Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. and Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., have jointly developed an integrated color management system for software and printers used in the production process of printed material.
To date, Fujifilm has offered a variety of sophisticated and specialized services in the printing arena, including "i-ColorQC," an integrated consulting service for color management and "GTRAX," for network support. Fuji Xerox, on the other hand, has developed the DocuColor series of digital color multifunction products as well as an easy-to-use color proofing system for the office that utilizes desktop color laser printers. By combining the technologies of both companies, the latest service caters to a diverse range of users.
"Fuji Xerox inter-Graphics" is a Web-based service that supports digital workflow, and was established with the cooperation of Adobe Systems Incorporated, Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd., Morisawa & Company Ltd. and Seiko Epson Corporation. The service begins on April 5.
Specifically for the communications industry*, this service can be used in areas such as advertising, design, publishing, newspaper and printing, providing all the necessary functions when processing digital data on the network.
*Fuji Xerox refers to the industry related to the creation of printed material, including advertising, design, publishing, newspaper and printing, as the communications industry.
| Outline of Service |
Although digitization in the production of printed material has increased dramatically, there is a need to create a network-driven digital workflow to ensure optimum efficiency. The main issue is how to effectively manage color throughout the workflow. As an example, when data is sent over a network and output on a different printer, it is extremely difficult to control differences in color. This hindered the development of digital workflows.
The inter-Graphics service incorporates a color-matching function, RIP (Raster Image Processing/Processor), for proofing. Although different companies employ different printing machines, centralizing the color-matching processing at a specialized center facilitates effective color control, thereby vastly raising the efficiency of color proofing. The service initially covers Fuji Xerox and Seiko Epson printers*, with plans to steadily extend coverage to enable use in any open environment.
Additionally, stronger ties between the leading companies in each field will drive improvement in the entire workflow of printed material and lead to an even more extensive service menu.
| *Fuji Xerox printers: | |
| DocuColor 1255 CP series and 1256GA series | |
| Epson printers: | |
| PM-4000PX, PX-6000, PX-7000 and PX-9000 (As of April 5, 2004; plans are set to progressively expand coverage) |
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| Price |
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| Availability: Japan | |||||||||||||||
Notes:
1. Additional expenses, such as printing
costs, consumables, including ink and toner, and paper, have not been
included in the above prices. Consumption tax will also be charged separately.
2. Printer color data registration entails registering printer information and color data on the inter-Graphics center server database to enable RIP color-matching that suits each user's printer. Separate fees are charged because data differs according to paper size, even when its from the same printer. Note that users may have to register again depending on changes in printer color that occur over time or through component replacement.
inter-Graphics service homepage:
http://www.inter-graphics.net/
(Available in Japanese Only)
