In the above-described first embodiment, as the first relational equation, an equation is adopted, which represents the relationship between the spectral reflectances of the maximum gradation value and the spectral reflectances of the characteristics-acquired gradation value. However, the relationship represented by the first relational equation is not limited to this. For example, an equation that represents a relationship between the spectral absorption factors of the maximum gradation value and the spectral absorption factors of the characteristics-acquired gradation value, an equation that represents a relationship between the spectral reflectances of the maximum gradation value and the spectral absorption factors of the characteristics-acquired gradation value, or the like can be adopted as the first relational equation. Likewise, an equation which represents a relationship between the spectral absorption factors of the maximum gradation value and the spectral absorption factors of the prediction target gradation value for the reference color, an equation that represents a relationship between the spectral reflectances of the maximum gradation value and the spectral absorption factors of the prediction target gradation value for the reference color, or the like can also be adopted as the second relational equation.
<2. Second Embodiment>
<2.1 Preliminary Study>