FIG. 15 shows results of a prediction test for 25 colors in a case in which only the gradation value of 0.5 is the characteristics-acquired gradation value. From FIG. 15, it is seen that the method of the above-described first embodiment significantly increases the overall prediction accuracy as compared with the conventional method. Moreover, from FIG. 15, it is seen that the method of the second embodiment significantly increases the prediction accuracy of the special reflectances of the gradation values in the vicinity of the characteristics-acquired gradation value as compared with the method of the above-described first embodiment.
<3. Third Embodiment>
<3.1 Outline>