Printer Calibration Control Using History Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in determining when to execute single color and multi-color calibrations for electrophotographic printers, leading to excessive time and effort due to frequent unnecessary calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes an image forming unit, a measuring unit, and a controlling unit to execute single color and multi-color calibrations based on history information, determining the appropriate calibration to be executed to minimize frequent recalibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If both single color calibration and multi-color calibration are executed frequently to ensure color accuracy, then color reproduction quality is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary single color calibration before multi-color calibration, establishing a baseline correction state. This preliminary action ensures that single color density characteristics are optimized first, providing a solid foundation for subsequent multi-color calibration and reducing the frequency needed for re-calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where measurement results from charts are compared against predetermined target values to generate correction values. These correction values are stored and applied to LUTs (look-up tables) to automatically adjust color reproduction characteristics, reducing the need for frequent manual recalibration.
2Ease of operation
If calibration procedures are simplified to reduce operational steps, then ease of operation is improved, but calibration accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into distinct single color calibration and multi-color calibration phases. Each phase targets specific color characteristics and uses separate correction methods (one-dimensional LUT for single color, three-dimensional LUT for multi-color), allowing users to understand and select appropriate calibration types without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates correction values by comparing measured chart data against predetermined target values and applies these corrections through LUT updates without requiring extensive user intervention. The calibration process serves itself by using measurement results to automatically adjust system parameters.
3Stability of the object's composition
If detailed multi-color calibration is performed to correct color variation, then color consistency is improved, but the complexity of the calibration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Single color calibration is performed as a preliminary action before multi-color calibration. This establishes baseline correction for individual colors (C, M, Y, K), reducing the complexity of subsequent multi-color calibration by pre-compensating for individual color variations and interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional LUT correction for single color calibration to three-dimensional LUT correction for multi-color calibration. This dimensional expansion allows the system to model complex color interactions and non-linear characteristics, improving color consistency while managing complexity through structured correction approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus that includes a controlling unit for controlling executions of a single color calibration which is for correcting a reproduction characteristic of a single color image, formed by an image forming unit, according to measurement of a single color image formed by the image forming unit with a single color recording material and a multi-color calibration which is for correcting a reproduction characteristic of a multi-color image, formed by the image forming unit, according to measurement of a multi-color image formed by the image forming unit with a plurality of recording materials. It is decided to execute at least one of the single color calibration and the multi-color calibration in accordance with history information of the single color calibration executed by the controlling and then the calibration which has been decided on is executed by the controlling unit.