Image Capturing Device Reference Pattern Optical Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording apparatuses face challenges in achieving accurate color measurement due to variations in ink ejection amounts and environmental conditions, particularly when the image capturing device needs to be moved, as existing techniques are either costly or lack precision.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing device with a housing containing a reference pattern, an image capturing element, and an optical member that guides images of the reference pattern and the object to be formed on the same sensor surface, allowing for accurate color measurement even when the device is in motion, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectrometer is used for color measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference pattern and object into a single image capturing area, allowing simultaneous capture of both by a single image capturing element. This merging eliminates the need for separate measurement devices like spectrometers while maintaining measurement capability through the reference pattern for color calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reference pattern that captures the desired color information, creating a reference copy against which object colors can be compared. This reference pattern serves as a standardized color benchmark that enables accurate color measurement without requiring expensive spectrometer hardware.
2Device complexity
If a colorimeter using reflected light is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing an image of the reference pattern together with the object before color measurement. The reference pattern image is used to calculate color conversion parameters in advance, which are then applied to correct the object's color data. This preliminary calibration compensates for environmental variations and improves measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the reference pattern image to calculate color conversion parameters that are fed back to correct the object's RGB data. This feedback mechanism continuously compensates for environmental condition variations, maintaining high measurement precision with a simple image capturing device.
3Measurement precision
If image capturing is performed with fixed positions, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference pattern and object into the same image capturing area, allowing both to be captured simultaneously by a single image capturing element. This merging enables the system to function effectively even when the device is moved, as both references and objects are captured under identical conditions, maintaining measurement precision while improving adaptability.
4Measurement precision
If ink ejection amounts are increased to compensate for variations, then color reproduction is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing ink ejection amounts with an optical and computational approach. By using the reference pattern for color calibration and calculating correction parameters, the system achieves accurate color reproduction through data processing rather than increasing material consumption, thereby reducing ink waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables accurate color measurement with increased precision and cost-effectiveness, allowing the image capturing device to function effectively even when moved, thereby improving color reproduction in inkjet recording apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
an optical member that guides any one of the image of the reference pattern and the image of the object so that the image of the object formed by the image forming element and the image of the reference pattern formed by the image forming element are to be formed on an element surface of the image capturing element
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device includes: a housing; a reference pattern used for color measurement and arranged in the housing; an image capturing element that captures an image of the reference pattern in a first area and an image of an object in a second area of the image capturing area; an image forming element causing the image of the reference pattern and the image of the object to be formed on the image capturing element by being arranged on a first optical path between the image capturing element and the reference pattern and a second optical path between the image capturing element and the object; and an optical member that guides any one of the images of the reference pattern and the object formed by the image forming element so that the images are to be formed on an element surface of the image capturing element.