Printing Control Device Memory Reduction via Segmented Color Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing control systems require large memory sizes for list printing due to the need for color conversion tables with a high number of grid points and gradations, which is inefficient for processing and storage.
Innovation Solution
A printing control device and method that uses a list printing color conversion table with a different structure than the standard color conversion table, reducing the number of grid points and gradations to minimize memory requirements, while maintaining image quality by adjusting the color conversion table based on input coordinates and ink usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a color conversion table with a large number of grid points and output gradations is used to improve monochrome image quality, then image quality is improved, but memory size required for list printing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the color conversion process into two separate tables: a first color conversion table with a reduced number of grid points and output gradations specifically for monochrome images, and a second color conversion table with the full number of grid points and gradations for color images. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary portion of conversion data for each image type, reducing memory requirements while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters (number of grid points and output gradations) of the color conversion table based on the image type being processed. For monochrome images, it uses a color conversion table with fewer grid points and gradations, while for color images, it uses a table with more grid points and gradations. This parameter adaptation reduces memory usage without compromising the quality of the specific image type being processed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the same color conversion table structure is used for both test printing and regular printing, then consistency is maintained, but memory efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color conversion tables into different versions: a first color conversion table optimized for monochrome/test printing with reduced grid points and gradations, and a second color conversion table for regular color printing with full grid points and gradations. This segmentation enables memory-efficient test printing while maintaining the necessary detail for regular printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
For test printing of monochrome images, the patent uses a partial version of the color conversion table (first table with fewer grid points and gradations) rather than the complete table. This partial action provides sufficient color accuracy for testing while significantly reducing memory consumption during the test printing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing control device performs control to convert an input image with reference to a color conversion table that specifies a correspondence relationship between an input coordinate value and an amount of printing coloring material used, and to print an output image after the conversion. The printing control device includes a list printing control unit which performs control to print a list of images based on the input image for adjusting the color conversion table with reference to a list printing color conversion table that has a structure different from the color conversion table.