Image Calibration via Density Conversion for Toner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require specific printing media for calibration, limiting flexibility and leading to issues with maintaining image quality when using different types of printing media, as calibration with an arbitrary type can result in insufficient or excessive toner application.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes conversion units to transform luminance values from pattern images formed on different printing media into corresponding density values, allowing for the creation of image processing conditions that enable calibration using one type of printing medium for another, thereby optimizing tone characteristics and controlling toner application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calibration is performed using a specific type of printing medium (first printing medium), then image quality and tone characteristic for that medium are maintained, but flexibility and ease of operation are reduced when using different printing media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a converter as an intermediary component that transforms calibration data from one printing medium type to another. The converter receives calibration information for a first printing medium and converts it to appropriate calibration data for a second printing medium, enabling cross-medium calibration without direct interaction between different media types. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable image quality through proper calibration while providing operational flexibility across different printing media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of calibration data by converting luminance values and density characteristics from one printing medium to another. The system adjusts calibration parameters (such as luminance-density conversion tables and tone curves) to match the specific characteristics of different printing media, allowing the same calibration process to work reliably across multiple media types with different physical properties.
2Ease of operation
If calibration is performed using an arbitrary type of printing medium different from the designated type, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and image quality control deteriorate due to insufficient or excessive toner application
Solution Approach 1:
The converter acts as a mediator that translates calibration intentions from one printing medium to another, ensuring that toner application parameters are appropriately adjusted. When a user designates a second printing medium for calibration, the converter receives the calibration data for the first medium and transforms it into correct parameters for the second medium, preventing both insufficient and excessive toner application while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the actual measured luminance values from pattern images are compared with expected values, and the converter adjusts calibration parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that toner application remains within permissible ranges for the designated printing medium, maintaining manufacturing precision while allowing flexible calibration operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate calibration is performed for each printing medium type, then manufacturing precision for each medium is maintained, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal calibration system where a single calibration process can be applied to multiple printing medium types through the converter. Instead of requiring separate calibration procedures for each medium, the system uses one standardized process that the converter adapts to different media by transforming calibration parameters. This reduces device complexity and time consumption while maintaining manufacturing precision through accurate parameter conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter serves as a universal intermediary that handles calibration data transformation between different printing media. By centralizing the conversion function, the system avoids the complexity of implementing separate calibration algorithms for each medium type, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the precision needed for accurate tone characteristic control across diverse printing media.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a correcting unit that corrects image data using a tone correction condition. An image forming unit forms an image on a printing medium based on the corrected image data. An obtaining unit obtains read data by a reading unit reading a pattern image formed on the medium by the image forming unit. A converting unit converts the read data into density data using a converting condition corresponding to the printing medium. A first creating unit creates the tone correction condition based on the density data converted by the converting unit. A second creating unit controls the correcting unit to correct the patch data using the tone correction condition created by the first creating unit, controls the image forming unit to form a patch image on another printing medium based on the corrected patch data, and creates the converting condition corresponding to the other printing medium.