Printer Calibration Using Luminance-to-Density Conversion for Media Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require calibration using a specific type of printing medium, limiting flexibility and convenience, as they cannot maintain image quality when switching to different media without recalibrating with the originally designated medium.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus allows calibration using a second printing medium by reading and converting luminance values into density values, enabling the creation of image processing conditions for the new medium without relying on the first medium designated by the manufacturer, through a system involving reading units, correction units, and determination units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calibration is performed using the first printing medium designated by the manufacturer, then image quality maintenance is ensured, but flexibility and operational convenience are reduced when switching to different media
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the calibration parameter from requiring the original first printing medium to accepting any printing medium type. By detecting the actual medium used and adjusting conversion information accordingly, the system maintains image quality while allowing operational flexibility with different media types
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is enhanced to work universally with multiple printing medium types rather than being limited to a specific designated medium. The determination unit identifies the actual medium and the correction unit adjusts processing conditions accordingly, enabling one calibration system to serve multiple media purposes
2Ease of operation
If calibration is performed using a second printing medium different from the first, then operational flexibility is improved, but image quality cannot be maintained due to insufficient or excessive toner application
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the determination unit detects the actual printing medium type and the correction unit uses this information to adjust image processing conditions. This closed-loop approach ensures that calibration maintains image quality regardless of which printing medium is used
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system transitions from a static, fixed calibration process designed for a specific medium to a dynamic process that adapts to different media types. The conversion information and processing conditions are adjusted in real-time based on the detected medium characteristics
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printing media are registered for calibration, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional registration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit automatically detects the printing medium type without requiring manual registration or complex setup procedures. The system self-identifies the medium and autonomously adjusts calibration parameters, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining high adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A reader unit A reads a pattern image formed on a first printing medium to obtain a first luminance value. A color processing unit converts into a density value using first conversion information. CPU creates an image processing condition LUTa based on the density value. A photo sensor reads a pattern image formed on an image carrier. CPU corrects LUTa based on a density value of the pattern image read by photo sensor. A printer unit forms a pattern image on a second printing medium different using the corrected LUTa. CPU determines second conversion information for the second printing medium based on a second luminance value from the pattern image on the second printing medium, the first luminance value and the first conversion information.