Composite Profile Generation for Inkjet Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a technique to print images with sufficient quality using multiple profiles when working with different types of color materials, particularly in printers that use various ink combinations such as CMY and CMYK, while also optimizing ink consumption based on remaining ink amounts.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires and generates profiles to map input values to output values, determining boundaries for a composite profile that uses both CMY and CMYK profiles to ensure image quality and reduce ink consumption by adjusting the composite start and end luminance based on remaining ink amounts, allowing for efficient color conversion and print data generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single profile is used for printing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality and adaptability to different ink combinations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing system into multiple profiles (first profile for CMY inks, second profile for CMYK inks) that can be selected based on the specific ink combination being used. This segmentation allows each profile to be optimized for its specific ink type while maintaining overall system simplicity through automated profile selection based on ink remaining amounts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple profiles are synthesized to optimize ink consumption, then the adaptability to different ink combinations is improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic profile selection and synthesis based on real-time ink remaining amounts. The system automatically determines which profile to use or how to synthesize profiles based on the current ink state, making the system adaptable to different ink combinations without requiring manual intervention or complex fixed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of profile composition based on ink remaining amounts. When certain inks are low on remaining amount, the system adjusts the profile synthesis parameters to prioritize those inks, thereby optimizing ink consumption while maintaining image quality. This parameter-based adaptation simplifies the complexity by using a clear decision criterion.
3Manufacturing precision
If profile boundaries are set to ensure smooth color transitions, then the image quality is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of boundary luminance values when generating the first and second profiles. By pre-calculating the boundary luminance that ensures smooth color transitions between different ink combinations, the system avoids complex real-time calculations during printing, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining color transition quality.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image processing apparatus, a processor acquires first and second profiles. The processor generates a third profile. The processor acquires a first boundary defining a first boundary value. The processor determines a second boundary by using first and second boundary output values. The second boundary defines a second boundary value. The first boundary output value is determined from output values in the first profile on the basis of the first boundary. The second boundary output value is determined from output values in the second profile on the basis of the first boundary. The first and second boundary values define first, second, and third ranges. The third profile maps a specific input value in the second range to an output value by using a value to which the first profile maps the specific input value and a value to which the second profile maps the specific input value.