Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Target Color Gradation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems for correcting gradation in printing are limited as they can only set a target color in advance, preventing any color other than the pre-defined target from being specified for the print medium.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a read image obtaining unit, a target generation unit, and a gradation correction unit, allowing any color to be specified as the target color by reading the print medium and generating target data based on the read image data to correct the gradation of print image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a target color is set in advance for gradation correction, then the correction process is simple and fast, but any color other than the pre-defined target cannot be specified for the print medium
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the print medium itself to define the target color by reading its actual color characteristics. Instead of requiring manual target color specification or pre-defined color targets, the medium serves itself by providing color data through reading, which automatically becomes the reference for gradation correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of target color from a fixed pre-defined value to a variable that is dynamically determined by reading the actual print medium. This allows the target color parameter to adapt to different media while maintaining a consistent processing framework.
2Productivity
If the gradation is corrected based on pre-defined target color, then the processing is efficient, but the color reproduction range is limited to what can be corrected from the fixed target
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static target color approach to a dynamic one where the target color is determined by reading the actual print medium. This dynamic adaptation allows the gradation correction to be efficient while simultaneously expanding the color reproduction range to match the specific characteristics of each medium.
3Device complexity
If a fixed target color is used for correction, then the correction algorithm is simple, but print media with significant color differences cannot be properly handled
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback by reading the actual print medium and using its color characteristics as the target for correction. This feedback loop ensures that the correction algorithm, while remaining relatively simple, achieves high reliability for diverse media by continuously adapting to the actual medium being processed.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a read image obtaining unit configured to obtain read image data indicative of an image having been read, a target generation unit configured to generate, based on the read image data, target data indicative of a target color of a print medium, and a gradation correction unit configured to correct, based on the target data, a gradation of print image data indicative of an image to be formed.