Image Processing Apparatus Density Unevenness Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies face challenges in accurately correcting in-plane density unevenness when a second color is applied over a first color, as they do not adequately consider the density unevenness of the first color, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased costs due to the need for specialized paper or additional printing steps.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes a receiver to read values from both the first and second colors and a correcting unit to accurately correct in-plane density unevenness of the second color applied over the first color by using reference white and base image read values, thereby improving image quality without requiring specialized paper or additional printing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing image forming technologies correct in-plane density unevenness of a second color without considering density unevenness of the first color, then the correction process is simple, but the image quality is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of density unevenness for both the first color (base image) and second color (applied image) before final correction. By measuring the base image's density unevenness first and using it as reference data, the system prepares correction information in advance that accounts for both layers, thereby achieving high-quality correction without adding complex real-time processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured density unevenness of the base image is fed back into the correction process. The correction information is generated based on feedback from both the base image measurement and the applied image measurement, allowing the system to iteratively refine the correction values and achieve accurate density uniformity across the superimposed colors.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized paper or additional printing steps are used to achieve high image quality, then image quality improves, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the image forming apparatus to self-correct density unevenness through automated measurement and calculation. The system uses its own measurement capabilities to detect density variations in both the base and applied images, then automatically generates and applies correction values, eliminating the need for specialized paper or additional manual printing steps while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from physical materials (specialized paper) or process additions (extra printing steps) to digital correction values. By adjusting the density correction parameters based on measured data, the system achieves the same quality improvement effect through software-based parameter optimization rather than physical or procedural modifications.
3Reliability
If the second color is applied in a superimposed manner over the first color, then color richness improves, but in-plane density unevenness becomes more difficult to correct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the density correction problem into two distinct parts: the base image (first color) and the applied image (second color). By separately measuring and analyzing the density unevenness of each layer, then combining their correction information, the system can address the complex interaction between superimposed colors more effectively than treating them as a single unified problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite correction approach by combining correction information from both the base image and applied image measurements. The final correction values are derived from a composite analysis of both layers' density characteristics, allowing the system to account for the interactive effects of superimposed colors and achieve uniform density across the combined image.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a receiver and a correcting unit. The receiver receives a first read value and a second read value. The first read value indicates a result of reading a first color by a reader from a recording medium in which the first color is applied to a first area in which in-plane density unevenness is confirmable within the recording medium. The second read value indicates a result of reading a second color by the reader. The second color is different from the first color and is applied to a second area that is substantially the same as the first area in a superimposed manner. The correcting unit corrects in-plane density unevenness of the second color applied to the first color in the superimposed manner based on the first read value received by the receiver and the second read value received by the receiver.