Color Characterization Using Parametric and Nonparametric Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color reproduction device characterization methods, such as physics-based and data-fitting models, face challenges in achieving accurate and cost-effective color consistency across devices and over time due to variations in physical conditions and component wear, with parametric models being unable to accurately characterize all aspects of device performance and nonparametric models being costly to adapt.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that decompose the forward color transform into a parametric model for smooth surface representation and a nonparametric residual, allowing for efficient adaptation and accuracy comparable to data-fitting techniques, using a combination of polynomial regression and lookup tables to model the device's color mapping, enabling robustness to noise and varying printing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nonparametric lookup tables are used for color characterization, then measurement precision is improved through accurate data fitting, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for extensive data points and computational resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color characterization into two distinct components: a parametric model for smooth surface representation and a nonparametric residual for fine-grained corrections. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the color mapping, reducing the computational burden on the nonparametric portion while maintaining overall accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using a low-order parametric model (polynomial surface) to capture the majority of the color mapping behavior, reserving the computationally intensive nonparametric lookup table only for handling residual errors and edge cases. This approach uses computational resources efficiently by applying complex methods only where necessary.
2Device complexity
If parametric models are used for color characterization, then device complexity is reduced with fewer data points, but measurement precision deteriorates as they cannot accurately characterize all aspects of device performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color characterization task into two segments: a parametric model for the smooth surface component and a nonparametric residual for the fine-grained corrections. This segmentation allows the simple parametric model to handle the bulk of the computation with minimal data points, while the nonparametric portion captures the precision requirements for specific regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite color characterization system combining parametric and nonparametric approaches. The parametric polynomial surface model provides the bulk of the characterization with low computational cost, while the nonparametric residual lookup table adds precision where needed, similar to how composite materials combine different properties to achieve superior performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional color characterization methods are used, then initial setup is completed, but adaptability deteriorates over time due to physical conditions and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the color characterization adaptable to changing conditions. The system can update the parametric model and nonparametric residual over time to account for physical condition changes, component wear, and environmental variations, maintaining color consistency throughout the device's operational lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that allow the system to monitor and adjust color characterization based on actual device performance over time. This feedback enables the system to compensate for drift and maintain accuracy despite changing physical conditions and component degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are presented for characterizing a printer, display or other color reproduction device in which parametric and nonparametric forward color transforms are generated to construct a forward color device transform to characterize the mapping of CMYK input data to La*b* data of the device, with the parametric transform adapted to compensate for drifting performance of the color reproduction device.