Printing Device Multi-Profile Imposition for Color Mode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing devices cannot accommodate multiple logical pages with different output color profiles on the same print surface, forcing users to choose between enhanced image quality and higher costs due to additional colorant usage, as they lack the ability to switch between different color modes during printing processes like booklet or N-up printing.
Innovation Solution
The printing devices and methods allow for the use of multiple output color modes, such as 4-color and 5-color or higher modes, enabling the selection of different output color profiles for each logical page on a single print surface by processing print job requests with domain imposition instructions, which include appending pseudo layers with void extended gamut to ensure image data dimensions are equal, allowing for standard and enhanced quality images to be printed simultaneously without excessive colorant usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple output color profiles are used for different logical pages on the same print surface, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the print job into separate logical pages, each capable of having its own output color profile. The imposition module segments the printing process to handle different color modes (CMYK vs. CMYKX) for different pages independently, while still printing them on the same physical print surface. This segmentation allows high-quality extended gamut printing where needed without forcing it across all pages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects different output color profiles for different logical pages based on user specifications. The imposition module can adaptively switch between CMYK and CMYKX modes for different pages during the same print job, rather than being locked into a single mode. This dynamic approach optimizes image quality for each page individually while managing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If extended gamut profile is used for all logical pages, then image quality is improved, but cost increases due to additional colorant usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extended gamut color profiles locally only to specific logical pages that require enhanced image quality, rather than universally to all pages. The imposition module identifies which logical pages need CMYKX mode and applies the extended gamut profile only to those pages, while standard CMYK pages use the simpler four-color mode. This local quality approach ensures high-quality printing where needed while minimizing unnecessary colorant consumption.
3Device complexity
If single output color profile is used for all logical pages, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imposition module is designed with multi-functionality to handle both CMYK and CMYKX output color profiles within a single device architecture. The system can process logical pages with different color mode requirements using the same physical printing mechanism, making the device adaptable to various printing needs without requiring separate devices for different color modes. This universality maintains reasonable device complexity while significantly improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are printing devices and methods that accommodate the use of multiple different output color modes and, thereby multiple different output color profiles and that support user selection of any of the profiles for printing different logical pages on a single print surface. Consequently, they do not require a user to trade off between a desire to achieve a particular result in an image on one logical page, wherein the particular result is only achievable with an extended gamut profile, and a desire to avoid the higher cost associated with unnecessarily using the extended gamut profile to print a different image on a different logical page on the same print surface. Thus, the printing devices and methods provide for rendering of both standard and enhanced quality images on the same print surface in accordance with user selections and for minimizing costs associated with printing (e.g., due to excessive colorant usage).