Preview Image Color Calibration With Split Patch Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers experience variations in color reproducibility due to unstable support of printing media by single conveying rollers, leading to inaccuracies in color calibration.
Innovation Solution
The printing device arranges specified patches in a first area and basic patches in a second area, using a controller to manage patch placement based on user-specified colors and printing characteristics, enabling precise color calibration through a combination of specified and basic patches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the printing medium is supported by only one conveying roller, then the printing process can be simplified, but the color reproducibility deteriorates due to unstable support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different patch areas with distinct functions: the first patch area is specifically designed for specified patches that require stable single-roller support conditions, while the second patch area contains basic patches that can be printed under various support conditions. This local differentiation allows the system to accommodate both simplified conveying structure and accurate color calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the patch image into two distinct areas: a first patch area for specified patches and a second patch area for basic patches. This segmentation allows the system to separate the calibration function (using basic patches printed under various conditions) from the user-specified color function (using specified patches printed under controlled single-roller conditions), thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified support structure and color accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If all patches are printed for comprehensive color calibration, then the color calibration accuracy is improved, but the time required for calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by printing only the necessary patches for accurate color calibration. Instead of printing all possible patches, the system prints specified patches in the first patch area that correspond to user-specified colors, combined with basic patches in the second patch area. This selective printing approach maintains calibration accuracy while reducing the total number of patches that need to be measured and processed.
3Device complexity
If the specified patch is printed in the same area as basic patches, then the patch arrangement is simplified, but the color measurement accuracy deteriorates due to varying support conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differentiation by designating the first patch area specifically for specified patches that will be measured under controlled single-roller support conditions, while the second patch area is designated for basic patches. This spatial separation ensures that specified patches are always measured under consistent, stable support conditions, thereby maintaining color measurement accuracy while keeping the overall arrangement simple through clear area differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device includes a printing engine, a storage unit, and a controller. The printing engine prints on a printing medium. The storage unit stores an overall patch image including patches for color calibration for printing an image based on image data. The patches include basic patches corresponding to predetermined colors. The overall patch image has a first patch area in which the basic patches are arranged and a second patch area different from the first patch area. The controller performs: generating a specified patch that is a patch for a color specified by a user in a preview image corresponding to the image; and printing the overall patch image using the printing engine. In a case where the specified patch is generated, in the printing the generated specified patch is printed in the first patch area and one of the basic patches is printed in the second patch area.