Printer Profile Creation via Color Variation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating printer profiles do not effectively account for color variation across different printer outputs and models, leading to inaccuracies in color reproduction, especially under high precision color management requirements.
Innovation Solution
A profile creation method that involves outputting a color chart with multiple patch images, acquiring and correcting colorimetric values based on the degree of variation, using weighted averages and adjusting the number of neighboring patch images for calculation, to reflect average color variation and improve profile accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a printer profile is created based on one sheet of a color chart output by a printer, then the profile creation process is simple and fast, but the profile accuracy deteriorates due to color variation in subsequent outputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring colorimetric values of multiple patch images from multiple color charts output at different times before creating the profile. This preliminary measurement of color variation allows the system to pre-calculate correction values that compensate for expected color drift in subsequent prints, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast profile creation and accurate color reproduction.
2Measurement precision
If colorimetric values are corrected using accumulated data from multiple patch images, then color reproduction accuracy is improved, but the measurement and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by measuring colorimetric values of correction patch images that have the same CMYK values as the target patch images. These correction patches serve as references or copies that represent the printer's color behavior under different conditions. By comparing and correcting based on these copied reference measurements, the system achieves high accuracy without requiring complex measurement systems.
3Measurement precision
If correction patch images with the same color are used to reduce in-plane unevenness influence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of measurements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of target patch images and correction patch images into a unified profile creation process. By combining the colorimetric data from both types of patches and integrating the correction calculation into the same workflow, the system reduces the overall time required compared to performing separate measurement and correction procedures, while still achieving high measurement accuracy.
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 a plurality of patch images. The method acquires a colorimetric value of one patch image included in the color chart output by the printer and corrects the acquired colorimetric value of the one patch image according to the degree of variation in a color of the one patch image specified by data of the colorimetric value already accumulated regarding the one patch image.