Patch Configuration for Inkjet Color Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color management systems for inkjet printers face challenges in maintaining accurate color reproduction due to environmental changes and the need for a large number of patches when adjusting device values, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that determines a patch configuration based on device values close to a designated color, adjusting the gradation change width for each color material, thereby optimizing the number of patches required for color adjustment and maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If device values are changed in multiple levels for each ink color to ensure color accuracy, then color reproduction accuracy is improved, but the number of patches increases exponentially with the number of inks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color adjustment process by separating the determination of gradation change widths for different ink colors. Instead of creating a full factorial combination of all ink levels, the system divides the patch generation into individual color channels, each with its own optimized gradation width, thereby reducing the total number of patches needed while maintaining color accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamic optimization by determining the gradation change width for each ink color based on the degree of change in device values. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the number of gradation levels per ink channel according to the specific color adjustment needs, rather than using a fixed high number of levels for all inks, thus reducing the exponential growth of patch quantity
2Reliability
If the number of inks is increased to expand color gamut and saturation, then color quality is improved, but the number of patches required for adjustment increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by determining different gradation change widths for different ink colors based on their specific characteristics and the degree of device value change. Each ink channel is optimized locally rather than applying a uniform approach to all inks, which reduces the overall complexity while maintaining the high color quality provided by multiple ink channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of gradation change width for each ink color based on the degree of device value change. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain high color quality with multiple inks while reducing the exponential increase in patch complexity by adjusting the number of gradation levels per ink channel according to actual needs
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes circuitry configured to: receive designation of a particular color; obtain device values of a plurality of colors that are present within a predetermined distance or less from the designated particular color in a color space; and determine a patch configuration based on the device values. In determination the patch configuration, the circuitry is configured to determine a gradation change width of each color material based on a degree of change of a device value of each color material.