Scanner Module Color Correction via Lookup Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large format scanners with multiple modules often experience color differences due to varying specifications among modules, leading to scanning imperfections such as faded or tinted portions in scanned images.
Innovation Solution
A scanner module manager analyzes scans to identify color differences and adjusts color settings using a look-up-table to correct these differences, ensuring that all modules scan within a designated threshold, thereby maintaining image consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple scanner modules are used to scan large format media, then scanning width and productivity are improved, but color consistency and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to varying specifications among modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating module-specific color profiles that tailor correction parameters to each individual scanner module's characteristics. Each module receives customized color correction based on its unique spectral response, allowing different parts of the scanning system to operate with optimized local parameters rather than a uniform global setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting color correction parameters (such as gain, offset, and white balance values) based on measured spectral data. The system modifies these parameters in real-time to compensate for variations between modules, transforming the physical state of the color output from inconsistent to uniform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scanner modules with varying specifications are used, then device complexity and adaptability are improved, but color accuracy and manufacturing precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual spectral output of each scanner module and using this information to generate corrective color profiles. The system continuously monitors color accuracy and adjusts correction parameters based on measured deviations, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precision despite hardware variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing each scanner module's color response during initialization and creating lookup tables (LUTs) and color profiles before actual scanning begins. This advance preparation allows the system to compensate for module variations without requiring real-time complex calculations during the scanning process.
3Manufacturing precision
If color correction processing is added to analyze and adjust scanner module output, then color accuracy is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces processing time by performing color correction lookups in real-time using pre-computed lookup tables (LUTs) that were generated during initialization. Instead of performing complex color space transformations during scanning, the system uses the LUTs for rapid direct color value retrieval, significantly reducing computational overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing color correction selectively based on detected color differences. The system analyzes scans to identify modules with color deviations exceeding a threshold, then applies correction only to those specific modules rather than processing all modules uniformly, reducing unnecessary computational effort.
Data Source
AI summary
An example disclosed herein analyzes a first scan of a first target scanned with a first scanner module of a scanner, analyzes second scan of a second target scanned with a second scanner module of the scanner, identifies a color difference greater than a threshold color difference between the first scan and the second scan, and adjusts color settings for the first scanner module to correct the color difference to less than the threshold color difference.