Color Conversion Table Generation for Out-of-Range Sample Colors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for color adjustment in image forming apparatuses fail to accurately bring the adjustment target color close to the user-desired color when the sample color is outside the color reproduction range of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit for acquiring a sample color, a determination unit to assess if the sample color is outside the color reproduction range, and a generation unit that prints multiple colors close to the sample color and generates a color conversion table, allowing users to select a color from a chart image to adjust the target signal values, enabling color adjustment even when the sample color is outside the reproduction range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sample color is outside the color reproduction range of the image forming apparatus, then the apparatus cannot reproduce the desired color accurately, but the conventional method simply fails to adjust the color rather than providing a solution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of whether the sample color is outside the reproduction range before attempting color conversion. When detected, it proactively generates a color chart with multiple candidate colors instead of simply failing, allowing the user to select the closest reproducible color in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
A color chart serving as an intermediary tool is introduced between the apparatus and the user. The chart displays multiple candidate colors that are reproducible by the apparatus, allowing the user to visually select the closest match to the desired sample color, thus bridging the gap between the apparatus's limited reproduction capability and the user's color requirements.
2Productivity
If the apparatus automatically generates color conversion tables, then productivity is improved, but the ability to handle colors outside the reproduction range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by allowing the user to visually review and select from multiple candidate colors presented in the color chart. This feedback loop ensures that even when the sample color is outside the reproduction range, the user can choose the closest reproducible color, maintaining reliability while preserving automated efficiency for colors within the range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial automated color conversion for colors within the reproduction range while providing excessive options (multiple candidate colors) for colors outside the range. This approach maintains high productivity for achievable colors while giving users control for colors that require manual selection from alternatives.
Data Source
AI summary
In a case where a sample color is outside a color reproduction range of an image forming apparatus, there arises an issue that an adjustment target color cannot be brought close to a user-desired color. An image forming apparatus includes a generation unit configured to cause a printing unit to print a plurality of colors close to an acquired sample color and generate a color conversion table based on a user-selected color among the plurality of printed colors in a case where it is determined that the acquired sample color is outside a color reproduction range of the image forming apparatus, whereas in a case where it is determined that the acquired sample color is not outside the color reproduction range, the generation unit generates a color conversion table without causing the printing unit to print the plurality of colors close to the sample color.