Color Correction Unit for Image Forming Device Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming devices struggle to accurately reproduce colors when simulating the output of another device, due to differences in hardware, aging, and color conversion parameters, leading to inconsistencies in color representation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming device with a reading unit, a color correction unit, and a discrimination unit that reads and compares images from both the device and a target device, calculates color differences, and incorporates correction parameters to align color reproduction, using a multifunction device with image processing and user interface capabilities to simulate the target device's color output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color conversion parameters are adjusted to simulate target device output, then color reproduction accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to additional correction processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing color conversion parameters and correction data in advance. The control unit stores correction parameters obtained through comparison of read images in a storage unit, allowing rapid color correction without complex real-time calculations, thus reducing processing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual replica of the target device's color characteristics through the simulation function. The control unit generates corrected image data by copying and adapting the target device's color conversion parameters to the current device, enabling accurate color reproduction without physically modifying the target device.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are read and compared to calculate color differences, then color correction accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image comparison and color difference calculation in advance during a simulation function execution. The control unit stores the resulting correction parameters for future use, avoiding time-consuming real-time comparisons when actual color correction is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the comparison results of read images to generate correction parameters that feed back into the color conversion process. The control unit uses the calculated color differences to adjust and optimize subsequent image processing, creating a closed-loop system that improves accuracy efficiently.
3Stability of the object's composition
If color correction parameters are stored and applied, then color consistency across devices improves, but device complexity increases due to parameter management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital copy of color correction parameters in a storage unit. The control unit stores correction parameters as data structures that can be retrieved and applied consistently, simplifying parameter management through standardized data formats while maintaining color consistency across different devices and operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium in response to an input of image data representing the image, a reading unit that reads a first image formed by the image forming device, and a second image formed by another image forming device to respectively generate a first read image and a second read image, the first image and the second image being formed based on identical image data, a discrimination unit that discriminates the first read image and the second read image from each other, and a color correction unit that performs, on the image formed by the image forming unit, a color correction that cancels out a difference in color between the first read image and the second read image.