JP4924065B2 - Profile use support device, profile use support method, program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation for determining the hue of ink used for printing, and more particularly to a profile use support apparatus, a profile use support method, and a program that support the use of a profile.

  Printing of building materials and the like is generally performed by a gravure printing method. Here, in gravure printing of magazines and the like, it is common to use four colors of ink called process colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Used. This is because it uses colors that match the required physical properties (adhesiveness, weather resistance, etc.), but also because it produces colors that are difficult to express with process colors. Therefore, in the printing work for building materials and the like, the process of determining the color of ink is important.

In such operations, for example, digital output having a color tone similar to a printed matter by gravure printing or the like may be required. In such a case, the retouching operation is generally performed by adjusting the color tone while comparing the target printed matter with the computer screen. However, the retouching work must be performed by a skilled person and is a heavy work. On the other hand, as another method, by creating a profile based on the colorimetric values collected from the target printed matter and using the profile, a digital output with high consistency with the printed matter can be obtained. Here, the profile is information corresponding to a dictionary in color conversion. In particular, an ICC (International Color Consortium) standard compliant profile is called an ICC profile. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the present inventors have proposed a mechanism for reducing the burden of color determination work using a profile. According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the burden of color determination work is greatly reduced.
JP 2006-187964 A

  However, when a large number of profiles are created, it is necessary to confirm each profile by applying it to an image when selecting a desired profile. Moreover, since images to which a plurality of profiles are applied simultaneously cannot be displayed on the screen, it has been difficult to compare them on the screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a profile use support apparatus that supports use of a profile in an ink hue determination operation.

A first invention is an apparatus for supporting the use of a profile in an ink hue determination operation, and is arbitrarily selected from a profile holding means for holding the profile and a profile group held by the profile holding means. A first color difference is calculated between a color reproduced by applying the first profile and a color reproduced by applying a second profile obtained by removing the first profile from the profile group. Color difference calculating means, a profile aligning means for aligning the second profiles in accordance with a predetermined arrangement order corresponding to the color differences calculated by the first color difference calculating means, and an alignment aligned by the profile aligning means And an identification information display means for displaying the identification information of the second profile in order. It is a support device.
Furthermore, it is desirable to include image display means for displaying an arbitrary image by applying the corresponding profile when the identification information displayed by the identification information display means is selected.

A second invention is a method for supporting the use of a profile in an ink hue determination operation, and is arbitrarily selected from the step of holding the profile and the group of profiles held in the step of holding the profile. Calculating a color difference between a color reproduced by applying the first profile and a color reproduced by applying a second profile obtained by removing the first profile from the profile group; , In accordance with a predetermined arrangement order corresponding to the color difference calculated in the step of calculating the color difference, aligning the second profile and arranging order in the step of aligning the second profile, And a step of displaying the identification information of the second profile.
Further, it is preferable that the method includes a step of displaying an arbitrary image by applying the corresponding profile when the identification information displayed in the step of displaying the identification information is selected.

A third invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the profile use support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a profile use support apparatus that supports use of a profile in an ink hue determination operation. In particular, the operator can easily select a desired profile. Also, the operator can compare and examine images to which a plurality of profiles are applied on the screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The first embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer that realizes a profile use support apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
The profile usage support apparatus 1 includes a control unit 3, a storage unit 5, a media input / output unit 7, a communication control unit 9, an input unit 11, a display unit 13, a peripheral device I / F unit 15 and the like connected via a bus 17. Is done.

  The control unit 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

The CPU calls a program stored in the storage unit 5, ROM, recording medium or the like to a work memory area on the RAM, executes it, drives and controls each device connected via the bus 17, and uses the profile utilization support device 1. The process described later (see FIG. 3) is realized.
The ROM is a non-volatile memory and permanently holds a computer boot program, a program such as BIOS, data, and the like.
The RAM is a volatile memory, and temporarily stores programs, data, and the like loaded from the storage unit 5, ROM, recording medium, and the like, and includes a work area used by the control unit 3 for performing various processes.

The storage unit 5 is an HDD (hard disk drive), and stores a program executed by the control unit 3, data necessary for program execution, an OS (operating system), and the like. As for the program, a control program corresponding to an OS (operating system) and an application program corresponding to processing described later are stored.
Each of these program codes is read by the control unit 3 as necessary, transferred to the RAM, read by the CPU, and executed as various means.

  The media input / output unit 7 (drive device) performs data input / output. For example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive, a CD drive (-ROM, -R, RW, etc.), a DVD drive (-ROM, -R, -RW etc.) and media input / output devices such as MO drives.

  The communication control unit 9 includes a communication control device, a communication port, and the like, and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the computer and the network 19, and performs communication control between other computers via the network 19.

The input unit 11 inputs data and includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and an input device such as a numeric keypad.
An operation instruction, an operation instruction, data input, and the like can be performed on the computer via the input unit 11.

  The display unit 13 includes a display device such as a CRT monitor and a liquid crystal panel, and a logic circuit (such as a video adapter) for realizing a video function of the computer in cooperation with the display device.

  The peripheral device I / F (interface) unit 15 is a port for connecting a peripheral device to the computer, and the computer transmits and receives data to and from the peripheral device via the peripheral device I / F unit 15. The peripheral device I / F unit 15 is configured by USB, IEEE 1394, RS-232C, or the like, and usually has a plurality of peripheral devices I / F. The connection form with the peripheral device may be wired or wireless.

  The bus 17 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals, data signals, and the like between the devices.

Next, the configuration of the profile use support apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the profile use support apparatus 1.

  The profile use support apparatus 1 includes a profile database 21, a profile selection screen display unit 23, a selection information input unit 25, a character string search unit 26, an identification information display unit 31, a first image display unit 33, and the like.

The profile database 21 as profile holding means holds a plurality of profile information. The profile information is information created based on, for example, colorimetric values of ink combinations used for gravure printing. Here, the colorimetric values are assumed to be expressed in a standard color space (L * a * b *). The color space (L * a * b *) is a chromaticity diagram called CIE 1976 L * a * b * proposed in 1976 by the CIE (Commission Internationale de L'eclairage). Hue is expressed by two parameters, a * axis (red to green) and b * axis (blue to yellow), and a color is defined by adding a parameter of lightness L * axis. Hereinafter, when the L * value, the a * value, and the b * value are not distinguished, they are called parameter values, and a set of three values is called a color space parameter.
Although the profile database 21 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being present inside the profile use support apparatus 1, it may be stored outside the profile use support apparatus 1. In that case, the profile use support apparatus 1 refers to the profile database 21 via the network 19 in FIG.

  The profile selection screen display means 23 refers to the profile database 21 and displays a profile selection screen. Details of the profile selection screen will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The selection information input means 25 inputs selection information on the profile selection screen. Here, it is assumed that the selection information includes all button pressing information arranged on the profile selection screen, character information in the text box, and the like. Data is input by interactive processing via the input unit 11.

  The character string search means 26 searches for the profile using an arbitrarily input character string. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The identification information display means 31 displays the identification information of the second profile on the profile selection screen. The identification information is, for example, a file name.

  The first image display means 33 displays an arbitrary image by applying a profile corresponding to the selected identification information. In addition, since the mechanism of the image display to which the profile is applied is known, detailed description is omitted.

  Next, details of the operation of the profile use support apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the profile use support apparatus 1.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the profile selection screen 51.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the detailed profile information display screen 67.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the display command information of the profile selection screen 51 is input via the input unit 11, the control unit 3 displays the profile selection screen 51 (step 91).

As shown in FIG. 4, the profile selection screen 51 displays an image file name 53, a search result display screen 55, a search condition input screen 57, and the like.
The image file name 53 is a file name of an image to which a profile is applied.

  The search result display screen 55 is a screen for displaying the search result of the profile. The display items are a profile file name, a creation date, a comment, an extended comment (not shown), and the like. A comment and an extended comment are character information that an operator can input arbitrarily when creating a file. The operator can select a profile displayed on the search result display screen 55 via the input unit 11. When the profile is selected, for example, the selection result is reflected on the profile detailed information display screen 67 described later with reference to FIG.

The search condition input screen 57 is a screen for inputting profile search conditions. The buttons to be arranged are, for example, a search condition selection button 59 for selecting a search condition, an approximate value search logic selection button 61 for selecting an approximate value search logic, a file for inputting a search keyword for a file name or a file name. A name text box 62, a comment text box 63 for inputting a search keyword for a comment, an extended comment text box 64 for inputting a search keyword for an extended comment, a search execution button 65 for inputting a search execution command, and the like. When a profile is selected on the search result display screen 55 described above, the selection result may be reflected in the file name text box 62, the comment text box 63, and the extended comment text box 64.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen display after “search refinement” of the search condition selection button 59 is selected, “PRO” is entered in the file name text box 62, and the search execution button 65 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, for example, a profile that matches all or part of a file name is searched using a search keyword that is an arbitrarily input character string. In addition, for example, a profile that matches all or a part of a comment or an extended comment is searched.
Note that the profile selection screen 51 shown in FIG. 4 is not limited to the present embodiment, and is also used in the embodiments described later.

  Next, when the search logic selection information and the search character string information are input via the input unit 11 (step 92), the process proceeds to step 93 to perform search processing.

  Next, the control unit 3 searches for a profile using the search character string information (step 93). The profile search is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, the control unit 3 displays the file name of the searched profile (step 94).

As shown in FIG. 5, an application execution button 69 for inputting an application command for the displayed profile is displayed on the profile detailed information display screen 67 in addition to the profile detailed information.
The detailed information display area includes a file name display area 70 for displaying the file name of the profile, a creation date display area 71 for displaying the creation date, a comment display area 72 for displaying comments, and an extended comment display area 73 for displaying extended comments. Etc. The represented information is information on the profile selected on the search result display screen 55 described above.
The detailed profile information display screen 67 may be displayed as a part of the profile selection screen 51 shown in FIG. 4 or may be displayed in a separate screen area.
Further, the detailed profile information display screen 67 shown in FIG. 5 is not limited to the present embodiment, and is also used in the embodiments described later.

  Next, when applied profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 95), the control unit 3 displays an image by applying a profile corresponding to the input selection information (step 96). .

  As described above in detail, according to the first embodiment, a profile search is performed using an arbitrarily input character string, and a file name as profile identification information is displayed on the search result display screen 55. indicate. Then, an image is displayed by applying a profile corresponding to the input application profile selection information.

  According to the first embodiment, an operator can search for a profile from a file name, a comment, an extended comment, etc. as profile identification information and apply it to an image. In particular, when a profile is created, the detailed profile information is input as a comment, an extended comment, or the like, whereby a desired profile can be searched from the detailed profile information and applied to the image.

Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer that implements the profile use support apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment.
Since the hardware configuration is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted in the following embodiments.

Next, the configuration of the profile use support apparatus 1a will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the profile use support apparatus 1a.
In the following embodiments, elements that perform the same functions as those shown in FIG. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description is avoided.

  The profile use support apparatus 1a includes a profile database 21, a profile selection screen display unit 23, a selection information input unit 25, a first color difference calculation unit 27, a profile alignment unit 29, an identification information display unit 31, and a first image display unit 33. Etc.

ただし、△Ｅ：色差、Ｌ１：第１のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のＬ*値、ａ１：第１のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のａ*値、ｂ１：第１のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のｂ*値、Ｌ２：第２のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のＬ*値、ａ２：第２のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のａ*値、ｂ２：第２のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のｂ*値である。
△Ｅの数値が小さいほど色差が少ないことを示す。例えば、両者の色を隣接して比較する場合、△Ｅが１程度であれば、ほとんどの人がその色差を認めることができる。
ここで、例えば、印刷に用いられるインキユニットがＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３の３つの場合に、色差算出対象の色について説明する。
例えば、第１のプロファイルを適用して再現されるＵ１の１００％の色と、第２のプロファイルを適用して再現されるＵ１の１００％の色との色差を算出する。同様に、Ｕ２の１００％の色同士、Ｕ３の１００％の色同士の色差を算出し、３色の色差を算出する。
また、例えば、第１のプロファイルを適用して再現されるＵ１とＵ２とＵ３の５０％ずつを掛け合わせた色と、第２のプロファイルを適用して再現されるＵ１とＵ２とＵ３の５０％ずつを掛け合わせた色との色差を算出する。
２つの例で示したように、色差算出対象は、複数色であっても良いし、１色であっても良い。
尚、色差算出対象の色は、ここに述べた例に限定されないことは言うまでもない。 The first color difference calculation means 27 refers to the profile database 21 and applies the color reproduced by applying the first profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group and the first profile from the profile group. The color difference from the reproduced color is calculated by applying the removed second profile.
The color difference is a difference between two colors expressed in the color space (L * a * b *) described above, and is calculated by the following mathematical formula.

Where ΔE: color difference, L1: L * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile, a1: a * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile, b1: first B * value of the color reproduced by applying the profile, L2: L * value of the color reproduced by applying the second profile, a2: a * of the color reproduced by applying the second profile Value, b2: b * value of the color reproduced by applying the second profile.
A smaller value of ΔE indicates a smaller color difference. For example, when comparing both colors adjacently, if ΔE is about 1, most people can recognize the color difference.
Here, for example, when there are three ink units U1, U2, and U3 used for printing, a color difference calculation target color will be described.
For example, the color difference between 100% of U1 color reproduced by applying the first profile and 100% of U1 color reproduced by applying the second profile is calculated. Similarly, a color difference between 100% colors of U2 and between 100% colors of U3 is calculated, and a color difference of three colors is calculated.
Also, for example, 50% of U1, U2, and U3 reproduced by applying the second profile, and a color obtained by multiplying 50% of U1, U2, and U3 reproduced by applying the first profile. The color difference from the color multiplied by each is calculated.
As shown in the two examples, the color difference calculation target may be a plurality of colors or a single color.
Needless to say, the color difference calculation target color is not limited to the example described here.

  The profile aligning means 29 aligns the second profiles according to a predetermined order according to the color difference. For example, when the first profile and the first profile are arranged in order of closest color, they are arranged in ascending order of color difference. Although a plurality of sorting algorithms are known, any algorithm may be used as long as sorting can be performed in a predetermined order according to the color difference.

  Next, details of the operation of the profile use support apparatus 1a will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the profile use support apparatus 1a.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the search condition input screen 57.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of color difference calculation.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the display command information of the profile selection screen 51 is input via the input unit 11, the control unit 3 displays the profile selection screen 51 (step 101).

Next, when profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 102), the control unit 3 displays detailed information of the first profile corresponding to the input selection information (step 103). .
The first profile may be selected from, for example, those searched by the first embodiment described above, or may be selected from those searched by another embodiment.

  Next, when search logic selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 104), the process proceeds to step 105 to perform a search process.

  As shown in FIG. 8, on the search condition input screen 57, for example, the operator selects “approximate value search” on the search condition selection button 59, and “1: approximate color” on the logic select button 61 for approximate value search. When “PROFILE001.icc” is input in the file name text box 62 and the search execution button 65 is pressed, search logic selection information is input via the input unit 11. Then, the control unit 3 starts a search process in which the profile having the file name “PROFILE001.icc” is set as the first profile, and the approximate value search logic is “1: approximate color”.

Next, the control unit 3 determines a second profile to be subjected to color difference calculation (step 105). For example, the file name is determined in the order of file names from the profile group held in the profile database 21. Each profile includes color information for printing with a plurality of (usually 3 to 5) inks, but it is desirable to target only the same number of ink profiles. For example, when a profile created from a printed material printed in three colors is selected as the first profile, only a profile created from a printed material printed in three colors from the profile group is set as the second profile.
However, for example, by using a profile created from a printed matter printed in four colors as the second profile, a printed matter printed in four colors closest to the color of the printed matter printed in three colors can be searched. . In this case, in the color difference calculation processing described later, a color obtained by multiplying 50% of the three colors reproduced by applying the first profile and 50% of the four colors reproduced by applying the second profile. You may calculate the color difference with the color which multiplied each.

Next, the control unit 3 calculates and holds the color difference (step 106). The calculation of the color difference is performed according to the mathematical formula shown in Equation 1 above.
Note that the parameter database 21 is referred to for parameter values of L * value, a * value, and b * value. The calculation result is stored in the RAM together with the file name of the second profile, for example.

Next, the control unit 3 confirms whether the processing has been completed for all the second profiles (step 107).
If the process has not been completed, the process is repeated from step 105.
If the process has been completed, the process proceeds to step 108.

  Next, the control unit 3 arranges the second profiles according to a predetermined arrangement order according to the color difference (step 108).

FIG. 9 shows an example of color difference calculation corresponding to the search logic selection information shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 3 uses the color space parameter coordinates 81 to be reproduced by applying the first profile and the color space parameter coordinates to be reproduced by applying the second profile. The distance between two points with 82 is calculated. Here, the Δa * axis indicates the relative value with respect to the a * value of 82 with the origin being the a * value of 81. That is, when the a * value of 82 is larger than the a * value of 81, 82 is positioned in the plus direction of the Δa * axis, and when the a * value of 82 is smaller than the a * value of 81, 82 is Δ It is located in the negative direction of the a * axis. The same applies to the Δb * axis.
Although the ΔL * axis is not shown in FIG. 9, the distance in the three-dimensional space is actually considered.
When the approximate value search logic is “1: approximate color” search processing, the second profile is arranged in ascending order of the distance from the coordinate 81 of the color space parameter of the color reproduced by applying the first profile. It will be. However, when a profile created from a printed matter printed in three colors is selected as the first profile, for example, if the color difference of the three colors is calculated, the sum of the color differences of the three colors is considered as the distance between the profiles.

  Next, the control unit 3 displays the file name as the identification information of the second profile on the search result display screen 55 in the arranged order (step 109). At this time, the value of ΔE and the order of approximation may be displayed together.

  Next, when application profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 110), the control unit 3 displays an image by applying the second profile corresponding to the input selection information (step 110). Step 111).

  As described above in detail, according to the second embodiment, the color reproduced by applying the first profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group and the first profile are excluded. A color difference with a color reproduced by applying the second profile is calculated, the second profile is arranged according to the calculated color difference, and the file as identification information of the second profile is arranged in the arranged order. The name is displayed on the search result display screen 55. Then, an image is displayed by applying the second profile corresponding to the input application profile selection information.

For example, when the second profiles are arranged in ascending order of color difference according to the second embodiment, the operator can easily apply the second profile having a hue approximate to the first profile. In other words, when the user wants to display an image that approximates the color tone of the image to which the first profile is applied, the operator selects the file name displayed at the top of the search result display screen 55, thereby holding the profile database 21. A desired profile can be applied from the profile group to be used.
Although the first embodiment has been described using the example in which the second profiles are arranged in ascending order of color difference, it goes without saying that the second profiles may be arranged in order of increasing color difference. If the images are arranged in descending order of the color difference and the user wants to display an image greatly different from the color tone of the image to which the first profile is applied, the operator may select the file name displayed at the top of the search result display screen 55.

Next, the third embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer that implements the profile use support apparatus 1b according to the present embodiment.

Next, the configuration of the profile use support apparatus 1b will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the profile use support apparatus 1b.

  The profile use support apparatus 1b includes a profile database 21, a profile selection screen display unit 23, a selection information input unit 25, a color space parameter conversion unit 35, a second color difference calculation unit 37, a profile extraction unit 39, an identification information display unit 31, First image display means 33 and the like are provided.

  The color space parameter conversion means 35 converts a color space parameter of a color reproduced by applying a first profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group using a predetermined conversion formula. The conversion expression is, for example, an expression that converts a single parameter value by a constant value in the positive direction, an expression that converts only a constant value in the negative direction, or the like. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

ただし、△Ｅ：色差、Ｌ１：第１のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のＬ*値、ａ１：第１のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のａ*値、ｂ１：第１のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のｂ*値、Ｌ２：第２のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のＬ*値、ａ２：第２のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のａ*値、ｂ２：第２のプロファイルを適用して再現される色のｂ*値、Ｒ：修正係数である。
色差算出対象は、第２の実施形態の説明で前述したように、複数色であっても良いし、１色であっても良い。また、色差算出対象の色は、第２の実施形態の説明で前述した例に相当する色であっても良いし、他の色であっても良い。 The second color difference calculating means 37 refers to the profile database 21 and uses the converted color space parameters to apply the first profile and reproduce the first profile from the profile group. A color difference or a corrected color difference is calculated with respect to a color reproduced by applying the second profile excluding.
The corrected color difference is a color difference calculated by partially correcting the color difference calculation formula, and is calculated by the following mathematical formulas 2 to 4.

Where ΔE: color difference, L1: L * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile, a1: a * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile, b1: first B * value of the color reproduced by applying the profile, L2: L * value of the color reproduced by applying the second profile, a2: a * of the color reproduced by applying the second profile Value, b2: b * value of the color reproduced by applying the second profile, and R: correction coefficient.
As described above in the description of the second embodiment, the color difference calculation target may be a plurality of colors or a single color. Also, the color difference calculation target color may be a color corresponding to the example described in the description of the second embodiment, or may be another color.

  The profile extraction unit 39 extracts the second profile according to the calculated color difference or the corrected color difference. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

  Next, details of the operation of the profile use support apparatus 1b will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the profile use support apparatus 1b.
12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating an example of the search condition input screen 57. FIG.
14 and 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the extraction range 83 of the second profile.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the display command information of the profile selection screen 51 is input via the input unit 11, the control unit 3 displays the profile selection screen 51 (step 201).

Next, when profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 202), the control unit 3 displays detailed information of the first profile corresponding to the input selection information (step 203). .
The first profile may be selected from, for example, those searched by the first embodiment described above, or may be selected from those searched by another embodiment.

  Next, when search logic selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 204), the process proceeds to step 205 to perform search processing.

  As shown in FIG. 12, on the search condition input screen 57, for example, the operator selects “approximate value search” of the search condition selection button 59, and “2: variation (close) of logic selection button 61 for approximate value search. When “PROFILE001.icc” is input to the file name text box 62 and the search execution button 65 is pressed, search logic selection information is input via the input unit 11. Then, the control unit 3 uses the profile having the file name “PROFILE001.icc” as the first profile, and starts a search process in which the approximate value search logic is “2: variation (near)”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, on the search condition input screen 57, for example, the operator selects “approximate value search” of the search condition selection button 59, and “3: variation of the approximate value search logic selection button 61”. When (Far) is selected, “PROFILE001.icc” is input in the file name text box 62 and the search execution button 65 is pressed, search logic selection information is input via the input unit 11. Then, the control unit 3 uses the profile having the file name “PROFILE001.icc” as the first profile, and starts a search process in which the approximate value search logic is “3: variation (far)”.

  Next, the control unit 3 determines a search formula (step 205). The search formula means a formula including both a conversion formula used for conversion of color space parameters and a calculation formula for calculating a color difference or a corrected color difference. The search formula will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

  Next, the control unit 3 converts at least one of the color space parameters of the color to be reproduced by applying the first profile (step 206).

Next, the control unit 3 determines a second profile as a color difference calculation target (step 207). For example, the file name is determined in the order of file names from the profile group held in the profile database 21. As described above in the description of the second embodiment, each profile includes color information of printing that is printed with a plurality of (usually 3 to 5) inks. It is desirable to target only those profiles.
However, for example, by using a profile created from a printed material printed in four colors as the second profile, a printed material printed in four colors closest to or farthest from the printed material printed in three colors is searched. You can also

Next, the control unit 3 calculates and holds the color difference or the corrected color difference (step 208). The calculation of the color difference or the corrected color difference is performed according to the mathematical formulas shown in the above-described equations 1 to 4.
Note that the parameter database 21 is referred to for parameter values of L * value, a * value, and b * value. The calculation result is stored in the RAM together with the file name of the second profile, for example.

Next, the control unit 3 confirms whether the processing has been completed for all the second profiles (step 209).
If the process has not ended, the process is repeated from step 207.
If the process has been completed, the process proceeds to step 210.

  Next, the control unit 3 extracts a second profile according to the calculated color difference or the corrected color difference (step 210).

FIG. 14 shows the second profile extraction range 83 corresponding to the search logic selection information shown in FIG. The extraction range 83 of the second profile is a conversion of the color space parameter of the color reproduced by applying the first profile obtained by converting the coordinate 81 of the color space parameter of the color reproduced by applying the first profile. It is determined according to the distance from the later coordinate 85.
Here, the Δa * axis indicates the relative value with respect to the a * value of 85 with the origin being the a * value of 81. That is, when the a * value of 85 is larger than the a * value of 81, 85 is positioned in the plus direction of the Δa * axis, and when the a * value of 85 is smaller than the a * value of 81, 85 is Δ It is located in the negative direction of the a * axis. The same applies to the Δb * axis.
The search formula corresponding to the search logic selection information shown in FIG. 12 is as follows: (1) The a * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile is shifted in the positive direction by a predetermined value, and according to Equation 1. Calculating the color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile, (2) shifting the a * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile in the negative direction by a predetermined value, Calculate the color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile according to Equation 1, and (3) shift the b * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile in the plus direction by a predetermined value. Convert and calculate the color difference from the reproduced color by applying the second profile according to Equation 1, (4) minus the b * value of the reproduced color by applying the first profile by a predetermined value Shift in the direction, and according to Equation 1, the second profile (5) The L * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile is shifted in the positive direction by a predetermined value, and according to Equation 1, Calculate the color difference from the reproduced color by applying the second profile, (6) Shift the L * value of the reproduced color by applying the first profile in the minus direction by a predetermined value, According to 1, the color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile is calculated.
Since the L * axis is not shown in FIG. 14, the coordinates 85 after conversion of the color space parameters of the color to be reproduced by applying the first profile corresponding to the above (5) and (6). Thus, the extraction range 83 of the second profile is not shown.
Then, for example, the second profile having the smallest sum of color differences is extracted for each search expression.

FIG. 15 shows the second profile extraction range 83 corresponding to the search logic selection information shown in FIG. The extraction range 83 of the second profile is a conversion of the color space parameter of the color reproduced by applying the first profile obtained by converting the coordinate 81 of the color space parameter of the color reproduced by applying the first profile. It is determined according to the distance from the later coordinate 85.
Here, the Δa * axis and the Δb * axis are the same as those described in FIG.
The search formula corresponding to the search logic selection information shown in FIG. 13 is as follows: (1) The a * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile is shifted in the positive direction by a predetermined value, and according to Equation 2. Calculate the corrected color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile, and (2) shift-convert the a * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile in the minus direction by a predetermined value. The corrected color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile is calculated according to the equation (2). (3) The b * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile is positive by a predetermined value. In accordance with Equation 3, a corrected color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile is calculated according to Equation 3, and (4) the b * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile is set to a predetermined value. Shift the value by minus in the negative direction. (2) The L * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile is shifted and converted by a predetermined value in the plus direction. 4 is used to calculate a corrected color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile, and (6) the L * value of the color reproduced by applying the first profile is shifted in the negative direction by a predetermined value. According to the equation (4), a corrected color difference from the color reproduced by applying the second profile is calculated according to Equation 4.
Since the L * axis is not shown in FIG. 15, the coordinates 85 after conversion of the color space parameters of the color reproduced by applying the first profile corresponding to the above (5) and (6) are shown. Thus, the extraction range 83 of the second profile is not shown.
Then, for example, the second profile with the smallest sum of corrected color differences is extracted for each search expression.

Next, the control unit 3 confirms whether the processing has been completed for all the search expressions (step 211).
If the process has not been completed, the process is repeated from step 205.
If the process has been completed, the process proceeds to step 212.

  Next, the control unit 3 displays the file name as the extracted identification information of the second profile on the search result display screen 55 (step 212).

  Next, when application profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 213), the control unit 3 displays an image by applying the second profile corresponding to the input selection information (step 213). Step 214).

  As described above in detail, according to the third embodiment, the first profile is applied to the first profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group according to each search expression. The color space parameter of the reproduced color is converted, the second profile is applied to calculate the color difference or the corrected color difference with the reproduced color, and the second profile is extracted according to the calculated color difference or the corrected color difference. The file name as identification information of the extracted second profile is displayed on the search result display screen 55. Then, an image is displayed by applying the second profile corresponding to the input application profile selection information.

  According to the third embodiment, for example, when a search is performed with the approximate value search logic set to “2: variation (close)”, the operator applies the first profile to the color close to the color to be reproduced. It is easy to extract the second profile and apply a desired profile from the extracted second profile. Further, for example, when the search is performed with the approximate value search logic set to “3: variation (distant)”, the operator extracts a second profile having a hue different from that of the first profile, and selects a desired profile from the second profile. It becomes easy to apply the profile.

Next, the fourth embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer that realizes the profile use support apparatus 1c according to the present embodiment.

Next, the configuration of the profile use support apparatus 1c will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of the profile use support apparatus 1c.

  The profile use support apparatus 1c includes a profile database 21, a profile selection screen display unit 23, a selection information input unit 25, a color ball display unit 41, a first image display unit 33, and the like.

  The colored ball display means 41 refers to the profile database 21 and displays colored balls reproduced by applying the profile on the colored ball display screen. The colored ball is generally a colored ball of each ink arranged on the outside of the printed material, and is used for ink density management and the like. Here, the colored ball refers to a color reproduced on the screen by referring to the colorimetric value of the ink from the profile information (the shape is not limited to a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, etc.). Since the mechanism of color reproduction using a profile is known, detailed description is omitted. Details of the colored ball display screen will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, details of the operation of the profile use support apparatus 1c will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the profile use support apparatus 1c.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the colored ball display screen 75.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the display command information of the profile selection screen 51 is input via the input unit 11, the control unit 3 displays the profile selection screen 51 (step 301).

Next, when profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 302), the control unit 3 displays colored balls to which a profile corresponding to the input selection information is applied (step 303).
Note that the profile may be selected from, for example, a search performed by any of the first to third embodiments described above, or may be selected from a search performed by another embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, on the colored ball display screen 75, five colored balls of U 1, U 2, U 3, U 4 that are ink units and solid that is paper color are displayed in the colored ball display area 77. However, when the ink unit has three colors, nothing is displayed on the unused ink unit. In addition, it is desirable to display the L * value, a * value, and b * value, which are parameter values corresponding to the colored balls, in the parameter value display area 79.
The colored ball display screen 75 may be displayed as a part of the profile selection screen 51 shown in FIG. 4 or may be displayed in a separate screen area.

Next, when applied profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 304), the control unit 3 displays an image by applying a profile corresponding to the input selection information (step 305). .
Note that an application button may be arranged on the colored ball display screen 75 for inputting application profile selection information.

  As described above in detail, according to the fourth embodiment, a color ball is displayed by applying a profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group. Then, an image is displayed by applying a profile corresponding to the input application profile selection information.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the operator can apply a desired profile with reference to the color of the colored balls.

Next, the fifth embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer that implements the profile use support apparatus 1d according to the present embodiment.

Next, the configuration of the profile use support apparatus 1d will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of the profile use support apparatus 1d.

  The profile use support apparatus 1d includes a profile database 21, a profile selection screen display unit 23, a selection information input unit 25, a profile search unit 43, a second image display unit 45, and the like.

  The profile search means 43 searches for profiles under a predetermined condition from the profile group held in the profile database 21. Here, the predetermined condition uses the search condition using the character string described in the description of the first embodiment, or the color difference or the corrected color difference described in the description of the second embodiment and the third embodiment. Search conditions.

  When a plurality of pieces of profile identification information are selected, the second image display means 45 simultaneously displays arbitrary images to which the corresponding plurality of profiles are applied. Here, in order to display images simultaneously, when selection information is input, an image to which a screen area has already been assigned is displayed as it is, and an image to which the selected profile is applied is displayed in a new screen area. .

  Next, details of the operation of the profile use support apparatus 1d will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the profile use support apparatus 1d.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the display command information of the profile selection screen 51 is input via the input unit 11, the control unit 3 displays the profile selection screen 51 (step 401).

Next, when the search logic selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 402), the control unit 3 searches for a profile using a search unit corresponding to the input selection information, and the profile of the profile is obtained as a search result. The file name as identification information is displayed on the search result display screen 55 (step 403).
Note that the profile search may be performed, for example, according to any of the first to third embodiments described above, or may be another embodiment.

  Next, when application profile selection information is input via the input unit 11 (step 404), the control unit 3 displays an image by applying a profile corresponding to the input selection information (step 405). . At this time, an image to which a screen area has already been assigned is displayed as it is, and an image is displayed in a new screen area.

Next, the control unit 3 confirms whether the profile selection is completed (step 406).
If the selection has not been completed, the process is repeated from step 404.
If selection is complete, exit.

  As described above in detail, according to the fifth embodiment, the identification information of the profile searched under the predetermined condition from the profile group is displayed. Then, an image is displayed by applying a profile corresponding to the input application profile selection information. At this time, an image to which a screen area has already been assigned is displayed as it is, and an image is displayed in a new screen area.

  According to the fifth embodiment, an operator can compare and examine images to which a plurality of profiles are applied on the screen.

  The programs for performing the processing shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 11, 17, and 20 may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or transmitted / received via a communication line. You can also.

  The preferred embodiments of the profile utilization support apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

Hardware configuration diagram of a computer for realizing the profile use support apparatus 1 Schematic configuration diagram of profile usage support apparatus 1 The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the profile utilization assistance apparatus 1. The figure which shows an example of the profile selection screen 51 The figure which shows an example of the profile detailed information display screen 67 Schematic configuration diagram of profile usage support apparatus 1a The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the profile utilization assistance apparatus 1a. The figure which shows an example of the search condition input screen 57 Schematic diagram showing an example of color difference calculation Schematic configuration diagram of profile usage support apparatus 1b The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the profile utilization assistance apparatus 1b. The figure which shows an example of the search condition input screen 57 The figure which shows an example of the search condition input screen 57 Schematic diagram showing an example of the extraction range 83 of the second profile Schematic diagram showing an example of the extraction range 83 of the second profile Schematic configuration diagram of profile usage support apparatus 1c The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the profile utilization assistance apparatus 1c. The figure which shows an example of the colored ball display screen 75 Schematic configuration diagram of profile usage support apparatus 1d The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the profile utilization assistance apparatus 1d.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ......... Profile utilization support device 3 ......... Control part 5 ......... Storage part 7 ......... Media input / output part 9 ......... Communication control part 11 ......... Input part 13 ......... Display part 15 ... ... Peripheral device I / F part 17 ......... Bus 19 ......... Network part 51 ......... Profile selection screen 53 ......... Image file name 55 ......... Search result display screen 57 ......... Search condition input screen 59 ... ...... Search condition selection button 61... Approximate value search logic selection button 62... File name text box 63... Comment text box 64... Extended comment text box 65. ... Detailed profile information display screen 69 ......... Apply execution button 70 ......... File name display area 71 ......... Created date display area 72 ......... Comment display area 73 ... …… Extended comment display area 75 ……… Colored ball display screen 77 ……… Colored ball display area 79 ……… Parameter value display area 81 ……… Color space parameters of colors reproduced by applying the first profile The coordinates of the color space parameters of the color reproduced by applying the second profile 83... The extraction range of the second profile 85... Reproduced by applying the first profile Coordinates after conversion of color space parameter of color

Claims (13)

A device that supports the use of a profile in the work of determining the color of an ink,
Profile holding means for holding the profile;
A color reproduced by applying a first profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group held by the profile holding means, and a second profile obtained by removing the first profile from the profile group First color difference calculation means for calculating a color difference with a color reproduced by applying
Profile alignment means for aligning the second profiles according to a predetermined arrangement order corresponding to the color differences calculated by the first color difference calculation means;
Identification information display means for displaying identification information of the second profile in the order of arrangement arranged by the profile alignment means;
A profile usage support apparatus comprising: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: an image display unit that displays an arbitrary image by applying the corresponding profile when the identification information displayed by the identification information display unit is selected. Profile usage support device. Color space parameter conversion means for converting a color space parameter of a color reproduced by applying a first profile arbitrarily selected from a group of profiles held by the profile holding means using a predetermined conversion formula;
A color reproduced by applying the first profile using the color space parameter converted by the color space parameter conversion means, and a second profile obtained by removing the first profile from the profile group Second color difference calculating means for calculating a color difference or a corrected color difference with a color reproduced by applying
Profile extraction means for extracting the second profile according to the color difference or the corrected color difference calculated by the second color difference calculation means ;
The identification information display means, the profile utilization support device according to claim 1, characterized in that displaying the identification information of the second profile extracted by the profile extraction unit. To claim 1, characterized by further comprising a color ball display means, the display colors balls reproduced by applying any selected profile from the profile profile group held by the holding means The profile usage support apparatus described . 5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising image display means for displaying an arbitrary image by applying the corresponding profile when the color ball displayed by the color ball display means is selected. Profile usage support device. The identification information display means displays the identification information of the profile searched under a predetermined condition from a group of profiles held by the profile holding means ,
The image display means, when the identification information displayed in the identification information display means is selected multiple to claim 2, characterized in that to display an arbitrary image according to the corresponding plurality of said profiles at the same time The profile usage support apparatus described . A method for supporting the use of a profile in an ink tint determination work,
Maintaining the profile;
A color reproduced by applying a first profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group held in the step of holding the profile, and a second color obtained by removing the first profile from the profile group Calculating a color difference from a color reproduced by applying the profile of
Aligning the second profile according to a predetermined arrangement order according to the color difference calculated in the step of calculating the color difference;
Displaying the identification information of the second profile in the order arranged in the step of aligning the second profiles;
A profile usage support method characterized by comprising: The method according to claim 7 , further comprising: displaying an arbitrary image by applying the corresponding profile when the identification information displayed in the step of displaying the identification information is selected. Profile usage support method. Converting a color space parameter of a color to be reproduced by applying a first profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group held in the step of holding the profile with a predetermined conversion formula;
A color reproduced by applying the first profile using the color space parameter converted in the step of converting the color space parameter, and a second obtained by removing the first profile from the profile group. Calculating a color difference or a corrected color difference from a color reproduced by applying the profile of
Extracting the second profile according to the color difference or the corrected color difference calculated in the step of calculating the color difference or the corrected color difference;
Displaying the identification information of the second profile extracted in the step of extracting the second profile;
The profile usage support method according to claim 7, further comprising: The method of claim 7, further comprising: displaying colored balls reproduced by applying a profile arbitrarily selected from the profile group held in the step of holding the profile . Profile usage support method. The method of claim 10 , further comprising: displaying an arbitrary image by applying the corresponding profile when the colored ball displayed in the step of displaying the colored ball is selected. Profile usage support method. The step of displaying the identification information displays the identification information of the profile searched under a predetermined condition from the profile group held in the step of holding the profile ,
In the step of displaying the image, when a plurality of the identification information displayed in the step of displaying the identification information are selected, arbitrary images to which the plurality of corresponding profiles are applied are simultaneously displayed. The profile utilization support method according to claim 8 . A program that causes a computer to function as the profile use support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

Images