Printer Calibration Using Ink Drop Variation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printer re-linearization techniques are time-consuming and costly, leading to inconsistent color output due to variations in drop size and ink weight over the printer's operational life, often resulting in suboptimal print results as users refrain from frequent calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an initial reference measurement of colorimetric parameters using a calibration pattern with selected ink drop numbers, allowing for the generation of compensation data to modify pre-built linearizations and adjust ink drop numbers for accurate color reproduction, thereby simplifying and accelerating the calibration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional re-linearization techniques are used, then manufacturing precision of color output is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming calibration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of measurement data quantity from extensive (conventional) to limited (one or more measurement values per ink channel). This allows the system to use a simplified model with fewer parameters that still achieves acceptable linearization accuracy, thereby reducing calibration time while maintaining color output consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement data needed for linearization (one or more measurement values per ink channel) from the complete set of possible measurements. By taking out only the critical parameters and discarding redundant information, the calibration process becomes faster while still achieving the necessary color consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional re-linearization techniques are used, then manufacturing precision of color output is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the minimum necessary measurements (one or more values per ink channel) rather than comprehensive measurements across all ink channels and conditions. This partial measurement approach is sufficient to achieve the required color consistency while dramatically reducing the time investment required for calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by establishing a simplified linearization model in advance that can be quickly updated with minimal measurement data. This pre-established model structure allows for rapid recalibration when color drift occurs, reducing the time loss associated with frequent calibration needs.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional re-linearization techniques are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to extensive measurement and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the complexity parameter by reducing the number of measurement parameters from extensive to limited (one or more per ink channel). This parameter reduction simplifies the measurement system, data processing requirements, and overall calibration workflow while maintaining sufficient color output precision through the use of an appropriate simplified model.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques related to printer calibration are disclosed herein. In an example, an actual measurement of a colorimetric parameter is performed by measuring the colorimetric parameter on a printed calibration pattern. The colorimetric parameter is associated with an ink drop number. The calibration pattern is printed with selected printing conditions. An ink drop number variation is determined from a reference measurement and the actual measurement of the colorimetric parameter. The reference measurement is a measurement of a colorimetric parameter. The reference measurement corresponds to a measurement of the colorimetric parameter on a calibration pattern printed with the selected printing conditions. An actual linearization is generated by validating a set of pre-defined linearizations with the determined ink drop number variation. Other examples of printer calibration are disclosed.