NPac Vector Generation for Printing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) color space, used in printing systems, often results in a high number of metamers due to its high dimensionality, leading to challenges in achieving accurate color representation and print quality, particularly in multi-level printers where the spatial distribution of colorants is complex.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to modify and convert color lookup tables by deriving a second set of colorant combinations based on the operating state of the printing system, allowing for the generation of new NPac vectors that optimize overprinting and whitespace distribution, thereby improving print quality and reducing grain in the output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the NPac color space is used in printing systems, then color representation capability is improved, but the number of metamers increases due to high dimensionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-dimensional NPac color space into multiple lower-dimensional subspaces, each corresponding to a specific operating state or colorant combination. This segmentation reduces the number of metamers within each subspace while maintaining overall color representation capability across the full range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic approach where the color lookup table is reconfigured based on the current operating state of the printing system. By dynamically adapting the NPac vector representation to match actual printing conditions, the system reduces metamer count while preserving color accuracy for the current state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the color lookup table is converted to use a second set of colorant combinations, then adaptability to different operating states is improved, but the complexity of the lookup table increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal color lookup table structure that can handle multiple operating states and colorant combinations through a standardized framework. This universal structure uses consistent data formats and organization principles that work across different printing conditions, reducing the apparent complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages lookup table complexity by systematically varying key parameters such as the number of colorant combinations, vector dimensions, and operating state configurations. By controlling these parameter changes and organizing them in structured ways, the system achieves adaptability without proportional increases in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain examples described herein relate to generating a Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) vector. In certain cases, an operating state of a printing system is determined. A first NPac vector is obtained, having an initial set of Neugebauer Primaries (NPs). The initial set of NPs comprise a NP that is not implementable with the operating state. A target set of NPs is determined on the basis of the operating state, the target set of NPs being implementable with the operating state. A second NPac vector is generated, the second NPac vector having the target set of NPs.