Color Verification Estimation Using Virtual Printer Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional color verification methods require repeated output and measurement of color charts, leading to wasteful use of materials and excessive processes, especially when color reproduction accuracy is not met after color calibration, necessitating multiple iterations of color verification and calibration.

Innovation Solution

A method that estimates color verification results by calculating multiple sets of color values considering printer gamut changes, creating corresponding printer profiles, and comparing theoretical color values to determine color reproduction accuracy without actual chart output, allowing for informed decision-making on necessary color verification and calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If repeated color calibration and verification are performed to ensure color reproduction accuracy, then color reproduction accuracy is improved, but material waste and process redundancy increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor reproduction accuracyVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of color verification results by calculating theoretical color values using printer profiles before actual color chart output. This preliminary action predicts whether color verification will pass or fail, allowing users to avoid unnecessary repeated calibration cycles and material consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the color verification process by calculating theoretical color values through color space conversion (CMYK to Lab) and comparing them with reference values. This virtual copy eliminates the need for physical color chart output and measurement in many cases, reducing material waste while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If repeated color calibration and verification are performed to ensure color reproduction accuracy, then color reproduction accuracy is improved, but process redundancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor reproduction accuracyVSAvoidprocess redundancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of color verification results before actual verification. By calculating theoretical color values and comparing them with reference values, the system predicts verification outcomes in advance, eliminating the need for repeated actual verification cycles and reducing process redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback on estimated color verification results to users, indicating whether color verification is expected to pass or fail. This feedback mechanism allows users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with actual verification or adjust printer settings first, reducing unnecessary repeated processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If actual color chart output and measurement are performed repeatedly, then color verification accuracy is improved, but material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor verification accuracyVSAvoidmaterial consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the color verification process by calculating theoretical color values through color space conversion. Instead of repeatedly outputting physical color charts and measuring them, the system performs calculations using existing printer profiles and compares theoretical results with reference values, maintaining verification accuracy while eliminating material consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of physical color chart output and measurement with computational methods. By using color space conversion (CMYK to Lab) and theoretical calculations, the system substitutes physical measurement with digital computation, reducing material consumption while maintaining verification precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9684856B2Method, control device and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program for estimating color verification result

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A control device estimates a color verification result by using the following method. The method includes obtaining a first set of color values by using measurements of a color chart printed by a printer without color management; calculating second and third sets of color values based on increased color gamut and reduced color gamut of the printer due to a conditional change of the printer; creating a first to third printer-profiles by using the first to third sets of color values; calculating theoretical reference values of target color values and first to third theoretical color values by using the first to third printer-profiles; calculating first to third color differences by using the theoretical reference values and the first to third theoretical color values; obtaining an estimated result of the color verification by comparing the first to third color differences with a preset standard value; and outputting the estimated result.