Multi-Angle Colorimetric Conversion for Metallic Toner Reproduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems fail to accurately reproduce the color tone and brightness of metallic images printed using luster toners, as these characteristics change with viewing direction, leading to discrepancies between printed and displayed images due to reliance on single-direction color measurements.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus with a colorimetric-value converter that measures toner amounts in multiple directions (15°, 45°, and 110°) and a display value converter that uses weighted coefficients to calculate R, G, and B values, ensuring accurate color reproduction by considering multiple viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-direction color measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but color reproduction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction color measurement to multi-directional color measurement, adding the dimension of viewing angle to the measurement process. By measuring colorimetric values at multiple angles (including regular reflection direction and front direction) and synthesizing these measurements, the system accurately reproduces the direction-dependent color characteristics of metallic images without requiring overly complex hardware for each individual measurement angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and stores conversion data that maps combinations of colorimetric values from different measurement angles to corresponding display values. This preliminary preparation of conversion relationships allows the system to quickly and accurately convert measured color data to display values without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multi-directional color measurement is implemented, then color reproduction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conversion data structure that can handle multiple measurement angles and conditions through a unified approach. The conversion data stores relationships between colorimetric values from various directions and corresponding display values, allowing a single measurement system to accurately reproduce colors across different viewing conditions without requiring separate specialized systems for each angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conversion data as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between multi-directional colorimetric measurements and display values. This intermediary layer processes and synthesizes measurements from multiple angles, transforming complex multi-dimensional measurement data into accurate display representations without requiring the display device itself to be complex.
3Use of energy by moving object
If luminance level in display is reduced, then power consumption is reduced, but color reproduction accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the luminance parameter in the conversion process by determining appropriate luminance levels for displayed images based on the measured colorimetric values. The system adjusts display luminance parameters to achieve accurate color reproduction while considering power consumption constraints, finding an optimal balance point that maintains color accuracy without excessive energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a first converter and a second converter. The first converter converts coloring-material amounts of plural coloring materials including a luster coloring material to plural colorimetric values obtained in a case of performing, in plural color measurement directions, a color measurement of a target color image printed using the plural coloring materials. The second converter converts the plural colorimetric values obtained as a result of conversion by the first converter to display values for displaying the target color image on a display device.