Colorimetric Region Selection for Image Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining colorimetric accuracy due to reflection phenomena, which affect the setting of appropriate image forming conditions, leading to potential blurring of detected color values and deterioration in image quality.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a setting unit that allows for the selection and designation of colorimetric regions based on image data, either automatically or manually, to transmit print jobs with colorimetric region information, thereby minimizing the impact of reflection on color accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor irradiates the recording material with light to detect color values, then colorimetric measurement can be performed, but reflection from surrounding areas causes color blurring and accuracy deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement area into a specific colorimetric region of interest and excludes surrounding areas. By segmenting the measurement zone and using a mask to define boundaries, the system measures color values only from the designated region, preventing reflection from surrounding areas from contaminating the measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions: the colorimetric region uses high-precision colorimetric patches with specific reflectance characteristics, while surrounding areas are excluded from measurement. This local differentiation ensures that only the target region contributes to the color measurement, eliminating reflection interference from other areas.
2Reliability
If image stabilization control is performed using test images on photoconductors or intermediate transfer belts, then density can be stabilized, but the quality of the final image on recording material cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image stabilization control by forming test images on photoconductors or intermediate transfer belts and measuring their density. This preliminary action allows the system to adjust image forming conditions before final printing, ensuring density stability is achieved in advance of producing the final output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where density measurements from test images are used to automatically adjust image forming conditions. The system measures the density of test images, compares it to target values, and modifies subsequent printing parameters to achieve the desired density, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures consistent quality.
3Productivity
If automatic colorimetric region selection is performed based on selection criteria, then measurement efficiency is improved, but user control over specific measurement areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the colorimetric region selection dynamic by allowing the system to switch between automatic selection based on image analysis and manual user designation. The selection method adapts to user needs: automatic mode speeds up the process for standard cases, while manual mode provides precise control when users need to measure specific custom regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal colorimetric region selection system that can perform multiple functions: automatic region detection based on image characteristics, manual user-defined region selection, and adaptation to different measurement scenarios. This multi-functional approach ensures the system can handle both efficiency-critical and precision-critical measurement tasks.
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 enables the suppression of colorimetric accuracy deterioration by allowing for precise selection or designation of colorimetric regions, ensuring accurate image forming conditions and improved image quality by reducing the influence of reflection.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor for measuring a color value of an image formed on the recording material irradiates the recording material with light and detects a color in a colorimetric region based on the resultant reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a setting unit configured to set one or more colorimetric regions in an image to be formed based on image data; and a transmission unit configured to transmit a print job to an image forming apparatus, the print job including the image data and colorimetric region information indicating the one or more colorimetric regions. The setting unit has a first mode under which the setting unit selects, based on a selection criterion, a colorimetric region in the image to be formed based on the image data, and a second mode under which a user designates the colorimetric region.