Multi-Tier Color Management for Print Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Color printing management systems face challenges in efficiently managing color reproduction quality across different printing tiers, particularly in balancing ink usage and cost versus quality tradeoffs, without a straightforward method for less demanding print shops to achieve fundamental color reproduction controls.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that select a color printing management tier based on input parameters, adjusting tone reproduction curves (TRCs) or ICC profiles to process color print jobs, allowing for intelligent management of color resources and ink usage, with options for media type, ink limited calibration, and ICC profile creation tiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a higher level of color management tier is used to achieve better color reproduction quality, then color quality is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color management system is segmented into multiple tiers (first tier, second tier, third tier) with increasing complexity and quality. Each tier provides a different level of color reproduction capability, allowing users to select the appropriate tier for their needs. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by offering a spectrum of solutions from simple to complex rather than forcing a single complex system on all users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of color management complexity by providing multiple tiers with different levels of sophistication. Users can select the tier that matches their required color quality and willingness to invest in complexity. This parameter change approach allows the same printing device to operate at different color management levels, resolving the contradiction between quality and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a higher level of color management tier is used to achieve better color reproduction quality, then color quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color management system is divided into multiple cost tiers, where users can select the appropriate level of color reproduction quality based on their budget. The first tier provides basic color management at lower cost, while higher tiers offer improved color quality at increased cost. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing cost-effective color management for users who do not require the highest quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change the parameter of color management quality level to match their cost constraints. By offering multiple tiers with different quality and cost characteristics, users can select the optimal balance between color reproduction quality and investment cost, resolving the contradiction between quality and cost.
3Ease of operation
If a lower level of color management tier is used to reduce complexity and cost, then ease of operation is improved, but color reproduction control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The color management system is segmented into tiers with decreasing complexity, where the first tier offers simple operation but basic color control, while higher tiers provide more sophisticated control. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing users to choose the tier that matches their operational complexity requirements rather than forcing simplicity on users who need advanced control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to change the parameter of operational complexity to match their needs. By providing multiple tiers with different levels of ease of operation and control capability, users can select the appropriate balance between simplicity and color reproduction control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and control capability.
4Quantity of substance
If ink usage is limited to achieve cost-effective printing, then cost is reduced, but color reproduction quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing different ink usage strategies for different color management tiers. The first tier uses aggressive ink limiting for cost-effective printing with acceptable color quality, while higher tiers use more ink for superior color reproduction. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by allowing ink-limited operation for users who prioritize cost over color quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A color printing system uses color printing management tiers to control color printing resources at a printing device. The color printing management tiers include a media type color management tier, an ink limited calibration tier, and a calibration and ICC profile creation tier. A print job includes a parameter that is used to select the management tier for color conversion operations for the print job. The parameter can include an attribute or a media type for the print job. The applicable tone reproduction curve (TRC) or ICC profile is retrieved according to the selected management tier. The TRC or ICC profile is adjusted according to an input applicable to the respective management tier. The TRC or ICC profile also is selected from a plurality of TRCs or ICC profiles, respectively.