Printed Color Patch Matching for Consistent Tone Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional full-color printing methods rely on visual identification of color tones, which leads to inconsistencies among evaluators and within the same evaluator's judgments.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that automatically determines a patch matching a specific color by reading a chart with patches similar to the color, using a processor to convert the color data based on the determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual identification method is used to set desired color tone, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual identification process with an automated image processing system. The determination unit automatically compares the sample color with patch colors using digital image analysis, eliminating the need for human visual judgment. This substitution of mechanical/manual operation with an automated system resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision through objective, consistent color comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the color chart and sample through image reading, then performs color comparison on these digital representations. The determination unit reads the color chart and sample as images, converts them to color data, and performs automated comparison. This copying approach allows precise, repeatable measurement without requiring manual visual inspection, thus improving measurement precision while keeping the operation simple.
2Measurement precision
If automated determination is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single determination unit that can read color charts, read samples, convert images to color data, and perform automated color comparison. The information processing apparatus performs both printing and color determination functions. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision through automation while minimizing device complexity by consolidating capabilities rather than adding separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit automatically performs the entire color matching process without requiring external measurement devices or complex instrumentation. The system reads the printed color chart and sample, converts them to color data, and determines the best match autonomously. This self-service capability achieves high measurement precision while keeping the device relatively simple by eliminating the need for separate colorimeters or spectrophotometers.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a print unit configured to print print data including a sample of a specific color, a reading unit configured to read a chart printed by the print unit, the chart having arranged therein a patch in the specific color and a plurality of patches that are similar in color to the specific color, a determination unit configured to determine from among the plurality of patches arranged in the read chart that are similar in color to the specific color, a patch in a color that most closely matches the sample of the specific color, and a conversion unit configured to convert the specific color in the print data into the color of the determined patch based on a result of the determination made by the determination unit.