Bidirectional Printing Color Consistency via Multi-Profile Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bidirectional printing systems often exhibit conspicuous color differences between overlapping and non-overlapping image areas due to differences in ink dot formation orders during forward and backward path printing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a print head having separate nozzles for different inks, employing multiple profiles for color conversion to align ink dot formations across overlapping and non-overlapping areas, ensuring consistent color output by applying specific color conversion processes based on the printing direction and overlap status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bidirectional printing is performed with overlapping regions, then printing efficiency is improved, but color consistency deteriorates due to different ink dot formation orders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different color conversion processes to different regions of the image. Specifically, overlapping regions use one conversion process while non-overlapping regions use another, ensuring that each region's color is optimized for its specific printing context (forward or backward path).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the color conversion parameters based on the printing direction and region type. By storing multiple color conversion tables (profiles) and selecting appropriate ones for forward path, backward path, overlapping, and non-overlapping regions, the system adapts color values to compensate for different ink dot formation orders.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple color conversion tables are used for forward and backward paths, then color consistency in non-overlapping areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into four distinct regions (forward path non-overlapping, backward path non-overlapping, forward path overlapping, backward path overlapping) and applies specific color conversion tables to each segment. This systematic segmentation manages the complexity by providing clear rules for table selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs color conversion in advance during the image processing stage, before actual printing. By pre-calculating and storing multiple color conversion tables that account for different printing directions and regions, the system eliminates the need for real-time adjustments during printing, simplifying the printing process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus is configured to generate a plurality of pieces of partial printing data by executing a generating process including a color conversion process. A printing execution device performs N-th and (N+1)-th partial printing. An area in which the N-th partial printing is performed includes an overlap area, and first and second non-overlap areas respectively arranged on upstream and downstream sides, in the conveying direction, with respect to the overlap area. In the overlap area, dots are formed by both the N-th and (N+1)-th partial printings. The color conversion process includes a first converting process for the first non-overlap area with reference to a first profile, a second converting process for the second non-overlap area with reference to a second profile, and a third converting process for the overlap area, the third converting process being different from both the first and second converting process.