A printing apparatus includes a pattern extracting unit for, based on a comparison between first image data representing a pattern and second image data generated by imaging a fabric transported, extracting a pattern region from the second image data, a printing image generation unit for arranging third image data representing an image to be printed overlaid on the pattern in accordance with a positional relationship between the pattern regions to generate printing image data, and a printing control unit for causing a printing unit to print the printing image data on the fabric transported.

First relational equations which represent characteristics of respective sample colors are obtained, and for the respective sample colors, prediction values of spectral characteristics of characteristics-acquired gradation values for a prediction target color are obtained using the first relational equations. Difference values between the prediction values and actual measurement values are obtained, and a sample color for which a minimum difference value is obtained is selected as a reference color. A second relational equation that represents characteristics of the reference color is obtained, and a prediction value of spectral characteristics of a prediction target gradation value for the prediction target color is obtained using the second relational equation.

First relational equations which represent characteristics of respective sample colors are obtained, and for the respective sample colors, prediction values of spectral characteristics of characteristics-acquired gradation values for a prediction target color are obtained using the first relational equations. Difference values between the prediction values and actual measurement values are obtained, and a sample color for which a minimum difference value is obtained is selected as a reference color. A second relational equation that represents characteristics of the reference color is obtained, and a prediction value of spectral characteristics of a prediction target gradation value for the prediction target color is obtained using the second relational equation.

A networked product imaging system includes devices that provide the production of imaged goods. Sellers are easily integrated into the network with minimal or no inventory requirements. Customer requirements are provided to a central computing device (CCD) that has two-way communication with a plurality of geographically separated product image forming devices. The central computing device determines specifications for forming the image on the blank product in accordance with the customer's order. The central computing device selects a product image forming device from the plurality of geographically separated product forming devices for fulfilling the order, based upon factors that include the specification of the product image forming device available, the product image forming inventory and the blank product inventory available at the geographic location of the product image forming device. The selected product image forming device forms the image on the blank product at the remote location.

A networked product imaging system includes devices that provide the production of imaged goods. Sellers are easily integrated into the network with minimal or no inventory requirements. Customer requirements are provided to a central computing device (CCD) that has two-way communication with a plurality of geographically separated product image forming devices. The central computing device determines specifications for forming the image on the blank product in accordance with the customer's order. The central computing device selects a product image forming device from the plurality of geographically separated product forming devices for fulfilling the order, based upon factors that include the specification of the product image forming device available, the product image forming inventory and the blank product inventory available at the geographic location of the product image forming device. The selected product image forming device forms the image on the blank product at the remote location.

An image forming apparatus includes first and second processors controlling first and second image formers that form first and second images using color material having first and second color compositions, the second image to be superimposed on the first image; and a display displaying information. If an image formation instruction, including information indicating that the first and second images are to be superimposed is received, with a different image formation instruction being received, the first processor causes the first image former to form the first image in accordance with a first image formation instruction, corresponding to the first color composition, out of the image formation instruction and the different image formation instruction; and transmit to the second processor a second image formation instruction corresponding to the second color composition. The second processor causes the second image former to form the second image in accordance with the second image formation instruction.

A method comprises acquiring print setting information related to printing of image data, and, in a case where the print setting information specifies printing using at least special ink, which is ink other than ink for a process color, during printing of the image data, determining a first method as a method of processing for reducing a data size of the image data and, in a case where the print setting information specifies printing using ink for the process color without using the special ink during printing of the image data, determining a second method different from the first method as a method of processing for reducing the data size of the image data.

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: receivably display, as options, plural generation conditions each with a different balance among plural effects including gradation and color reproducibility, the plural generation conditions each being a condition for generating a color conversion profile with values in a device-independent color system as input and values of colors in a device-dependent color system including a spot color as output; and generate a color conversion profile based on a generation condition received as an option.

The invention provides a control method including: obtaining color information to be printed in the specific color out of color information included in print data; detecting a specific location to be printed in a specific color based on the obtained color information in an image; and performing first color conversion to subject the color information included in the print data to color conversion processing in accordance with a color conversion instruction. A printing unit executes printing based on the print data executes the printing on the specific location by using a second color in accordance with a print instruction involving the specific color and the color conversion instruction, and executes the printing on a location other than the specific location by using a first color based on color information after the color conversion in performing first color conversion.

The invention provides a control method including: obtaining color information to be printed in the specific color out of color information included in print data; detecting a specific location to be printed in a specific color based on the obtained color information in an image; and performing first color conversion to subject the color information included in the print data to color conversion processing in accordance with a color conversion instruction. A printing unit executes printing based on the print data executes the printing on the specific location by using a second color in accordance with a print instruction involving the specific color and the color conversion instruction, and executes the printing on a location other than the specific location by using a first color based on color information after the color conversion in performing first color conversion.