Colorimetry Device Patch Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing colorimetric devices face challenges in accurately positioning measurement units over small, densely packed color patches on color charts, especially due to chart abnormalities and paper expansion, leading to inconsistent colorimetry results.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetric device equipped with a moving unit, imaging unit, and processing units that utilize chart definition information to correct patch positions, supplement or delete patch positions as needed, and align the colorimetric unit with precise patch locations for accurate color measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of patches in the color chart increases to provide more color samples for printing device adjustment, then the color adjustment capability improves, but the patch size decreases and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the color chart into individual patch regions using image processing to detect patch boundaries and centers. By dividing the overall color chart into discrete patch segments, the system can accurately identify and measure each patch position independently, maintaining positioning accuracy even when the total number of patches increases
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the color chart image and processes this copy to detect patch positions. By working with the image copy rather than directly manipulating the physical chart, the system can accurately determine patch centers through image analysis algorithms, enabling precise positioning of the measurement unit over each patch
2Device complexity
If manual positioning of the measurement unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the colorimetry accuracy deteriorates due to inability to accurately position over small patches
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated image-based positioning system. The imaging unit captures the color chart image, and processing units automatically calculate patch centers and control the measurement unit movement. This substitution of manual operation with automated optical-mechanical systems achieves high positioning accuracy while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting patch positions from the captured image and autonomously moving the measurement unit to each patch center. The system serves itself by integrating image processing, position calculation, and movement control into an automated sequence, eliminating the need for manual positioning operations
3Productivity
If automatic patch position detection is used, then the colorimetry speed improves, but the reliability deteriorates when chart abnormalities such as fouling or damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected patch positions and image quality are continuously monitored. When abnormalities such as fouling or damage are detected in the captured image, the system can identify these issues and adjust its detection algorithm or alert the user, maintaining reliable operation even when chart conditions are not ideal
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential chart abnormalities by having robust image processing algorithms that can handle various chart conditions. The processing units are designed to accommodate variations in chart quality, providing cushioning against the negative effects of fouling or damage before they can compromise the entire measurement process
4Speed
If chart definition information is used to determine patch positions, then the positioning speed improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates when paper expansion or contraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing an image of the actual color chart position before proceeding with measurements. This initial image capture establishes the real-world positions of patches, accounting for any paper expansion or contraction that has already occurred. Subsequent measurements are based on this actual position data rather than theoretical positions from definition information
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to paper expansion or contraction by changing the position parameters based on actual image measurement rather than using fixed parameters from chart definition information. The processing units calculate patch centers from the captured image, automatically adjusting position parameters to match the actual physical state of the chart, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite dimensional changes
Data Source
AI summary
In a colorimetric device and a colorimetric method according to the present invention, chart definition information including at least patch position definition information representing each position of a plurality of patches in a color chart is stored, patch position measurement information representing the position of the patch is obtained on the basis of an image of the color chart, patch position correction information is obtained by correcting the patch position measurement information on the basis of the chart definition information, and then, each color of the plurality of patches is measured in each of the positions of the plurality of patches represented by the patch position correction information.