Spot Color Management in Image Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing methods require large storage space and processing time when dealing with spot colors, as they need to store and re-process multiple spot color data sets during reprinting after spot color adjustments, especially in Multi Function Peripherals (MFPs) used for Print On Demand (POD) printing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that calculates device color values for spot colors or combinations using a spot color table, generating a table with spot color identification information, and representing each pixel with this information, reducing the amount of data stored and processing time by using a conversion section and storage section to manage and combine CMYK data efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spot color data sets are stored for each spot color to enable reprinting after spot color adjustment, then spot color adjustment and reprinting functionality is achieved, but data storage space increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments spot color data into two separate components: (1) spot color definition data stored in a spot color table that maps spot color names to CMYK values, and (2) image data that references spot colors by name. This segmentation allows the system to store only one set of spot color definition data rather than multiple complete data sets, significantly reducing storage space while maintaining the ability to adjust and reprint with different spot color settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary conversion of spot color names to CMYK values during the initial image processing stage, storing the converted CMYK data alongside spot color name references. This preliminary action enables subsequent reprinting operations to simply retrieve and recombine the stored data without requiring re-rasterization or re-conversion, achieving both storage efficiency and functional versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spot color data sets are stored and combined during reprinting, then spot color adjustment functionality is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive spot color to CMYK conversion during the initial image processing stage and stores the converted CMYK data. During subsequent reprinting operations, the system simply retrieves the pre-converted CMYK data and combines it with current spot color settings, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-conversion and re-rasterization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the image data in CMYK format that references spot colors by name rather than storing multiple complete spot color data sets. This copying approach allows rapid retrieval and recombination during reprinting operations while maintaining the full spot color adjustment functionality through the spot color table
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus processes image data including first data corresponding to an output color of an output device and a plurality of second data of respective spot colors. The image processing apparatus includes a conversion section and a storage section. The conversion section calculates a device color value for a spot color or a spot color combination among the spot colors, referring to a first table, to generate a second table. In the second table, spot color identification information on the spot color or the spot color combination is correlated with the device color value. The conversion section also generates third data based on the plurality of second data. In the third data, each pixel is represented by the spot color identification information. The storage section stores the first data, the second table and the third data.