ICC Profile Color Degradation Detection via Standard Deviation Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ICC profiles used in 1-step color conversion processes for color printing devices often result in low precision outputs due to sensitivity to colorant discontinuity, which can lead to inaccurate color reproduction.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to check ICC profile characteristics by accessing a look-up table, identifying locations on a plane, collecting data points, determining difference values, and calculating standard deviations to detect potential color degradation, thereby predicting and preventing low precision color conversion results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If 1-step color conversion is used for production printing operations, then conversion performance is improved, but color accuracy deteriorates due to sensitivity to colorant discontinuity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor conversion performanceVSAvoidcolor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary checking of ICC profile characteristics before color conversion operations. By analyzing the look-up table data and calculating standard deviations of colorant progressions in advance, the system identifies potential color discontinuities before they affect production printing, allowing preventive measures to be taken while maintaining efficient 1-step conversion processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If ICC profiles with colorant discontinuity are used, then color conversion speed is maintained, but color reproduction accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor conversion speedVSAvoidcolor reproduction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results of ICC profile analysis (standard deviation calculations) are used to determine whether 1-step or 2-step color conversion should be employed. This feedback loop ensures that speed is maintained when profiles are good, while accuracy is preserved when profiles show discontinuities, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If standard ICC profiles are used without checking, then processing time is reduced, but color degradation detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile processing timeVSAvoidcolor degradation detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing ICC profile analysis selectively rather than on every profile. The system checks standard deviations at specific locations (neutral point and quadrant centers) and only triggers warnings or alternative processing when thresholds are exceeded, balancing the need for detection capability with minimal processing time overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11265445B1Methods and system for checking ICC profile characteristics

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Color conversion attempt to reproduce an input CMYK combination on a print media using an output CMYK combination. In a 2-step process, ICC profiles are used for the color conversion. In some instances, a 1-step process may be used that avoids the use of the ICC profiles and provides a faster processing time. A color progression checker determines whether the 1-step process may be used for color conversions based on standard deviations of the colorants along paths within a three-dimensional look-up table for a destination ICC profile. If a certain number of standard deviations exceed 20%, then the 1-step process for color conversion may not be effective.