In-line Spectrophotometer Print Device Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In a market or print shop setting, customers face challenges in identifying the best printing device among multiple options that can meet their specific print quality requirements, as each device may not consistently deliver the desired print quality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an in-line spectrophotometer to automatically determine the best printing device by receiving print job requests, identifying devices with spectrophotometers, selecting target pages for measurement, and routing print jobs to devices that can meet the required color imaging standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printing devices are available to customers, then device selection flexibility increases, but print quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where the spectrophotometer continuously measures printed output and feeds this information back to the server. The server then adjusts printing parameters in real-time to maintain consistent quality across different devices, resolving the contradiction between device flexibility and quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes printing parameters (such as color profiles, resolution settings, and ink densities) based on spectrophotometer measurements and device characteristics. This allows each printing device to operate within optimized parameter ranges that ensure consistent print quality regardless of device differences.
2Measurement precision
If automatic device selection system is implemented, then print quality determination accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the spectrophotometer and server automatically perform device selection and quality determination without manual intervention. The system self-calibrates and self-adjusts based on measurements, reducing the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs multiple functions including device management, quality determination, parameter optimization, and coordinate transformation. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single central component rather than distributing it across multiple specialized devices, making the system more manageable despite its capabilities.
3Extent of automation
If in-line spectrophotometer is used for automatic measurement, then manual intervention is reduced, but device configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of spectrophotometer integration. It handles device configuration, coordinate transformations between different color spaces, and measurement scheduling, allowing the spectrophotometer to operate automatically without requiring end users to manage its complex configuration requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures that print jobs are directed to devices capable of meeting high print quality standards, enhancing the likelihood of achieving desired print outcomes with minimal human intervention across a network of connected printers.
Implementation Method 1
using an in-line spectrophotometer or colorimeter
Data Source
AI summary
A print management method implemented in a system including a client computer, a server, and a plurality of printers is disclosed, which includes by the server: (a) receiving, from the client computer, a request relating to a print job; (b) determining whether the print job has a reprint related setting, the reprint related setting being a request to save data related to color imaging for the print job and/or a request to reprint a prior print job; when it is determined that the print job has the reprint related setting to save data related to color imaging; (c) determining at least one printer which has an in-line spectrophotometer from the plurality of printers; (d) determining at least one page to be measured as a target; and (e) sending the print job to the at least one printer so that the determined page is measured as the target.