Color Management Apparatus Dual Mode Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In commercial printing, routine color management often requires extensive knowledge, leading to longer operation times and increased mistakes when performed by part-time or inexperienced printing operators.

Innovation Solution

A color management apparatus and system that include a hardware processor with two modes: a first mode for detailed color management setting through multiple steps, and a second mode that simplifies at least one step of the color management setting process, allowing for easier operation by less knowledgeable personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If detailed color management setting through multiple steps is performed, then color management accuracy is improved, but operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor management accuracyVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The color management setting process is divided into two distinct modes: a first mode for detailed multi-step color management settings and a second mode for simplified one-step settings. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate level of detail based on their needs and expertise, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive color management and operation time by providing separate pathways for each requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the complexity of the color management setting process based on the selected mode. In the second mode, the system automatically simplifies the process by performing color management settings in one step without requiring user input for each parameter, while in the first mode, full detailed settings are available. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed color management setting through multiple steps is performed, then color management accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor management accuracyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

In the second mode, the system performs color management settings automatically without requiring user input for each parameter. The hardware processor executes the simplified process autonomously, selecting and applying color management settings based on pre-configured options or automatic detection, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining functional color management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If simplified color management setting is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but color management accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidcolor management accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback mechanisms that allow users to review and adjust the automatically applied color management settings from the second mode if needed. This feedback loop ensures that even when using the simplified mode, users can verify the accuracy of color management and make adjustments if necessary, thereby maintaining color management quality while benefiting from ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If detailed color management setting through multiple steps is performed, then color management functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor management functionalityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The color management apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions through a single unified system that supports both detailed and simplified color management modes. The hardware processor can execute either the first mode with full detailed settings or the second mode with automatic simplified settings, making the device universally applicable to different user needs and expertise levels without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250077130A1Color management apparatus, color management system, and non-transitory recording medium storing computer readable color management program

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

To enable even a printing operator who lacks knowledge about colors to easily manage colors to be used by a printing apparatus. A color management apparatus includes a hardware processor, the hardware processor includes a first mode executor and a second mode executor, the first mode executor executes a first mode to perform color management setting including setting of a plurality of items regarding a color management function of a printing apparatus through a plurality of steps, and perform the color management function, and the second mode executor executes a second mode to simplify at least one step among the plurality of steps to perform the color management setting, and perform the color management function.