JP2002010083A - IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM, IMAGE FORMING METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING PROGRAM FOR CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] When a plurality of image processing apparatuses such as a color copier are connected and an original image is output and printed by an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus to which the original image is input, the color of a printed matter It is an object to improve reproducibility. SOLUTION: A creating means for creating calibration data obtained by reading a calibration pattern output from a printer unit 13 of a color copying machine 2 and a color copying machine 3 for outputting a document image by a scanner unit 11 of the color copying machine 1; And a correcting unit for correcting a document image input from the scanner unit 11 of the color copying machine 1 based on the calibration data created by the creating unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting an original image and an image output section for outputting an original image, and an image input section of a predetermined image forming apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming method, and a recording medium that can improve the color reproducibility of a printed matter, by outputting an image of a document read by an image output unit of an image forming apparatus. Further, the present invention connects a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting a document image and an image output section for outputting a document image, and converts the document image read by the image input section of each image forming apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming method, and a recording medium that can improve color reproducibility of a printed matter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field of image forming apparatuses,
Digital copiers that process digitized image data from analog copiers have appeared, and color copiers that can perform not only monochrome printing but also color printing have become widespread. This color copier generally includes a scanner unit for inputting a document image, an IPU unit for performing various image processing on the input image data, and printing the image processed image data on transfer paper. And a printer unit for outputting the original image.

In such a color copying machine, a copy having the same color reproducibility as an original can be printed.
When a color copying machine is shipped from a factory, for example, the scanner unit and the printer unit of each color copying machine are calibrated to obtain image processing parameters used for image processing in the IPU unit and the printer unit. Then, a color copying machine in which the image processing parameters are set and stored is provided to the user, and printing is performed using the stored image processing parameters.

[0004] Further, with the recent development of communication technology, the situation surrounding color copiers has also changed significantly, and by connecting a plurality of color copiers via the Internet or the like, data between the plurality of color copiers has been changed. Large-scale image forming systems that enable transmission and reception have become widespread.

In such a large-scale image forming system, an image data read by a scanner unit of a certain color copying machine is transmitted to another color copying machine, and an IPU unit or a printer of the color copying machine receiving the image data. The image can be processed and printed by the copy unit.

For example, when it is desired to copy a large number of originals having only one copy in a short period of time, the originals are read by the scanner unit of one color copying machine, and the read image data is copied into a plurality of other color copies. The image data is transmitted to the respective color copiers and subjected to image processing in the respective color copiers for printing.

Further, for example, when it is desired to centrally manage copies of originals at a plurality of locations, the originals are read by the scanner units of a plurality of color copiers and the read image is read. Data 1
The image data is transmitted to two color copiers, and the color copier performs image processing and prints.

[0008]

However, the above-mentioned prior art requires a plurality of color copiers connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data, and performs printing in a color copier different from the color copier which has read the original. However, there is a problem that the color reproducibility of a printed matter is deteriorated as compared with a method of performing printing in a single color copying machine.

That is, the image processing parameters used for image processing in the color copying machine are obtained by calibrating the scanner unit and the printer unit in the color copying machine as one set. Does not mean that the same image processing parameters are set and stored in the color copier. However, in the above-described conventional technology, image processing is performed and printed in a color copying machine different from the color copying machine that has read the original, so that the combination of the scanner unit that has read the original and the printer unit that has performed printing is: It will be different from the combination for which calibration was performed. Therefore, when the image processing parameters of the color copier that has read the original and the image processing parameters of the color copier that has received the image data are not the same, compared with the method of performing printing in a single color copier, There is a problem that the color reproducibility of the printed matter is deteriorated.

Another problem is that, in order to copy a large number of originals in a single copy in a short time, the originals are read by a scanner unit of one color copier, and the read image data is read by another scanner. Send to multiple color copiers,
This is more noticeable when printing is performed by performing image processing in each color copying machine. That is, as described above, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, the color reproducibility of the printed matter is deteriorated as compared with the method of performing printing in a single color copying machine, so that a printed matter having no uniform color reproducibility is obtained. There was a problem that a large amount was copied.

Similarly, originals existing in a plurality of locations are
In order to make a centralized copy at a location, an original is read by the scanner units of a plurality of color copiers, the read image data is transmitted to one color copier, and image processing is performed by the color copier for printing. Even in such a case, the above-mentioned problems of the related art are more remarkable.

In order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, the present invention connects a plurality of image processing apparatuses such as a color copier and uses an image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus that inputs a document image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system, an image forming method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded, when an original image is printed out. Aim.

[0013]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved,
In order to achieve the object, an image forming system according to the first aspect of the present invention connects a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input unit for inputting a document image and an image output unit for outputting a document image, and In an image forming system in which a document image read by an image input unit of an image forming apparatus is output by an image output unit of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a calibration pattern output from an image output unit of each image forming apparatus is converted into the predetermined image. Creating means for creating calibration data read by the image input unit of the forming apparatus; and correcting the original image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus based on the calibration data created by the creating means. And correction means for performing the correction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the correcting unit is configured to perform the predetermined image forming based on the calibration data created by the creating unit. Parameter calculation means for calculating the image processing parameters related to the reading characteristics of the image input unit of the device and the printing characteristics of the image output units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, using the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit, Converting means for converting a document image input from an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first or second aspect, the parameter calculation means compares the calibration data with predetermined target data to determine a floor scale. It is characterized in that image processing parameters used for tone conversion are calculated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first or second aspect,
Parameter converting means for storing the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculating means, wherein the converting means converts the original image input by the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus into an image output from another image forming apparatus; Only when output is performed by a copy unit, the document image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the creating unit.
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes the correction unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system, wherein a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting a document image and an image output section for outputting a document image are connected. In an image forming system for outputting a document image read by an image input unit of an apparatus at an image output unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus, a calibration pattern output from the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is output to each image forming apparatus. Creating means for creating the calibration data read by the image input units, and correcting the original images input from the image input units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created by the creating means Correction means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the correcting unit is configured to execute the plurality of image forming processes based on the calibration data created by the creating unit. Parameter calculation means for calculating the image processing parameters related to the reading characteristics of the image input unit of the device and the printing characteristics of the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus, using the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit, Converting means for converting a document image input from an image input unit of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the parameter calculation means compares the calibration data with predetermined target data to determine a floor scale. It is characterized in that image processing parameters used for tone conversion are calculated.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system according to the sixth aspect, wherein
Parameter converting means for storing the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculating means, wherein the converting means converts the original image input by the image input section of each image forming apparatus into an image output section of the predetermined image forming apparatus; Only when output is performed, the original image input from the image input unit of each image forming apparatus is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, the plurality of image forming apparatuses each include the creating unit, and An image forming apparatus includes the correction unit.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the image input unit is a color scanner, and the image output unit is a color printer. It is characterized by being.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input unit for inputting a document image and an image output unit for outputting a document image are connected to a predetermined image forming apparatus. In an image forming method in which a document image read by an image input unit of a forming apparatus is output by an image output unit of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a calibration pattern output from an image output unit of each image forming apparatus is converted into a predetermined image forming pattern. A creating step of creating calibration data read by an image input unit of the apparatus, and correcting a document image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus based on the calibration data created by the creating step And a correcting step.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the twelfth aspect, the correcting is performed based on the calibration data created in the creating step. A parameter calculation step of calculating an image processing parameter related to a reading characteristic of an image input unit of the apparatus and a printing characteristic of an image output unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, using an image processing parameter calculated by the parameter calculation step, Converting an original image input from an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, the parameter calculating step compares the calibration data with predetermined target data to determine a level. It is characterized in that image processing parameters used for tone conversion are calculated.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming method according to the twelfth, thirteenth, or fourteenth aspect, further comprising a parameter storing step of storing the image processing parameters calculated in the parameter calculating step. The conversion step includes the step of storing the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage step only when the original image input by the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is output by the image output unit of another image forming apparatus. And converting the original image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus using the image processing apparatus.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the creating step, and Each of the forming apparatuses includes the correction step.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input unit for inputting a document image and an image output unit for outputting a document image are connected to each other. In an image forming method of outputting an original image read by an image input unit of an apparatus at an image output unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus, a calibration pattern output from the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is output to each image forming apparatus. Creating the calibration data read by the image input units, and correcting the original images input from the image input units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created by the creating process And a correcting step.

In the image forming method according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the seventeenth aspect, the correcting step includes forming the plurality of image forming sections based on calibration data created in the creating step. A parameter calculation step of calculating an image processing parameter related to a reading characteristic of an image input unit of the apparatus and a printing characteristic of an image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus, using an image processing parameter calculated by the parameter calculation step, A conversion step of converting a document image input from an image input unit of each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the seventeenth or the eighteenth aspect, the parameter calculating step compares the calibration data with predetermined target data to determine a floor scale. It is characterized in that image processing parameters used for tone conversion are calculated.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the image forming method according to the seventeenth, eighteenth, or nineteenth aspect further includes a parameter storing step of storing the image processing parameters calculated in the parameter calculating step. The conversion step uses the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage step only when the original image input by the image input unit of each image forming apparatus is output by the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus. And converting the original image input from the image input unit of each image forming apparatus.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to any one of the seventeenth to twentieth aspects, the plurality of image forming apparatuses each include the creating step, and The image forming apparatus includes the correction step.

In the image forming method according to the present invention, the image input section is a color scanner and the image output section is a color printer. It is characterized by being.

A recording medium according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention records a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of the twelfth to twelfth aspects, so that the program becomes machine-readable. Thereby, the operation of any one of claims 12 to 22 can be executed by a computer.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image forming system, an image forming method, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The form will be described in detail. In the first embodiment described below, a case is described in which image data is transmitted from one color copying machine to a plurality of color copying machines for printing.
In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which image data is transmitted from a plurality of color copying machines to one color copying machine for printing. In the third embodiment, image data is transmitted from one image processing apparatus to a plurality of printers. A case where data is transmitted and printed will be described.

(Embodiment 1) First, the configuration of an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the first embodiment includes a color copier 1 and
A color copier 2 and a color copier 3 are connected to each other via an Internet cable 5 and a HUB 4 so as to be able to transmit and receive data, and image data read by the color copier 1 is copied by the color copier 2 and the color copier. 3
And print it.

Generally, the image forming system according to the first embodiment includes a color copying machine 2 and a color copying machine 3
The calibration pattern (pattern 21 and pattern 31) of the (hereinafter, referred to as “child color copying machine”) is the color copying machine 1 (hereinafter, referred to as “parent color copying machine”).
Then, the child color copying machine performs calibration based on the read data to calculate image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the parent color copying machine.

Then, the parent color copying machine transmits the image data read by the parent color copying machine to the child color copying machine,
The child color copying machine performs image processing on the image data using image processing parameters corresponding to the parent color copying machine, thereby outputting a printed matter having the same color reproduction as the printed matter of the parent color copying machine. I do.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described. (1) Schematic configuration and processing of each part in a color copying machine; and (2)
Specific configuration and processing of each unit in the color copying machine, (3) calculation of image processing parameters, (4) calibration processing in the image forming system,
(5) The linked printing process in the image forming system will be described in order. In the image forming system according to the first embodiment, the color copying machine 1, the color copying machine 2, and the color copying machine 3 have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, the color copying machine 1 will be described for convenience. I will explain only.

(1) Schematic Configuration and Processing of Each Part in Color Copier First, with reference to FIG. 1, the schematic configuration and processing of each part in a color copying machine will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the color copier 1 includes a scanner unit 11, an IPU unit 12, a printer unit 13, a parameter operation unit 14,
The control unit 15, the transmission / reception unit 16, and the operation unit 17 are connected to each other via a bus 18 so that data can be transmitted / received.

In the color copying machine 1, the scanner section 11
Is the image data (document and calibration pattern)
Is a unit that reads the original reflected light by an optical system, and a CCD (Charge Coupled).
A conversion process to an electric signal in a device (charge-coupled device), a digitization process in an A / D converter, a shading correction process (a process for correcting uneven illuminance distribution of a light source),
Processing such as scanner γ correction processing (processing for correcting the density characteristics of the reading system) is performed.

The IPU unit 12 is a unit for performing image processing such as processing and editing on image data. The IPU unit 12 performs shading correction processing (processing for correcting illuminance distribution unevenness of a light source) and scanner γ correction processing (density of a reading system). Characteristics correction processing), MTF correction processing, smoothing processing, arbitrary scaling processing in the main scanning direction, density conversion (γ conversion processing: corresponding to density notch), simple multi-value processing, simple binary processing, error diffusion Processing such as processing, dither processing, dot arrangement phase control processing (rightward dots, leftward dots), isolated point removal processing, image area separation processing (color determination, attribute determination, adaptive processing), density conversion processing, and the like are performed.

The printer unit 13 is a unit for writing image data on transfer paper or the like, and performs edge smoothing processing (jaggy correction processing), correction processing for dot rearrangement, pulse control processing of image signals, and parallel data processing. Performs processing such as serial data format conversion processing.

When functioning as a child color copying machine (color copying machine 2 or color copying machine 3), the parameter calculation unit 14 reads the calibration pattern read data (hereinafter referred to as the calibration pattern) transmitted from the parent color copying machine. ,
It is called “calibration data”. )On the basis of the,
This unit performs calibration between the parent color copying machine and itself (child color copying machine).

The parameter calculation section 14 performs processing such as machine difference correction processing, background correction processing, and high-density section correction on the calibration data, thereby reading the parent color copying machine. The image processing parameters relating to the characteristics and the printing characteristics of the child color copying machine are calculated. The image processing parameters are stored in the control unit 15.
Is used for processing in the IPU unit 12 and the printer unit 13 when printing image data received from the parent color copying machine.

The transmission / reception section 16 is a unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external color copying machine via the Internet cable 5 and the HUB 4. For example,
When the function as the parent color copier (color copier 1) is performed, a calibration process start instruction command, calibration data, linked printing start instruction command, document image data, and the like are transmitted to the child color copier (color copier 1). It is transmitted to the copying machine 2 or the color copying machine 3).

The operation unit 17 is a unit that receives processing conditions of each unit of the color copying machine from a user. For example, when functioning as a parent color copying machine (color copying machine 1), an instruction to start a calibration process, an instruction to start reading a calibration pattern,
An instruction to start linked printing, an instruction to start reading a document, and the number of copies of the self (color copying machine 1) and child color copying machines (color copying machine 2 and color copying machine 3) at the time of linked printing are received.

The control unit 15 is a unit that controls each unit of the color copier based on the processing conditions received by the operation unit 17 and the like. For example, when performing a function as a child color copying machine (color copying machine 2 or color copying machine 3), when a calibration process start instruction command is received from a parent color copying machine (color copying machine 1), calibration is performed. Each part is controlled to print out the application pattern.

When receiving the calibration data from the parent color copying machine (color copying machine 1), for example, the control unit 15 calculates the image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the parent color copying machine. Control each part. Further, when a command to start connection printing is received from the parent color copier (color copier 1), each unit is controlled to perform image processing using image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the parent color copier. I do.

(2) Specific Configuration and Processing of Each Part in Color Copier Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the specific configuration and processing of each part in the color copying machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the color copying machine (color copying machine 1, color copying machine 2, color copying machine 3) shown in FIG. First, the scanner unit 11 in the color copying machine
Will be described. As shown in the figure, the scanner unit 11 in the color copying machine includes a CCD 123, an amplification circuit 425, a sample hold (S / H) circuit 426,
A / D conversion circuit 427, black correction circuit 428, CCD
A driver 429, a pulse generator 430, and a clock generator 431 are provided.

In the scanner section 11, an exposure lamp (not shown) irradiates a document to be copied or a calibration pattern (pattern 21, pattern 31), and the reflected light is reflected by a reflecting mirror (not shown). Light enters the CCD 123 via an image lens (not shown) and the like. CCD123
The RGB filters of Red, Green,
The signal is separated into three colors of Blue, and the amplifier circuit 425 amplifies the analog signal to a predetermined size.

In order to convert an analog signal into a digital signal, the S / H circuit 426 samples and holds the amplified signal at regular intervals. The A / D conversion circuit 427 converts the value at this time into a digital signal represented by, for example, an 8-bit signal value.

Here, the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 425 is amplified so that the digital signal falls within the range of the bit value. That is, the amplification factor of the amplification circuit 425 is determined so that the output value of the A / D conversion circuit 427 after reading a specific document density becomes a desired value. For example, an image having a document density of 0.05 (0.891 in reflectivity) during normal copying is amplified so as to be obtained as a 240-bit 8-bit signal value.

The black correction circuit 428 includes a CCD 123
Of the black level (electric signal when the amount of light is small) between chips and between pixels is reduced, and the occurrence of streaks or unevenness in a black portion of an image is prevented. Note that the amplifier circuit 425 reduces the amplification factor at the time of shading correction for a signal whose value after A / D conversion is, for example, 240 if the amplification factor is a normal amplification factor, and converts the digital signal value after A / D conversion. For example, it is output as small as 180 values. This is performed to increase the sensitivity of the shading correction. The reason is that if shading correction is performed using the amplification factor at the time of normal copying, if there is a large amount of reflected light, a part where the 8-bit signal after A / D conversion is saturated to the maximum value of 255 occurs, and shading is performed. This is because an error occurs in the correction.

Further, the CCD driver 429 is a
23 is supplied. Further, the pulse generator 430 supplies a pulse source necessary for driving the CCD driver 429,
Supplies the timing required for the S / H circuit 426 to sample and hold the signal from. The clock generator 431 is composed of a crystal oscillator or the like, and supplies a reference oscillation signal to the pulse generator 430.

Next, the IPU 12 in the color copying machine
Will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the IPU unit 12 in the color copying machine includes a shading correction circuit 401.
, Area processing circuit 424, and interface I / F
A selector 423, a scanner γ conversion circuit 402, an image memory 403, an image separation circuit 404, an MTF filter 405, a hue determination circuit 432, a color conversion UCR processing circuit 406, a pattern generation circuit 421, and scaling. A circuit 407, an image processing (create) circuit 408, an image processing printer γ correction circuit 409, and a gradation processing circuit 41.
0.

In the IPU section 12, a shading correction circuit 401 corrects a white level (an electric signal when the amount of light is large). That is, an exposure lamp (not shown)
Is moved to a white reference plate (not shown) and irradiated with irradiation light, and white data generated when reflected light passes through a reflection mirror (not shown), an imaging lens (not shown), or the like. Of the CCD 123 and the sensitivity of the CCD 123 are corrected.

The area processing circuit 424 generates an area signal (area signal) for discriminating to which area in the document the image data currently being processed belongs. The image processing parameters used in the subsequent processing units are switched according to the area signal output from this circuit. That is, the designated area information on the document is compared with the read position information at the time of image reading, and the area processing circuit 424 generates an area signal.

Then, based on the area signal, the scanner γ conversion circuit 402, the MTF filter circuit 405, the color conversion UCR processing circuit 406, and the image processing (create) circuit 4
08, the parameters used in the image processing printer γ correction circuit 409 and the gradation processing circuit 410 are changed.

These areas include, for each designated area, a color correction coefficient, a spatial filter, Image processing parameters such as a gradation conversion table can be selected from a plurality of table settings according to the image area.

These image processing parameters are selected from a table of normal image processing parameters when the color copying machine functions as the parent color copying machine (color copying machine 1). Plays a role as a child color copying machine (color copying machine 2 or color copying machine 3), it is selected from a table of image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the parent color copying machine calculated by the parameter calculating section 14. I do.

The interface I / F selector 423 is used when outputting an image read by the scanner unit to the outside. When used as a printer unit and a scanner / IPU unit (scanner unit, IPU unit) like a copier, an external device (printer controller (print control device) 41) is transmitted from an I / F selector 411 of the printer unit.
The image data read in 9) can be taken out.

The scanner γ conversion circuit 402 converts a read signal from the scanner unit from reflectance data to brightness data. In the image separation circuit 404, determination of a character portion and a photo portion, and determination of a chromatic / achromatic color are performed. The MTF filter 405 performs a process of changing the frequency characteristics of the image signal, such as edge enhancement and smoothing, according to the user's preference, such as a sharp image or a soft image.

In the color conversion UCR processing circuit 406,
A color correction processing unit that corrects the difference between the color separation characteristics of the input system and the spectral characteristics of the color materials of the output system and calculates the amount of the color material YMC necessary for faithful color reproduction, and a part where three colors of the YMC overlap. Bk
(Black) UCR processing unit.

This color correction processing is performed by a predetermined matrix calculation, and the color correction processing is performed by a calculation using a predetermined color correction coefficient. This color correction coefficient is
Each of the 6 hues of RGBYMC is further divided into two 12
The hue is further different for every 14 hues of black and white. Further, the hue determination circuit 432 determines which hue the read data is determined. A color correction coefficient for each hue is selected based on the determination result. The scaling circuit 407 performs vertical and horizontal scaling, and performs image processing (create).
The circuit 408 performs a repeat process or the like.

The image processing printer γ correction circuit 40
At 9, the image signal is corrected according to the image quality mode for characters, photographs, and the like. In addition, the background can be removed at the same time. Image processing printer gamma correction circuit 409
Are a plurality (10 as an example) that can be switched in accordance with the area signal generated by the area processing circuit 424 described above.
Has a gradation conversion table. This gradation conversion table is a gradation conversion table that is optimal for each original such as a character original, a silver halide photograph original, a halftone dot original, an ink jet, a highlighter pen, a map, and a thermal transfer original. You can choose.

That is, in the image processing printer γ correction circuit 409, the area signal from the area processing circuit 424 is decoded by the decoder 1, and the selector 1
Select from a plurality of gradation conversion tables such as ink jet. For example, for a character area, a gradation conversion table 1 for characters, for a silver halide photography area, a gradation conversion table 3 for silver halide photography, and for a halftone photography area, Tone conversion table 4 for halftone photo original is selected.

The gradation processing circuit 410 performs dither processing or pattern processing. Since the output of the gradation processing circuit 410 reduces the pixel frequency to ２, the image data bus has a 16-bit width (8-bit data) so that data for two pixels can be simultaneously transferred to the printer unit. Image data).

That is, the image signal (image data) whose gradation has been converted by the image processing printer γ correction circuit 409 is again converted into a signal decoded by the decoder 2 in the gradation processing circuit 410 in correspondence with the area signal. Based on this, the selector 2 switches the gradation processing to be used. Available gradation processing includes processing that does not use dither,
Processing such as dithering and error diffusion processing are performed. The error diffusion process is performed on the ink jet document.

The image signal after the gradation processing is supplied to a decoder 3
Is selected based on the reading position information, whether the line is line 1 or line 2. Line 1 and line 2 are switched every time one pixel differs in the sub-scanning direction.
The data of the line 1 is stored in the FIF located downstream of the selector 3.
The data is temporarily stored in an O (First In First Out) memory, and the data of line 1 and line 2 are output. Thus, the pixel frequency can be reduced to ２ and input to the interface I / F selector 411.

The pattern generation circuits 421 and 422
Generates gradation patterns used in the IPU unit and the printer unit, respectively.

Next, the printer unit 1 in the color copying machine
3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer unit 13 in the color copying machine includes an image forming printer γ correction circuit 412, a printer 413, an I / F selector 4
11, a system controller 417, and a pattern generation circuit 422.

In the printer unit 13, an I / F selector 411 outputs image data read by the scanner unit 11 for processing by an external device such as a host computer 418, or outputs the image data to the external host computer 41.
8 or another color copying machine (parent color copying machine).

The image forming printer γ (pro-con γ) correction circuit 412 converts the image signal from the I / F selector 411 by using a gradation conversion table and outputs it to a laser modulation circuit (not shown).

As described above, the printer unit 13
I / F selector 411, image forming printer gamma correction circuit 412, printer 413, and system controller 4
17 and the scanner units 11 and I
It can be used independently of the PU unit 12. Accordingly, the printer unit 13 receives the image data of the parent color copier received by the transmission / reception unit 17 through the I / F selector 411, performs gradation conversion by the image forming printer γ correction circuit 412, and forms the image by the printer 413. By doing so, it can be used as a printer function (printer).

Next, the control section 15 of the color copying machine will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 15 in the color copier includes a CPU 130, a ROM 131, and a RAM.
132.

In the control unit 15, the CPU 130
Are a scanner unit 11, an IPU unit 12, and a printer unit 1.
3, the parameter calculation unit 14, the transmission / reception unit 17, and the operation unit 16 are controlled. That is, the CPU 130 is connected to these units via the bus 18, and
1 and the RAM 132 read and write data necessary for control.

The CPU 130 controls a scanner driving device (not shown) to control the driving of the scanner unit. Further, the ROM 131 stores image processing parameters.

(3) Calculation of Image Processing Parameters Next, calculation of image processing parameters in the parameter calculation section 14 of the color copying machine will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a calibration pattern output from the color copying machine (color copying machine 2, color copying machine 3) shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the calibration pattern is formed by a plurality of density gradation patterns corresponding to each image quality mode of each color of YMCK, character, and photograph, and is stored and set in the ROM 131 of the control unit 15 in advance. I have.

The calibration pattern is transmitted to the child color copier (color copier 2 or color copier 3) by receiving a calibration process start command from the parent color copier (color copier 1). Output from That is, the printer unit 13 of the child color copying machine converts the calibration pattern stored in the ROM 131 into 00h, 11h, 22 in hexadecimal notation.
Write on the transfer paper in 16 patterns of h,…, EEh, FFh. In FIG. 3, patches for 5 gradations are displayed except for the background portion, but any value can be selected from the 8-bit signal of 00h-FFh.

Subsequently, the transfer paper on which the calibration pattern is printed (hereinafter, referred to as a “pattern”) is placed on a platen of a parent color copying machine (color copying machine 1).
This pattern is read by the scanner unit 11 and the read data (hereinafter, referred to as “calibration data”) is transmitted to the child color copier (color copier 2 or color copier 3). Then, in the parameter operation unit 14 of the child color copying machine, calibration is performed on the calibration data, and image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the parent color copying machine are calculated.

More specifically, the parameter calculator 14 uses the calibration data, the reference data and the machine difference correction value stored in the ROM 131 in advance to perform machine difference correction, background correction, high density portion correction, and the like. , YMC
By performing the processing for each of the K colors, an image processing parameter (YMCK gradation correction table) is created for each image quality mode such as a photograph and a character.

The created image processing parameters are stored in the ROM 131 and used when performing image processing and print processing of the image data received from the parent color copying machine (color copying machine 1). As a result, the child color copying machine (color copying machine 2 or color copying machine 3) can output a printed matter having the same color reproducibility as the printed matter of the parent color copying machine.

(4) Calibration Process in Image Forming System Next, the procedure of the calibration process in the image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a calibration process in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. First, when the color copier 1 is instructed to start the calibration process with the color copier 2 by the operation unit 17, the color copier 1 transmits a command to start the calibration process to the color copier 2 (step S1). S401).

Next, the color copying machine 2 receives the calibration processing start command and prints a calibration pattern (step S402). Then, the calibration pattern is transferred to the color copier 1
(Step S403), the color copying machine 1 reads the placed calibration pattern (Step S404), and transmits the read data to the color copying machine 2 (Step S405).

Then, the color copying machine 2 receives the read data (step S406), and
In step 4, image processing parameters are calculated based on the received read data (step S407), and the calculated image processing parameters are stored in the control unit 15 (step S408).

When the color copier 1 is instructed by the operation unit 17 to start calibration processing with the color copier 3, the color copier 1 transmits a calibration processing start command to the color copier 3 ( Step S
409).

Next, the color copying machine 3 receives the calibration processing start instruction command and prints a calibration pattern (step S410). Then, the calibration pattern is transferred to the color copier 1
(Step S411), the color copying machine 1 reads the placed calibration pattern (Step S412), and transmits the read data to the color copying machine 3 (Step S413).

Then, the color copying machine 3 receives the read data (step S414), and
In 4, the image processing parameters are calculated based on the received read data (step S415), and the calculated image processing parameters are stored in the control unit 15 (step S416).

(5) Process of Linked Printing in Image Forming System Next, the procedure of linked printing in the image forming system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a linked printing process in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. First of all,
When an instruction to start the linked printing process with the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 is given by the operation unit 17, the color copying machine 1 sends the command to start the linked printing process to the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine. 3 (step S501).

Next, the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 receive the command for instructing the start of the linked printing process and select the image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the color copying machine 1 from the ROM 131 (step S502). And step S503).

Then, the color copying machine 1 has a scanner unit 1
In step 1, the document is read (step S504), image data is generated (step S505), and the image data is sent to the IPU unit 12 and to the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 (step S506). Next, the color copying machine 1 performs various image processing in the IPU unit 12 (step S507), and
3 to print the image data (step S50).
8).

On the other hand, the color copying machine 2 is
(Step S509), various image processes are performed in the IPU unit 12 using the image processing parameters selected in the above step S502 (step S510), and the image data is printed in the printer unit 13. (Step S511).

The color copier 3 is a color copier 1
(Step S512), various image processing is performed in the IPU unit 12 using the image processing parameters selected in the above step S503 (step S513), and the image data is printed in the printer unit 13. (Step S514).

As described above, in the first embodiment, the color copying machine 1 converts the calibration pattern output from the color copying machine 2 and the printer unit 13 of the color copying machine 3 into the scanner unit of the color copying machine 1. The calibration data read in step 11 is created, and the parameter calculation unit 14 of the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3
The control unit 15, the IPU unit 12, and the printer unit 13
Color copier 1 based on the calibration data
The original image output from the scanner unit 11 is corrected, so that the printed matter of the original image output by the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 is the same as the printed matter of the color copying machine 1 to which the original image is input. Has uniform color reproducibility. Therefore, when a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, the color reproducibility of the printed matter can be improved.

In the first embodiment, the parameter calculating section 14 of the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 performs the reading operation of the scanner section 11 of the color copying machine 1 and the color copying machine based on the calibration data. 2 or the image processing parameters related to the print characteristics of the printer unit 13 of the color copying machine 3, and the IPU unit 12 and the printer unit 13 use the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit 14 to Since the original image input from the scanner unit 11 is converted, it has the same uniform color reproducibility as the printed matter in the color copying machine 1 to which the original image is input. Therefore, when copying a large number of originals with only one copy in a short time,
The color reproducibility of the printed matter can be improved.

In the first embodiment, the parameter calculation section 14 of the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 compares the calibration data with the predetermined target data to determine the image processing parameters used for the gradation conversion. Is calculated, so that the same color reproducibility as that of the printed matter in the color copying machine 1 to which the original image is input is obtained. Therefore, when a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, the color reproducibility of the printed matter can be improved.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 15 of the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 stores the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit 14, and the IPU unit 12 and the printer unit 13 Only when the scanner unit 11 of the color copier 1 outputs the original image input, the original image input from the scanner unit 11 of the color copier 1 is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the control unit 15. Therefore, even when each of the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 is used as a single color copying machine, the color reproducibility of the printed matter can be maintained.

In the first embodiment, the case where the image processing parameters are calculated in the color copying machine 2 and the color copying machine 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the machine 1, calculation of image processing parameters, storage of image processing parameters, image processing using the image processing parameters, and the like can also be performed. Further, processing such as calculation of image processing parameters, storage of image processing parameters, and image processing using the image processing parameters can be performed by another device.

(Embodiment 2) By the way, in Embodiment 1 described above, a case is described in which image data is transmitted from one color copying machine to a plurality of color copying machines and printing is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and image data read by a plurality of color copying machines can be transmitted to one color copying machine to perform printing. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which image data is transmitted from a plurality of color copying machines to one color copying machine for printing. It is to be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the portions having the same functions as the respective portions described in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the second embodiment includes a color copying machine 1 and a color copying machine 2.
And the color copier 3 are connected to each other via the Internet cable 5 and the HUB 4 so as to be able to transmit and receive data. The image data read by the color copier 1 and the color copier 2 is transmitted to the color copier 3. Print.

Schematically, the image forming system according to the second embodiment converts the calibration pattern (pattern 31) of the color copying machine 3 (hereinafter referred to as “child color copying machine”) into the color copying machine 1 and An image corresponding to the reading characteristics of the parent color copying machine is obtained by causing the color copying machine 2 (hereinafter referred to as “parent color copying machine”) to read the image and performing calibration based on the read data in the child color copying machine. Each processing parameter is calculated.

The parent color copier transmits the image data read by the parent color copier to the child color copier.
The child color copying machine performs image processing on the image data using image processing parameters corresponding to the parent color copying machine, thereby outputting a printed matter having the same color reproduction as the printed matter of the parent color copying machine. I do.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described.
(2) The linked printing process in the image forming system will be described in order. The color copiers (color copier 1, color copier 2, color copier 3) shown in FIG. 6 have the same configuration and functions as the color copier used in the first embodiment, so The description of the configuration and function of each unit in the color copying machine according to the second embodiment is omitted.

(1) Calibration Process in Image Forming System First, the procedure of the calibration process in the image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a calibration process in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. First, when the color copier 1 is instructed by the operation unit 17 to start the calibration process with the color copier 3, the color copier 1 transmits a command to start the calibration process to the color copier 3 (step). S701). The color copier 2 includes an operation unit 1
When the instruction for starting the calibration process with the color copying machine 3 is given by the control unit 7, the command for starting the calibration process is transmitted to the color copying machine 3 (step S703).

Next, the color copying machine 3 is
And receives a calibration process start command from the color copier 2 and prints a calibration pattern (steps S702 and S70).
4). Then, the calibration pattern is placed on the scanner section 11 of the color copying machine 1 and the color copying machine 2 (steps S705 and S711). Is read (step S706)
And step S712), and transmits the read data to the color copying machine 3 (steps S707 and S713).

When the color copying machine 3 receives the read data from the color copying machine 1 (step S
708), the parameter calculation unit 14 calculates image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the color copying machine 1 based on the received read data (Step S).
709), and stores the calculated image processing parameters in the control unit 15 (step S710).

Further, the color copying machine 3 is
(Step S7)
14) The parameter calculation unit 14 calculates image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the color copying machine 2 based on the received read data (step S7).
15) The calculated image processing parameters are stored in the control unit 15 (step S716).

(2) Process of Linked Printing in Image Forming System Next, the procedure of the process of linked printing in the image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a linked printing process in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. First of all,
When an instruction to start the linked printing process with the color copying machine 3 is given by the operation unit 17, the color copying machine 1 transmits a command to start the linked printing process to the color copying machine 3 (step S 801).

Next, the color copying machine 3 is
, And selects an image processing parameter corresponding to the reading characteristics of the color copying machine 1 from the ROM 131 (step S802).

Then, the color copying machine 1 is
In step 1, the document is read (step S803), image data is generated (step S804), and the image data is sent to the IPU unit 12 and to the color copier 3 (step S805). Next, the color copier 1
Performs various image processing in the IPU unit 12 (step S806), and prints image data in the printer unit 13 (step S807).

The color copier 3 is a color copier 1
(Step S808), and the color copier 1 selected in step S802 is received.
Various image processing is performed in the IPU unit 12 using the image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics (step S809), and the image data is printed in the printer unit 13 (step S810).

On the other hand, when an instruction to start the linked printing process with the color copying machine 3 is made by the operation unit 17, the color copying machine 2 transmits a command to start the linked printing process to the color copying machine 3 ( Step S811).

Next, the color copying machine 3 is
, And selects an image processing parameter corresponding to the reading characteristics of the color copying machine 2 from the ROM 131 (step S812).

Then, the color copying machine 2 is
In step S813, the document is read (step S813), image data is generated (step S814), and the image data is sent to the IPU unit 12 and to the color copier 3 (step S815). Next, the color copier 2
Performs various image processing in the IPU unit 12 (step S816), and prints image data in the printer unit 13 (step S817).

Further, the color copying machine 3 is
(Step S818), the color copier 2 selected in step S812.
Various image processes are performed in the IPU unit 12 using the image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the image data (step S819), and the image data is printed in the printer unit 13 (step S820).

As described above, in the second embodiment, the color copying machines 1 and 2 read the calibration pattern output from the printer section 13 of the color copying machine 3 by each scanner section 11. Calibration data is created, and a parameter calculation unit 14, a control unit 15, an IPU
The color copying machine 1 and the color copying machine 2, based on the calibration data,
The original image output from the scanner unit 11 is corrected, so that the printed matter of the original image output from the color copying machine 3 is the same as the printed matter in the color copying machine 1 and the color copying machine 2 input the original image. Has a uniform color reproducibility. Therefore, when originals existing at a plurality of locations are copied in a short time, color reproducibility of a printed matter can be improved.

In the second embodiment, the case where the image processing parameters are calculated in the color copying machine 3 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
In the color copying machine 1 and the color copying machine 2, calculation of image processing parameters, storage of image processing parameters, image processing using the image processing parameters, and the like can also be performed. Further, processing such as calculation of image processing parameters, storage of image processing parameters, and image processing using the image processing parameters can be performed by another device.

(Embodiment 3) By the way, in Embodiment 1 described above, a case is shown in which image data is transmitted from one color copying machine to a plurality of color copying machines and printing is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and image data read by one image processing apparatus can be transmitted to a plurality of printers to perform printing. Therefore,
In the third embodiment, a case where image data is transmitted from one image processing apparatus to a plurality of printers and printed is described. It is to be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the portions having the same functions as the respective portions described in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, the configuration of the image forming system according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming system according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image forming system according to the third embodiment connects the image processing device 6, the printer 7, and the printer 8 to the Internet cable 5 and the HUB.
The image processing device 6 transmits image data read by the image processing device 6 to the printer 7 and the printer 8 for printing.

Schematically, the image forming system according to the third embodiment includes a printer 7 and a printer 8 (hereinafter, referred to as a printer 7).
"Printer". ) Are stored in the image processing apparatus 6
The image processing device 6 calculates image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the image processing device 6 by performing calibration based on the read data. The calculated image processing parameters are transmitted to the printer 7 and the printer 8 and stored.

The image processing device 6 transmits the image data read by the image processing device 6 to the printer 7 and the printer 8, and the printer 7 and the printer 8 respond to the image data by the image processing device 6. By performing image processing using the image processing parameters to be performed, printed matter having the same color reproducibility is output.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, an image forming system according to the third embodiment will be described below. (1) Configuration and Processing of Each Unit in Image Processing Apparatus 6, and (2) Printer 7 and Printer 8 , The configuration and processing of each unit, (3) the calibration processing in the image forming system, and (4) the linked printing processing in the image forming system will be described in order.

(1) Configuration and Processing of Each Unit in Image Processing Apparatus 6 First, the schematic configuration and processing of each section in the image processing apparatus 6 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the image processing device 6 enables the scanner unit 21, the parameter calculation unit 22, the control unit 23, the transmission / reception unit 24, and the operation unit 25 to transmit and receive data via the bus 26. Connected and configured.

In the image processing apparatus 6, the scanner section 21
Is the image data (document and calibration pattern)
Is a unit that reads the original reflected light by an optical system, and a CCD (Charge Coupled).
A conversion process to an electric signal in a device (charge-coupled device), a digitization process in an A / D converter, a shading correction process (a process for correcting uneven illuminance distribution of a light source),
Processing such as scanner γ correction processing (processing for correcting the density characteristics of the reading system) is performed.

The parameter calculating section 22 reads the calibration patterns (patterns 71 and 81) of the printer 7 and the printer 8 read by the scanner section 21 (hereinafter referred to as "calibration data"). And a unit for calibrating the image processing device 6, the printer 7, and the printer 8.

Specifically, the parameter operation unit 22
Performs image processing parameters corresponding to reading characteristics of the image processing apparatus 6 by performing processing such as machine difference correction processing, background correction processing, and high-density portion correction on the calibration data, so that the printer 7 and the printer 8
Is calculated. Note that this image processing parameter is
When printing image data transmitted to the printer 7 and the printer 8 and received by the printer 7 and the printer 8 from the image processing device 6, the printer controller 28
And the processing in the printer unit 30.

The transmitting / receiving unit 24 is a unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the external printer 7 and the printer 8 via the Internet cable 5 and the HUB 4. For example, a command to start calibration processing, an image processing parameter calculated by the parameter calculation unit 22, a command to start linked printing, image data of a document, and the like are transmitted to the printer 7 and the printer 8.

The operation unit 25 is a unit for receiving processing conditions of each unit of the image processing unit 6 and the printer (the printer 7 and the printer 8) from the user. For example, an instruction to start a calibration process, an instruction to start reading a calibration pattern, an instruction to calculate an image processing parameter, an instruction to transmit an image processing parameter, an instruction to start linked printing, an instruction to start reading an original, and a print by the printer 7 and the printer 8 Accept the number of copies.

The control unit 23 is a unit that controls each unit of the image processing unit 6 and the printers (the printers 7 and 8) from the user based on the processing conditions received by the operation unit 25 and the like. For example, when the start of the calibration process is instructed by the operation unit 25, the printer 7 and the printer 8 are controlled to print out the calibration patterns of the printer 7 and the printer 8, respectively.

The control unit 23 operates, for example,
5, when the start of reading the calibration pattern is instructed, the respective calibration patterns of the printer 7 and the printer 8 are read, and the image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the image processing device 6 are read out for the printer 7 and the printer 8. The parameter calculation unit 22 is controlled to perform the calculation.

The control unit 23 is, for example, the operation unit 2
When the start of linked printing is instructed by 5, the printer 7 and the printer 8 are controlled to perform image processing using image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of the image processing device 6.

(2) Configuration and Processing of Each Unit in Printer 7 and Printer 8 Next, a schematic configuration and processing of each unit in the printer (the printer 7 and the printer 8) will be described with reference to FIG. The printer includes, as shown in FIG.
, A printer unit 30, a parameter storage unit 29, and a printer controller 28 via a bus 31 so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving data.

In the printer, the transmission / reception section 27 is a unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the external image processing apparatus 6 via the Internet cable 5 and the HUB 4. For example, the image processing device 6 receives a calibration processing start command, image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit 22, a linked printing start command, document image data, and the like.

The parameter storage unit 29 stores the image processing parameters received by the transmission / reception unit 27. In the third embodiment, the image processing parameters corresponding to the reading characteristics of one image processing device 6 are stored. However, the reading characteristics of a plurality of image processing devices other than the image processing device 6 are stored. May be stored.

The printer controller 28 is a unit that performs image processing (eg, color correction, printer γ conversion, gradation processing, etc.) on the image data received by the transmission / reception unit 27, such as various types of processing and editing. At the time of this image processing, image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 29 and corresponding to the reading characteristics of the image processing device 6 are used. The parameter storage unit 29
In the case where a plurality of image processing parameters are stored for each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses, the printer controller 28 appropriately selects the corresponding image processing parameters.

The printer controller 28 also controls each part of the printer (transmitter / receiver 27, printer 30, parameter storage 29). The printer unit 3
Reference numeral 0 denotes a unit for writing the image data, which has been subjected to the image processing in the printer controller 28, on a transfer sheet or the like.

(3) Calibration Process in Image Forming System Next, the procedure of the calibration process in the image forming system according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a calibration process in the image forming system according to the third embodiment. First, the image processing device 6 operates the operation unit 25.
When the instruction to start the calibration process with the printer 7 is issued, the command to start the calibration process is transmitted to the printer 7 (step S10).
01).

Next, the printer 7 receives the calibration processing start command and prints the calibration pattern (step S1002). Then, the calibration pattern is stored in the image processing device 6.
(Step S1003), and the image processing apparatus 6 reads the placed calibration pattern (step S1004).

The parameter calculation section 22 of the image processing device 6 calculates image processing parameters for the printer 7 based on the read data of the calibration pattern (step S1005), and sends the calculated image processing parameters to the printer 7. Transmit (Step S100
6). Next, the printer 7 receives the image processing parameters from the image processing device 6 (Step S1007), and stores the image processing parameters in the parameter storage unit 29 (Step S1008).

When an instruction to start the calibration process with the printer 8 is given by the operation unit 25, the image processing device 6 transmits a command to start the calibration process to the printer 8 (step S100).
9). Next, the printer 8 receives the calibration processing start command and prints a calibration pattern (step S1010). Then, the calibration pattern is placed on the scanner unit 21 of the image processing device 6 (Step S1011), and the image processing device 6 reads the placed calibration pattern (Step S1012).

The parameter calculation section 22 of the image processing device 6 calculates image processing parameters for the printer 8 based on the read data of the calibration pattern (step S1013), and sends the calculated image processing parameters to the printer 8. Transmit (Step S101)
4). Next, the printer 8 receives the image processing parameters from the image processing device 6 (Step S1015), and stores the image processing parameters in the parameter storage unit 29 (Step S1016).

(4) Process of linked printing in the image forming system Next, the procedure of linked printing in the image forming system according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a linked printing process in the image forming system according to the third embodiment. First, when an instruction to start the connection printing process with the printer 7 and the printer 8 is given by the operation unit 25, the image processing apparatus 6 transmits a command to start the connection printing process to the printer 7 and the printer 8. (Step S110
1).

Next, the printer 7 and the printer 8 receive the command for instructing the start of the linked printing process, and select an image processing parameter corresponding to the reading characteristic of the image processing device 6 from the parameter storage unit 29 (step S1102).
And step S1103).

Then, the image processing device 6 is connected to the scanner unit 2.
In step S1104, an original is read (step S1104).
Image data is generated (step S1105), and the image data is transmitted to the printer 7 and the printer 8 (step S1106).

On the other hand, the printer 7 receives the image data from the image processing device 6 (step S1107), and performs various image processing in the printer controller 28 using the image processing parameters selected in the above step S1102 (step S1107). In step S1108, the image data is printed in the printer unit 30 (step S11).
09).

The printer 8 receives the image data from the image processing device 6 (step S1110), and performs various image processing in the printer controller 28 using the image processing parameters selected in step S1103 (step S1110). In step S1111, image data is printed in the printer unit 30 (step S11).
12).

As described above, in the third embodiment, the image processing device 6 reads the calibration pattern output from the printer unit 30 of the printer 7 and the printer 8 by the scanner unit 21 of the image processing device 6. The calibration data is created, and the parameter storage units 29, the printer controller 28, and the printer unit 30 of the printers 7 and 8 are used to input the original image input from the scanner unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 6 based on the calibration data. Is corrected, the printed matter of the original image output by the printer 7 and the printer 8 has the same uniform color reproducibility as the original image. Therefore, when a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, the color reproducibility of the printed matter can be improved.

In the third embodiment, a case is shown in which the image processing parameters are calculated in the image processing device 6, and the image processing parameters are stored in the printers 7 and 8, and the image processing using the image processing parameters is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image processing apparatus 1 can also store image processing parameters, perform image processing using the image processing parameters, and the like. Further, the printer 7 and the printer 8 can calculate the image processing parameters. Further, processing such as calculation of image processing parameters, storage of image processing parameters, and image processing using the image processing parameters can be performed by another device.

The image forming methods described in the first to third embodiments can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation.
This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. This program can be distributed via the recording medium and a network such as the Internet.

[0152]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting a document image and an image output section for outputting a document image are connected. In an image forming system in which a document image read by an image input unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus is output by an image output unit of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the creating unit includes a calibration unit that outputs from the image output unit of each image forming apparatus. An image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus creates calibration data obtained by reading the pattern by the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus, and corrects the image data based on the calibration data created by the creating unit. Since the original image input from the MFP is corrected, the printed matter of the original image in the plurality of image forming apparatuses that output the original image is the original image. Have uniform color reproducibility similar to printed matter in an image forming apparatus enter. Therefore,
When a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, an image forming system capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the correction means, the parameter calculation means is configured to execute the parameter calculation based on the calibration data created by the creation means.
Image processing parameters related to the reading characteristics of the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus and the printing characteristics of the image output units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are calculated, and the converting unit calculates the image processing calculated by the parameter calculating unit. Using the parameters, the original image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is converted, so that the printed matter of the original image in the plurality of image forming apparatuses that output the original image is obtained by inputting the original image. It has the same uniform color reproducibility as the printed matter in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, an image forming system capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed material is obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the parameter calculating means calculates the image processing parameters used for gradation conversion by comparing the calibration data with predetermined target data. A printed matter of a document image in a plurality of image forming apparatuses that output a document image has the same uniform color reproducibility as a printed matter in an image forming apparatus that has input a document image. Therefore, when a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, an image forming system capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed material is obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the parameter storage means stores the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation means, and the conversion means controls the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus. Only when the input document image is output by the image output unit of another image forming apparatus,
Since the document image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses that output the document image is a single image forming apparatus. Even when used as an image forming apparatus, there is an effect that an image forming system capable of maintaining the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the creating unit, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes the correcting unit. Thus, it is possible to obtain an image forming system capable of copying a large number of originals having only one copy in a shorter time while improving the image quality.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting an original image and an image output section for outputting an original image are connected, and the image of each image forming apparatus is connected. In an image forming system in which an original image read by an input unit is output by an image output unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus, a creating unit converts a calibration pattern output from the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus into each image forming apparatus. The calibration data read by the image input unit of the apparatus is respectively created, and the correction unit is configured to convert the original image input from the image input unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created by the creation unit. Since the correction was made, the printed image of the original image in the predetermined image forming apparatus for outputting the original image was obtained by inputting the original image. Have uniform color reproducibility similar to printed matter in the number of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when a document existing at a plurality of locations is copied in a short time, an image forming system capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

[0158] According to the invention of claim 7, in the correction means, the parameter calculation means is based on the calibration data created by the creation means.
Image processing parameters related to the read characteristics of the image input units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and the print characteristics of the image output units of the predetermined image forming apparatuses are calculated, and the conversion unit calculates the image processing calculated by the parameter calculation unit. Using the parameters, the document images input from the image input units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are converted. Therefore, the printed image of the document image in the predetermined image forming apparatus that outputs the document image is obtained by inputting the document image. It has the same uniform color reproducibility as printed matter in a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Therefore,
When copying originals in multiple locations in a short time,
There is an effect that an image forming system capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the parameter calculating means calculates the image processing parameters used for gradation conversion by comparing the calibration data with predetermined target data. The printed matter of the original image in the predetermined image forming apparatus which outputs the original image has the same uniform color reproducibility as the printed matter of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the original images are input. Therefore, when a document existing at a plurality of locations is copied in a short time, an image forming system capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the parameter storage means stores the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation means, and the conversion means receives the input from the image input unit of each image forming apparatus. Only when the original image is output by the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus, the original image input from the image input unit of each image forming apparatus is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit. Therefore, even when a predetermined image forming apparatus that outputs a document image is used as a single image forming apparatus, an image forming system capable of maintaining the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of image forming apparatuses each include the creating unit, and the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the correcting unit. And an image forming system capable of copying a document existing in a plurality of places in a shorter time can be obtained.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the image input unit is a color scanner and the image output unit is a color printer. There is an effect that an image forming system capable of improving reproducibility can be obtained.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the creating step, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input unit for inputting a document image and an image output unit for outputting a document image are connected, and In an image forming method in which a document image read by an image input unit of an image forming apparatus is output by an image output unit of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a calibration pattern output from an image output unit of each image forming apparatus is converted into a predetermined image. Calibration data read by the image input unit of the forming apparatus is created, and the correction step is based on the calibration data created in the creating step, based on the original image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus. Since the correction was made, the printed matter of the original image in the plurality of image forming apparatuses that output the original Have uniform color reproducibility similar to the printed matter in the device. Therefore, when a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, an image forming method capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the correction step, the parameter calculation step includes reading the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus based on the calibration data created in the creation step. The image processing parameters related to the characteristics and the printing characteristics of the image output units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are calculated, and the converting step uses the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculating step to calculate the image processing parameters of the predetermined image forming apparatus. Since the original image input from the image input unit is converted, the printed matter of the original image in the plurality of image forming apparatuses that output the original image has the same uniform color reproduction as the printed matter in the image forming apparatus that has input the original image. Has the property. Therefore, 1
When a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, an image forming method capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed material is obtained.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the parameter calculating step, the calibration data is compared with predetermined target data to calculate an image processing parameter used for gradation conversion. A printed matter of a document image in a plurality of image forming apparatuses that output a document image has the same uniform color reproducibility as a printed matter in an image forming apparatus that has input a document image. Therefore, when a large number of originals having only one copy are copied in a short time, an image forming method capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the parameter storing step stores the image processing parameters calculated in the parameter calculating step, and the converting step includes the step of: Only when the input original image is output by the image output unit of another image forming apparatus, the original image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storing step. Therefore, even when each of a plurality of image forming apparatuses that output a document image is used as a single image forming apparatus, an image forming method capable of maintaining color reproducibility of a printed matter can be obtained. To play.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the creating step, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses each include the correcting step. And an image forming method capable of copying a large number of originals in which only one copy is present in a shorter time.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting a document image and an image output section for outputting a document image are connected, and the image of each image forming apparatus is connected. In an image forming method for outputting a document image read by an input unit at an image output unit of a predetermined image forming apparatus, the creating step includes forming a calibration pattern output from the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus into each image forming apparatus. Calibration data read by the image input unit of the apparatus is created, and the correction step is based on the calibration data created in the creation step, and the original image input from the image input unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Since the correction is made, the printed matter of the original image in the predetermined image forming apparatus that outputs the original image is a duplicate of the original image input. Have uniform color reproducibility similar to printed matter in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when a document existing at a plurality of locations is copied in a short time, an image forming method capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the correcting step, the parameter calculating step includes reading the image input units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created in the creating step. Calculating a characteristic and an image processing parameter relating to a printing characteristic of an image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus, and converting the image processing apparatus by using the image processing parameter calculated by the parameter calculating step. Since the original image input from the image input unit is converted, the printed matter of the original image in the predetermined image forming apparatus that outputs the original image is the same as the printed matter in the plurality of image forming apparatuses that input the original image. Has color reproducibility. Therefore, when a document existing at a plurality of locations is copied in a short time, an image forming method capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the parameter calculating step, the calibration data is compared with predetermined target data to calculate an image processing parameter used for gradation conversion. The printed matter of the original image in the predetermined image forming apparatus which outputs the original image has the same uniform color reproducibility as the printed matter of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to which the original images are input. Therefore, when a document existing at a plurality of locations is copied in a short time, an image forming method capable of improving the color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the twentieth aspect, in the parameter storing step, the image processing parameters calculated in the parameter calculating step are stored, and in the converting step, the image input unit of each image forming apparatus inputs. Only when a document image is output by the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus,
Since the original image input from the image input unit of each image forming apparatus is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storing step, the predetermined image forming apparatus that outputs the original image can be used as a single image forming apparatus. Even when used as an apparatus, there is an effect that an image forming method capable of maintaining color reproducibility of a printed matter is obtained.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of image forming apparatuses each include the creation step, and the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the correction step. Thus, it is possible to obtain an image forming method that can copy a document existing at a plurality of locations in a shorter time while improving the image quality.

According to the present invention, the image input section is a color scanner and the image output section is a color printer. There is an effect that an image forming method capable of improving reproducibility can be obtained.

According to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of the twelfth to twelfth aspects is recorded, so that the program becomes machine-readable. Accordingly, there is an effect that a recording medium capable of realizing the operation of any one of claims 12 to 22 by a computer can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the color copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a calibration pattern output from the color copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a calibration process in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of linked printing processing in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a calibration process in the image forming system according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of linked printing processing in the image forming system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a calibration process in the image forming system according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of linked printing processing in the image forming system according to the third embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2, 3 color copier 4 HUB 5 internet cable 6 image processing device 7, 8 printer 11, 21 scanner unit 12 IPU unit 13, 30, printer unit 14, 22, parameter operation unit 15, 23 control unit 16, 24, 27 Transmission / reception unit 17, 25 Operation unit 18, 26, 31 Bus 28 Printer controller 29 Parameter storage unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/12 H04N 1/40 101E H04N 1/00 B41J 3/00 A BF Term (Reference) 2C262 AA24 AA26 AA30 AB11 AC04 BA09 BB03 BC10 EA12 FA13 GA59 5B021 AA01 BB02 EE02 LG07 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA27 AB02 AB05 AB20 AB42 AC61 AE03 AE15 BA00 5C077 LL19 MM03 MM27 MP08 NN02 PP03 PP15 PP35 PP38 PQ12 RR02 MM02

Claims (23)

[Claims] An image input unit for inputting a document image and a plurality of image forming devices each having an image output unit for outputting a document image are connected, and a document image read by an image input unit of a predetermined image forming device is connected. In an image forming system that outputs images at image output sections of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, calibration data read from an image output section of each image forming apparatus is read by an image input section of the predetermined image forming apparatus. Creating means for creating; and correcting means for correcting an original image input from an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus based on the calibration data created by the creating means. Image forming system. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the correcting unit is configured to read the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus and print the image output unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created by the creating unit. Parameter calculating means for calculating an image processing parameter relating to the characteristic; andconversion means for converting a document image input from an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus using the image processing parameter calculated by the parameter calculating means. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The parameter calculating means compares the calibration data with predetermined target data,
3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an image processing parameter used for gradation conversion is calculated. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a parameter storage unit configured to store the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit, wherein the conversion unit converts the original image input by the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus into another image. Only when output is performed by an image output unit of the forming apparatus, a document image input from an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit. Item 4. The image forming system according to item 1, 2 or 3. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the creating unit, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes the correcting unit.
An image forming system according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. A plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting a document image and an image output section for outputting a document image are connected, and a document image read by the image input section of each image forming apparatus is specified. An image forming system that outputs an image at an image output unit of the image forming apparatus, wherein the calibration pattern output from the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is read by an image input unit of each image forming apparatus. Creating means for creating; and correcting means for correcting a document image input from an image input unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created by the creating means. Image forming system. 7. The reading unit according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit is configured to read the image input units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and print the image output units of the predetermined image forming apparatus based on the calibration data created by the creating unit. Parameter calculating means for calculating an image processing parameter related to the characteristic, and converting means for converting a document image input from an image input unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses using the image processing parameter calculated by the parameter calculating means. The image forming system according to claim 6, comprising: 8. The parameter calculation means compares the calibration data with predetermined target data,
The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein an image processing parameter used for gradation conversion is calculated. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a parameter storage unit configured to store the image processing parameters calculated by the parameter calculation unit, wherein the conversion unit converts the original image input by the image input unit of each image forming apparatus into the predetermined image formation. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the document image input from the image input unit of each image forming apparatus is converted by using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage unit only when the image is output by the image output unit of the apparatus. 9. The image forming system according to 7 or 8. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of image forming apparatuses include the creation unit, and the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the correction unit. Image forming system. 11. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image input unit is a color scanner, and the image output unit is a color printer. 12. A plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting a document image and an image output section for outputting a document image are connected, and a document image read by an image input section of a predetermined image forming apparatus is connected. In an image forming method of outputting at an image output unit of a plurality of image forming apparatuses, calibration data read from an image output unit of each image forming apparatus by an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is read. And a correcting step of correcting a document image input from an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus based on the calibration data generated in the generating step. Image forming method. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the correcting step includes: reading characteristics of an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus and printing of image output units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created in the creating step. A parameter calculation step of calculating an image processing parameter related to the characteristic, and a conversion step of converting a document image input from an image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus using the image processing parameter calculated by the parameter calculation step. The image forming method according to claim 12, further comprising: 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein in the parameter calculating step, the calibration data is compared with predetermined target data to calculate an image processing parameter used for gradation conversion. Image forming method. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a parameter storing step of storing the image processing parameters calculated in the parameter calculating step, wherein the converting step converts the original image input by the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus into another image. Only when the image is output by the image output unit of the forming apparatus, the original image input from the image input unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is converted using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storing step. Claim 12, 13, or 14
2. The image forming method according to 1., 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the creating step, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes the correcting step. Image forming method. 17. A plurality of image forming apparatuses each having an image input section for inputting a document image and an image output section for outputting a document image are connected, and a document image read by the image input section of each image forming apparatus is determined. An image forming method of outputting at an image output unit of the image forming apparatus, wherein the calibration pattern output from the image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus is read by an image input unit of each image forming apparatus. A creating step of creating; and a correcting step of correcting a document image input from an image input unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the calibration data created in the creating step. Image forming method. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the correcting step includes: reading characteristics of image input units of the plurality of image forming apparatuses and printing of an image output unit of the predetermined image forming apparatus based on the calibration data created in the creating step. A parameter calculation step of calculating an image processing parameter related to the characteristic, and a conversion step of converting a document image input from an image input unit of the plurality of image forming apparatuses using the image processing parameter calculated in the parameter calculation step. The image forming method according to claim 17, further comprising: 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the parameter calculation step calculates the image processing parameters used for gradation conversion by comparing the calibration data with predetermined target data. Image forming method. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a parameter storing step of storing the image processing parameters calculated in the parameter calculating step. 18. A document image input from an image input unit of each image forming apparatus is converted by using the image processing parameters stored in the parameter storage step only when output is performed by an image output unit of the apparatus. , 18 or 19. 21. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes the creation step, and the predetermined image forming apparatus includes the correction step. Image forming method. 22. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein the image input unit is a color scanner, and the image output unit is a color printer. 23. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 12 is recorded.