Reproduction System Image Parameter Conversion for Hardcopy Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in creating satisfactory copy images from hardcopy originals, especially when the originals have color-related issues, as existing reproduction systems require knowledge of color theory and may require multiple trial-and-error attempts to set correct image parameters, especially when the hardcopy original is of poor quality or when scanner and print engine calibration is off.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves reading out user-entered image parameter values to characterize the hardcopy original, displaying a digital image accordingly, determining and applying conversions to map initial image parameters to scan-bound values, and using these converted values to create a copy image, thereby providing a good starting point for reproducing the original despite its poor quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users manually adjust image parameters using traditional methods, then they can eventually obtain a satisfactory copy image, but the process requires knowledge of color theory and multiple trial-and-error attempts, significantly increasing operation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning of the hardcopy original to obtain scan-bound image parameter values before the user needs to adjust parameters. These preliminary results serve as a foundation, allowing the user to start with pre-determined values rather than beginning from initial defaults, thereby reducing the time and iterations needed to achieve satisfactory image reproduction quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where scan-bound image parameter values obtained from scanning the hardcopy original are fed back into the parameter setting process. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust and optimize image parameters based on actual scanning results, eliminating the need for users to manually trial-and-error adjust parameters and significantly reducing operation time while maintaining high reproduction quality
2Manufacturing precision
If users manually adjust image parameters without scan-bound values, then the system maintains simplicity, but the user must rely on initial parameter values that do not account for scanner and print engine calibration issues, reducing image reproduction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically obtaining scan-bound image parameter values from scanning the hardcopy original and using these values to initialize parameter adjustments. This self-service capability allows the system to automatically compensate for scanner and print engine calibration issues without requiring complex manual intervention from the user, thereby improving image reproduction accuracy while keeping the user interface simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes image parameters based on scan-bound values obtained from the hardcopy original. By using these scan-bound values as a basis for parameter initialization, the system automatically adapts to variations in scanner and print engine calibration, improving reproduction accuracy without requiring the user to understand or manually adjust complex color theory parameters
3Ease of operation
If the system uses initial parameter values for all reproductions, then the operation process remains simple, but the copy image quality deteriorates when the hardcopy original has color-related problems or when scanner/print engine calibration is off
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning to obtain scan-bound image parameter values before parameter adjustment begins. These preliminary results provide an accurate baseline that reflects the actual characteristics of the hardcopy original and accounts for any calibration issues, enabling the system to maintain both operational simplicity and high image quality by starting with pre-determined values rather than generic defaults
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using scan-bound image parameter values to inform and adjust the initial parameter settings. This feedback mechanism ensures that the parameter adjustment process starts from an accurate baseline that reflects the actual hardcopy original characteristics, thereby maintaining copy image quality while keeping the user interface simple and intuitive
4Manufacturing precision
If the system requires users to characterize copy image colors directly, then color accuracy may be improved, but the user must be knowledgeable about color theory and the relationship between RGB and CMYK domains, increasing operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses scan-bound image parameter values as an intermediary between the hardcopy original and the final copy image. Instead of requiring users to directly characterize colors in complex RGB/CMYK domains, the system mediates this process by automatically obtaining and applying scan-bound values that bridge the gap between the original and reproduction, thereby achieving color accuracy while keeping the user interface simple and accessible to users without color theory knowledge
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for creating a copy image from a hardcopy original on a reproduction system comprising display means, wherein the method comprises the steps of displaying a predetermined digital image at the display means of the reproduction system according to image parameters which are set with initial image parameter values, reading out image parameter values entered by a user for replacing the initial image parameter values and characterizing the hardcopy original, displaying the predetermined digital image in accordance with the read-out image parameter values, determining a first conversion of image parameters mapping the initial image parameter values to the read-out image parameter values, determining a second conversion of image parameters by inverting the first conversion, scanning the hardcopy original resulting in scan-bound image parameter values, applying the second conversion to the scan-bound image parameter values resulting in converted image parameter values, and creating the copy image by taking into account the converted image parameter values. The invention also relates to a reproduction system configured for applying the method.