Image Processing Apparatus Patch Interval Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image output apparatuses fail to sufficiently suppress density fluctuations due to in-plane unevenness and positional dependencies, as they do not adequately consider the distance between patches when generating gradation correction parameters, leading to precision degradation and unsuitable repetitive patterns for correcting density variations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that outputs a gradation correction parameter generating sheet with patches arranged at a minimum correlation interval, where the correlation coefficient between densities is near a minimum value, allowing for precise suppression of density fluctuations over time and position-dependent variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If patches are arranged at arbitrary positions for measuring density, then measurement can be performed, but density fluctuations due to in-plane unevenness cannot be sufficiently suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial parameter of patch arrangement by determining optimal intervals between patches based on the correlation coefficient of density values. By adjusting the distance parameter between patches to a specific optimal value, the system minimizes the correlation of density fluctuations, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability of gradation correction parameters.
2Measurement precision
If the average of patch measurements is used as reference, then in-plane unevenness effect is partially suppressed, but it may not always obtain suitable repetitive patterns for correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement parameter from arbitrary or average-based positioning to optimal interval positioning determined by correlation coefficient analysis. This parameter optimization ensures that the patch arrangement is specifically adapted to suppress in-plane unevenness, making the gradation correction parameters more versatile and effective across different printing conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If patches are arranged without considering distance, then arrangement is simple, but density fluctuation effect cannot be suppressed sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific distance parameter (optimal interval) between patches that is determined through correlation coefficient calculation. This transforms the simple arrangement into a precisely controlled configuration where the distance parameter is optimized to minimize density fluctuation correlation, thereby improving manufacturing precision without significantly complicating the arrangement process.
Data Source
AI summary
An optimal interval obtaining sheet is output, and the density thereon is measured using a color meter. A layout determining unit determines an optimal interval at which patches are to be arranged on a sheet including a plurality of patches having the same color and the same gradation based on the measurement.