Image Density Correction Using Pre-Generated TRC Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming technologies, particularly GDI devices, face inefficiencies due to lengthy processes for collecting image density data and generating tone reproduction curves, leading to unpredictable triggering of image density corrections that prolong user wait times and reduce efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method where users proactively generate tone reproduction curve (TRC) data in advance and send it to the control device, allowing for real-time image density correction during the forming process, improving efficiency and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image density correction is performed automatically based on sensor data collection and TRC generation, then image density accuracy is improved, but the process time increases significantly and user waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage density accuracyVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the user manually trigger image density correction in advance before actual image forming operations. The user initiates the correction process when they notice potential density issues, allowing the system to complete TRC generation and correction before the next printing job, thus avoiding delays during critical operations while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control device monitors image density parameters and provides feedback to the user about when correction is needed. The system tracks image forming operations and can prompt users to initiate correction based on accumulated data, creating a feedback loop that balances accuracy maintenance with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If image density correction is triggered automatically based on time or quantity thresholds, then correction timing is automated, but the user cannot control when correction occurs and may wait unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection triggering automationVSAvoiduser control over correction timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the correction triggering mechanism flexible and adaptable to user needs. Rather than fixed automatic triggers, the system allows users to dynamically initiate correction based on their specific circumstances. The control device can monitor operational parameters and provide suggestions, but the final trigger decision remains with the user, combining automation insights with user autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the control device performs image forming jobs after image density correction is completed, then image density accuracy is maintained, but image forming efficiency decreases and user waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage density accuracyVSAvoidimage forming efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by encouraging users to initiate image density correction in advance before their next image forming job. The correction process is completed beforehand, so when the user is ready to print, the TRC data is already generated and ready to be applied, eliminating the need to wait for correction completion during the printing process and thus maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4354843B1Method for correcting image density, device for forming image, control device, and medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ZHUHAI PANTUM ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4354843B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4354843B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4354843B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a method for correcting image density, an image forming device, a control device and a system. The method includes: in response to an image density correcting instruction triggered by a user, forming an image density pattern for image density correcting; collecting image density data corresponding to the image density pattern; generating (tone reproduction curve) TRC data according to the image density data corresponding to the image density pattern; sending the TRC data to a control device. The control device is configured to correct image density based on the TRC data during the image forming process. The user controls the device for image forming to generate the TRC data in advance and sends the TRC data to the control device. During the image forming process, the control device can directly use the TRC data for image density correction, thereby improving image forming efficiency and user experience.