Color Patch Generation Apparatus for Efficient RGB and Lab Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of color measurement in image forming apparatuses is cumbersome due to the need for frequent color shift checks using a colorimeter, which can be automated by converting RGB values to Lab values using in-line sensors, but this requires multiple sheets of paper for accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A color patch generation apparatus that prints color patches for RGB and Lab value acquisition on the same sheet of paper, with the patch size for Lab value acquisition being smaller to reduce the number of sheets needed for measurement, leveraging the minimal cavity effect influence during RGB value acquisition by an in-line sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color patches for Lab value acquisition are printed with the same size as RGB patches on multiple sheets, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the number of paper sheets and measurement steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension by printing smaller Lab patches in the marginal regions of the same sheet that contains larger RGB patches. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple measurement types to coexist on one sheet without interfering with each other's accuracy, thus reducing the number of sheets needed while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement function by separating RGB and Lab patch locations on the same sheet - RGB patches occupy central regions while Lab patches are placed in marginal regions. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of both color space values from a single sheet, reducing measurement steps without compromising accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If color patches for Lab value acquisition are printed with smaller size, then the number of paper sheets is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different patch sizes suited to different measurement requirements: larger RGB patches in central regions for robust RGB value acquisition, and smaller Lab patches in marginal regions for sufficient Lab value acquisition. Each region's patch size is optimized for its specific measurement purpose, allowing sheet reduction while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If manual color measurement is performed using a colorimeter, then accurate Lab values are obtained, but the process is troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the image forming apparatus multi-functional by enabling it to perform both RGB measurement (via in-line sensor) and Lab value acquisition (via colorimeter reading of smaller patches) using the same printed sheet. This eliminates the need for separate manual measurement processes while maintaining Lab value accuracy, significantly improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If multiple sheets are used for separate RGB and Lab measurements, then each measurement type has sufficient data, but the total number of sheets and processing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RGB and Lab measurement functions into a single integrated process by printing both types of patches on the same sheet. The in-line sensor reads RGB values from central patches while the colorimeter reads Lab values from marginal patches, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both data types from one sheet, thus reducing process complexity while maintaining data sufficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A color patch generation apparatus includes a printing unit that prints color patches for first color space acquisition in a certain region of a plurality of sheets of paper by a certain number of patches and in a certain patch size, and prints color patches for second color space acquisition in a region different from the certain region of at least one of the plurality of sheets of paper by a certain number of patches and in a patch size smaller than the certain patch size.