Color Calibration Using Blank Area Reference Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems face challenges in maintaining consistent color reproducibility across multiple devices, as existing calibration methods are inefficient in detecting and correcting reading errors and individual device characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that generates and reads patterns on a recording medium, using a reading device to detect errors and perform color calibration by analyzing read values of patterns and adjacent blank areas, allowing for accurate adjustment of output characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used to standardize color reproducibility, then color consistency across devices can be achieved, but reading errors and individual device characteristics cannot be effectively detected and corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calibration process into two distinct phases: first reading patterns to detect device characteristics and errors, then reading adjacent blank areas to identify reading errors. This segmentation allows each phase to focus on specific detection goals, improving both color reproducibility measurement and error detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blank areas as intermediary regions between patterns during the reading process. These blank areas serve as reference mediators that enable the detection of reading errors by providing a known baseline value against which pattern readings can be compared, thereby enhancing error detection capability without compromising color reproducibility standardization
2Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then color standardization can be performed, but individual device characteristics and reading errors remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary reading of blank areas before or during pattern reading to establish baseline reference values. This preliminary action enables the subsequent detection of device characteristics and reading errors by comparing actual pattern readings against the pre-established baseline, making it possible to detect individual device characteristics that would otherwise remain hidden during standard color standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where readings from both patterns and adjacent blank areas are analyzed to detect deviations from expected values. This feedback loop allows the system to identify and flag reading errors and individual device characteristics, providing measurable information about device variations that conventional calibration methods overlook
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively maintains color reproducibility by detecting and correcting errors, ensuring consistent image output density and accuracy across devices.
Implementation Method 1
a reading device to read the plurality of patterns and a plurality of blank areas adjacent to the plurality of patterns from the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes circuitry and a reading device. The circuitry is configured to generate a plurality of patterns in different colors to form the plurality of patterns on a recording medium. The reading device is configured to read the plurality of patterns and a plurality of blank areas adjacent to the plurality of patterns from the recording medium. The circuitry is configured to detect a reading error of the plurality of patterns according to read values of the plurality of patterns and the plurality of blank areas and perform color calibration on a reference color by use of the read values of the plurality of patterns.