Printer Profile Creation Using Median Color Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating printer profiles are prone to inaccuracies due to color variation, especially when averaging profiles from multiple printers, as abnormal profiles can skew the average value, leading to inappropriate color representation.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves acquiring colorimetric values from a color chart output by a printer, calculating the degree of color variation, and using a calculation formula to create a new color conversion profile when the data increases, incorporating weighted averages and interpolation to accurately reflect the average color variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If profiles are accumulated and averaged to reflect color variation, then the profile creation considers color variation, but abnormal profiles can skew the average value leading to inaccurate color representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a statistical intermediary (median value) to represent the central tendency of color measurements instead of using the arithmetic mean. This intermediary is less sensitive to abnormal values and provides a more robust representation of the typical color output, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the median value with the arithmetic mean value. When the difference between these two values exceeds a threshold, it indicates the presence of abnormal profiles, triggering a feedback mechanism to exclude or adjust these abnormal values. This feedback loop ensures that the final profile accurately reflects typical color variation without being skewed by outliers.
2Ease of manufacture
If a printer profile is created on the basis of one sheet of a color chart, then the profile creation process is simple, but color variation is picked up creating an inappropriate profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by accumulating multiple color chart measurements over time before creating the final profile. Instead of creating a profile from a single measurement, the system collects a series of measurements and uses statistical processing (calculating median values) to derive a representative profile. This preliminary accumulation of data ensures the profile appropriately reflects color variation while maintaining a relatively simple creation process.
3Productivity
If only a few profiles are used for averaging, then the profile creation is quick, but the average value does not accurately reflect color variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a minimal but sufficient number of measurements to achieve accurate results. Instead of requiring a large number of profiles for averaging, the system uses a small set of measurements processed through median calculation and abnormal value detection. This approach achieves measurement precision comparable to larger sample sizes while maintaining high productivity and quick profile creation.
Data Source
AI summary
The profile creation method creates a color conversion profile for a printer by causing the printer to output a color chart including patch images having colors corresponding to combinations of values of a plurality of basic colors. The method includes acquiring colorimetric values of the patch images included in the color chart output from the printer; creating a color conversion profile from the acquired colorimetric values by using a calculation formula according to a degree of variation in a color of each patch image obtained from data of colorimetric values accumulated regarding the each patch image; and when the data of the colorimetric values increases by a predetermined amount, creating a new color conversion profile from the acquired colorimetric values by using a calculation formula according to the degree of the variation obtained from the data after the increase.