Colorant Splitting Curve Interpolation for Ink Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colorant splitting methods in CMYK to CMYKcm colorant spaces do not effectively improve image quality by reducing graininess and optimizing ink usage in printing devices.
Innovation Solution
A colorant splitting method that interpolates multiple colorant splitting curve sets to create a new curve set, allowing for better control of graininess and ink consumption by calculating equivalent coverage and adjusting weights based on contrast, thereby optimizing tone value conversions for constituent colorants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single colorant splitting curve set is used to convert base colorants to constituent colorants, then the conversion process is simple, but image quality deteriorates with increased graininess and suboptimal ink usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the colorant splitting process into multiple curve sets (first colorant splitting curve set and second colorant splitting curve set) instead of using a single curve set. Each curve set is responsible for different tone value ranges, allowing optimized control over graininess and ink usage for different portions of the tonal range while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection and interpolation between different colorant splitting curve sets based on tone value ranges. The system automatically transitions between curve sets and interpolates between them to adapt to different tone values, providing dynamic optimization of image quality and ink usage without requiring manual intervention or complex fixed configurations
2Loss of substance
If multiple colorant splitting curve sets are used to improve image quality and ink usage, then graininess is reduced and ink consumption is optimized, but the conversion process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tone value range determination to selectively apply different colorant splitting curve sets based on the specific tone value being processed. This dynamic approach ensures that the most efficient curve set is used for each tone value, minimizing ink consumption while avoiding the need to maintain and process all curve sets simultaneously, thus managing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of tone value range assignment to optimize ink usage. By assigning different tone value ranges to different curve sets and dynamically selecting which curve set to apply based on the current tone value, the system achieves reduced ink consumption through parameter-based selection rather than through complex structural modifications
Data Source
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AI summary
A colorant splitting method performed by a colorant splitter wherein a n-dimensional colour in a n-dimensional colorant space is converted to a tridimensional colorant space by a colorant splitting curve set and wherein the colorant splitting curve set is the result of interpolation of a set of colorant splitting curve sets to improve the image quality of reproduced content and to improve the usage of total coverage of the colorants.