Printing Device Calibration via Color-Encoded Test Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices face challenges in color calibration, requiring manual entry of calibration requests and variance in color capabilities, which can lead to issues during large-scale production print jobs.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to encode request information into a test color sheet using a color encoding key, allowing for automated measurement and processing of calibration data through a color measurement tool, and uploading it to a cloud-based network service for device calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual entry of calibration request information is used, then operator control is maintained, but time consumption and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test color sheet automatically encodes the calibration request identifier within its control strip using colorimetric representation. When measured by a color measurement tool, the sheet self-provides the request identifier without requiring manual entry by the operator, thereby eliminating time loss and potential entry errors while maintaining data accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The request identifier is pre-encoded into the control strip of the test color sheet before printing. This preliminary encoding ensures that when the sheet is measured, the identifier is already available in a machine-readable format, eliminating the need for subsequent manual data entry and reducing both time consumption and error potential
2Loss of information
If separate barcode scanning tools are used, then calibration request information can be captured, but device complexity and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration request identifier is merged directly into the test color sheet's control strip as colorimetric data. This integration eliminates the need for separate barcode scanning tools and manual data transfer processes, reducing device complexity while ensuring complete capture of calibration request information through the sheet's inherent color measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The control strip serves multiple functions: it contains the color encoding key for paper type identification and simultaneously encodes the calibration request identifier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate information capture mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while preventing information loss
3Extent of automation
If color encoding is used in control strip, then automated measurement is enabled, but encoding and decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control strip uses colorimetric encoding where different colors represent different digits of the request identifier according to a color encoding key. This approach enables automated measurement through standard color measurement tools while the encoding/decoding complexity is managed through a systematic color-digit mapping relationship that can be processed algorithmically
Solution Approach 2:
The color encoding key acts as an intermediary between the physical color measurements and the digital request identifier. This intermediary layer enables automated measurement by translating colorimetric data into meaningful identifier information through a defined mapping relationship, managing complexity through a clear translation layer
4Productivity
If manual calibration data entry is used, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity and consistency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The test color sheet self-provides the calibration request identifier through its encoded control strip. This eliminates manual data entry entirely, thereby increasing productivity by removing a time-consuming step while simultaneously improving reliability by eliminating human error and ensuring consistent data capture across all calibration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The color measurement tool measures the control strip and automatically retrieves the request identifier from the encoded color data. This feedback loop ensures that the correct identifier is automatically associated with the calibration measurements, improving both productivity by eliminating manual entry and reliability by ensuring consistent, error-free data association
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method streamlines the calibration process by automating the encoding and measurement of calibration requests, reducing manual errors and ensuring consistent color quality across various paper types, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in large-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the plurality of test color strips on the test color sheet with the color measurement tool to generate measurement data
Data Source
AI summary
Calibration requests are received at a network service. The network service assigns a request identifier for the data of a request. The request identifier is encoded into a control strip on a test color sheet using color patches. A color encoding key encodes the request identifier using the color patches. After the test color sheet is printed, a color measurement tool is used to decode the information from the control strip, including the request identifier. The color measurement tool measures the test color strips on test color sheet. The request identifier corresponds to the measurement data. The measurement data along with the request identifier is sent to the network service. The measurement data is processed to generate calibration data, which is used to update the printing device.