Color Processing System for Automated Ink Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color matching techniques in printing face challenges in accurately measuring and adjusting colors, especially for images with shading or patterns, due to reliance on subjective operator judgment and difficulties in automating ink fountain control, leading to inconsistent color reproduction across different printing environments and devices.
Innovation Solution
A color information processing method and system that performs image matching between reference and evaluation media by setting specific areas for color comparison, calculating color differences, and adjusting ink supply based on averaged evaluation results, using spectral values or other color measurement data to ensure accurate color matching without operator subjectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spot area color measurement is performed at a single point, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to position shifts and inability to capture image color variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement target into multiple pixel groups across different areas of the image rather than measuring a single point. Each pixel group captures color information from a specific region, and the measurement results from all areas are integrated to provide comprehensive color assessment that accounts for variations across the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional spot measurement to two-dimensional area measurement by evaluating multiple pixel groups across different spatial locations. This dimensional expansion allows capture of color variations across the image while maintaining systematic measurement approach.
2Ease of manufacture
If visual color comparison by operator is performed, then color matching can be performed without complex equipment, but reliability deteriorates due to subjective judgment and operator differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual system with an automated image processing system that uses digital cameras or scanners to capture color information. The system processes images through coordinate transformation and pixel group analysis algorithms, eliminating subjective operator judgment while maintaining ease of implementation through standard imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated feedback by calculating color differences between reference and evaluation images, enabling objective assessment without requiring operator interpretation. The quantitative analysis of pixel group color values creates a reproducible measurement system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If control strip measurement is performed instead of image measurement, then measurement stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as it cannot evaluate actual image color reproduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a measurement system that serves multiple functions: it can evaluate both solid color areas and complex images with the same pixel group analysis methodology. The system adapts to different image types (photographs, graphics, text) while maintaining consistent color assessment principles, making it universally applicable to various printing quality evaluation scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
A color information processing method includes: inputting reference data including color information about each pixel or each pixel group of a reference medium and evaluation target data including color information about each pixel or each pixel group of an evaluation medium by an input means; performing an image matching process of image matching the input reference data and evaluation target data by an image processing means such that pixel levels thereof correspond to each other; setting a specific area which is a unit of evaluation and includes a plurality of pixels to each data item subjected to the image matching process by an area setting means; and comparing the color information items about each pixel or each pixel group in the reference data and the evaluation target data in the set specific area to calculate a color difference and performing an averaging process to calculate an average evaluation result for the specific area by a calculation means.