Image Correction for Mixed Color Density Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image stabilization techniques for printers, such as those using inkjet or electrophotographic methods, face challenges in maintaining color accuracy when dealing with mixed colors, as the relationship between the amount of each printing material and the degree of color development is non-linear, leading to reduced estimation accuracy and insufficient color stabilization.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that generates correction information sequentially for regions with a smaller number of printing materials in a read-out image, using a region with a single color to estimate and correct density changes in mixed color regions, thereby improving estimation accuracy without the need for dedicated charts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the same processing is performed regardless of color type, then the process is simple, but estimation accuracy is reduced for mixed colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing methods based on the specific color type and region characteristics. Single-color regions are processed using one method while mixed-color regions use another method, allowing each region to receive the most appropriate processing for its specific characteristics, thereby improving estimation accuracy without overly complicating the overall process
2Measurement precision
If dedicated charts are used for stabilization, then color stabilization accuracy is improved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own printed images to perform color stabilization instead of requiring separate dedicated charts. The stabilization process extracts color information from the actual printed output that the user wants to stabilize, allowing the system to self-correct using its own output, thereby eliminating the need for additional charts and reducing both cost and time
Solution Approach 2:
The user's printed image serves multiple functions: it is both the desired output and the reference for color stabilization. By using the same printed material for both purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated charts, reducing waste of printing materials and time while maintaining stabilization accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises a generation unit configured to generate correction information for reducing density change in image formation using a printing material including a plurality of colors. The generation unit generates correction information, sequentially in ascending order from a region of a smaller number of printing materials in a read-out image acquired by reading an image formed using a printing material including a plurality of colors, the correction information corresponding to a printing material for which correction information has not been generated among the printing materials used for the region.