Proxy Printing for Color Accuracy in Mixed-Mode Print Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print systems face inefficiencies and color variations when handling objects requiring strict color accuracy, as color setting using a color sample is time-consuming and can only be effectively executed on one or some printing apparatuses, leading to reduced work efficiency and degraded printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A print system with a first printing apparatus subjected to color setting using a color sample and a second apparatus not subjected to color setting, where the control apparatus assigns printing jobs to both, allowing the first apparatus to execute proxy printing of high-quality pages for the second apparatus, which then merges them into its output, ensuring consistent color accuracy across all prints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color setting using a color sample is executed on multiple printing apparatuses, then color accuracy is improved, but work efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming color setting tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatuses are segmented into two functional groups: a first printing apparatus that performs color setting using a color sample to ensure color accuracy, and second printing apparatuses that do not perform color setting to maintain high work efficiency. This segmentation allows the system to achieve color accuracy for objects requiring strict color accuracy while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first printing apparatus acts as an intermediary for color-critical pages. When a printing job contains objects requiring strict color accuracy, the control apparatus identifies these pages and assigns them to the first printing apparatus for proxy printing, while other pages are assigned to second printing apparatuses. This intermediary role ensures color accuracy without requiring all apparatuses to undergo time-consuming color setting.
2Productivity
If pages requiring strict color accuracy are printed on printing apparatuses without color setting, then work efficiency is improved, but printing quality deteriorates due to color variation
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary analysis of printing jobs to identify objects requiring strict color accuracy before assignment. Based on this preliminary action, the control apparatus proactively routes color-critical pages to the first printing apparatus that has undergone color setting, preventing color variation issues before they occur while maintaining efficient distribution of non-critical pages to second printing apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels are applied locally to different pages within the same printing job. Pages containing objects requiring strict color accuracy are processed by the first printing apparatus with color setting to ensure high printing quality, while other pages are processed by second printing apparatuses for maximum efficiency. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between work efficiency and printing quality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all printing apparatuses are subjected to color setting, then color consistency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional color setting tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into apparatuses with different functional roles regarding color setting. The first printing apparatus is designated for color-critical operations and undergoes color setting, while second printing apparatuses are designated for high-volume, non-critical operations and do not undergo color setting. This segmentation maintains color consistency for color-critical pages while avoiding the complexity of implementing color setting across all apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The first printing apparatus serves multiple functions: it processes both color-critical pages requiring strict color accuracy and acts as a proxy printer for color-critical pages from other apparatuses. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve color consistency for important pages without requiring all printing apparatuses to have identical color setting capabilities, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A print system including a first printing apparatus subjected to color setting using a color sample, a second printing apparatus not subjected to color setting using a color sample, and a server computer generating a printing setting. The printing setting is used to cause the first printing apparatus to execute printing of a number of copies assigned to the first printing apparatus and proxy printing of a page that includes an object that requires strict color accuracy and is included in a number of copies assigned to the second printing apparatus, cause the second printing apparatus to execute printing of the number of copies assigned to the second printing apparatus except for the printing of the page, and merging the proxy printed page into the paper printed in the second printing apparatus.