Image Processing Apparatus Fluorescent Ink Overflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of recording apparatuses face challenges in adjusting ink application amounts for secondary color images, as existing conversion tables restrict ink ratios, leading to potential ink overflow and changes in tint quality.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with an acquisition unit for color signals, a determination unit to assess total ink application values, and a reduction unit that prioritizes reducing the fluorescent ink application amount to prevent overflow and maintain tint quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the total value of ink application amounts is restricted to prevent overflow, then ink overflow is prevented, but the tint quality changes drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different reduction strategies to different ink types based on their local characteristics. Fluorescent inks are reduced preferentially over basic color inks when the total ink application amount exceeds the threshold, because fluorescent inks have different properties and can be reduced with less impact on overall tint quality. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by treating each ink type according to its specific characteristics rather than uniformly reducing all inks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ink application amount dynamically based on the total value calculation. When the total ink application amount exceeds the predetermined threshold, the system adjusts the ink application amounts by reducing fluorescent inks first, then basic color inks if necessary. This parameter adjustment maintains the tint quality within acceptable ranges while preventing ink overflow.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ink ratio is adjusted to meet user demands for secondary color images, then color accuracy is improved, but ink overflow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the total ink application amount before actual ink application. By calculating the sum of all ink application amounts (including fluorescent and basic color inks) in advance, the system can determine whether the total exceeds the predetermined threshold before ink is applied, allowing preventive reduction of fluorescent inks to avoid overflow while maintaining desired color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the total ink application amount is calculated and compared against a predetermined threshold. When the total exceeds the threshold, the system provides feedback by reducing the fluorescent ink application amount, and recalculates to ensure the new total is within acceptable limits. This feedback loop maintains both color accuracy and prevents ink overflow.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluorescent ink application amount is reduced preferentially, then tint quality is maintained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ink types into two categories: fluorescent inks and basic color inks. This segmentation allows the system to apply different reduction strategies to each category. By identifying and separating fluorescent inks, the system can preferentially reduce them when the total ink application amount exceeds the threshold, maintaining tint quality with a relatively simple segmented approach rather than complex uniform processing.
Data Source
AI summary
When an image is recorded using an ink of a basic color and an ink of a specific color, if an amount of ink applied to a recording medium exceeds an amount receivable by the recording medium, the ink overflows and image quality deteriorates. At this time, ink overflowing can be prevented by reducing an application amount of ink, but color balance may vary. By preferentially reducing an application amount of the ink of the specific color among inks of a plurality of colors that are to be applied to a recording medium, a change in the color balance is suppressed and the ink overflowing is prevented.