Image Forming Apparatus Color Correction Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming methods waste paper and reduce productivity due to the need for dedicated output and temporary stoppage of printing equipment to verify color correction using a Look-Up Table (LUT) before applying it to actual product images.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming both a product image and a verification image on the same paper, with the verification image subjected to color measurement to determine if the verification LUT is applicable to the product image, and then updating the LUTs accordingly to avoid unnecessary paper waste and equipment downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated output is performed to verify color correction using a LUT before applying it to actual product printed matter, then color correction accuracy is improved, but paper is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the verification image output with the product image output by printing both on the same paper sheet. The verification image is placed in a specific region (e.g., margin area) while the product image is printed in the main printing area, allowing simultaneous verification and production without dedicated verification paper
Solution Approach 2:
The printed paper serves dual functions: it acts as both the verification medium for color correction and the product output. By making the paper serve multiple purposes, the need for separate dedicated verification output is eliminated
2Reliability
If dedicated output for verification is performed, then color correction verification is enabled, but productivity of printing equipment is reduced due to temporary stoppage
Solution Approach 1:
The printing equipment continues to operate continuously without temporary stoppage. The verification image is printed alongside product images in the normal printing flow, allowing color correction verification to be performed without interrupting the productive printing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The verification image is printed in advance as part of the normal printing process, allowing verification to be performed before product images are fully processed, without requiring later stoppage for dedicated verification output
3Stability of the object's composition
If the same LUT is used for both product image and calibration pattern, then color correction consistency is achieved, but verification of the LUT requires dedicated output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the verification image (which uses the verification LUT) with the product image (which uses the product LUT) on the same paper. This allows both LUTs to be verified simultaneously without requiring separate dedicated output, maintaining color correction consistency while eliminating paper waste
Data Source
AI summary
A storage medium which stores a program to cause an image forming system to execute a process includes, (a1) forming a product image, which is subjected to color correction by a product LUT being applied thereto, and a verification image, which is subjected to color correction by a verification LUT being applied thereto on same paper, (b1) subjecting said verification image that is formed in (a1) to color measurement, (c1) determining whether verification LUT is applicable to color correction of the product image based on a difference between said color measurement values of the verification image that is measured in (b1) and target values, and (d1) forming the product image and the verification image, which are respectively subjected to color correction by applying the verification LUT that is determined to be applicable, and applying another verification LUT to color correction of said verification image, on same paper.