Image Reading Device Color Calibration via RGB-Spectral Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image reading devices face challenges in accurately calibrating colors for image forming apparatuses, as they lack efficient methods to associate and correct color data across different reading systems, leading to inconsistencies in color reproduction.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device is designed with a first reader member for capturing RGB values and a second reader member with a spectroscope for measuring color spectra, using deriving units to associate these results and enable color calibration by determining corresponding L*a*b* values, allowing for precise color correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectroscope is used to separate light and read color spectra for accurate color measurement, then color measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and reading speed are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an associating information table as an intermediary data structure that maps RGB values from the first reader member to L*a*b* values from the second reader member. This table serves as a mediator that translates between the two different color measurement systems, allowing the first reader member to provide accurate color measurements without requiring the complex spectroscope hardware for every measurement operation.
2Measurement precision
If a spectroscope is used to separate light and read color spectra for accurate color measurement, then color measurement precision is improved, but reading speed is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary color calibration by reading a calibration chart with both reader members beforehand to establish the associating information table. This preliminary action pre-computes the mapping relationships between RGB and L*a*b* values, so that subsequent color measurements using the first reader member can proceed quickly without requiring real-time spectral analysis, thus improving reading speed while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If two separate reader members are used for different color reading methods, then color calibration accuracy is improved, but hardware complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate color measurement systems into a unified calibration approach. By combining the RGB reading capability of the first reader member with the spectral measurement capability of the second reader member, and integrating their data through the associating information table, the system achieves accurate color calibration while presenting a unified, simplified interface for color measurement operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables high-speed and accurate color calibration, improving color reproducibility and reducing errors in color measurement, while also simplifying the process and reducing hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first reader member that receives light from a medium so as to read an image recorded on a surface of the medium
Implementation Method 2
a second reader member having a spectroscope that separates the light from the medium and reads a color of the image recorded on the surface of the medium on the basis of the separated light
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading device includes a first reader member that receives light from a medium to read an image recorded on a surface thereof; a second reader member that separates the light from the medium and reads a color of the recorded image based on the separated light; a deriving unit that derives associating information that associates a first read result with a second read result based on the first read result and the second read result, the first read result being obtained by the first reader member, the second read result being obtained by the second reader member; and a measuring unit that measures the color of the image on the medium for performing color calibration by reading the medium by using the first reader member so as to determine a color corresponding to the second read result based on the first read result and the associating information.