Dynamic Color Conversion for Print Job Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing systems face challenges in achieving optimal color reproduction for both natural images and computer graphics due to limitations in color matching formulas and processing methods, leading to issues with image quality, especially when handling transparent graphics and gradations.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that dynamically select color conversion processing based on the type of print job, using a rendering color space for transparent objects and device color space for gradations, allowing for separate processing of alpha blend and gradation objects to enhance image quality and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single color conversion processing method is used for all print jobs, then the processing system is simple, but the image quality for different object types (transparent objects vs. gradation objects) cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the color conversion processing into two distinct paths: one for transparent objects using rendering color space and another for gradation objects using device color space. This segmentation allows each object type to receive optimized processing tailored to its characteristics, improving overall image quality without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic selection of color conversion processing based on the object type. The system automatically determines whether to apply rendering color space or device color space conversion by detecting object characteristics (transparency vs. gradation), enabling adaptive optimization of image quality for different content types within a unified processing framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If color conversion is performed on rendering color space for transparent objects, then color reproduction accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reproduction accuracyVSAvoidcolor conversion processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different color conversion methods to different object types based on their local characteristics. Transparent objects receive rendering color space conversion while gradation objects receive device color space conversion. This localized approach ensures each object type gets the most appropriate processing for its specific requirements, improving color reproduction accuracy without uniformly increasing complexity across all processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If quantization error correction is applied to gradation objects, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegradation image qualityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs quantization error correction as a preliminary step before final color conversion for gradation objects. By detecting and correcting quantization errors early in the processing pipeline, the system prevents error propagation to subsequent processing stages, improving final image quality while minimizing the impact on overall processing time through efficient error detection algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1814309B1Information processing method, information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 CANON KK
  • EP1814309B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1814309B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1814309B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of an input print job is discriminated, and color conversion processing is applied to the object of the print job based on the discrimination result and information which is set in correspondence with the print job and is used to designate color conversion processing. When the object is a transparent object, the color conversion processing is executed on a rendering color space, and when the object is a gradation object, the color conversion processing is executed on a device color space.