Colorant Control Device Using Offset Correlations for Linear Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The non-linear relationship between optically measured scan values and colorant usage amounts in printing devices makes it difficult to calibrate the usage amount of colorants effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a processor and memory that acquires measured scan values, sets a measured offset amount using predetermined correlations, and determines a control value for adjusting the colorant ejection during printing, using a reference value to account for differences in scan values and offset amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color patches are printed and measured to calibrate colorant usage amounts, then calibration can be performed, but the non-linear relationship between scan values and colorant usage makes accurate calibration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the non-linear relationship between scan values and colorant usage amounts into a linear relationship by introducing offset amounts. Instead of directly using the non-linear scan value to colorant mapping, the system converts scan values into offset amounts through predetermined correlations, creating a linear relationship that simplifies calibration calculations and improves accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset amount serves as an intermediary parameter between the scan value and the colorant usage amount. The calibration process uses the relationship between scan values and offset amounts (which is linear) to determine control values for colorant ejection, rather than directly using the non-linear relationship between scan values and colorant usage.
2Manufacturing precision
If non-linear relationships between scan values and colorant usage are used for calibration, then direct measurement is possible, but control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from direct scan values to offset amounts. By defining offset amounts as the difference between measured scan values and reference scan values, the system transforms the non-linear relationship into a linear one, enabling precise control of colorant ejection amounts while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise control of colorant usage, improving the calibration process and ensuring accurate ink ejection amounts, even with non-linear relationships between scan values and colorant usage.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a measured scan value, the measured scan value being acquired by measuring optically a scan target image printed on a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A control device performs: acquiring an optical measured scan value; setting a measured offset using the measured scan value by reference to predetermined correlations; and determining a control value using the measured offset amount. The control value is used for controlling an amount of colorant to be ejected during printing. In the predetermined correlations, a first pair of scan values is associated with a first pair of offsets. A second pair of scan values is associated with a second pair of offsets. The first and second pair has a first and second scan difference between the scan values, respectively. The first and second pair of offsets has a first and second offset difference between the offsets, respectively. The first scan difference is different from the second scan difference. The first offset difference is same as the second offset difference.