Print Image Gamma Control for User-Selected Target Colors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming technologies lack the ability to select a target color that aligns with a user's desired output, leading to color correction that may not match the intended color.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and system that allows users to select a color reference mode (proof, fixed, or initial) to determine a target color, enabling dynamic color stability control based on user preferences and use cases, with the system incorporating a color stabilization processing unit to adjust gradation and gamma values accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a pre-stored output color is used as the target color in color stabilization control, then the color correction process is simplified and can be performed automatically, but the target color cannot be selected in accordance with the user's desired use case, leading to color correction that may not match the intended output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor correction automationVSAvoidtarget color selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different color reference modes (proof reference mode, fixed reference mode, initial reference mode) based on user selection. This allows the target color determination method to adapt to different use cases while maintaining automated color correction processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of color reference source by providing multiple selectable modes. In proof reference mode, the target color is determined from proof print results; in fixed reference mode, a predetermined color is used; in initial reference mode, the first print result is used. This parameter change enables both automation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple color reference modes are provided to accommodate different use cases, then adaptability and user preference alignment are improved, but the device complexity and operation interface requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reference mode selectionVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The color reference functionality is segmented into three distinct modes (proof reference, fixed reference, initial reference), each serving a specific use case. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be organized into manageable, clearly-defined options that can be presented to users in a structured manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service through automatic color correction based on the selected reference mode. Once a mode is selected, the system automatically determines the target color and performs gradation correction without requiring manual color calibration or complex user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4195646B1Image processing apparatus, image forming system, image processing method, and carrier means
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4195646B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4195646B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4195646B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing apparatus (20) includes an operation receiving unit (227) configured to receive an operation of selecting data indicating a target color in color stability control. The image processing apparatus includes a correction target determination unit (225) configured to determine the selected data indicating the target color as correction target data indicating a target color used for the color stability control. The image processing apparatus includes a correction gamma generation unit (226) configured to generate correction gamma data used for gradation correction of image data for printing according to the determined correction target data.