abstract |
A conversion relationship associated with generation of data for a plurality of inks which have the same color but different concentrations is determined. For combinations of four colors, data on patches are generated which can be printed without causing ink to overflow. Then, with reference to a maximum color material use amount, a possible total color material use amount is calculated for each combination of six dark and light colors Y, M, C, K, Lm, and Lc. Then, for each combination, M and C are each separated into dark and light colors in accordance with the possible total color material use amount. Thus, a color separation table is generated which corresponds to combinations of six colors Y, M, C, K, Lm, and Lc. |