Color Reproduction System Using Statistical Variance and Error Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems face difficulties in reproducing arbitrary colors, particularly out-of-gamut colors, and struggle with error analysis in two-stage workflows, leading to inconsistencies in color reproduction across different media and processes.
Innovation Solution
The system characterizes color reproduction processes by determining statistical variances and calculating error stacks, compensating for operator, instrument, and media variability, and uses gamut-mapping techniques with a database of artistic adjustments to simulate possible output colors and achieve accurate color reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional printing systems attempt to reproduce out-of-gamut colors, then color accuracy is improved, but the reproduction process becomes unreliable due to workflow limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the printing workflow before reproduction attempts. Statistical variances are determined and error stacks are calculated in advance, allowing the system to predict whether a given color can be reliably reproduced before actually attempting the reproduction process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary error analysis layer between the color reproduction process and the final output. This intermediary layer calculates error stacks that account for operator, instrument, and media variability, serving as a mediator that predicts reproduction success before the actual printing occurs
2Measurement precision
If statistical error analysis is performed across multiple color reproduction processes, then error prediction accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The error analysis is segmented into distinct components: operator variability, instrument variability, and media variability. Each component is characterized separately through individual statistical analyses, and then combined through error stacking. This segmentation allows complex error prediction to be broken down into manageable, independent analysis steps
3Ease of manufacture
If a two-stage workflow (proofing and production) is used for color reproduction, then cost efficiency is improved, but color consistency between stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by characterizing the proofing process statistically and using this characterization to predict production stage outcomes. The error stack calculation incorporates variability from both proofing and production stages, providing feedback that allows customers to assess whether their color requirements can be met before committing to the full two-stage workflow
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating reproduction of arbitrary colors in a workflow by identifying color reproduction processes in the workflow and characterizing the color reproduction processes by determining a statistical variance (e.g., as characterized by a probability density function). Systems and methods are provided for simulating possible output colors for a color reproduction process that involve identifying a desired color for reproduction and determining possible output colors for the color reproduction process based on a predetermined statistical variance. Systems and methods are provided for mapping out-of-gamut-colors for a color reproduction process are provided that involve providing an out-of-gamut color, consulting a database of characterized artistic adjustments, selecting a first adjusted color by applying an artistic adjustment from the database to the out-of gamut color, determining if the first adjusted color is out-of-gamut, and, if out-of-gamut, selecting a second adjusted color by adjusting a magnitude of the vector.