Printing Device Color Calibration via Segmented Patch Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing devices for color calibration in printing systems face reduced accuracy due to uniform color measurement methods for all calibration patches, which affects the precision of color calibration.
Innovation Solution
A printing device and method that includes a patch chart with both predetermined and user-specified color patches, where the measuring member is calibrated using a reference patch before measuring the user-specified patches, improving color measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the same measurement method is used for all calibration patch images, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of color measurements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct parts: a calibration process for standard patches and a measurement process for user-specified patches. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently, with the calibration process establishing reference values and the measurement process using these references to achieve higher accuracy for custom color patches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary calibration by measuring standard patches with known color values before measuring user-specified patches. This preliminary action establishes a calibration curve or reference data that compensates for device variations and environmental factors, thereby improving the accuracy of subsequent measurements.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed for each patch column containing user-specified patches, then color measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the patch chart into multiple patch columns and performs calibration only on columns containing user-specified patches. This selective segmentation avoids redundant calibration operations on columns with only standard patches, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining accuracy where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies calibration selectively rather than uniformly across all patch columns. By performing calibration only where necessary (i.e., columns with user-specified patches), the system achieves the minimum necessary calibration effort to maintain accuracy, avoiding excessive calibration operations that would waste time.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device prints a patch chart including a plurality of first patches having a predetermined color and one or more second patches having a user specified color. A measuring member measures a color of a patch. The patch chart includes a plurality of patch columns having two or more patches among the plurality of patches arranged linearly. In a case that a patch column of the plurality of patch columns includes a second patch of the plurality of second patches, a controller performs a calibration process to calibrate the measuring member by controlling the measuring member to measure a color of a reference; and after the calibration process is completed, a color measurement process for a patch included in the patch column including the second patch, the color measurement process for the patch being to control the measuring member to measure a color of the patch.