A geographically remote computing device transmits an image to a central computing device. The geographically remote computing device also communicates specifications of a substrate or substrates to be imaged to the central computing device. The central computing device selects a geographically remote fulfillment printer. A local, but geographically diverse distribution system is available according to the invention. The central computing device chooses the geographically remote fulfillment printer as a function of factors such as the selected image and substrate, printer capabilities, and the consumer's location. Image quality and consistency is maintained by the central computer selecting an appropriate geographically remote computing device and providing printer the appropriate instructions, rather than the instructions for printing being determined locally at the printer.

A geographically remote computing device transmits an image to a central computing device. The geographically remote computing device also communicates specifications of a substrate or substrates to be imaged to the central computing device. The central computing device selects a geographically remote fulfillment printer. A local, but geographically diverse distribution system is available according to the invention. The central computing device chooses the geographically remote fulfillment printer as a function of factors such as the selected image and substrate, printer capabilities, and the consumer's location. Image quality and consistency is maintained by the central computer selecting an appropriate geographically remote computing device and providing printer the appropriate instructions, rather than the instructions for printing being determined locally at the printer.

A method of adapting a Lab setpoint color value of multicolored printed products, wherein a special color is replaced by process colors using an ICC color profile. A measurement point that is assigned to the replaced special color on the printed product is metrologically acquired using a color measuring system and a Lab actual color value of the measurement point is calculated. The ICC color profile or a standardized ICC color profile is used for computing the color composition of the Lab setpoint color value from the participating process colors. Changes of the layer thicknesses of the participating process colors are ascertained to achieve a predetermined Lab setpoint color value of the measurement point using a digital tool or a digital model. The participating process colors are adapted using the ascertained changes of their layer thicknesses.

A method of adapting a Lab setpoint color value of multicolored printed products, wherein a special color is replaced by process colors using an ICC color profile. A measurement point that is assigned to the replaced special color on the printed product is metrologically acquired using a color measuring system and a Lab actual color value of the measurement point is calculated. The ICC color profile or a standardized ICC color profile is used for computing the color composition of the Lab setpoint color value from the participating process colors. Changes of the layer thicknesses of the participating process colors are ascertained to achieve a predetermined Lab setpoint color value of the measurement point using a digital tool or a digital model. The participating process colors are adapted using the ascertained changes of their layer thicknesses.

White-balance is improved when printing on colored media, while minimizing the time and use of costly materials required by present approaches. In an embodiment, the typical solid white fill or background layer is altered by including in the white layer one or more of the other colors already available in the printer to shade this layer. Thus, a small amount of cyan, for example, helps balance a pink-ish (red) media; yellow is used for blue media; and magenta is used for green media; as well as combinations thereof. A combination of transparent process inks and opaque white helps to maintain brightness (luminosity).

White-balance is improved when printing on colored media, while minimizing the time and use of costly materials required by present approaches. In an embodiment, the typical solid white fill or background layer is altered by including in the white layer one or more of the other colors already available in the printer to shade this layer. Thus, a small amount of cyan, for example, helps balance a pink-ish (red) media; yellow is used for blue media; and magenta is used for green media; as well as combinations thereof. A combination of transparent process inks and opaque white helps to maintain brightness (luminosity).

An image-processing apparatus generates data to be outputted to formation unit which form a shaped article on a recording medium. An acquisition unit acquire first shape data that represents a shape of unevenness. A first generation unit generates edge data that represents a shape of an edge of the unevenness, based on the first shape data. A second generation unit generates first recording amount data that represents a recording amount of a first recording material that is used to form at least a part of the edge in the edge data on the recording medium, or first dot arrangement data that represents dot arrangement of the first recording material on the recording medium, based on the edge data.

A method for reproducing an out-of-gamut spot color includes determining a color gamut for a color printer, and specifying a spot color by color coordinates in a three-dimensional color space. A first target color is determined corresponding to a color having a minimum color difference to the specified spot color, and a second target color is determined corresponding to a color on the color gamut surface having a hue value equal to a hue value of the specified spot color. A path is defined on the color gamut surface connecting the first target color and the second target color, wherein a control parameter is used to specify a relative position along the defined path. A control parameter prediction function is provided which computes a predicted control parameter value as a function of color coordinates. The predicted control parameter value is used to determine an aim color for reproducing the spot color.

A method for reproducing an out-of-gamut spot color includes determining a color gamut for a color printer, and specifying a spot color by color coordinates in a three-dimensional color space. A first target color is determined corresponding to a color having a minimum color difference to the specified spot color, and a second target color is determined corresponding to a color on the color gamut surface having a hue value equal to a hue value of the specified spot color. A path is defined on the color gamut surface connecting the first target color and the second target color, wherein a control parameter is used to specify a relative position along the defined path. A control parameter prediction function is provided which computes a predicted control parameter value as a function of color coordinates. The predicted control parameter value is used to determine an aim color for reproducing the spot color.

An image processing apparatus including: a first obtaining unit configured to obtain first image data to be printed; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain second image data indicating a subject identical to that of the first image data and expressed by a geometric condition different from that of the first image data; and a first determination unit configured to determine ink amounts of respective inks including a first ink which reflects light in a normal reflection and a second ink which is different from the first ink and has a ratio of an intensity of light reflected in the normal reflection direction to an intensity of light reflected in the diffuse direction smaller than that of the first ink in a case where light based on brightness at each position of the first image data and the second image data.