Image Processing Apparatus Color Determination Threshold Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses inaccurately determine documents as color due to minute color elements or yellowing, leading to unnecessary color printing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a determination unit that uses different reference values based on set modes to accurately distinguish between color and monochrome documents, incorporating a reading unit, processing unit, and setting unit to manage color determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color determination accuracy is improved by detecting minute color elements, then color detection precision is improved, but false determination of monochrome documents as color documents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching between a first reference value and a second reference value based on the detected color element characteristics. When a minute color element is detected, the system changes the reference value used for determination, thereby adjusting the determination threshold to avoid false positives while maintaining detection sensitivity for genuine color documents.
2Device complexity
If a single reference value is used for color determination, then the determination process is simple, but accurate distinction between color and monochrome documents cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the reference value changeable based on detection results. The system dynamically switches between a first reference value (for general cases) and a second reference value (for cases with minute color elements), allowing the determination process to adapt to different document types and maintain both simplicity and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference values are used to improve determination accuracy, then color determination precision is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the presence of minute color elements before performing the main color determination. This preliminary detection allows the system to pre-select the appropriate reference value, streamlining the processing flow and avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an image processing apparatus makes it possible to suppress, in an auto color selection function, color determination resulting from a minute color element of a document without troubling a user.