NUM> (see <FIG>), the instruction to execute the scanning of the color sample regarding the selected print job and the reading of the read image data is received. In the adjustment screen <NUM> (see <FIG>), the instruction to execute the generating of the color conversion parameter (target profile) and the corresponding to the print job can be received. The user proceeds with the operation along the string of flow of the user interface provided by the PC <NUM>. With this, it is possible to correspond the color conversion parameter to the print job.

Conventionally, the color conversion parameter is created by software for creating the color conversion parameter, and then the color conversion parameter for the document image data is selected by the printer driver. According to the first embodiment, the generating of the color conversion parameter, and the corresponding to the print job can be performed with one string of processes, and the efficiency of work is enhanced.

Next, the second embodiment in which the present invention is applied is described.

The print system according to the second embodiment includes the same configuration as the print system <NUM> shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, <FIG> are referred, and the illustration and description of the configuration are omitted. Below, the configuration and process characteristic to the second embodiment are described.

When the color conversion parameter (target profile) registered in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> is overwritten when corrected, the influence of the adjustment spreads to all print jobs in which this color conversion parameter is set. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the corrected color conversion parameter separately from the original color conversion parameter.

When the first color conversion parameter is generated based on the first document image data corresponded to the first job and the read image data of the color sample corresponded to the first document image data, the controller <NUM> registers the first color conversion parameter in the parameter DB <NUM> with a name different from the second color conversion parameter registered in advance in the database (parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>).

The controller <NUM> corresponds the first color conversion parameter registered in the parameter DB <NUM> to the first job.

The controller <NUM> determines whether the first color conversion parameter can be applied to the document image data other than the first document image data.

For example, the controller <NUM> determines whether the second document image data corresponded to the second job (job other than the first job) is similar to the first document image data. When the second document image data is similar to the first document image data, the controller <NUM> determines that the first color conversion parameter can be applied to the document image data other than the first document image data (second document image data).

When it is determined that the first color conversion parameter cannot be applied to the document image data other than the first document image data, the controller <NUM> prohibits the first color conversion parameter corresponded to the first job to be corresponded to other jobs other than the first job.

For example, when the setting screen of the color conversion parameter for another job is displayed on the display <NUM>, the controller <NUM> prohibits the first color conversion parameter to be displayed as one option.

When the second document image data is similar to the first document image data, the controller <NUM> automatically corresponds the first color conversion parameter to the second job.

According to the second embodiment, prohibiting information can be added to the color conversion parameter registered in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>. The prohibiting information is information showing that the color conversion parameter is effective only for the generated document image data (print job), and it is prohibited to apply the color conversion parameter to other document image data (print job).

Next, the operation of the PC <NUM> according to the second embodiment is described.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing a second color conversion parameter generating process performed by the PC <NUM>. This process is performed by a software process by the CPU <NUM> of the controller <NUM> in coordination with a program stored in the storage <NUM>.

The processes in step S11 to step S14 are similar to the processes in step S <NUM> to step S4 of the first color conversion parameter generating process (see <FIG>), and therefore, the description is omitted.

After step S14, the controller <NUM> obtains the information of the color conversion parameter (profile name, etc.) registered in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> through the communicator <NUM> (step S15).

Next, the controller <NUM> newly registers the generated color conversion parameter in the parameter DB <NUM> with a name different from the color conversion parameter (second color conversion parameter) registered in advance in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> (step S16).

Specifically, the controller <NUM> adds to the generated color conversion parameter a name which is not a duplicate of the color conversion parameter already registered, and transmits the above to the print apparatus <NUM> through the communicator <NUM>. The color conversion parameter generated in step S14 is registered in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> using a name different from the color conversion parameter which is already registered.

Next, the controller <NUM> applies the color conversion parameter which is newly registered in the parameter DB <NUM> to the print job selected in step S11 (step S17). Specifically, the controller <NUM> sets the newly registered color conversion parameter to the job setting of the print job, and the newly registered color conversion parameter is automatically corresponded to the print job.

In more detail, the controller <NUM> transmits the corrected target profile (color conversion parameter) corresponded to the print job to the print apparatus <NUM> through the communicator <NUM>. In the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>, the job setting (color conversion setting) of the print job is updated with the newly registered color conversion parameter corresponded to the job setting.

Next, the controller <NUM> determines whether the newly registered color conversion parameter can be applied to the document image data other than the document image data obtained in step S12 (step S18). For example, the controller <NUM> obtains a plurality of print jobs stored in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> through the communicator <NUM>. The controller <NUM> determines whether the document image data (second document image data) corresponded to the other job (second job) other than the print job selected in step S11 is similar to the document image data obtained in step S12.

The degree of similarity of the jobs can be calculated by comparison of feature amounts using an open source such as AKAZE. For example, in a job in which the degree of similarity is high such as images of a cover of the same magazine and only the month is different, there is a high possibility that the desired color is the same. With this, it is determined that the adjusted color conversion parameter can be applied to the job with a high degree of similarity with the job as the target of adjustment.

Alternatively, it is possible to determine whether the newly registered color conversion parameter can be applied to the document image data other than the document image data obtained in step S12 from the distribution of the colors used in the image. When the image as the target of adjustment (document image data) and the distribution of the color of the image of another job (mapping to a histogram or a color space) are similar, it is possible to determine that the newly registered color conversion parameter can be applied to other jobs.

When the newly registered color conversion parameter cannot be applied to the document image data other than the document image data obtained in step S12 (step S18; NO), the controller <NUM> adds the prohibiting information to the color conversion parameter newly registered in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> (step S19). That is, the controller <NUM> prohibits the newly registered color conversion parameter (first color conversion parameter) to be corresponded to the jobs other than the automatically corresponded print job (first job). The prohibiting information is added to the newly registered color conversion parameter in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>.

In step S18, when the newly registered color conversion parameter can be applied to the document image data other than the document image data obtained in step S12 (step S18; YES), that is, when there is document image data similar to the document image data obtained in step S12, the controller <NUM> applies the newly registered color conversion parameter to the print job with the document image data similar to the document image data obtained in step S12 (step S20). Specifically, the controller <NUM> sets the newly registered color conversion parameter in the job setting of the print job with the similar document image data, and with this, automatically corresponds the newly registered color conversion parameter to the print job. In the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>, the newly registered color conversion parameter is corresponded to the print job with the document image data similar to the document image data obtained in step S12.

After step S19 or step S20, the second color conversion parameter generating process ends.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing the job setting change process performed by the PC <NUM>. The process is a software process performed by the CPU <NUM> of the controller <NUM> in coordination with the program stored in the storage <NUM>.

First, the controller <NUM> displays the plurality of print jobs stored in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> as a list on the display <NUM> through the communicator <NUM>.

Next, the controller <NUM> receives the selection of the print job by the user from the operator <NUM> (step S21). The user operates the operator <NUM> and selects any print job from the plurality of jobs displayed as a list.

Next, the controller <NUM> determines whether the job setting is changed in the selected print job (step S22). Specifically, the controller <NUM> determines whether the job setting is changed when there is an instruction to change the job setting of the selected print job by operation from the operator <NUM>.

When the job setting is changed in the selected print job (step S22; YES), the controller <NUM> displays on the display <NUM> the color conversion parameter applied to the selected print job and the color conversion parameter which can be applied to another job as options (step S23).

<FIG> shows an example of the job setting screen <NUM> (setting screen of color conversion parameter) displayed on the display <NUM>. The job setting screen <NUM> includes a CMYK target profile selecting region 124A and the like.

The target profile set at present for the selected print job is initially displayed in the CMYK target profile selecting region 124A from among the color conversion parameters (target profile) registered in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>. When a deploy button 124B is pressed by operating the operator <NUM>, the target profile in which the prohibiting information is not added among the color conversion parameters registered in the parameter DB <NUM> is added as an option in the CMYK target profile selecting region 124A. That is, it is prohibited to display as an option the target profile in which the prohibiting information is added.

Next, in response to the operation on the operator <NUM> by the user, the controller <NUM> receives the selection of any color conversion parameter from the options (step S24). The color conversion parameter (target profile) is selected in the CMYK target profile selecting region 124A of the job setting screen <NUM>, and the color conversion parameter can be set in the selected print job.

Next, the controller <NUM> applies the color conversion parameter selected in step S24 to the print job selected in step S21 (step S25). Specifically, the controller <NUM> sets the selected color conversion parameter in the job setting of the selected print job, and with this, the selected color conversion parameter is corresponded to the selected print job. The selected color conversion parameter is corresponded to the selected print job in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>.

After step S25 or in step S22, when there is no change in the job setting in the selected print job (step S22; NO), the job setting change process ends.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the color conversion parameter is generated, the color conversion parameter is registered in the parameter DB <NUM> with a name different from the color conversion parameter registered in advance in the parameter DB <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to register the color conversion parameter without influencing the originally registered color conversion parameters and the print job corresponded to such color conversion parameters.

The prohibiting information is added when the color conversion parameter which cannot be applied to print jobs (document image data) other than the print job used when the color conversion parameter is generated is registered. Therefore, it is possible to show that the color conversion parameter is used temporarily.

The color conversion parameter in which the prohibiting information is added is not visible (not displayed) in the job setting screen <NUM> (see <FIG>) in which the color conversion parameter is set. Therefore, such color conversion parameter is not selected by mistake.

In the job setting change process (see <FIG>), the target profile in which the prohibiting information is added is not displayed as an option. Alternatively, it is possible to display such target profile as an option but to show that the selection is prohibited by displaying the target profile together with an icon or message showing in an understandable way that the selection of the target profile is prohibited.

Alternatively, it is possible to display the target profile with the prohibiting information added as an option and when the target profile with the prohibiting information added is selected, an error message may be displayed.

The generated color conversion parameter is basically applied to only the print job (document image data) used when the color conversion parameter is generated, but the generated color conversion parameter can be applied to other print jobs depending on the conditions.

For example, when the second document image data corresponded to the second job is similar to the first document image data used when the first color conversion parameter is generated, the first color conversion parameter can be automatically corresponded to the second job so that the setting of the color conversion parameter can be performed more efficiently.

Next, the third embodiment in which the present invention is applied is described.

The print system according to the third embodiment, includes the same configuration as the print system <NUM> shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, <FIG> are referred, and the illustration and description of the configuration are omitted. Below, the configuration and process characteristic to the third embodiment are described.

When the first color conversion parameter is generated based on the first document image data corresponding to the first job and the read image data of the color sample corresponding to the first document image data, the controller <NUM> is able to notify to the user another job to which the first conversion parameter can be applied other than the first job.

In response to receiving predetermined operation from the user, the controller <NUM> corresponds the first color conversion parameter to another job. That is, confirmation from the user is received before the first color conversion parameter is corresponded to another job.

Next, the operation of the PC <NUM> according to the third embodiment is described.

In the third color conversion parameter generating process according to the third embodiment, the process of step S20 in the second color conversion parameter generating process (see <FIG>) shown in the second embodiment is replaced with the applied print job recommending process shown in <FIG>. Therefore, the portions different from the second color conversion parameter generating process are described.

In step S18, when the newly registered color conversion parameter can be applied to the document image data other than the document image data obtained in step S12 (step S18; YES), the controller <NUM> displays on the display <NUM> the job list of the print job stored in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> (step S31).

In the job list, the controller <NUM> displays the print job to which the newly registered color conversion parameter can be applied in a form that can be discriminated on the job list (step S32).

<FIG> shows an example of the job list screen <NUM> displayed on the display <NUM>. A job list display region 125A and an enter button B21 are included in the job list screen <NUM>.

The information of all of the print jobs stored in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM> is displayed in the job list display region 125A. Here, the job number, the job name, the updated date/time are displayed for each print job, and a recommend space is provided. Check boxes C1 to C4 are displayed corresponding to each print job in the recommend space. The check boxes C1 to C4 for the print jobs to which the newly registered color conversion parameter can be applied are displayed with a check. The check in the check boxes C1 to C4 can be changed by operation by the user.

The enter button B21 is a button to instruct to apply the color conversion parameter.

Next, the controller <NUM> receives the selection of the print job which is to be the target of applying the newly registered color conversion parameter by operation on the operator <NUM> by the user (step S33).

In the job list screen <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the check remains (no operation) for the print job which is to be the target for applying the newly registered color conversion parameter among the print jobs in which there is a check in the check boxes C1 to C4 of the recommend space in the job list display region 125A. The check is unchecked for the print job to which the newly registered color conversion parameter is not applied among the print jobs with the check in the check boxes C1 to C4.

In the job list screen <NUM> shown in <FIG>, when the enter button B21 is pressed, the controller <NUM> applies the newly registered color conversion parameter to the selected print job (step S34). Specifically, the controller <NUM> corresponds the color conversion parameter to the print job by setting the newly registered color conversion parameter to the job setting in the print job with a check in the check boxes C1 to C4 of the recommend space. The newly registered color conversion parameter is corresponded to the print job selected as the target of applying in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>.

With this, the applied print job recommending process and the third color conversion parameter generating process ends.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, recommended print jobs are presented as the print job to which the newly registered color conversion parameter is applied, and the user interface in which the user is able to select whether to apply the color conversion parameter is prepared (job list screen <NUM> shown in <FIG>). According to the third embodiment, the user provides confirmation before the newly registered color conversion parameter is applied to another job, and therefore, unintended corresponding can be prevented.

Next, the fourth embodiment in which the present invention is applied is described.

The print system according to the fourth embodiment includes the same configuration as the print system <NUM> shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, <FIG> are referred, and the illustration and description of the configuration are omitted. Below, the configuration and process characteristic to the fourth embodiment are described.

After the first job is printed using the first color conversion parameter, the controller <NUM> generates the third color conversion parameter for the first job and automatically corresponds the third color conversion parameter to the first job.

Specifically, after the first job is printed using the first color conversion parameter, the controller <NUM> changes the setting of the algorithm used in generating the color conversion parameter based on the printed result, and generates the third color conversion parameter again.

Next, the operation of the PC <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment is described.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing the fourth color conversion parameter generating process performed by the PC <NUM>. This process is a software process performed by the CPU <NUM> of the controller <NUM> in coordination with the program stored in the storage <NUM>.

The process of steps S41 to step S45 are similar to the processes of steps S1 to S5 of the first color conversion parameter generating process (see <FIG>), and the description is omitted.

After step S45, the controller <NUM> uses the newly generated color conversion parameter and controls the print apparatus <NUM> to perform the check printing (step S46).

Specifically, when the check print button B <NUM> is pressed in the adjustment screen <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> instructs the print apparatus <NUM> to perform the print job using the adjusted color conversion parameter through the communicator <NUM>. In the print apparatus <NUM>, color conversion is performed from the document image data (CMYK value) to the color value (L*a*b* value) using the adjusted color conversion parameter (target profile), color conversion is performed from the color value (L*a*b* value) to the print image data (CMYK value) using the printer profile, and the printing is performed based on the print image data (CMYK value).

The user checks the printed result (output) and determines whether the adjustment is enough by sight. The user inputs by operation on the operator <NUM> whether the adjustment is enough. The controller <NUM> determines whether the adjustment is enough based on operation by the user (step S47).

When the adjustment is not enough (step S47; NO), the controller <NUM> changes the setting of the algorithm used when calculating the color conversion parameter (target profile) and regenerates the color conversion parameter (step S48). Examples of the setting of the algorithm include, adjustment of the correction level of the white color, setting of whether to show black by CMY or by K or the like. The change in the setting of the algorithm can be performed automatically or can be performed manually. The controller <NUM> stores the regenerated color conversion parameter in the storage <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> transmits the regenerated color conversion parameter to the print apparatus <NUM> through the communicator <NUM>. In the print apparatus <NUM>, the color conversion parameter regenerated in the PC <NUM> is registered in the parameter DB <NUM>.

After step S48, the process returns to step S45, and the process is repeated. In step S45, the color conversion parameter regenerated in step S48 is applied to the print job selected in step S41. Specifically, the controller <NUM> sets the regenerated color conversion parameter in the job setting of the print job. With this, the regenerated color conversion parameter is automatically corresponded to the print job. The regenerated color conversion parameter is corresponded to the selected print job in the print job storage <NUM> of the print apparatus <NUM>.

In step S47, when the adjustment is enough (step S47; YES), the fourth color conversion parameter generating process ends.

The color conversion parameter which is determined that the adjustment is not enough and the corresponding between such color conversion parameter and the print job do not remain in the print apparatus <NUM>. Only the color conversion parameter which is determined that the adjustment is enough and the corresponding between such color conversion parameter and print job are stored in the print apparatus <NUM>.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the color conversion parameter regenerated after the check printing can be automatically corresponded to the print job.

After the first adjustment is performed in step S44, the check printing (step S46) and the confirmation of the color is performed by the user. If it is determined that the adjustment is not enough (step S47; NO), the setting of the algorithm used when calculating the target profile is changed. With this, the target profile can be regenerated, and there is no need to obtain the document image data and the read image data again.

The description of the above embodiments merely describe examples of the control apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above. The detailed configuration and the detailed operation of the units included in the apparatus can be suitably modified without leaving the scope of the present invention.

For example, the processes characteristic to each embodiment can be combined.

In the above embodiments, after the color conversion parameter is automatically corresponded to the print job, the print apparatus <NUM> can perform (print) the print job using the color conversion parameter. The data of the print job to which the color conversion parameter is corresponded can be output as data to the external apparatus, within the apparatus, or a storage medium.

In the above-described embodiment, the print system includes a PC <NUM> (control apparatus), a scanner <NUM>, and a print apparatus <NUM> connected through a communication network N. Alternatively, the control apparatus, the scanner <NUM>, and the print apparatus <NUM> can be directly connected physically. The functions to perform the embodiments can be divided to a plurality of apparatuses, or the functions can be included in one apparatus. For example, the print apparatus <NUM> and the scanner <NUM> can be formed as one, or the function to generate the color conversion parameter can be included in the print apparatus <NUM>.

In the fourth color conversion parameter generating process according to the fourth embodiment (see <FIG>), after it is determined that the adjustment is enough regarding the color conversion parameter (third color conversion parameter) regenerated in step S48 (step S47; YES), as described in the applied print job recommending process according to the third embodiment (see <FIG>), the other jobs to which the regenerated color conversion parameter can be applied can be notified, and the regenerated color conversion parameter can be corresponded to another job by receiving the operation by the user.

The color system of the document image data (CMYK), the color system of the read image data (RGB) by the scanner <NUM>, the color system of the color value (L*a*b*), the color system of the image data used when the printing is performed by the print apparatus <NUM> (CMYK), and the like are not limited to the above examples.

The computer readable medium which stores the program to execute the above processes is not limited to the above examples, and a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. As the medium providing the data of the program through communication lines, a carrier wave can be applied.

Claim 1:
A control apparatus comprising:
a display (<NUM>); and
a central processing unit (CPU) (<NUM>) that is configured to:
cause the display (<NUM>) to display a plurality of jobs as a list on a screen (<NUM>);
receive, via the screen (<NUM>), a selection of an adjustment target job, as a first job, from among the jobs in the list;
obtain first document image data associated with the first job;
obtain read image data of a color sample associated with the first document image data;
generate a first color conversion parameter regarding a color conversion of the first document image data based on the first document image data and the read image data;
automatically update a setting of the first job in a state corresponding to the first color conversion parameter by setting the first color conversion parameter in the first job; and
add prohibiting information to the first color conversion parameter to prohibit the first color conversion parameter from being set in a job other than the first job, wherein
when setting a color conversion parameter for the first job, the CPU (<NUM>) is configured to cause the display (<NUM>) to display a setting screen (<NUM>) where the first color conversion parameter is displayed as an option, and
when setting a color conversion parameter for the other job, the CPU (<NUM>) is configured to cause the display (<NUM>) to display a setting screen (<NUM>) of the color conversion parameter for the other job and to prohibit the first color conversion parameter to be displayed as an option.