Image Processing Apparatus Reducing Color and Frequency Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques, such as head shading and multi-color shading, fail to completely eliminate color and frequency differences in multi-order color images due to variations in nozzle discharge characteristics, leading to visible color unevenness and surface roughness issues.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that utilizes a conversion unit to adjust color signals for different nozzle groups, creating new combinations to reduce color and frequency differences by optimizing ink discharge patterns across the recording medium, employing a three-dimensional lookup table and correction tables to adjust the number of ink droplets based on discharge characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If head shading technique is used to correct density unevenness, then density uniformity is improved, but color shift occurs in multi-order color regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correction process into two distinct stages: head shading correction for density uniformity and multi-color shading correction for color accuracy. This segmentation allows each correction technique to address its specific problem without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between density uniformity and color accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies head shading correction as a preliminary step before multi-color shading correction. By first establishing density uniformity across the recording medium and then subsequently correcting color variations in multi-order color regions, the patent ensures that both density uniformity and color accuracy are achieved without conflict
2Manufacturing precision
If multi-color shading processing is applied to reduce color unevenness, then color uniformity is improved, but frequency difference becomes visible causing perceived color unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates color correction into two independent components: color uniformity correction (multi-color shading) and frequency uniformity correction (new processing). This segmentation allows each aspect to be optimized independently, preventing the frequency difference problem from undermining color uniformity achievements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency correction as an intermediary processing step that mediates between the color correction output and the final image output. This intermediary processing eliminates frequency differences that would otherwise cause perceived color unevenness, while preserving the color uniformity achieved by multi-color shading
3Productivity
If different nozzle groups are used for different recording areas, then recording efficiency is improved, but color and frequency differences occur between areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality correction by implementing area-specific correction parameters for head shading and multi-color shading. Each recording area receives customized correction values tailored to its specific nozzle group characteristics, ensuring color consistency across different areas while maintaining the efficiency benefits of using different nozzle groups
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes correction parameters based on the recording area and nozzle group being used. By dynamically adjusting head shading correction values and multi-color shading correction values according to the specific area and nozzle characteristics, the patent maintains color consistency across different recording areas while preserving recording efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus converts a first combination including color signals respectively corresponding to first ink, second ink, and third ink, which are input to be recorded in a first area on a recording medium into a second combination including color signals respectively corresponding to the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink, and converts a third combination including color signals respective corresponding to the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink which are input to be recorded in a second area on the recording medium into a fourth combination including color signals respectively corresponding to the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink, wherein a difference between a color of a first image and a color of a second image is reduced and a difference between a frequency of the first image and a frequency of the second image is reduced.