Color Verification Data Reuse in Printers After Paper Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Color verification processes in printers and MFPs are interrupted by paper jams, leading to wastage of materials and time as the entire color chart needs to be reprinted and measured from the beginning, even if only a few pages were printed before the jam.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determines if color measurement data from before the interruption can be reused after a paper jam, by comparing measurement data from a previous and a subsequent color verification job to decide whether to reuse the previous data based on differences within a tolerance level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire color verification process is restarted after a paper jam, then color accuracy can be ensured, but paper waste and toner/ink consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color verification process into segments (pages or color charts) that can be independently evaluated. After a paper jam, only the segmented portion affected by the jam needs to be reprinted and remeasured, rather than restarting the entire verification process. This segmentation allows selective reuse of measurement data from unaffected segments, reducing paper and toner waste while maintaining color accuracy for the complete set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary evaluation of printer conditions by comparing measurement data before and after interruptions. By performing this preliminary check, the system can determine in advance whether the printer has returned to its original color state, allowing the reuse of previously collected measurement data without requiring complete re-verification, thus preventing unnecessary paper and toner consumption.
2Reliability
If the entire color verification process is restarted after a paper jam, then reliable color measurement data can be obtained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color verification process into independent units (pages or color charts) that can be processed and evaluated separately. After an interruption, only the segmented portions that were affected by the jam need to be reprinted and remeasured, while unaffected segments can have their measurement data reused. This significantly reduces the total verification time compared to restarting the entire process, while maintaining data reliability through selective re-verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that compares measurement data obtained before and after interruptions to determine whether the printer has returned to its original color state. This feedback loop allows the system to make intelligent decisions about data reuse, avoiding unnecessary re-verification and reducing time consumption while ensuring measurement reliability when conditions have actually changed.
3Reliability
If color verification is performed frequently to maintain consistent tones, then color reproducibility improves, but material consumption and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluations by comparing measurement data before and after interruptions to assess whether the printer condition has changed. This preliminary check enables the system to determine in advance whether full re-verification is necessary, allowing frequent monitoring of color reproducibility without proportionally increasing material consumption. When no significant changes are detected, previously collected data can be reused, reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of verification frequency from a fixed schedule to a conditional approach based on actual printer condition assessment. By monitoring key parameters (measurement data differences) and only triggering full re-verification when changes exceed thresholds, the system maintains high color reproducibility while significantly reducing material consumption compared to frequent unconditional re-verification.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, a method and a computer readable medium for color verification of an image forming apparatus are disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a sensing device configured to read a color chart; and a processor configured to: perform a first color verification job; perform a second color verification job after the first color verification job when the first color verification job is interrupted, the second color verification job including one or more color patches from a previous color verification job; acquire measurement data from the previous color verification job; acquire measurement data from the second color verification job; and determine whether to re-use the measurement data of the previous color verification job based on one or more differences between the measurement data of the previous color verification job and the measurement data of the second color verification job.