Color Conversion Method for Gamut Preservation and Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current color conversion methods in color management systems often result in a loss of color gamut and increased error due to out-of-gamut mapping, which reduces the effective use of the printer's color range and decreases interpolation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves acquiring color conversion tables and determining whether the input point is outside the color gamut of the output device, allowing for either inverse conversion or interpolation computation based on this determination to prevent gamut loss and improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If out-of-gamut mapping is performed during interpolation computation, then color conversion can be performed for all input points, but the color gamut of the output device cannot be fully utilized and interpolation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color conversion process into two distinct paths: one for in-gamut points using the L*a*b*-CMYK color conversion table with interpolation, and another for out-of-gamut points using inverse conversion. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific purpose, preventing the degradation of interpolation accuracy while maintaining comprehensive color conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inverse conversion (CMYK-L*a*b* color conversion table) for out-of-gamut points instead of the conventional forward conversion approach. By determining whether interpolation points are inside or outside the color gamut and switching the conversion method accordingly, the patent prevents gamut loss and maintains full utilization of the output device's color range.
2Productivity
If out-of-gamut mapping is performed, then all color values can be converted, but the whole color gamut of the printer cannot be fully used effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between two color conversion methods based on the position of interpolation points relative to the color gamut boundary. For in-gamut points, forward conversion with interpolation is used to maximize color gamut utilization. For out-of-gamut points, inverse conversion is used to ensure complete color conversion capability. This dynamic approach allows the system to fully utilize the printer's color gamut while maintaining the ability to convert all input colors.
Data Source
AI summary
A color conversion method includes: a first acquisition step of acquiring a first color conversion table which defines mapping from a first color space to a second color space, and a second color conversion table which defines mapping from the second color space to a third color space; a second acquisition step of acquiring a color in the second color space to be subjected to color conversion; a computation step of computing an element group and a weight of each element included in the element group; a determination step of determining whether or not the element group in the second color conversion table; and a processing step of performing either first processing of performing inverse conversion and computing the color in the third color space, or second processing of performing an interpolation computation and computing the color in the third color space.