Dynamic Color Patch Ordering for Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In color validation processes for image forming apparatuses, significant paper waste and toner/ink usage occur due to the need for repeated printing of thousands of color patches to ensure color reproducibility, especially in high-end printers.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a sensing device and processor that reads color validation charts, determines the order of color patches to be printed based on their accuracy compared to target colors, prioritizing patches that do not match the target color, thereby optimizing the printing process to minimize waste and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thousands of color patches are printed repeatedly in validation process, then color reproducibility is ensured, but paper waste and toner/ink consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The validation chart is divided into multiple color patches, and the system selectively reprints only the specific patches that failed validation rather than reprinting the entire chart. This segmentation allows targeted correction of color accuracy issues while minimizing waste of paper and toner/ink resources.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reprinting all color patches in the validation chart, the system performs partial action by reprinting only the necessary subset of patches that did not meet color accuracy requirements. This reduces the excessive consumption of materials while still ensuring overall color reproducibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If validation process is repeated with short interval, then color accuracy is improved, but time consumption and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of validation results to identify which specific color patches failed before initiating reprints. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare a targeted reprint list, reducing unnecessary reprinting cycles and improving validation efficiency while maintaining color accuracy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from validation results to dynamically adjust the reprint strategy. By analyzing which patches failed and why, the system can optimize subsequent reprint operations, reducing the number of validation cycles needed and improving overall productivity while ensuring color accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, a method, and a computer readable medium are disclosed for generating color patches for color validation of a print engine of an image forming apparatus. The method includes acquiring a validation result on a first color validation chart with a sensing device, the sensing device configured to read a color validation chart, the color validation chart having one or more color patches, and wherein the validation result compares a color accuracy of each of the one or more color patches from the first color validation chart to a target color; and determining an order of each of the color patches in a second color validation chart to be printed based on the validation result on the first color validation chart, wherein the order of the color patches in the second color validation chart is determined based on color patches that do not match the target color.