Relief Feel Evaluation Using Step Height and Gloss Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to provide a quantitative evaluation of relief feel, which is influenced by both the height and gloss level of image portions, making it difficult to assess the visual perception of steps between image and base material portions.
Innovation Solution
An image quality evaluation method that considers both the step height and gloss level to calculate an evaluation value for relief feel, using a difference in gloss levels between image portions and base material portions, and optionally incorporating inclination angles and specific regions with varying thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only step height measurement is used to evaluate relief feel, then measurement is simple, but evaluation accuracy is insufficient because gloss level differences are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines step height measurement and gloss level measurement into a unified relief feel evaluation system. The evaluation value calculation integrates both physical step characteristics (height, inclination) and optical characteristics (gloss levels at different positions) to comprehensively assess relief feel, resolving the contradiction by merging multiple measurement dimensions into a single evaluative framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple parameters beyond simple step height, including gloss levels at image portions and base material portions, inclination angles, and relative gloss level differences. By changing from a single parameter (step height) to multiple parameters (gloss levels, inclination, relative differences), the evaluation accuracy improves while maintaining a systematic approach
2Measurement precision
If visual observation is used to evaluate relief feel, then no additional equipment is needed, but quantitative evaluation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual observation with objective instrumental measurement. By using measurement devices to quantify step height, inclination angle, and gloss levels, and then calculating an objective evaluation value from these measurements, the system eliminates subjectivity while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an evaluation value calculation as an intermediary between raw measurements (step height, gloss levels) and final assessment. This intermediary processing step transforms multiple physical measurements into a single quantitative metric that objectively represents relief feel, bridging the gap between measurement data and quality assessment
Data Source
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AI summary
An image quality evaluation method to be executed by an information processing apparatus includes: acquiring information about a step at a boundary portion between an image portion, which is formed using a recording material, and a base material portion, which is a ground of the image portion, and a gloss level of the image portion; and calculating an evaluation value of a relief feel on the basis of the acquired information about the step and the gloss level.