U.S. patent application number 09/015327 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-09 for image process method, image process apparatus and storage medium.
Invention is credited to KUMADA, SHUICHI.
Application Number | 20010012396 09/015327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26340711 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010012396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUMADA, SHUICHI |
August 9, 2001 |
IMAGE PROCESS METHOD, IMAGE PROCESS APPARATUS AND STORAGE
MEDIUM
Abstract
An object of the present invention is to enable execution of
color matching in a network system. In order to achieve the object,
there is provided a communication means for communicating with a
network server storing plural device profiles and color management
modules, a selection means for selecting the device profile, based
on kinds of the plural device profiles inputted through the
communication means, a control means for downloading the selected
device profile and the color management module from the network
server, and a color matching process means for performing a color
matching process on input image data by using the downloaded device
profile and the downloaded color management module.
Inventors: |
KUMADA, SHUICHI;
(YOKOHAMA-SHI, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Family ID: |
26340711 |
Appl. No.: |
09/015327 |
Filed: |
January 29, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
382/162 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 9/00 20130101; H04N
1/603 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
382/162 |
International
Class: |
G06K 009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 1997 |
JP |
9-018775 |
Jan 16, 1997 |
JP |
10-006534 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image processing apparatus comprising: communication means
for communicating with a network server storing plural device
profiles and color management modules; selection means for
selecting the device profile, based on kinds of the plural device
profiles inputted through said communication means; control means
for downloading the selected device profile and the color
management module from said network server; and color matching
process means for performing a color matching process on input
image data by using the downloaded device profile and the
downloaded color management module.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color management
module is selected based on information of the destination
profile.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the device profile is
calibrated by using a calibration program downloaded from said
network server.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the calibrated device
profile is transferred to said network server by said communication
means.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the network server
stores the device profile and the calibrated device profile
independently of each other.
6. An image processing apparatus which performs a color matching
process on an original containing an image portion and a portion
other than an image, comprising: extraction means for extracting a
profile added to an image file; and color matching process means
for performing the color matching process on the original, wherein
the color matching process means performs the color matching
process on the image portion by using the extracted profile as a
source profile, and said color matching process means performs the
color matching process on the portion other than the image by using
a monitor profile as the source profile.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising
communication means for transmitting to an image formation
apparatus the original subjected to the color matching process, and
wherein said color matching process means performs the color
matching process by using the profile corresponding to said image
formation apparatus as a destination profile.
8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, when a result of the
color matching process is displayed on a monitor, the color
matching process is performed on the image portion by using the
extracted profile as the source profile and the monitor profile as
a destination profile, and the color matching process is not
performed on the portion other than the image.
9. An image processing method comprising: a communication step of
communicating with a network server storing plural device profiles
and color management modules; a selection step of selecting the
device profile, based on kinds of the plural device profiles
inputted in said communication step; a control step of downloading
the selected device profile and the color management module from
the network server; and a color matching process step of performing
a color matching process on input image data by using the
downloaded device profile and the downloaded color management
module.
10. An image processing method in which a color matching process is
performed on an original containing an image portion and a portion
other than an image, comprising: an extraction step of extracting a
profile added to an image file; and a color matching process step
of performing the color matching process on the original, wherein,
in said color matching process step, the color matching process is
performed on the image portion by using the extracted profile as a
source profile, and the color matching process is performed on the
portion other than the image by using a monitor profile as the
source profile.
11. A storage medium which stores a computer readable program for
realizing an image processing method comprising: a communication
step of communicating with a network server storing plural device
profiles and color management modules; a selection step of
selecting the device profile, based on kinds of the plural device
profiles inputted in said communication step; a control step of
downloading the selected device profile and the color management
module from the network server; and a color matching process step
of performing a color matching process on input image data by using
the downloaded device profile and the downloaded color management
module.
12. A storage medium which stores a computer readable program for
realizing an image processing method wherein a color matching
process is performed on an original containing an image portion and
a portion other than an image, said method comprising: an
extraction step of extracting a profile added to an image file; and
a color matching process step of performing the color matching
process on the original, wherein, in said color matching process
step, the color matching process is performed on the image portion
by using the extracted profile as a source profile, and the color
matching process is performed on the portion other than the image
by using a monitor profile as the source profile.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to image process apparatus and
method for performing a color matching process.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] As described in U.S. patent application No. 08/380,633 which
was filed on Jan. 30, 1995 and is based on Japanese Patent
Application No. 6-9565 filed in Japan on Jan. 31, 1994, a color
management system composed of a CMM (color management module) and a
device profile performs a color conversion process to perform color
matching between input and output images by using a profile
corresponding to a source device before conversion and a profile
corresponding to a destination device after conversion.
[0005] The former profile is called as a source profile, and the
latter profile is called as a destination profile.
[0006] For example, in a color conversion process shown in FIG. 1,
a scanner color space (i.e., scanner RGB) or a monitor color space
(i.e., monitor RGB) is converted into a printer color space (i.e.,
printer CMYK).
[0007] In this case, since the source device is a scanner or a
monitor, the profile of such the scanner or the monitor is handled
as the source profile. On the other hand, since the destination
device is a printer, the profile of such the printer is handled as
the destination profile.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the structure of the
device profile.
[0009] The profile is divided into a header portion and a data
storage portion. In the header portion, information which is used
to manage the profile is stored. For example, as such the
information, there are device information representing which device
(e.g., monitor) the profile corresponds to, CMM information
representing which CMM the profile is used for, and the like. On
the other hand, in the data storage portion, profile description
information for discriminating the profile is stored. As the
profile description information, e.g., information representing a
maker name and a product name is stored.
[0010] Conventionally, the above-described color management system
has not been realized in a network system.
[0011] For this reason, there has been a drawback that it is
difficult to perform the color matching in the network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An object of the first invention is to enable a color
matching process in a network system.
[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the first invention
provides an image process apparatus, comprising:
[0014] a communication means for communicating with a network
server storing plural device profiles and color management
modules;
[0015] a selection means for selecting the device profile, based on
kinds of the plural device profiles inputted through the
communication means;
[0016] a control means for downloading the selected device profile
and the color management module from the network server; and
[0017] a color matching process means for performing a color
matching process on input image data by using the downloaded color
management module and the downloaded device profile.
[0018] An object of the second invention is to high-accurately
realize color matching according to use.
[0019] In order to achieve the above object, the second invention
provides an image process apparatus which performs a color matching
process on an original containing an image portion and a portion
other than image, the apparatus comprising:
[0020] an extraction means for extracting a profile added to an
image file; and
[0021] a color matching process means for performing the color
matching process on the original,
[0022] wherein the color matching process means performs the color
matching process on the image portion by using the extracted
profile as a source profile, and
[0023] the color matching process means performs the color matching
process on the portion other than image by using a monitor profile
as the source profile.
[0024] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description and the appended claims in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a view showing a concept of a color management
system;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of structure of a device
profile;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a view showing structure of a network system
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process wherein, in case of
displaying a text on a network terminal 1, if there is an image
file in the text, a color matching process on image data in the
image file is performed by a network terminal 1 in accordance with
a characteristic of a monitor, and a processed result is displayed
on the monitor;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the process wherein, in case
of displaying the text on the network terminal 1, if there is the
image file in the text, the color matching process on the image
data in the image file is performed by the network terminal 1 in
accordance with the characteristic of the monitor, and the
processed result is displayed on the monitor;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a process wherein, in case of
printing the text by using a network printer 4, the color matching
process on the data in the text is performed by the network
terminal 1 in accordance with a characteristic of the network
printer 4, and the processed data is outputted to the network
printer 4;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the process wherein, in case
of printing the text by using the network printer 4, the color
matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network terminal 1 in accordance with the characteristic of the
network printer 4, and the processed data is outputted to the
network printer 4;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the process wherein, in case
of printing the text by using the network printer 4, the color
matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network terminal 1 in accordance with the characteristic of the
network printer 4, and the processed data is outputted to the
network printer 4;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing detailed processes in a step
S106 of FIG. 4 and a step S210 of FIG. 6;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the detailed processes in
the step S106 of FIG. 4 and the step S210 of FIG. 6;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing detailed processes in a step
S108 of FIG. 4 and a step S212 of FIG. 6;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing detailed processes in a step
S109 of FIG. 5, a step S201 of FIG. 7, a step S209 of FIG. 6 and a
step S219 of FIG. 7;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing detailed processes in steps
S213 and S202 of FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing detailed processes in a step
S111 of FIG. 5, steps S204 and S215 of FIG. 7;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the detailed processes in
the step S111 of FIG. 5, the steps S204 and S215 of FIG. 7;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a user interface in
case of a step S105 of FIG. 4 or a step S208 of FIG. 6;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of a user interface in
case of the step S106 of FIG. 4 or the step S210 of FIG. 6;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a view for explaining calibration of a
printer;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a view showing a change in printing density;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a view showing a correction to cancel the change
in FIG. 19;
[0045] FIG. 21 is a view for explaining data which is stored in a
data storage portion of a printer profile and used for color
matching;
[0046] FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of a process 83 in FIG.
21;
[0047] FIG. 23 is a view showing structure of a network system
according to a second embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of a user interface
(i.e., dialog) to cause a user to select accuracy of
calibration;
[0049] FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing a process wherein
calibration data of a network printer 50 is generated by a network
terminal 10 and then the generated data is stored in a printer
profile to form and store a calibration profile;
[0050] FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the process wherein the
calibration data of the network printer 50 is generated by the
network terminal 10 and then the generated data is stored in the
printer profile to form and store the calibration profile;
[0051] FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a process wherein, in case
of printing a text by using the network printer 50, a color
matching process on data in the text is performed by the network
terminal 10 by using the formed calibration profile and then the
processed data is outputted to the network printer 50;
[0052] FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the process wherein, in case
of printing the text by using the network printer 50, the color
matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network terminal 10 by using the formed calibration profile and
then the processed data is outputted to the network printer 50;
[0053] FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the process wherein, in case
of printing the text by using the network printer 50, the color
matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network terminal 10 by using the formed calibration profile and
then the processed data is outputted to the network printer 50;
[0054] FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a detailed process for
demanding a network server 40 to download a monitor profile of a
monitor of the network terminal 10 to a terminal side;
[0055] FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing a detailed process for
demanding the network server 40 to download the printer profile in
which the calibration data of the network printer 50 has been
stored, to the terminal side;
[0056] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a detailed process for
demanding the network server 40 to download a CMM (color management
module) used for the color matching process, to the terminal
side;
[0057] FIG. 33 is a view showing structure of a network system
according to a third embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing a process wherein
calibration data of a network printer 50 is generated by a network
server 40 and then the generated data is stored in a printer
profile to form and store a calibration profile;
[0059] FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing the process wherein the
calibration data of the network printer 50 is generated by the
network server 40 and then the generated data is stored in the
printer profile to form and store the calibration profile;
[0060] FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing a process wherein, in case
of printing a text by using the network printer 50, a color
matching process on data in the text is performed by the network
server 40 by using the formed calibration profile and then the
processed data is outputted to the network printer 50;
[0061] FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing the process wherein, in case
of printing the text by using the network printer 50, the color
matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network server 40 by using the formed calibration profile and then
the processed data is outputted to the network printer 50;
[0062] FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the process wherein, in case
of printing the text by using the network printer 50, the color
matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network server 40 by using the formed calibration profile and then
the processed data is outputted to the network printer 50;
[0063] FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a detailed process wherein a
monitor profile of a monitor of a network terminal 10 is obtained
by the network server 40;
[0064] FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing a detailed process wherein a
printer profile in which calibration data of the network printer 50
has been stored is obtained by the network server 40; and
[0065] FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing a process wherein a CMM used
for the color matching process is obtained by the network server
40.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0066] (First Embodiment)
[0067] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the-present invention will be
explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a view showing structure of a network system
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the network system according to the
present embodiment is composed of a network terminal 1, a network
server 3 and a network printer 4, and a network 2 to which these
three devices are connected.
[0070] The network terminal 1 has a CPU, a VRAM and the like
necessary for monitor displaying and image processing, and a
communication function necessary for a communication in the
network. Further, the network terminal 1 has a monitor description
information storage unit 11 for discriminating a monitor and a
printer description information storage unit 12 for discriminating
the network printer 4.
[0071] The network server 3 has a CPU, a RAM, a hard disk and the
like necessary for image processing and printing processing, and a
communication function necessary for the communication in the
network. Further, the network server 3 has a CMM (color management
module) storage unit 31 in which n (constant) CMMs have been stored
or registered and a profile storage unit 32 in which m (constant)
device profiles (monitor, scanner and printer) have been stored.
Each CMM registered in the CMM storage unit 31 has registration
information (e.g., four-byte English numerals) for
discrimination.
[0072] FIGS. 4 and 5 are flow charts showing a process wherein, in
case of displaying a text on the network terminal 1, if an image
file exists in the text, a color matching process on image data in
the image file is performed by the network terminal 1 in accordance
with a characteristic of the monitor, and the processed data is
displayed on the monitor.
[0073] In a step S100, it is checked whether or not the image file
exists in the text to be displayed. If the image file does not
exist, the flow advances to a step S101 to display text data
without performing any matching process, and then the process
terminates. On the other hand, if the image file exists, the flow
advances to a step S102 to check whether or not the profile is
being added to the image file.
[0074] If it is found in the step S102 that the profile is being
added, the flow advances to a step S103 to obtain (or fetch) the
profile, and the flow further advances to a step S109.
[0075] If it is found in the step S102 that the profile is not
added, the flow advances to a step S104 to display whether or not
the scanner which read the image data is to be designated on the
monitor.
[0076] In the step S105, a result of user instruction indicating
whether or not it designates the scanner is checked. If it is
indicated that the user instruction does not designate the scanner,
the flow advances to the step S101 to display the text data without
performing any matching process, and then the process terminates.
This is the case where a user can not specify or identify the
scanner which read the image data.
[0077] On the other hand, if it is indicated in the step S105 that
the user instruction designates the scanner, the flow advances to a
step S106. This is the case where the user can specify or identify
the scanner which read the image data.
[0078] In the step S106, a list of selectable scanner profiles in
the profile storage unit 32 of the network server 3 is displayed on
the monitor of the network terminal 1, and the flow advances to a
step S107.
[0079] In the step S107, the user selects one scanner profile from
the displayed list, and the flow advances to a step S108.
[0080] In the step S108, it demands the network server 3 to
download the scanner profile selected in the step S107 to the
terminal side, and the flow advances to the step S109.
[0081] In the step S109, it demands the network server 3 to
download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network terminal
1 to the terminal side, and the flow advances to a step S110.
[0082] In the step S110, CMM information of the header portion of
the downloaded monitor profile (i.e., destination profile) is
obtained or fetched, and the flow advances to a step S111.
[0083] In the step S111, it demands the network server 3 to
download the CMM coincident with the CMM information obtained in
the step S110, and the flow advances to a step S112.
[0084] In the step S112, the image data is obtained from the image
file in the text, and the flow advances to a step S113.
[0085] In the step S113, the source profile obtained in the step
S103 or S108 and the monitor profile obtained in the step S109 are
set to the CMM, and the flow advances to a step S114.
[0086] In the step S114, the color matching process is performed on
the image data obtained in the step S112, by using the CMM obtained
in the step S113, and the flow advances to a step S115.
[0087] In the step S115, the image is displayed on the monitor of
the network terminal 1 based on the data subjected to the color
matching process in the step S114, and then the process
terminates.
[0088] According to such the process, it becomes possible to
download the necessary profile and CMM to the network terminal,
perform the color matching process on the image data in the text on
the side of the network terminal 1, and display the processed image
data on the monitor of the network terminal 1.
[0089] FIGS. 6 to 8 are flow charts showing a process wherein, in
case of printing the text by using the network printer 4, the color
matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network terminal 1 in accordance with the characteristic of the
network printer 4 and then the processed data is outputted to the
network printer 4.
[0090] In a step S200, it is checked whether or not the image file
exists in the text to be printed.
[0091] If the image file does not exist, it can be considered that
all the data in the text were formed or generated on the monitor,
whereby the color matching process is performed between the monitor
of the network terminal 1 and the network printer 4. That is, a
color in a printed image is matched with a color in a monitored
image.
[0092] Thus, the flow advances to a step S201 to demand the network
server 3 to download the monitor profile of the monitor of the
network terminal 1 to the terminal side, and the flow advances to a
step S202.
[0093] In the step S202, it demands the network server 3 to
download the printer profile of the network printer 4 to the
terminal side, and the flow advances to a step S203.
[0094] In the step S203, the CMM information of the header portion
of the downloaded printer profile is obtained, and the flow
advances to a step S204.
[0095] In the step S204, it demands the network server 3 to
download the CMM coincident with the CMM information obtained in
the step S203, to the terminal side. Then, the flow advances to a
step S220.
[0096] If the image file exists in the step S200, the flow advances
to a step S205 to check whether or not the profile is being added
to the image file.
[0097] In this case, if the profile is being added, the flow
advances to a step S206 to obtain the device profile, and the flow
advances to a step S213. This profile is the profile for the
scanner, the monitor or the like, and is handled as the source
profile.
[0098] If the profile is not being added in the step S205, the flow
advances to a step S207 to display on a monitor a screen for urging
the user to instruct whether or not he designates the scanner which
read the image data, and the flow advances to a step S208.
[0099] In the step S208, it is checked a result of the user's
instruction indicating whether or not the user designates the
scanner.
[0100] If the user does not designate the scanner in the step S208,
the flow advances to a step S209 to demand the network server 3 to
download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network terminal
1 to the terminal side, and the flow advances to the step S213.
[0101] This is the case where the user can not specify the scanner
which read the image data, and it is represented that the source
device in the color matching on the text is the monitor of the
network terminal 1.
[0102] On the other hand, if it is instructed to designate the
scanner in the step S208, the flow advances to a step S210. This is
the case where the user can specify the scanner which read the
image data.
[0103] In the step S210, the list of the selectable scanner
profiles in the profile storage unit 32 of the network server 3 is
displayed on the monitor of the network terminal 1, and the flow
advances to a step S211.
[0104] In the step S211, the user's instruction to select one
scanner profile from the list is received, and the flow advances to
a step S212.
[0105] In the step S212, it demands the network server 3 to
download the scanner profile instructed in the step S211 to the
terminal side, and the flow advances to the step S213.
[0106] In the step S213, it demands the network server 3 to
download the printer profile of the network printer 4 to the
terminal side, and the flow advances to a step S214.
[0107] In the step S214, the CMM information of the header portion
of the downloaded printer profile is obtained, and the flow
advances to a step S215.
[0108] In the step S215, it demands the network server 3 to
download the CMM coincident with the CMM information obtained in
the step S214, to the terminal side. Then, the flow advances to a
step S216.
[0109] In the step S216, the image data is obtained from the image
file in the text, and the flow advances to a step S217.
[0110] In the step S217, the source profile obtained in the step
S206, S209 or S212 and the printer profile obtained in the step
S213 are set to the CMM, and the flow advances to a step S218.
[0111] In the step S218, the color matching process is performed on
the image data obtained in the step S216, by using the CMM in the
step S217. Then, the flow advances to a step S219.
[0112] By such the process, it becomes possible to download the
necessary profile and CMM to the network terminal, and perform the
color matching process on the image data in the text on the side of
the network terminal.
[0113] Further, the flow advances to the step S219 to demand the
network server 3 to download the monitor profile of the network
terminal 1 to the terminal side, and then the flow advances to the
step S220.
[0114] In the step S220, data (character, graphics and the like)
other than the image in the text is obtained, and the flow advances
to a step S221.
[0115] In the step S221, the monitor profile (source profile)
downloaded in the step S201 or S209 and the printer profile
downloaded in the step S203 or S205 are set to the CMM, and the
flow advances to a step S222.
[0116] In the step S222, the color matching process is performed on
the data other than the image obtained in the step S220, by using
the CMM in the step S221. Then, the flow advances to a step
S223.
[0117] By such the process, it becomes possible to download the
necessary profile and CMM to the network terminal, and perform the
color matching process on the data other than the image and the
image data in the text in accordance with each source device.
[0118] In the step S223, the data color matching processed in the
steps S218 and S222 are expanded into the bit map data in the
network server 3 such that the color-matched data can be outputted
by the network printer 4. Then, the flow advances to a step
S224.
[0119] In the step S224, the bit map data expanded in the step S223
is transmitted from the network terminal 1 to the network printer 4
through the network 2, and the flow advances to a step S225.
[0120] In the step S225, the bit map data transmitted in the step
S224 is received and printed by the network printer 4, and then the
process terminates.
[0121] As above, it becomes possible to download the necessary
profile and CMM to the network terminal, independently perform the
color matching process on the image data and the data other than
the image in the text on the side of the network terminal 1,
synthesize and expand the processed data into bit map form,
transmit the obtained bit map data to the network printer 4, and
then print the transmitted data by the network printer 4.
[0122] FIGS. 9 and 10 are flow charts showing in detail the
processes in the steps S106 and S210 wherein the list of the
selectable scanner profiles in the profile storage unit 32 of the
network server 3 is displayed on the monitor of the network
terminal 1.
[0123] In a step S300, the profile storage unit 32 of the network
server 3 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step S301.
[0124] In the step S301, information of a header portion (i.e.,
header information) of the leading profile in the profile storage
unit 32 is read, and the flow advances to a step S302.
[0125] In the step S302, device information is obtained or fetched
from the header information read in the step S301, and the flow
advances to a step S303.
[0126] In the step S303, it is checked whether or not the device
information represents the scanner. If the device information does
not represent the scanner, the flow advances to a step S304 to
check whether or not the profile from which the header information
is currently read is final. If final, the flow advances to a step
S310. On the other hand, if not final, the flow advances to a step
S305 to read the header information of the next profile, and then
the flow returns to the step S302.
[0127] As a result of the checking in the step S303, if it is found
that the read profile represents the scanner, the flow advances to
a step S306 to obtain the profile description information in the
data storage portion of the profile. After then, the flow advances
to a step S307.
[0128] In the step S307, the profile description information
obtained in the step S306 is temporarily stored in the RAM or the
like of the network terminal 1, and the flow advances to a step
S308.
[0129] In the step S308, it is checked whether or not the profile
from which the header information is currently read is final. If
not final, the flow advances to a step S309 to read the header
information of the next profile, and the flow returns to the step
S302. On the other hand, if final, the flow advances to the step
S310 to display the profile description information temporarily
stored in the step S307 on the monitor as the list, and the flow
advances to a step S311 to display on the monitor a screen for
urging the user to select which information. After then, the
process terminates.
[0130] As above, it becomes possible to display the list of the
selectable scanner profiles in the profile storage unit 32 of the
network server 3, on the monitor of the network terminal 1.
[0131] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing in detail the processes in
the steps S108 and S212 to demand the network server 3 to download
the scanner profile selected by the user, to the terminal side.
[0132] In a step S400, the profile description information of the
data storage portion of the scanner profile selected in the step
S107 is obtained, and the flow advances to a step S401.
[0133] In the step S401, the profile storage unit 32 of the network
server 3 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step S402.
[0134] In the step S402, the profile description information of the
data storage portion of the leading profile in the profile storage
unit 32 is obtained, and the flow advances to a step S403.
[0135] In the step S403, it is checked whether or not the profile
description information obtained in the step S402 is coincident
with the profile description information obtained in the step S400.
If not coincident, the flow advances to a step S404 to obtain the
profile description information of the data storage portion of the
next profile, and the flow returns to the step S403. On the other
hand, if coincident in the step S403, the flow advances to a step
S405 to obtain and download such the profile from the network
server 3, and then the process terminates.
[0136] As above, it becomes possible to demand the network server 3
to download the scanner profile selected by the user, to the
terminal side.
[0137] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing in detail the processes in
the steps S109, S201, S209 and S219 to demand the network server 3
to download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network
terminal 1 to the terminal side.
[0138] In a step S500, the monitor description information of the
monitor of the network terminal 1 is obtained from the monitor
description information storage unit 11, and the flow advances to a
step S501.
[0139] In the step S501, the profile storage unit 32 of the network
server 3 is accessed, the flow advances to a step S502.
[0140] In the step S502, the profile description information of the
data storage portion of the leading profile in the profile storage
unit 32 is obtained, and the flow advances to a step S503.
[0141] In the step S503, it is checked whether or not the profile
description information obtained in the step S502 is coincident
with the monitor description information obtained in the step S500.
If not coincident, the flow advances to a step S505 to check
whether or not the profile from which the profile description
information is currently read is final.
[0142] If final, the flow advances to a step S507 to obtain and
download a default monitor profile of the network server 3 stored
in the profile storage unit 32, and then the process terminates. On
the other hand, if not final, the flow advances to a step S506 to
obtain the profile description information of the data storage
portion of the next profile, and the flow returns to the step
S503.
[0143] If coincident in the step S503, the flow advances to a step
S504 to obtain and download such the profile from the network
server 3, and then the process terminates.
[0144] As above, it becomes possible to demand the network server 3
to download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network
terminal 1 to the terminal side.
[0145] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing in detail the processes in
the steps S213 and S202 to demand the network server 3 to download
the printer profile of the network printer 4 to the terminal
side.
[0146] In a step S600, the printer description information of the
network printer 4 is obtained from the printer description
information storage unit 12, and the flow advances to a step
S601.
[0147] In the step S601, the profile storage unit 32 of the network
server 3 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step S602.
[0148] In the step S602, the profile description information of the
data storage portion of the leading profile in the profile storage
unit 32 is obtained, and the flow advances to a step S603.
[0149] In the step S603, it is checked whether or not the profile
description information obtained in the step S602 is coincident
with the printer description information obtained in the step S600.
If not coincident, the flow advances to a step S604 to obtain the
profile description information of the data storage portion of the
next profile, and the flow returns to the step S603. On the other
hand, if coincident, the flow advances to a step S605 to obtain and
download such the profile from the network server 3, and then the
process terminates.
[0150] As above, it becomes possible to demand the network server 3
to download the printer profile of the network printer 4 to the
terminal side.
[0151] FIGS. 14 and 15 are flow charts showing in detail the
processes in the steps S111, S204 and S215 to demand the network
server 3 to download the CMM used for the color matching process to
the terminal side.
[0152] In a step S700, the CMM information of the destination
profile (monitor profile in case of performing monitor displaying,
or printer profile in case of performing printing) is held, and the
flow advances to a step S701.
[0153] In the step S701, the CMM storage unit 31 of the network
server 3 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step S702.
[0154] In the step S702, the leading CMM registration information
in the CMM storage unit 31 is obtained, and the flow advances to a
step S703.
[0155] In the step S703, it is checked whether or not the CMM
information obtained in the step S702 is coincident with the CMM
information held in the step S700. If coincident, the flow advances
to a step S710. On the other hand, if not coincident, the flow
advances to a step S704 to check whether or not the CMM of which
the registration information is currently read is final.
[0156] If not final, the flow advances to a step S705 to read the
next CMM registration information, and the flow returns to the step
S703. On the other hand, if final, the flow advances to a step S706
to obtain the CMM information of the source profile, and the flow
advances to a step S707.
[0157] In the step S707, the CMM storage unit 31 of the network
server 3 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step S708.
[0158] In the step S708, the CMM registration information of the
leading profile in the CMM storage unit 31 is obtained, and the
flow advances to a step S709.
[0159] In the step S709, it is checked whether or not the CMM
information obtained in the step S708 is coincident with the CMM
information of the source profile obtained in the step S706.
[0160] If not coincident, the flow advances to a step S711 to check
whether or not the profile from which the CMM registration
information is currently read is final. If final, the flow advances
to a step S712 to obtain and download a default CMM of the network
server 3 stored in the CMM storage unit 31, and then the process
terminates. On the other hand, if not final, the flow advances to a
step S713 to obtain the CMM registration information of the next
profile, and the flow returns to the step S709.
[0161] If coincident in the step S709, the flow advances to the
step S710 to obtain and download such the CMM from the network
server 3, and then the process terminates.
[0162] As above, it becomes possible to demand the network server 3
to download the CMM used for the color matching process to the
terminal side.
[0163] FIG. 16 shows an example of a user interface used in the
step S105 in FIG. 4 or the step S208 in FIG. 6. In the drawing, it
has been selected the state that the user designates the
scanner.
[0164] FIG. 17 shows an example of a user interface used in the
step S106 in FIG. 4 or the step S210 in FIG. 6. In the drawing, a
list of maker names and product (i.e., scanner) names is
displayed.
[0165] In FIG. 20, an arrow indicates the maker name "C company"
and the product name "A-4015". Therefore, if the user depresses a
selection button as it is, the scanner A-4015 manufactured by the C
company is selected.
[0166] (Second Embodiment)
[0167] In the first embodiment, the profile stored in the network
server does not change according to changes in the characteristics
of the device.
[0168] Therefore, there is the problem to be improved in the first
embodiment, i.e., when the characteristic of the device changed due
to a change in time elapse and a change in environment, the well
color matching process becomes impossible.
[0169] In the second embodiment, as a modification of the first
embodiment, a system having a calibration function for profile will
be explained.
[0170] FIGS. 18 to 21 are views for explaining calibration of a
printer.
[0171] In the drawings, reference symbols C, M, Y and K denote
densities of the printer, each of which has been normalized as
eight-bit data.
[0172] In an initial state, since there is no change in density,
the densities C, M, Y and K respectively have the same values of
densities C', M', Y' and K' as shown in FIG. 18. However, since
printing density changes due to influence of temperature, humidity,
time-elapse change and the like, it occurs a case where the
densities C, M, Y and K do not have the same values of the
densities C', M', Y' and K' as shown in FIG. 19.
[0173] Therefore, in order to correct the state in FIG. 19, as
shown in FIG. 20, it is necessary to set a correction process for
cancelling the change in FIG. 19. Such the process is generally
called as a calibration process.
[0174] In the present embodiment, the correction process can be
performed by converting densities C", M", Y" and K" into the
densities C, M, Y and K before inputting the densities C, M, Y and
K in FIG. 19.
[0175] FIG. 21 is a view for explaining data which is stored in a
data storage portion of the printer profile and used for the color
matching. This data is based on a profile format standard of ICC
(International Color Consortium). That is, in case of converting a
PCS (profile connection space: CIE XYZ or CIE Lab) which is a color
space not depending on a device into a printer color space (CMYK in
this case), the data used for the conversion sequentially performed
in processes 80 to 83 is stored in the printer profile. In the
drawing, the reference numeral 80 denotes the matrix calculation of
three rows and three columns, 81 and 83 denote the processes
through one-dimensional LUTs (look-up table), and 82 denotes the
process through a three-dimensional LUT.
[0176] FIG. 22 is a view showing a case where the input and output
data of the process 83 in FIG. 21 are C, M, Y and K data (i.e.,
densities). By inputting the correction data for calibration in
this process, the correction process shown in FIG. 20 is
performed.
[0177] As above, the calibration process is performed in the color
matching, by using a part of the data in the printer profile.
[0178] FIG. 23 is a view showing structure of a network system
according to the second embodiment.
[0179] As shown in FIG. 23, the network system according to the
present embodiment is composed of network terminals 10 and 20, a
network server 40, a network printer 50, a scanner 60, a
densitometer 70, and a network 30 to which the network terminals 10
and 20, the network server 40 and the network printer 50 are
connected.
[0180] The network terminal 10 has a CPU, a VRAM and the like
necessary for monitor displaying and image processing, and a
communication function necessary for the communication in the
network. Further, the network terminal 10 has a monitor description
information storage unit 11 for storing monitor description
information to discriminate a monitor and a printer description
information storage unit 12 for storing printer description
information to discriminate the network printer 50.
[0181] The network server 40 has a CPU, a RAM, a hard disk and the
like necessary for image processing and printing processing, and a
communication function necessary for the communication in the
network. Further, the network server 40 has a CMM storage unit 41
in which n (n is constant) CMMs have been registered, a profile
storage unit 42 in which m (m is constant) device profiles
(monitor, scanner and printer) have been stored, a calibration
profile storage unit 43 in which the printer profile containing
therein calibration data has been stored, a densitometer control
program 44 which has a function for controlling the densitometer to
measure density of color patch output and obtain the measured data,
a scanner control program 45 which has a function for controlling
the scanner to read the color patch output and obtaining the read
data, and a calibration program 46 which has a function for
generating the calibration data based on the data obtained by the
densitometer control program 44 and the scanner control program
45.
[0182] The scanner 60 and the densitometer 70 are connected to the
network terminal 10. Each CMM registered or stored in the CMM
storage unit 41 has registration information (e.g., four-byte
English numerals: UCCM) for discrimination.
[0183] FIG. 24 shows a user interface (dialog) which is used in
case of causing a user to select calibration accuracy. In this
case, if the user wishes the accuracy higher than ordinary
accuracy, he may select "high".
[0184] FIGS. 25 and 26 are flow charts showing a process in the
network terminal 10, wherein the calibration data of the network
printer 50 is generated, the calibration profile is formed by
storing the generated data in the printer profile, and the formed
profile is stored independently of the original printer profile
corresponding to a kind of device stored in the profile storage
unit.
[0185] In a step S1100, the calibration program 46 in the server 40
is downloaded to the network terminal 10, and the flow advances to
a step S1101.
[0186] In the step S1101, a color patch data for generating the
calibration data is transmitted from the network terminal 10 to the
network printer 50, and the flow advances to a step S1102.
[0187] In the step S1102, the color patch data is printed by the
network printer 50, and the flow advances to a step S1103.
[0188] In the step S1103, the calibration program 46 is initiated,
the dialog for the selection of calibration accuracy shown in FIG.
24 is displayed, and the user selects the accuracy. Then, the flow
advances to a step S1104.
[0189] In the step S1104, if the user selects the ordinary
accuracy, the flow advances to a step S1105 to download the scanner
control program in the server 40 to the network terminal 10. Then,
the flow advances to a step S1106.
[0190] In the step S1106, the color patch data output printed in
the step S1102 is read by the scanner 60, and the flow advances to
a step S1109.
[0191] On the other hand, in the step S1104, if the user selects
the high accuracy, the flow advances to a step S1107 to download
the densitometer control program 44 in the server 40 to the network
terminal 10, and then the flow advances to a step S1108.
[0192] In the step S1108, the color patch data output printed in
the step S1102 is read by the densitometer 70, and the flow
advances to the step S1109.
[0193] In the step S1109, based on the data obtained in the step
S1106 or S1108, the one-dimensional LUT data shown in FIG. 22 is
generated according to the calibration program 46, and the flow
advances to a step In the step S1110, the printer profile of the
network printer 50 is downloaded from the profile storage unit 42
in the server 40 to the network terminal 10, and the flow advances
to a step S1111.
[0194] In the step S1111, the one-dimensional LUT data generated in
the step S1109 is stored in the printer profile, and the flow
advances to a step S1112.
[0195] In the step S1112, the printer profile in which the
one-dimensional LUT data has been additionally stored is
transmitted to the server 40, and the flow advances to a step
S1113.
[0196] In the step S1113, the transmitted printer profile is stored
in the calibration profile storage unit 43 of the server 40 as the
calibration profile, and then the process terminates.
[0197] As above, it becomes possible to download the necessary
program or the like from the server, generate the calibration data
at the network terminal 10, and add the generated data to the
printer profile.
[0198] Further, in the above calibration process, since the
calibration profile is stored independently of the original printer
profile, the original printer profile is never changed. Therefore,
even if the same-type printers are connected to the network, the
color matching process can be well performed without any influence
of calibration by the other printer.
[0199] FIGS. 27 to 29 are flow charts showing a process wherein, in
case of printing the text by using the network printer 50, the
color matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network terminal 10 with use of the calibration profile formed in
FIGS. 25 and 26, and then the processed data is outputted to the
network printer 50.
[0200] In a step S1200, it is checked whether or not the image file
exists in the text to be printed.
[0201] If the image file does not exist, it can be considered that
all the data in the text were generated or formed on the monitor.
Therefore, the color matching process between the monitor of the
network terminal 10 and the network printer 50 is performed.
[0202] In a step S1211, it demands the network server 40 to
download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network terminal
10 to the terminal side, and the flow advances to a step S1212.
[0203] In the step S1212, it demands the network server 40 to
download the printer profile in which the calibration data of the
network printer 50 has been stored, from the calibration profile
storage unit 43 to the terminal side, and the flow advances to a
step S1213.
[0204] In the step S1213, the CMM information of the header portion
of the downloaded printer profile is obtained, and the flow
advances to a step S1214.
[0205] In the step S1214, it demands the network server 40 to
download the CMM coincident with the CMM information obtained in
the step S1213 to the terminal side, and the flow advances to a
step S1215.
[0206] If the image file exists in the step S1200, the flow
advances to a step S1201 to check whether or not the profile is
added to the above image file.
[0207] If the profile is added, the flow advances to a step S1202
to obtain the device profile, and then the flow advances to a step
S1204.
[0208] Such the profile is the profile for the scanner, the monitor
or the like, and thus managed as the source profile.
[0209] If the profile is not added in the step S1201, the flow
advances to a step S1203 to demand the network server 40 to
download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network terminal
10 to the terminal side, and then the flow advances to the step
S1204.
[0210] In the step S1204, it demands the network server 40 to
download the printer profile of the network printer 50 in which the
calibration data has been stored, from the calibration profile
storage unit 43 to the terminal side. Then, the flow advances to a
step S1205.
[0211] In the step S1205, the CMM information of the header portion
of the downloaded printer profile is obtained, and the flow
advances to a step S1206.
[0212] In the step S1206, it demands the network server 40 to
download the CMM coincident with the CMM information obtained in
the step S1205, from the CMM storage unit 41 to the terminal side.
Then, the flow advances to a step S1207.
[0213] In the step S1207, the image data is obtained from the image
file in the text, and the flow advances to a step S1208.
[0214] In the step S1208, the source profile obtained in the step
S1202 or S1203 and the printer profile obtained in the step S1204
are set to the CMM, and the flow advances to a step S1209.
[0215] In the step S1209, the color matching process on the image
data obtained in the step S1207 is performed by using the CMM in
the step S1208.
[0216] By such the process up to this time, as can be understood,
it becomes possible to download the necessary source profile, the
printer profile in which the calibration data has been stored, and
the CMM, to the network terminal, and then perform the color
matching process on the image data in the text on the side of the
network terminal.
[0217] Further, the flow advances to a step S1210 to demand the
network server 40 to download the monitor profile of the monitor in
the network terminal 10 to the terminal side. Then, the flow
advances to the step S1215.
[0218] In the step S1215, the data (character, graphics or the
like) other than the image in the text is obtained, and the flow
advances to a step S1216.
[0219] In the step S1216, the monitor profile (i.e., source
profile) downloaded in the step S1210 or S1211 and the printer
profile downloaded in the step S1204 or S1212 are set to the CMM,
and the flow advances to a step S1217.
[0220] In the step S1217, the color matching process on the data
other than the image obtained in the step S1215 is performed by
using the CMM in the step S1216, and the flow advances to a step
S1218.
[0221] By such the process up to this time, as can be understood,
it becomes possible to download the necessary source profile, the
printer profile containing the calibration data, and the CMM to the
network terminal, and then perform the color matching process on
the data other than the image in the text on the side of the
network terminal.
[0222] In the step S1218, the data subjected to the color matching
in the steps S1209 and S1217 are expanded into the bit map data in
the network terminal 10 such that the expanded data can be
outputted by the network printer 50, and the flow advances to a
step S1219.
[0223] In the step S1219, the bit map data expanded in the step
S1218 is transmitted from the network terminal 10 to the network
printer 50 through the network 30, and the flow advances to a step
S1220.
[0224] In the step S1220, the bit map data transmitted in the step
S1219 is received and printed by the network printer 50, and then
the process terminates.
[0225] As above, it becomes possible to download the necessary
source profile, the printer profile containing the calibration
data, and the CMM, to the network terminal, perform the color
matching process (including calibration process) on the image data
in the text and the data other than the image on the side of the
network terminal 10, and then print the processed data by the
network printer 50.
[0226] FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing in detail the processes in
the steps S1203, S1210 and S1211 to demand the network server 40 to
download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network terminal
10 to the terminal side.
[0227] In a step S1300, the monitor description information of the
monitor of the network terminal 10 is obtained from the monitor
description information storage unit 11, and the flow advances to a
step S1301.
[0228] In the step S1301, the profile storage unit 42 of the
network server 40 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step
S1302.
[0229] In the step S1302, the profile which has the profile
description information coincident with the monitor description
information is searched and obtained, and then the process
terminates.
[0230] As above, it becomes possible to demand the network server
40 to download the monitor profile of the monitor of the network
terminal 10 to the terminal side.
[0231] FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing in detail the processes in
the steps S1204 and S1212 to demand the network server 40 to
download the printer profile of the network printer 50 in which the
calibration data has been stored, to the terminal side.
[0232] In a step S1400, the printer description information of the
network printer 50 is obtained from the printer description
information storage unit 12, and the flow advances to a step
S1401.
[0233] In the step S1401, the calibration profile storage unit 43
of the network server 40 is accessed, and the flow advances to a
step S1402.
[0234] In the step S1402, the printer profile which has the profile
description information coincident with the printer description
information and in which the calibration data has been stored is
obtained, and then the process terminates.
[0235] As above, it becomes possible to demand the network server
40 to download the printer profile of the network printer 50 in
which the calibration data has been stored, to the terminal
side.
[0236] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing in detail the process in the
step S1206 or S1214 to demand the network server 40 to download the
CMM used in the color matching process, to the terminal side.
[0237] In a step S1500, the CMM storage unit 41 of the network
server 40 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step S1501.
[0238] In the step S1501, it is searched and obtained the CMM which
was obtained in the step S1205 or S1213 and has the CMM
registration information coincident with the CMM information of the
printer profile in which the calibration data has been stored, and
then the process terminates.
[0239] As above, it becomes possible to demand the network server
40 to download the CMM used in the color matching process, to the
terminal side.
[0240] (Third Embodiment)
[0241] In the third embodiment, the embodiment which is different
from the first embodiment and has a calibration process function in
a network system will be explained.
[0242] FIG. 33 is a view showing structure of the network system
according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 33, it should be noted
that the same components as those in the second embodiment are
added with the same reference numerals, respectively.
[0243] As shown in FIG. 33, the network system according to the
present embodiment is composed of network terminals 10 and 20, a
network server 40, a network printer 50, a scanner 60, a
densitometer 70, and a network 30 to which the network terminals 10
and 20, the network server 40 and the network printer 50 are
connected.
[0244] The network terminal 10 has a CPU, a VRAM and the like
necessary for monitor displaying and image processing, and a
communication function necessary for the communication in the
network. Further, the network terminal 10 has a monitor description
information storage unit 11 for discriminating a monitor and a
printer description information storage unit 12 for discriminating
the network printer 50.
[0245] The network server 40 has a CPU, a RAM, a hard disk and the
like necessary for image processing and printing processing, and a
communication function necessary for the communication in the
network. Further, the network server 40 has a CMM storage unit 41
in which n (n is constant) CMMs have been registered, a profile
storage unit 42 in which m (m is constant) device profiles
(monitor, scanner and printer) have been stored, a calibration
profile storage unit 43 in which a printer profile containing
therein calibration data has been stored, a densitometer control
program 44 which has a function for controlling the densitometer to
measure density of color patch output and obtaining or capturing
the measured data, a scanner control program 45 which has a
function for controlling the scanner to read the color patch output
and obtaining or capturing the read data, and a calibration program
46 which has a function for generating the calibration data based
on the data obtained by the densitometer control program 44 and the
scanner control program 45.
[0246] The scanner 60 and the densitometer 70 are connected to the
network server 40.
[0247] Each CMM registered or stored in the CMM storage unit 41 has
registration information (e.g., four-byte English numerals: UCCM)
for discrimination.
[0248] FIG. 24 shows the user interface (dialog) which is used in
case of causing a user to select calibration accuracy when the
calibration program 46 is executed. In this case, if the user
wishes the accuracy higher than ordinary accuracy, he may select
"high".
[0249] FIGS. 34 and 35 are flow charts showing a process in the
network server 40, wherein the calibration data of the network
printer 50 is generated, a calibration profile is formed and stored
by storing the generated calibration data into the printer
profile.
[0250] In a step S1600, the network terminal 10 demands the server
40 to initiate the calibration program 46, and the flow advances to
a step S1601.
[0251] In the step S1601, the network terminal 10 demands the
server 40 to print color patch data for generating the calibration
by using the network printer 50, and the flow advances to a step
S1602.
[0252] In the step S1602, the color patch data is printed by the
network printer 50, and the flow advances to a step S1603.
[0253] In the step S1603, the calibration program 46 is initiated,
the dialog for selecting the calibration accuracy in FIG. 24 is
displayed according to the initiated program, and the user selects
the accuracy. Then, the flow advances to a step S1604.
[0254] In the step S1604, if the user selects the ordinary
accuracy, the flow advances to a step S1605. In the step S1605, the
network terminal 10 demands the server 40 to initiate the scanner
control program 45 in the server 40, and the flow advances to a
step S1606.
[0255] In the step S1606, the color patch data output printed in
the step S1602 is read by the scanner 60, and the flow advances to
a step S1609.
[0256] In the step S1604, if the user selects the high accuracy,
the flow advances to a step S1607 to demand the network terminal 10
to initiate the densitometer control program 44 in the server 40,
and the program is initiated. Then, the flow advances to a step
S1608.
[0257] In the step S1608, the color patch data output printed in
the step S1602 is read by the densitometer 70, and the flow
advances to the step S1609.
[0258] In the step S1609, based on the data obtained in the step
S1606 or S1608, the one-dimensional LUT data shown in FIG. 22 is
generated according to the calibration program 46, and the flow
advances to a step S1610.
[0259] In the step S1610, the printer profile of the network
printer 50 is obtained from the profile storage unit 42 in the
server 40, by the server 40. Then, the flow advances to a step
S1611.
[0260] In the step S1611, the one-dimensional LUT data generated in
the step S1609 is stored in the printer profile obtained in the
step S1610, and the flow advances to a step S1612.
[0261] In the step S1612, the printer profile in which the
one-dimensional LUT data has been additionally stored is stored in
the calibration profile storage unit 43 in the server 40, and the
process terminates.
[0262] As above, it becomes possible to initiate the calibration
program in the server 40, generate the calibration data in the
server 40, and then add the generated data to the printer
profile.
[0263] FIGS. 36 to 38 are flow charts showing a process wherein, in
case of printing the text by using the network printer 50, the
color matching process on the data in the text is performed by the
network server 40 with use of the calibration profile formed in the
process of FIGS. 34 and 35, and then the processed data is
outputted to the network printer 50.
[0264] In a step S1700, it is checked whether or not the image file
exists in the text to be printed.
[0265] If the image file does not exist, it can be considered that
all the data in the text were generated or formed on the monitor.
Therefore, the color matching process between the monitor of the
network terminal 10 and the network printer 50 is performed.
[0266] In a step S1711, the monitor profile of the monitor in the
network terminal 10 is obtained in the network server 40, and the
flow advances to a step S1712.
[0267] In the step S1712, the printer profile of the network
printer 50 in which the calibration data has been stored is
obtained from the calibration profile storage unit 43 to the
network server 40, and the flow advances to a step S1713.
[0268] In the step S1713, the CMM information of the header portion
of the downloaded printer profile is obtained, and the flow
advances to a step S1714.
[0269] In the step S1714, the CMM coincident with the CMM
information obtained in the step S1713 is obtained in the network
server 40, and the flow advances to a step S1715.
[0270] If the image file exists in the step S1700, the flow
advances to a step S1701 to check whether or not the profile is
added to the above image file.
[0271] If the profile is added, the flow advances to a step S1702
to obtain the device profile, and then the flow advances to a step
S1704.
[0272] Such the profile is the profile for the scanner, the monitor
or the like, and thus managed as the source profile.
[0273] If the profile is not added in the step S1701, the flow
advances to a step S1703 to obtain the monitor profile of the
monitor in the network terminal 10 by the network server 40, and
then the flow advances to the step S1704.
[0274] In the step S1704, the printer profile of the network
printer 50 in which the calibration data has been stored is
obtained from the calibration profile storage unit 43 by the server
40, and the flow advances to a step S1705.
[0275] In the step S1705, the CMM information of the header portion
of the obtained printer profile is obtained, and the flow advances
to a step S1706.
[0276] In the step S1706, the CMM coincident with the CMM
information obtained in the step S1705 is obtained from the CMM
storage unit 41 by the server 40, and the flow advances to a step
S1707.
[0277] In the step S1707, the image data is obtained from the image
file in the test, and the flow advances to a step S1708.
[0278] In the step S1708, the source profile obtained in the step
S1702 or S1703 and the printer profile obtained in the step S1704
are set to the CMM, and the flow advances to a step S1709.
[0279] In the step S1709, the color matching process on the image
data obtained in the step S1707 is performed on the side of the
server 40 by using the CMM obtained in the step S1708.
[0280] By such the process up to this time, as can be understood,
it becomes possible to obtain the necessary source profile, the
printer profile in which the calibration data has been stored, and
the CMM, by the network server 40, and further perform the color
matching process on the image data in the text on the side of the
network server 40.
[0281] Further, in a step S1710, the monitor profile of the monitor
in the network terminal 1 is obtained by the network server 40, and
the flow advances to the step S1715.
[0282] In the step S1715, the data (character, graphics or the
like) other than the image in the text is obtained, and the flow
advances to a step S1716.
[0283] In the step S1716, the monitor profile (i.e., source
profile) downloaded in the step S1710 or S1711 and the printer
profile obtained by the server 40 in the step S1704 or S1712 are
set to the CMM, and the flow advances to a step S1717.
[0284] In the step S1717, the color matching process on the data
other than the image obtained in the step S1715 is performed by
using the CMM obtained in the step S1716, and the flow advances to
a step S1718.
[0285] By such the process up to this time, as can be understood,
it becomes possible to obtain the necessary source profile, the
printer profile containing the calibration data, and the CMM, by
the server 40, and then perform the color matching process on the
data other than the image in the text on the side of the server
40.
[0286] In the step S1718, the data subjected to the color matching
in the steps S1709 and S1717 are expanded into the bit map data in
the server 40 such that the expanded data can be outputted by the
network printer 50, and the flow advances to a step S1719.
[0287] In the step S1719, the bit map data expanded in the step
S1718 is transmitted from the network server 40 to the network
printer 50 through the network 30, and the flow advances to a step
S1720.
[0288] In the step S1720, the bit map data transmitted in the step
S1719 is received and printed by the network printer 50, and then
the process terminates.
[0289] As above, it becomes possible to obtain the necessary source
profile, the printer profile containing the calibration data, and
the CMM, by the network server 40, perform the color matching
process (including calibration process) on the image data in the
text and the data other than the image on the side of the network
server 40, and then print the processed data by the network printer
50.
[0290] FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing in detail the processes in
the steps S1703, S1710 and S1711 wherein the monitor profile of the
monitor of the network terminal 10 is obtained in the network
server 40.
[0291] In a step S1800, the monitor description information of the
monitor of the network terminal 10 stored in the monitor
description information storage unit 11 is downloaded from the
network terminal 10, and the flow advances to a step S1801.
[0292] In the step S1801, the profile storage unit 42 of the
network server 40 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step
S1802.
[0293] In the step S1802, the profile which has the profile
description information coincident with the monitor description
information is searched and obtained, and then the process
terminates.
[0294] As above, it becomes possible to obtain the monitor profile
of the monitor of the network terminal 10 by he network server
40.
[0295] FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing in detail the processes in
the steps S1704 and S1712 wherein the printer profile of the
network printer 50 in which the calibration data has been stored is
obtained in the network server 40.
[0296] In a step S1900, the printer description information of the
network printer 50 stored in the printer description information
storage unit 12 is downloaded from the network terminal 10, and the
flow advances to a step S1901.
[0297] In the step S1901, the calibration profile storage unit 43
of the network server 40 is accessed, and the flow advances to a
step S1902.
[0298] In the step S1902, the printer profile which has the profile
description information coincident with the printer description
information and in which the calibration data has been stored is
obtained, and then the process terminates.
[0299] As above, it becomes possible to obtain the printer profile
of the network printer 50 in which the calibration data has been
stored, by the network server 40.
[0300] FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing in detail the process in the
step S1706 or S1714 wherein the CMM used in the color matching
process is obtained in the network server 40.
[0301] In a step S1910, the CMM storage unit 41 of the network
server 40 is accessed, and the flow advances to a step S1911.
[0302] In the step S1911, it is searched and obtained the CMM which
was obtained in the step S1705 or S1713 and has the CMM
registration information coincident with the CMM information of the
printer profile in which the calibration data has been stored, and
then the process terminates.
[0303] As above, it becomes possible to obtain the CMM used in the
color matching process, by the network server 40.
[0304] (Other Embodiments)
[0305] The invention employed by a method wherein program codes of
a software to realize the functions of the above-described
embodiments are supplied to a computer in an apparatus or a system
connected to various devices so as to make the devices operative in
order to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments
and the various devices are operated in accordance with the
programs stored in the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or
apparatus is also included in the scope of the present
invention.
[0306] In such the case, the program codes themselves of the
software realize the functions of the above-described embodiments
and the program codes themselves and means for supplying the
program codes to the computer, e.g., a storage medium in which the
program codes have been stored, construct the present
invention.
[0307] As such a memory medium to store the program codes, e.g., it
is possible to use a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a
magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile
memory card, a ROM or the like can be used.
[0308] Also, even in not only a case where the functions of the
above-described embodiments are realized by executing the supplied
program codes by the computer but also a case where the functions
of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with
the OS (operating system) by which the program codes operate in the
computer or another application software or the like, such the
program codes are of course included in the scope of the present
invention.
[0309] Further, of course, the present invention also includes a
case where the supplied program codes are stored into a memory
provided for a function expansion board of a computer or a function
expansion unit connected to a computer and, after that, a CPU or
the like provided for the function expansion board or the function
expansion unit executes a part or all of the actual processes on
the basis of instructions of the program codes, and the functions
of the above-described embodiment are realized by the
processes.
[0310] The present invention has been described in connection with
the above preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is
not limited only to the above-described embodiment, but various
modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *