Printing Device Supply Component Memory for Color Table Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of color management in printing devices, driven by the need to support multiple color spaces, print media, and preferences, leads to memory and storage concerns due to the large size of color tables, particularly in embedded ICC profiles, which can result in overhead and reduced functionality during mass manufacture and customization.

Innovation Solution

A memory device with corrective data that transforms a reference color table into a customized color table, reducing memory consumption by using residual values to modify only necessary nodes, allowing for cost-effective customization and efficient memory use without replacing standard firmware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard color tables are included in firmware for general applicability, then device functionality is improved, but memory consumption and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidmemory consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The color table data is segmented into two parts: a compact reference color table stored in firmware, and device-specific corrective data stored separately in supply components (ink cartridges, drums, etc.). This segmentation allows the firmware to remain small while still supporting multiple color spaces and devices through the interchangeable supply components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device-specific color correction data is extracted from the firmware and placed in replaceable supply components. This extraction reduces firmware memory requirements while maintaining the ability to customize color output for different devices and media types through the supply component corrective data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive color tables are stored in firmware to support multiple color spaces and media types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor space supportVSAvoidfirmware overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal reference color table is stored in firmware that can serve multiple color spaces and device types. Device-specific adaptations are achieved through supply component corrective data, allowing the same firmware to support various color management scenarios without requiring separate firmware versions for each device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If custom color tables are created for each device and media combination, then color accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Reference color tables are pre-calculated and stored compactly in firmware during manufacturing. Device-specific corrective data is pre-measured and stored in supply components. This preliminary preparation enables accurate color output without requiring complex real-time calculations or extensive customization during device operation or manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating entirely new color tables for each device configuration, the system uses a reference color table as a base and applies corrective data from supply components as modifications. This copying approach with adjustments reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining color accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4236290B1Printing device supply component
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP4236290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4236290B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4236290B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A memory device for a supply component for use with a printing device is disclosed. The memory device includes corrective data corresponding with a reference color table for the printing device. The printing device can include a standard color use mode and a color saving mode. The corrective data includes a plurality of nodes to transform the reference color table to a customized color table for the color saving mode. The memory device may be part of a supply component, which may be included in a printing device.