Image Processing Control for Spot Color Reproduction Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image processing methods fail to achieve high color reproduction accuracy when printing color samples that include spot colors or metal leafs, as they cannot accurately distinguish and adjust for these features without specialized scanners or equipment.

Innovation Solution

An image processing control apparatus that obtains read image data and original image data in different color systems, determines region-by-attribute information, and calculates color conversion parameters for spot-color and decoration printing regions using predetermined values, allowing for accurate color adjustment without a scanner with a special member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a normal scanner is used to read color samples with spot colors or metal leafs, then the reading process is simple and cost-effective, but the color reproduction accuracy deteriorates because the scanner cannot distinguish metal colors and spot-color regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanner equipment requirementVSAvoidcolor reproduction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing into three distinct regions: spot-color regions, decoration regions (metal leafs), and normal color regions. By separating the color adjustment processes for each region type, the system can apply appropriate handling methods to each, thereby improving overall color reproduction accuracy while using a normal scanner without special members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different color adjustment strategies to different regions of the image based on their specific characteristics. Spot-color regions use spot-color tables with predetermined CMYK values, decoration regions use specific metal color representation methods, and normal regions use standard color profile correction. This localized quality approach ensures each region is processed optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If read image data including spot-color and metal-leaf regions is used directly for color profile correction, then the process is simple, but the color reproduction accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect color values in these regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor adjustment process complexityVSAvoidcolor reproduction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates spot-color and decoration regions from the overall image processing flow. These regions are identified and excluded from standard color profile correction, instead being processed through dedicated pathways that use predetermined values and specific adjustment methods appropriate for their unique characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary classification of image regions before color adjustment. By identifying spot-color and decoration regions in advance and assigning them to appropriate processing categories, the system prepares the data structure needed for accurate color reproduction without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the color correction phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If spot-color tables with predetermined CMYK values are used for spot-color regions, then the color adjustment is straightforward, but the flexibility to match actual color sample variations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor adjustment operationVSAvoidcolor matching flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified representation of spot-color regions by copying their essential characteristics into a spot-color table with predetermined CMYK values. This copying approach captures the dominant color information needed for reproduction while accepting that exact matches may not be achieved, balancing operational simplicity with reasonable color accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11019235B2Image processing control and color adjustment for reproducing originals with spot colors or decorative attributes using a color sample

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An image processing control apparatus includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor obtains: read image data obtained through reading a color sample and shown in a first color system; original image data corresponding to the color sample and shown in a second color system; and region-by-attribute information indicating a first region corresponding to spot-color printing and a second region corresponding to decoration printing, the first and second regions being in the original image data. The hardware processor determines a color conversion parameter for color conversion of the first region and a color conversion parameter for color conversion of a third region different from the first and second regions in the original image data by using the read image data. The hardware processor determines a color conversion parameter for color conversion of the second region according to predetermined values shown in the second color system.