Job-Specific Color Management for Print Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial printing, maintaining color accuracy across multiple print jobs is challenging due to variations in printing apparatus conditions and environmental factors, leading to inconsistencies in image color output.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for job-specific color management, where a site management server manages printing apparatuses and terminals to perform a job-specific color check process, adjusting settings and calibrating print jobs based on real-time measurements to ensure color quality meets predetermined criteria, using a cloud environment for centralized control and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color check process is performed manually by a color expert for each print job, then color accuracy can be maintained, but labor cost and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus performs automatic color checks and color adjustments without requiring manual intervention by a color expert. The system uses an integrated colorimeter and control unit to automatically measure printed colors, compare them against target values, and adjust printing conditions when deviations are detected, enabling the system to self-manage color quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the colorimeter continuously measures the actual color output of the printing apparatus, compares measured values with target color values, and feeds this information back to the control unit which then adjusts printing conditions. This automatic feedback loop maintains color accuracy without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If a color check process is performed immediately before each print job, then color accuracy is maximized, but productivity decreases due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs color checks automatically in the background before print jobs are initiated, and color adjustments are made proactively when deviations are detected. This preliminary action ensures color accuracy is maintained without requiring manual intervention at critical moments, allowing print jobs to proceed without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic color management system operates continuously in the background, constantly monitoring and adjusting color parameters without interrupting the printing workflow. This continuous automatic operation maintains color accuracy while preserving productivity by eliminating manual stoppages.
3Measurement precision
If manual color adjustment processes are performed frequently, then color quality is maintained, but operational complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus automatically performs color adjustments based on measurements from the integrated colorimeter. The control unit autonomously determines when adjustments are needed and executes the adjustment processes without requiring a color expert to perform manual calibration, significantly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automatic feedback from the colorimeter to trigger adjustments only when color deviations exceed predetermined thresholds. This automated feedback-driven adjustment process eliminates the need for frequent manual interventions while maintaining color quality.
4Productivity
If the printing apparatus operates for extended periods without color checks, then productivity is maintained, but color consistency deteriorates due to environmental and apparatus condition changes
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic color management system operates continuously throughout extended printing periods, constantly monitoring color output and making adjustments as needed. This continuous automatic operation maintains color consistency even during long print runs without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated colorimeter provides continuous feedback on color variations caused by environmental changes and apparatus condition drift over time. The control unit uses this feedback to make real-time adjustments, maintaining color consistency throughout extended operation periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
Setting information set for a plurality of print jobs to be executed by the printing apparatus (203, 205) is acquired. Based on the acquired setting information, a profile to be used in a color check process executed for corresponding each print job included in the plurality of print jobs is decided. In response to detecting that execution of a target print job that is one of the plurality of print jobs is instructed, a color check process is executed using the profile decided to be used for the target print job before the execution of the target print job is started. In accordance with a result of the color check process, executing the target print job is started.