Printer Color Calibration Using Inline Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color calibration techniques in printing devices lead to unnecessary waste and inefficiency by periodically printing color charts regardless of the need for calibration, resulting in wasted resources, consumables, and time, as well as insufficient color reproducibility when calibration is needed.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus that stores measured color values in a database and defines a specific color for determining calibration necessity, allowing for on-demand color calibration during print jobs, reducing unnecessary color chart printing and optimizing resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If color calibration is performed periodically regardless of necessity, then color reproducibility is maintained, but resource waste and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors color values during print jobs using an inline sensor, comparing measured colors against reference values. When color deviation exceeds a threshold, the system triggers calibration. This feedback mechanism replaces periodic calibration with condition-based calibration, maintaining color accuracy while eliminating unnecessary calibration operations that waste time and resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device performs self-diagnosis by continuously monitoring its own color output during normal operation. The inline sensor detects color deviations and automatically triggers calibration when needed, without requiring external intervention or scheduled maintenance. This self-service approach ensures color reproducibility is maintained precisely when needed, while avoiding unnecessary calibration interruptions.
2Reliability
If color calibration is performed periodically regardless of necessity, then color reproducibility is maintained, but consumable usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time color monitoring feedback to determine when calibration is actually needed. By continuously measuring color values during print jobs and comparing them against reference standards, the system only triggers calibration when color deviation exceeds acceptable thresholds. This prevents unnecessary calibration operations that would waste consumables like toner or ink, while still maintaining color reproducibility when genuinely needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from fixed periodic calibration to dynamic condition-based calibration. By monitoring color deviation parameters in real-time and triggering calibration only when thresholds are exceeded, the system adapts calibration frequency to actual device performance, eliminating wasteful consumable usage during periods when color accuracy is already within acceptable ranges.
3Reliability
If color calibration is performed periodically regardless of necessity, then color reproducibility is maintained, but waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous color monitoring with feedback control, measuring color values during normal print operations and triggering calibration only when deviations exceed thresholds. This eliminates the energy waste associated with periodic printing of color charts when calibration is unnecessary, while maintaining color reproducibility through on-demand calibration triggered by actual performance degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The color monitoring operation continues continuously during normal printing without interrupting the main workflow. By performing color measurements inline during regular operations and only triggering calibration when needed, the system maintains color reproducibility through continuous oversight while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary calibration interruptions and color chart printing.
4Loss of energy
If color calibration is not performed when needed, then resource waste is reduced, but color reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous color monitoring feedback to detect when calibration is genuinely needed. By comparing real-time color measurements against reference values and triggering calibration when deviations exceed thresholds, the system ensures calibration is performed at the precise moment it becomes necessary, preventing color reproducibility deterioration while avoiding premature or unnecessary calibration operations that waste resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary continuous monitoring of color values during normal operations to detect early signs of color drift. By maintaining constant surveillance of color accuracy and preparing to trigger calibration when thresholds are approached, the system prevents color reproducibility deterioration before it occurs, while avoiding the waste associated with proactive periodic calibration that happens before degradation is actually detected.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a print control apparatus and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a color calibration control program. A print control apparatus includes an information storage processing section which stores measured color values into a database which stores history information of color measurement, where the measured color values are obtained by measuring colors in a color chart by using a printing device. The print control apparatus further includes a color defining section which defines a specific color by referring to the database, and a color calibration controlling section which, while the printing device is processing a print job, causes the printing device to measure the specific color, determines whether to calibrate the printing device on the basis of a change with time in the measured color value of the specific color, and calibrates the printing device according to the determination result.