Image Processing Device Directional Color Profile Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers using bidirectional scanning face limitations in the range of colors that can be printed due to differences in ink color overlap orders during outgoing and return scans, resulting in restricted color gamut.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that communicates with a printer, utilizing a first and second scanner to perform main and sub scans, and employs distinct color conversion profiles for each scanning direction to generate partial print data, allowing for the selection and conversion of input color values to output color values within specific ink color ranges, thereby expanding the printable color range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single conversion table is used for both outgoing and return scans, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to color tone differences between scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conversion table into direction-specific segments (outgoing scan conversion table and return scan conversion table). Each conversion table is optimized for its specific scanning direction, allowing precise color control for each direction while maintaining manageable complexity through organized segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different conversion characteristics to different scanning directions. The outgoing scan conversion table and return scan conversion table have different conversion rules tailored to their respective directions, ensuring optimal color reproduction for each local condition (scanning direction) rather than using a uniform approach.
2Manufacturing precision
If direction-specific conversion tables are used to maintain color consistency, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the range of printable colors is limited to the intersection of both scan directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects which conversion table to use based on the current scanning direction. The system adapts its color conversion behavior in real-time according to whether the printer is performing an outgoing or return scan, allowing each direction to utilize its optimized conversion table without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the conversion parameters based on scanning direction. By switching between different conversion tables with different parameter sets (outgoing vs. return scan tables), the system optimizes color conversion for each direction while expanding the overall printable color range to include colors that may not be achievable with a single constrained conversion table.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the printable color range is expanded beyond the intersection of both scan directions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to color differences between outgoing and return scans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color conversion process into direction-specific conversion tables, allowing each table to be optimized for its specific scanning direction. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both broad color range and high precision by treating each direction's color requirements independently rather than constraining both to a common subset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of conversion tables based on scanning direction. This dynamic approach allows the system to utilize the full color capabilities of each direction while maintaining consistency within each direction, resolving the contradiction between expanded color range and color consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image processing device, a controller is configured to perform: selecting; generating; and outputting. The selecting selects a target partial image one by one from a plurality of partial images. The target partial image is represented by target partial image data. The generating generates partial print data for a partial print by executing an image process on the target partial image data. The partial print forms the target partial image while moving a print head in a printing direction. The partial print forms the target partial image while moving a print head in a printing direction. The image process includes a color conversion process. The color conversion process is executed on the target partial image data using one of a first profile and a second profile selected in accordance with the printing direction set for the partial print. The outputting outputs the partial print data to the printer.