Image Recording Apparatus Automatic Color Calibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording apparatuses face challenges in executing color calibration at appropriate times, particularly when the recording medium is not immediately available or when the user fails to instruct calibration upon medium replenishment, leading to potential image quality issues due to individual differences and aging of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An image recording apparatus with a determination unit that checks if the target recording medium is fed and recordable, and if not, it waits for a predetermined period to retry, ensuring calibration is executed only when the necessary medium is available, incorporating a test pattern for generating correction data and prioritizing calibration based on job instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image recording apparatus automatically executes color calibration when a recording medium is available, then image quality consistency is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image recording apparatus automatically detects when a recording medium is loaded and autonomously executes color calibration without requiring user intervention. The control unit monitors the recording medium detection unit's status and automatically triggers the calibration process when conditions are appropriate, making the system self-sufficient in maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs color calibration in advance before actual image recording operations to ensure the recording apparatus is properly calibrated. By checking recording medium availability and executing calibration proactively, the system prevents image quality issues before they occur during normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If the apparatus waits for a predetermined period before retrying calibration when the recording medium is not available, then calibration execution accuracy is improved, but the time required for calibration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
When the recording medium is not available for calibration, the control unit implements a periodic retry mechanism with predetermined time intervals. The system waits for a specified period, then checks again whether the recording medium is available, repeating this cycle until calibration can be executed or a maximum retry limit is reached. This approach balances accuracy with time efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the system requires user instruction for calibration execution, then ease of operation is maintained, but automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors recording medium detection unit status and triggers color calibration without requiring user instructions. The control unit independently determines when calibration is needed based on recording medium availability, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Reliability
If color calibration is executed frequently to maintain image quality, then image quality consistency is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes color calibration periodically based on recording medium availability rather than continuously or at fixed time intervals. By triggering calibration only when a recording medium is detected and after appropriate waiting periods, the system maintains image quality consistency while minimizing interruptions to recording operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Color calibration is performed in advance before recording operations begin, ensuring the apparatus is properly calibrated for upcoming tasks. This preliminary calibration approach maintains image quality without requiring frequent interruptions during active recording operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A determination is made on whether or not a recording medium is held in a state where calibration is executable, and the execution is pending in a case where the recording medium is not held. When the execution is pending, the determination is made again after a predetermined period elapses, and the calibration is executed in a case where the recording medium is held.