Image Processing Conversion Tables for CMY-to-K Color Balance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses struggle with color balance adjustment, as they rely on a single color correction table that replaces CMY values with K at a high rate, making it difficult to reflect user-intended color balance adjustments and leading to unsatisfactory color shades in output images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes two conversion tables: a first table for normal processing and a second table for color balance adjustment, allowing the processor to switch between them based on user input, facilitating flexible color balance adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a single color correction table is used to replace CMY values with K at a high rate, then CMY toner consumption is suppressed, but color balance adjustment cannot be easily reflected in the output image data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single color correction table into two separate conversion tables: a first conversion table for normal image formation with high CMY-to-K replacement rate, and a second conversion table for color balance adjustment with lower CMY-to-K replacement rate. This segmentation allows independent optimization of toner consumption and color adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between the first and second conversion tables based on user input through the operation acceptor. When color balance adjustment is requested, the system switches to the second conversion table; otherwise, it uses the first conversion table. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing different conversion characteristics based on operational needs.
2Quantity of substance
If CMY values are replaced with K value at a high rate, then toner consumption is reduced, but the color balance adjustment intended by the user is not easily reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates two distinct conversion tables with different CMY-to-K replacement rates. The first conversion table maintains high replacement rate for normal operation, while the second conversion table uses lower replacement rate to preserve color balance adjustment accuracy. This segmentation enables both low toner consumption and accurate color adjustment under different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conversion parameters (CMY-to-K replacement rate) based on the operational mode. By switching between two conversion tables with different parameter settings, the system achieves both high toner efficiency and accurate color balance adjustment when needed.
3Device complexity
If a single conversion table is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform both toner conservation and color balance adjustment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conversion functionality into two separate tables managed by a single processing unit. While this increases data structure complexity slightly, it maintains operational simplicity through automated switching based on user input, achieving both versatility and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal image processing apparatus that can perform both toner conservation and color balance adjustment functions by switching between two conversion tables. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single device without requiring separate processing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes one or more processors, an operation acceptor, and a memory. The memory stores a first conversion table and a second conversion table for converting input image data including a first color value into output image data including black and a second color value. The one or more processors perform conversion based on the first conversion table when no instruction for color balance adjustment is input from the operation acceptor. The one or more processors perform conversion based on the second conversion table when an instruction for color balance adjustment is input from the operation acceptor.