Image Processing Nozzle Parameter Correction for Print Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for printing apparatuses fail to generate appropriate parameters indicating nozzle jetting characteristics due to the influence of sheet background color, leading to unevenness in printed images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires scan data from a specific color image printed on a sheet, evaluates the difference between color areas using pixel values, and generates parameters for nozzles by considering the background color influence, ensuring accurate jetting characteristic evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reading result of test pattern formed by nozzles located at the end of the head is not employed, then density unevenness correction is improved, but parameter generation accuracy for those nozzles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the test pattern into multiple regions: a first region printed by nozzles at the end of the head that is adjacent to the background color area, and a second region printed by the same nozzles that is not adjacent to the background color area. By separately analyzing these regions and comparing their reading results, the system can isolate and correct for background color influence, thereby generating accurate parameters for end nozzles without suffering from background color interference.
2Measurement precision
If background color influence is considered in parameter generation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a background color area as an intermediary reference element in the test pattern. This background color area serves as a mediator to evaluate and quantify the influence of background color on the reading results. By using this intermediary reference, the system can calculate correction values that account for background color effects without requiring complex external calibration procedures or additional hardware.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the generation of appropriate parameters that account for background color effects, thereby improving the uniformity and quality of printed images by correcting density unevenness caused by nozzle variations.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring scan data indicating a scan image; the scan data is generated by optically reading a sheet on which a specific color image represented by a specific color has been printed
Implementation Method 2
evaluating difference between a color of the first specific color area and a color of the second specific color area based on a value of a first pixel within the first specific color area and a value of a second pixel within the second specific color area
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image processing apparatus including a controller configured to: acquire scan data indicating a scan image including first and second specific color areas each indicating a part thereof printed by using a first nozzle and a third specific color area indicating a part thereof printed by using a second nozzle; and generate a plurality of parameters, by using the scan data, each of the plurality of parameters indicating jetting characteristic of a coloring material from one of the first and second nozzles corresponding thereto. The controller evaluates the difference between a color of the first specific color area and a color of the second specific color area, and the controller generates a parameter included in the plurality of parameters and corresponding to the second nozzle, by using a result of the evaluation of the difference and a value of a third pixel within the third specific color area.