Printer UI for Black and Color Depletion Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices face challenges in optimizing the ratio of black and color print substances to balance cost and image quality, with existing methods either resulting in poor image quality or increased expense, particularly when transitioning from full color to depleted color modes.
Innovation Solution
A user interface (UI) that allows users to individually select and lock in depletion levels for black and color print substances, providing real-time feedback and the ability to preview changes, enabling customization based on specific usage and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If depletion level is increased to reduce ink consumption, then cost per page is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the depletion control into separate adjustable parameters for black ink and color inks, allowing independent optimization of each. This enables users to apply different depletion levels to different ink types based on their specific needs, rather than applying a uniform depletion level that would compromise overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different depletion levels to different parts of the printing system (black channel vs. color channels). By allowing local customization of depletion parameters for each ink type and even individual color channels, the system maintains high quality in critical areas while achieving cost savings in less critical areas.
2Loss of substance
If uniform depletion is applied to all inks, then cost per page is reduced, but color accuracy and black stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ink depletion control into separate segments for black ink and color inks, with further segmentation into individual color channels (cyan, magenta, yellow). This segmented approach allows each ink type to maintain its optimal depletion level, preserving color accuracy and black stability while still achieving overall cost reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the depletion parameters individually for each ink type and color channel based on their specific characteristics. Black ink may have different optimal depletion characteristics compared to color inks, and this parameter customization allows each to maintain its quality standards while contributing to overall cost efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more depletion levels are offered for customization, then user flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the customization options into logical groups (black depletion, color depletion, individual channel depletion) that can be accessed hierarchically. Users can start with simple global settings and progressively access more detailed controls only if needed, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining full versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where the level of detail and complexity adapts to user needs. The system can present simplified views for typical users while providing advanced controls for power users, allowing the interface complexity to change dynamically based on the user's expertise and requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of a user interface (UI) for depletion level selection are described herein. In some examples, a control element is displayed in a UI to select a color depletion level for a color printing substance of a printing device. A predicted cost-per-page to print is displayed in the UI based on based on a selected color depletion level. A color map for the printing device is determined based on the selected color depletion level and a separate black depletion level.