Color Patch Control for Accurate Image Administration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in performing accurate color administration during color printing due to the need for numerous color patches, which can lead to space constraints and incomplete color representation, resulting in inadequate color control.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that extracts color information from a target page and creates only the necessary color patches corresponding to the information required for color administration, arranging them on the page to minimize space usage while ensuring accurate color feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If numerous color patches are arranged at the end portion of printed sheets to perform feedback control for each kind of objects and color space, then color administration accuracy is improved, but the space available for color patches is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating color patches in advance during the RIP processing stage, before the actual printing occurs. The control apparatus generates color patch data based on predicted feedback requirements, allowing color patches to be prepared and positioned optimally without waiting for measurement results. This enables accurate color administration while managing space efficiently by pre-calculating which color patches are actually needed.
2Area of stationary object
If colors for color patches are limited to minimize space, then space consumption is reduced, but color patches for critical colors may be dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the inline sensor to measure color information after printing, then feeding this information back to the control apparatus. The control apparatus compares the measured color data with the target color values and adjusts subsequent color patch creation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that only necessary color patches are created while maintaining complete color administration, preventing critical color information from being dropped.
3Extent of automation
If color patches are arranged at the end portion of printed sheets, then feedback control can be performed, but the arrangement space becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from physical spatial arrangement to digital data processing. Instead of physically arranging numerous color patches at the end of printed sheets, the system creates color patches as digital data during RIP processing and only physically arranges them when necessary for feedback control. This dimensional shift from physical to digital space resolves the conflict between feedback control capability and arrangement space.
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
This approach allows for efficient color administration by reducing the number of color patches needed, enabling advanced color settings and preventing the omission of critical color information, thus ensuring accurate color reproduction.
Implementation Method 1
an inline sensor configured to measure color information of the image after the print processing section prints the image on the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a control apparatus for controlling an image forming apparatus including an inline sensor. The control apparatus includes: a data analyzing section configured to extract color information contained in an image of a target page positioned a predetermined number of pages after a certain page, where the predetermined number of pages are pages to be printed during at least a period from print processing for the certain page to measurement of color information on the printed image of the certain page; a color patch creating section configured to create a color patch corresponding to the color information contained in the image of the target page and arrange the color patch in the certain page; and a control section configured to send image data of the certain page to the image forming apparatus so as to make the image forming apparatus perform print processing and measuring color information.