Image Processor Color Matching via Irreversible Feature Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the printing industry, reproducing the same color as a previous printed matter is challenging due to color errors and variations caused by different printing apparatuses and settings, making it difficult to accurately match colors even when using the same model of printer, especially when previous print setting information is not retained.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that extracts irreversible image feature information from printed matter and selects the most similar feature information from previous prints to acquire associated print setting information, allowing for accurate color matching and reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color matching is performed by scanning the color sample and generating a color conversion table, then color matching can be performed, but color accuracy deteriorates due to color errors occurring during scanning and conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a color reproduction database by scanning previously printed matter and storing the scanned images as reference data. Instead of directly converting the color sample, the system copies the actual printed output characteristics into a database, enabling more accurate color matching by comparing against real printed references rather than theoretical conversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and storage of printed matter characteristics before the actual color matching task. By pre-processing and storing color data from previous prints in a database, the system prepares reference information in advance, eliminating the need for real-time color conversion and reducing color errors during the matching process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If previous print setting information is discarded after a certain period to protect customer confidentiality, then information security is improved, but color matching capability deteriorates because the same color cannot be reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments customer information into two parts: identifiable confidential information (which is discarded) and anonymous color characteristics (which are retained). By separating the printed matter data into identifiable metadata and anonymous color feature data, the system protects customer privacy while preserving the color information needed for accurate reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable anonymous color data that can be freely stored and reused without compromising customer confidentiality. By treating color characteristics as anonymous, short-lived data objects that are decoupled from identifiable customer information, the system can retain color matching capability while discarding sensitive customer data after use.
3Reliability
If color matching is performed without holding previous print setting information, then information security is maintained, but device adaptability deteriorates because color reproduction varies depending on printing apparatus and settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores multiple color characteristics data corresponding to different printing conditions (different printers, settings, papers) in the color reproduction database. By varying and storing parameters under different printing conditions, the system enables adaptive color matching that can accommodate different printing apparatus and settings while maintaining information security through anonymous data storage.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor includes: a first hardware processor that extracts irreversible first image feature information from a read image of a printed matter; and a second hardware processor that selects second image feature information most similar to the first image feature information among a plurality of pieces of irreversible second image feature information extracted by the first hardware processor from read images of a plurality of printed matters printed previously, and acquires, as a comparison result, print setting information associated with the second image feature information.