Printer Color Matching With Scan-Tolerant Color Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color matching processes in print systems face challenges in accurately replicating colors across different printers due to issues such as scan errors, size or resolution differences, and rotation of physical samples, making it difficult to achieve consistent color reproduction.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for color matching that involves obtaining a color sample, generating a patch chart image based on color measurements, printing and scanning it to create a color matching profile, and registering it at a target printer, focusing on matching target colors rather than pixel-level comparisons to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel matching between scanned images is performed, then color matching can be achieved, but the process is sensitive to scan errors, size differences, and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color measurement data from the scanned images and separates it from the spatial information. By using color measurements (L*a*b* values) directly from the physical samples rather than performing pixel-level image matching, the system eliminates sensitivity to scan errors, rotation, and size differences while maintaining color matching accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces color measurements as an intermediary between the physical samples and the color matching process. Instead of directly comparing scanned images, the system uses measured color values (L*a*b* values) as the mediator to establish the relationship between golden samples and before-matching samples, thereby achieving robust color matching.
2Reliability
If traditional color calibration with ICC profiles is used, then color consistency can be achieved, but the process is complex and difficult to tune
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the color matching process by using pre-measured color data from physical samples. Instead of performing complex calibration procedures, the system uses measured L*a*b* values from golden samples and before-matching samples to directly generate correctional ICC profiles, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining color consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used in color matching from image-based pixel values to color measurement-based L*a*b* values. This parameter transformation simplifies the matching process by focusing on color properties rather than spatial properties, making the system more robust to scanning variations and easier to implement.
3Measurement precision
If physical samples are scanned for color matching, then color measurements can be obtained, but the samples may be shifted, rotated, or have size differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts color measurement data independent of the sample's spatial position in the scan. By measuring color values (L*a*b*) at specific locations and using these values for matching, the system eliminates the need for precise sample positioning, alignment, or rotation correction, thereby simplifying the operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for color matching. In an embodiment, a method comprises loading a color sample file of a color sample that includes color measurements, and generating a patch chart image by processing the color measurements for the color sample to select target colors, and generating the patch chart image comprising color patch objects corresponding with the target colors. The method further comprises printing the patch chart image at a target printer to output a patch chart, scanning the patch chart to generate color measurements for the patch chart, generating a color matching profile for the target printer based on the color measurements for the color sample and the color measurements for the patch chart, and registering the color matching profile at the target printer.