Image Forming System Segmentation for Selective Special-Color Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems fail to individually select and print object images using a special color when a rectangular area on a preview screen contains multiple object images, often resulting in all images being printed in the special color even if only one should be.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with processors that allow users to select and print object images using a special color by setting a rectangular frame or free curve on a preview screen, enabling the system to differentiate between background and special color gamuts and convert only the selected gamut into the special color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rectangular area is set on the preview screen to print using a special color, then the printing area is simplified, but only one object image can be selected even when multiple object images are present in the rectangular area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rectangular area into multiple selectable object images. When a rectangular area is set, the system automatically identifies and segments individual object images within that area, allowing the user to selectively apply the special color to specific objects rather than the entire rectangular region. This segmentation enables precise control over which objects receive the special color treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different color treatments for different objects within the same rectangular area. Each object image can be individually selected and assigned the special color independently, creating local differentiation in color application. This enables the background and different objects to have different color properties even when they are all within the same rectangular selection area.
2Productivity
If all object images in a rectangular area are printed using a special color, then the processing is simplified, but printing flexibility is reduced when only specific objects should be highlighted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic selection capability where the system can adapt between two modes: applying special color to all objects in a rectangular area (simplified processing) or allowing individual object selection (flexible processing). The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on user needs, providing both automated bulk processing and selective individual processing options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the user to perform partial action by selecting only specific object images within the rectangular area for special color treatment, rather than applying the color to all objects. This partial selection capability provides flexibility when only certain objects need highlighting, while still maintaining the efficiency of rectangular area-based selection for the overall printing region.
3Device complexity
If the background color and object image color are the same, then color differentiation is simplified, but selection accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by enabling object selection based on spatial positioning and user interaction before color assignment. The system allows users to select object images through direct manipulation (clicking, hovering) rather than relying solely on color differentiation. This preliminary selection mechanism works independently of color differences, ensuring accurate object selection even when background and object colors are identical.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes one or more processors configured to have a mode of executing a process of printing a print image using a special color with respect to a special color gamut of an object image, which is selected by a user, of a preview screen of the print image.