Image Forming Apparatus Color Tone Monitoring Without Patches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in monitoring color tone differences without using color patches, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and productivity due to the need for extra paper consumption and calibration issues.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a raster image processing unit, an image forming unit, a reading unit, a monitor setting unit, and a color tone monitoring unit, which sets and monitors color tone differences using primary, secondary, tertiary, and tertiary achromatic colors, allowing for color correction without the need for patches by comparing image data and read image data, and performing corrections based on predetermined threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If patch image formation is performed on paper sheets for color calibration, then color tone accuracy is improved, but paper consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the calibration function from dedicated patch images and integrates it into regular image data. By monitoring color tones in regular printed images without requiring separate calibration patches, the system eliminates the need for extra paper consumption while maintaining color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes regular image data serve dual purposes: both for normal printing operations and for color calibration monitoring. The same printed material is used for both productivity output and color tone verification, eliminating the need for separate calibration patches.
2Measurement precision
If patch image formation is performed on paper sheets for color calibration, then color tone accuracy is improved, but paper consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the calibration function from dedicated patch images and integrates it into regular image data. By monitoring color tones in regular printed images without requiring separate calibration patches, the system eliminates the need for extra paper consumption while maintaining color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes regular image data serve dual purposes: both for normal printing operations and for color calibration monitoring. The same printed material is used for both productivity output and color tone verification, eliminating the need for separate calibration patches.
3Loss of substance
If pixel-by-pixel comparison of original image data and printout read image data is performed, then patch image consumption is reduced, but sufficient calibration data cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality analysis by selecting specific monitor setting colors (primary, secondary, and tertiary colors) at specific positions in the image for calibration monitoring. This targeted approach ensures sufficient calibration data is obtained from regular images without requiring dedicated patch areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the monitoring approach from requiring dedicated calibration patches to extracting calibration information from regular image parameters. By monitoring specific color values (primary, secondary, and tertiary colors) in regular printed images, the system obtains sufficient calibration data without extra paper consumption.
4Ease of operation
If monitoring is performed only on flat regions with certain width, then color tone difference detection is simplified, but monitoring capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality analysis by selecting specific monitor setting colors (primary, secondary, and tertiary colors) at specific positions in the image for calibration monitoring. This targeted approach ensures sufficient calibration data is obtained from regular images without requiring dedicated calibration patches.
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
Enables effective monitoring and correction of color tone differences without patch usage, reducing paper consumption and maintaining productivity by using primary, secondary, and tertiary achromatic colors to set and monitor color tones, ensuring stable color reproduction.
Implementation Method 1
a reading unit configured to generate read image data by reading the image formed on the paper sheet by the image forming unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a raster image processing unit configured to convert original image data into image data for image formation being of a raster image; an image forming unit configured to form an image on a paper sheet; a reading unit configured to generate read image data by reading the image formed on the paper sheet; a monitor setting unit configured to set a monitor setting color and an ideal value for the monitor setting color; a color tone monitoring unit configured to monitor a color tone difference between a value of the read image data in the monitor setting color and the ideal value; and a hardware processor configured to perform control to have color correction performed in the image forming unit, wherein the monitor setting color includes at least one of a primary color, a secondary color, a tertiary color, and a tertiary achromatic color.