Color Conversion Apparatus for Accurate Toner Layering

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses, when the positional relationship between basic-color toners and a special-color toner for vertical layering is specified by the user, the special-color toner and basic-color toners do not align correctly, leading to unintended spot colors being output, requiring manual adjustment and verification of toner positions, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A color conversion apparatus comprising an obtaining unit, a defining unit, and an output unit that automatically determines the positional relationship between basic-color toners and a special-color toner, generates conversion tables to ensure accurate layering and output of the intended spot color, by obtaining information on the positional relationship, defining the spot color combination, and outputting conversion tables for basic and special colors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the user manually specifies the positional relationship between basic-color toners and special-color toner, then the spot color can be controlled, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespot color accuracyVSAvoidtime for manual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus automatically obtains the positional relationship information between basic-color toners and special-color toner from the image forming apparatus, and autonomously generates appropriate conversion tables without requiring manual user specification. This self-service mechanism eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining spot color accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary acquisition of positional relationship information and pre-generation of conversion tables before actual image formation. By preparing the conversion tables in advance based on the obtained positional relationship, the system avoids time-consuming manual adjustments during the imaging process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the positional relationship between toners is changed in the image forming apparatus, then the apparatus becomes more flexible, but the spot color output becomes inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional relationship flexibilityVSAvoidspot color accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus obtains feedback information about the actual positional relationship between basic-color toners and special-color toner from the image forming apparatus. Based on this feedback, the system automatically generates appropriate conversion tables that compensate for the positional relationship, thereby maintaining spot color accuracy regardless of the apparatus's flexibility in toner arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the conversion tables based on the obtained positional relationship information. By adjusting the conversion table parameters according to the actual toner positions, the system maintains spot color accuracy even when the positional relationship between toners varies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the user checks and specifies the arrangement positions of image forming units, then the spot color accuracy is maintained, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoner alignment accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing apparatus automatically obtains positional relationship information and generates conversion tables without requiring the user to manually check or specify arrangement positions of image forming units. This automation maintains toner alignment accuracy while significantly simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that automatically acquires positional relationship information between toners and generates appropriate conversion tables. This intermediary process eliminates the need for direct user intervention in checking and specifying arrangement positions, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11108933B2Color conversion apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A color conversion apparatus includes an obtaining unit, a defining unit, and an output unit. The obtaining unit obtains information indicating a positional relationship between basic-color toners of basic colors and a special-color toner of a special color among special-color toners of special colors regarding vertical layering on an image formed in an image forming apparatus using the basic-color toners and the special-color toner. The defining unit defines a spot color by a combination of the basic colors and the special color. The output unit outputs, in accordance with the positional relationship indicated by the information, basic-color conversion tables used to convert the spot color to the basic colors that are included in the combination and a special-color conversion table used to convert the spot color to the special color that is included in the combination.