Image Processing Apparatus Color Calibration via Positional Data Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming devices face challenges in achieving consistent color reproduction characteristics, leading to variations in color output due to differences in reading positions, which existing calibration techniques struggle to fully address.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that forms a pattern with multiple patches in various tones, reads the pattern using a scanner, and corrects the data to reduce positional variations, converting it into device-independent data to adjust and stabilize color reproduction characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed using read data from different positions, then color reproduction characteristics can be adjusted, but variation in readings due to read position causes inconsistency in calibration results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by correcting read data for positional variations before performing color calibration. The system pre-processes the read data by identifying the relationship between read position and reading values, then applies correction based on this relationship. This ensures that calibration is performed on corrected data that reflects actual color values rather than positional artifacts, thereby improving both color reproduction accuracy and calibration consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple patches in multiple tones are used for calibration, then comprehensive color coverage is achieved, but complexity of the calibration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the calibration pattern into multiple patches, each representing different color tones and combinations. By segmenting the calibration target into discrete patches with known color values, the system can systematically measure and correct color reproduction across the entire color gamut. The circuitry processes each patch individually, identifying positional relationships and applying corrections accordingly, which manages complexity while achieving comprehensive color coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an image forming device, a reading device, and circuitry. The image forming device is configured to form a first pattern on a recording medium. The first pattern includes a plurality of patches in a plurality of tones. The reading device is configured to read the first pattern. The circuitry is configured to acquire read data of the first pattern from the reading device. The read data includes red, green, and blue (RGB) color space values. The circuitry is further configured to: correct the read data based on information indicating a relationship between a color and a position in the first pattern to reduce variation in readings due to a read position of the first pattern; convert the read data corrected into device-independent data; and adjust a color reproduction characteristic of the image forming device based on the device-independent data.