Image processing apparatus and method that automatically selects a substitute output device

• US 6,563,944 B1
• Filed: 04/23/1999
• Issued: 05/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Kumada, Shuichi
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Jayanti K.
• Application Number:
  US09/296,625
• Time in Patent Office: 1,481 Days
• Field of Search: 382/162-167, 382/218, 358/518, 358/519, 358/520, 358/523, 358/1.9, 358/1.15, 358/504, 358/453, 345/591, 345/604, 399/49, 399/54, 348/453
• US Class Current: 382/162
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1204 resulting in reduced user or operator actions, e.g. presetting, automatic actions, using hardware token storing data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1208 resulting in improved quality of the output result, e.g. print layout, colours, workflows, print preview
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/121 Facilitating exception or error detection and recovery, e.g. fault, media or consumables depleted
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1234 Errors handling and recovery, e.g. reprinting G06F3/1261 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1253 Configuration of print job parameters, e.g. using UI at the client
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1261 by using alternate printing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1285 Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server

Abstract

In an image processing apparatus, it is possible to automatically select a substitute output device which is substituted for an indicated output device and can reproduce a color image equivalent to that output by the indicated output device. The apparatus comprises a judgment function for judging whether or not output is to be performed by the indicated output device, and a selection function for selecting, if it is judged by the judgment function that the output is not to be performed by the indicated output device, the substitute output device on the basis of color reproduction information of output devices being candidates for the indicated output device.

Claims

1. An image processing method that automatically selects a substitute output device to substitute for an indicated output device, said method comprising the steps of:

inputting color gamut information of the indicated output device and color gamut information of output devices that are candidates for the indicated output device; and

selecting a substitute output device based on the color gamut information of the indicated output device and the color gamut information of the output devices that are the candidates for the indicated output device.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of grouping the output devices connected to a network, wherein output devices in a group to which the indicated output device belongs are handled as the output devices that are the candidates for the indicated output device.

3. An image processing method that automatically selects a substitute output device to substitute for an indicated output device, said method comprising the steps of:

inputting color gamut information stored in a profile corresponding to plural output devices used in a color matching process; and

automatically selecting a substitute output device based on color gamut information of the indicated output device and the color gamut information of the plural output devices other than the indicated output device.

4. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for automatically selecting a substitute output device to substitute for an indicated output device, the program comprising:

code for inputting color gamut information of the indicated output device and color gamut information of output devices that are candidates for the indicated output device; and

code for selecting a substitute output device based on the color gamut information of the indicated output device and the color gamut information of the output devices that are the candidates for the indicated output device.

5. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for automatically selecting a substitute output device to substitute for an indicated output device, the program comprising:

code for inputting color gamut information stored in a profile corresponding to plural output devices used in a color matching process; and

code for automatically selecting a substitute output device based on color gamut information of the indicated output device and the color gamut information of the plural output devices other than the indicated output device.