Printing Preview Image Masking Effect Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional preview functions in printing systems fail to accurately represent the appearance of printed images on screens, especially when the total amount of color materials used is high, due to a masking effect that hides the surface characteristics of the sheet, leading to inaccurate previews.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium program that combines a first image generated based on color material density with a second image representing the sheet's surface, adjusting the appearance of the second image according to the total amount of color material used for each pixel position, to improve the accuracy of the preview image displayed on a screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a simple combination method is used to generate preview images, then the processing speed and simplicity are improved, but the accuracy of representing surface characteristics at high color material density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the blending ratio between the printed image and sheet surface image based on the total color material density. When color material density is high, the blending ratio shifts to show more of the printed image (masking effect), while at low density, the sheet surface characteristics are shown more prominently. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the preview generation parameters to the specific printing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the preview image generation process adaptive rather than static. The system automatically adjusts the degree of masking effect applied based on the calculated total color material density, creating a dynamic preview that accurately reflects how the final print will appear under different color material conditions.
2Device complexity
If the masking effect is not reflected in the preview image, then the simplicity of the preview function is maintained, but the reproducibility of the actual printed appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image blending based on color material density calculations. By automatically adjusting the transparency or weighting of the sheet surface image versus the printed image according to the total ink coverage, the system reproduces the masking effect that occurs in actual printing, thereby improving preview accuracy without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a more accurate copy of the actual printing process by incorporating the masking effect into the preview. Instead of showing a static combination of images, the system simulates how color materials actually mask the sheet surface in real printing, providing a reliable preview that truly copies the final output appearance.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed blending ratio is used to combine print data image and sheet surface image, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different color material amounts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static blending ratio into a dynamic parameter that automatically adapts to different printing conditions. The system calculates the total color material density for each pixel and uses this information to determine the appropriate blending ratio, enabling the preview to adapt to various color material amounts without requiring user configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the preview generation system to automatically adjust its own parameters based on the print data. The system calculates color material density and determines the appropriate masking effect level without user intervention, making the preview function adaptable to different printing scenarios while remaining easy to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable recording medium records program for causing a computer that reproduces an image of a printed matter before printing and displays the image on a screen to implement: a changing function of, in a case where a first image generated according to a density value of a color material and a second image representing a surface of a sheet to be used for printing are combined to generate an image of a printed matter, changing appearance of the second image, according to a total amount of the color material to be used for printing the corresponding first image, for each pixel position.