Printing Apparatus Custom Color Gamut Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color processing apparatuses face challenges in reproducing input colors within the given gamut, leading to demands for techniques to improve image reproducibility by selecting suitable custom colors.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus and method that utilize custom colors by acquiring and converting color values to ensure accurate reproduction, using a combination of basic and custom inks to expand the color gamut, with a controller executing operations to print patches and create a calibration profile for improved color reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color conversion is performed based on predetermined gamut evaluation, then colors within the gamut are reproduced accurately, but colors outside the gamut cannot be reproduced faithfully
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color reproduction process into two distinct paths: one for colors within the predetermined gamut (using standard conversion) and one for colors outside the gamut (using custom color selection). This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between accuracy for in-gamut colors and adaptability for out-of-gamut colors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between standard gamut-constrained conversion and custom color-based conversion based on whether the input color falls within or outside the predetermined gamut. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high accuracy for in-gamut colors while extending versatility to handle out-of-gamut colors effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom colors are used to expand color gamut, then out-of-gamut colors can be reproduced, but colorimetric errors may increase without proper calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by printing patch charts with custom colors and measuring them with a colorimeter before actual image reproduction. This preliminary action creates an accurate custom color profile that ensures color accuracy is maintained even when using custom colors to expand the gamut.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from colorimeter measurements of printed patches to create and refine the custom color profile. This feedback loop ensures that the custom color conversion accurately reflects the actual printing characteristics, maintaining color precision while expanding gamut coverage.
3Measurement precision
If patch charts are printed for calibration, then color profile accuracy is improved, but printing time and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration only when custom colors are actually used, rather than calibrating for all possible color scenarios. This partial action approach maintains high calibration accuracy when needed while avoiding unnecessary calibration operations that would waste time and materials during normal in-gamut printing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus, having a first head including first nozzles and first driving elements, a second head including second nozzles and second driving elements, first flow paths, a second flow path, and a controller, is provided. The controller is configured to acquire a first printing color gamut and, after loading the second flow path with the ink in the custom color, operate the first and second driving elements to print patches for first imaging color values. The first printing color gamut is a gamut including a custom color within a printing color gamut in a predetermined color space. The printing color gamut is a gamut including color values of colors printable in the inks in basic colors and the custom color. The first imaging color values are color values falling within the first printing color gamut among color values in image data of the image to be printed.