Image Correction System Ink Calibration Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image correction systems face challenges in maintaining calibration accuracy when calibration information for all inks cannot be acquired simultaneously, particularly affecting chromatic color inks that significantly impact visual characteristics, leading to image degradation.
Innovation Solution
An image correction system and method that measures and stores density correction information for each ink color, allowing for up-to-date corrections by determining the most recent calibration time for chromatic color inks and using that information for density correction, while using older information for achromatic and spot color inks to minimize user effort and maintain visual accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration information is computed at regular intervals for all inks, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but user time and effort increase when inks cannot be calibrated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments calibration information storage by ink type (chromatic color inks, achromatic color inks, spot color inks) and applies different calibration strategies to each segment. Chromatic color inks are calibrated together to maintain color balance accuracy, while achromatic and spot color inks can use older calibration data, reducing overall calibration frequency and user time requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial calibration action by selectively updating only chromatic color inks at regular intervals while allowing achromatic and spot color inks to use previously computed calibration information. This partial action maintains essential calibration accuracy while reducing the frequency and time of full calibration operations.
2Measurement precision
If calibration information is computed every time before printing, then calibration accuracy is maximized, but productivity decreases due to repeated computation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration computation in advance at regular intervals and stores the results for later use. By pre-computing and storing calibration information for chromatic color inks, the system eliminates the need for repeated calibration computations before each printing operation, thereby improving productivity while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and stores calibration information as reusable data that can be copied and applied to multiple printing operations. Instead of recomputing calibration data before each print job, the system copies previously computed calibration information for chromatic color inks, significantly reducing computation time and improving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If all inks are calibrated simultaneously, then comprehensive calibration accuracy is achieved, but device complexity increases when inks vary by printing medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different calibration qualities and frequencies to different ink types based on their specific characteristics and visual importance. Chromatic color inks receive frequent joint calibration to maintain color balance, while achromatic and spot color inks use less frequent individual calibration. This local differentiation maintains comprehensive calibration accuracy while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic calibration strategies that adapt to different ink types and their calibration needs. The system dynamically determines which inks require calibration based on ink type classification, allowing flexible calibration scheduling that reduces complexity while maintaining accuracy for the most visually critical chromatic color inks.
4Ease of operation
If calibration information from history is used for all inks, then user effort is reduced, but color balance accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of calibration information selection based on ink type. For chromatic color inks, the system requires recent calibration data with specific time constraints to maintain color balance accuracy. For achromatic and spot color inks, the system allows use of older calibration data from history. This parameter differentiation reduces user effort while preserving color balance accuracy for the most sensitive ink types.
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 approach reduces user man-hours and maintains calibration accuracy, allowing for allowable shifts in color balance of chromatic color inks, thus minimizing image degradation and maintaining high visual quality.
Implementation Method 1
a colorimetric-value-acquiring unit configured to acquire colorimetric values by performing colorimetry on patches printed with the inkjet printer
Data Source
AI summary
Every time density correction information corresponding to a colorimetric value of a patch is acquired, the time when the density correction information is acquired and the type of a printing medium on which the patch is printed are accumulated in association in a memory. The type of a medium for printing is specified by a user; density correction information acquired at the most up-to-date time for each chromatic color ink available for the medium of that type is read from the memory; it is determined whether or not the most up-to-date time when the density correction information is acquired for each of the chromatic color inks available for the specified medium is the same time; if the most up-to-date times are the same, density correction is performed on image data, using a correction table that corresponds to the density correction information acquired at the most up-to-date time.