Image Processing Apparatus Directional Color Profile Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing apparatuses face issues with printing speed and color irregularities when alternating between forward and reverse scanning directions, leading to slower printing speeds and unsatisfactory color consistency.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a processor and memory that controls a print execution unit, featuring a print head with nozzles for different ink types, performs main and sub-scans to alternate between outgoing and return directions, using specific color conversion profiles to adjust ink colors and determine optimal printing directions based on color differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the scanning direction is alternately changed between forward and reverse directions, then printing speed is improved, but color irregularities are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different color conversion profiles for different scanning directions. Specifically, a first color conversion profile is used when scanning in the forward direction and a second color conversion profile is used when scanning in the reverse direction. This allows the color conversion process to be locally optimized for each direction, maintaining color consistency while enabling alternating scan directions for improved printing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the color conversion process based on the scanning direction. By adjusting the color conversion profiles according to whether the scan is in the forward or reverse direction, the system optimizes color output for each direction. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain color consistency across different scan directions while achieving faster printing through alternating scans.
2Manufacturing precision
If color conversion is executed using a basic table for forward direction, then color consistency is improved, but printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimized color conversion profiles for both forward and reverse scanning directions. These profiles are prepared in advance and stored in memory, allowing the printing system to quickly retrieve and apply the appropriate profile during printing without performing complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation enables fast color conversion while maintaining consistency across different scan directions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus performs a first generation process generating first partial print data by a first color conversion process using a first profile corresponding to a first direction, and a second generation process generating second partial print data using a second color conversion process using a second profile. When a color difference is smaller than a reference, the apparatus sets a printing direction to the first direction, and outputs the first partial print data to a print execution unit for printing the first partial print data while the main scan moves in the first direction. When the color difference is larger than or equal to the reference, the apparatus sets the printing direction to the second direction, and outputs the second partial print data to the print execution unit for printing the second partial print data while the main scan moves in the second direction.