Color Evaluation System Automates Color Space Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing color management systems are inefficient in identifying and judging the type of input color space characteristics, making it time-consuming for operators to determine the correct judgment conditions for color reproducibility in print evaluations.

Innovation Solution

A print color evaluating system that includes an image processor generating print data with evaluation and identification color patches, a colorimeter for measuring colorimetric values, and a color evaluating apparatus that identifies the input color space characteristics and acquires judgment conditions based on these values, enabling automated judgment of color reproducibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operators manually identify the type of input color space characteristics by visually recognizing identification information, then the system can accurately determine judgment conditions, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of identifying input color space characteristicsVSAvoidtime required for manual identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the identification color patch to automatically identify the input color space characteristics type without requiring manual intervention. The colorimeter measures the identification color patch, and the color evaluating apparatus automatically determines the color space type and retrieves corresponding judgment conditions, making the system self-identifying and eliminating manual operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual visual recognition mechanism with an automated colorimetric measurement system. Instead of operators visually identifying color space types from identification information on prints, the system uses a colorimeter to measure the identification color patch and automatically determines the color space characteristics through computational processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different standards are applied for color reproducibility judgment, then judgment conditions can be adapted to various print types, but the complexity of selecting and applying the correct standard increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply different color judgment standardsVSAvoidcomplexity of selecting and applying judgment conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-stores multiple sets of judgment conditions corresponding to different input color space characteristics types in the color evaluating apparatus. Before actual color reproduction judgment, the system automatically identifies the color space type using the identification color patch and retrieves the pre-configured judgment conditions, eliminating the need for operators to manually select and configure appropriate standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The color evaluating apparatus automatically adapts to different color standards by self-identifying the input color space characteristics type and autonomously selecting the corresponding judgment conditions. This self-adaptive mechanism removes the complexity of manual standard selection while maintaining versatility across different printing standards and requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly increases the efficiency of judging color reproducibility by automatically acquiring judgment conditions from colorimetric values, allowing for quicker and more accurate assessments of print color quality.

Implementation Method 1

a colorimeter that colorimetrically measures the print produced by the printing apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColorimetric measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS9122962B2Color evaluation system, method and storage medium for evaluating color reproducibility and measure patches having identification and color space characteristics

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

Print data are generated so as to include an evaluation patch group, which has at least one evaluation color patch, the color of which was determined depending on the type of input color space characteristics used in a color conversion process on content data representing print content, and an identification color patch having a color inherent to the type of input color space characteristics. The type of input color space characteristics is identified based on a colorimetric value of the identification color patch on a print. Judgment conditions for color reproducibility are acquired depending on the type of input color space characteristics.