Color Conversion Apparatus for Base Layer Ink Droplet Precision

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining precise color reproducibility across different regions of a recording medium, particularly when a base layer is present, due to variations in surface properties and ink types, leading to inconsistencies in dot sizes and color representation.

Innovation Solution

A color conversion apparatus and method that applies a color conversion process to image layer data based on the presence or absence of a base layer, adjusting ink droplet ejection information to account for the base layer's impact on color reproducibility, ensuring consistent color precision across the entire image region, regardless of the base layer's form or type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a base layer is formed on the recording medium using certain types of ink, then the base layer provides a background for the image layer, but the surface properties and wettability variations of the base layer cause dot size variations and poor color reproducibility in the image layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor reproducibilityVSAvoiddot size consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a color conversion process to the image layer data before printing, taking into account the presence and color of the base layer. This preliminary color adjustment compensates for the adverse effects of the base layer on color reproducibility, ensuring consistent color output across different regions with or without base layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent generates different image layer data for different regions of the recording medium, specifically creating distinct data sets for regions with base layers versus regions without base layers. This localized approach allows optimization of color conversion parameters for each specific region, addressing the varying surface properties and wettability characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If different types of ink droplets are used to form divided regions on the base layer, then the base layer can have varied properties in different regions, but this increases the complexity of color conversion and reduces color reproducibility precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase layer variation capabilityVSAvoidcolor reproducibility precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the recording medium into multiple regions based on the presence and type of base layers, generating separate image layer data for each region. This segmentation allows the system to handle different base layer configurations independently, managing the complexity through regional differentiation rather than attempting a universal solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies color conversion parameters based on the specific characteristics of each base layer region. By adjusting color conversion parameters according to the base layer type and position, the system maintains color reproducibility precision despite the diversity of base layer configurations across different regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the image layer is formed directly on the recording medium without a base layer, then the color reproducibility may be consistent, but regions with base layers will show per-region differences in color precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor reproducibility consistencyVSAvoidoverall color precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal color conversion system that handles both regions with base layers and regions without base layers through a unified process. The color conversion processor automatically determines the appropriate conversion parameters based on the presence and characteristics of base layers, providing consistent color output across the entire recording medium regardless of base layer configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10474936B2Color conversion apparatus, color conversion method, and inkjet recording apparatus for producing an image layer with improved precision of color reproducibility

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO LTD

AI summary

This disclosure is directed to improving the precision of color reproducibility in a whole image region of any product provided with a base layer(s) regardless of any form of the base layer(s). The RIP (Raster Image Processor) device includes a color conversion processor that applies a color conversion process adapted for presence or absence of a base layer and for a base color to content data representing part or all of details of an image layer at a respective one of positions in an image region indicated by the image layer, and an image layer data generator that generates image layer data representing ejection-related information of ink droplets of a plurality of colors using the content data that has been subjected to the color conversion process.