Spot Color Setting Screen for Accurate Print Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing technologies face challenges in avoiding unintended print results during spot color printing, particularly due to users' inability to visually recognize which RGB values correspond to spot colors, leading to incorrect color designation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a spot color setting screen that visually displays multiple spot colors, allowing users to select and designate spot colors based on RGB values, and the integration of a system that ensures spot color inks are used only for pixels with corresponding RGB values, while pixels without these values are printed using CMYK inks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spot color printing is performed by replacing RGB information with predetermined specific color ink, then color reproduction capability is improved, but unintended print results occur due to users' inability to visually recognize which RGB values correspond to spot colors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reproduction capabilityVSAvoidprint result accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by displaying spot color information in the form of visual color swatches or colored rectangles that correspond to specific RGB values. Instead of showing only numerical RGB data, the system presents actual color representations that users can visually recognize and select, ensuring that the displayed color matches the spot color ink to be used for printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary visual display element (color swatch or colored rectangle) that mediates between the abstract RGB numerical data and the physical spot color ink. This intermediary provides a visual bridge that helps users understand which RGB values will produce which spot colors, eliminating the disconnect between digital color specification and physical ink output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spot colors are available for selection, then color expression capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage and display multiple color options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor expression capabilityVSAvoidsetting screen complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the display of multiple spot colors into individual, separate visual elements (color swatches or rectangles) that are presented in a structured manner. Each spot color option is segmented as a distinct selectable unit, making it easier for users to navigate and select from multiple color choices without being overwhelmed by a complex interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If spot color printing is implemented without visual feedback, then processing speed is improved, but user accuracy deteriorates due to inability to verify color selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting processing speedVSAvoidcolor selection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing visual color information to users before the printing process begins. The color swatches or colored rectangles are displayed in advance, allowing users to verify and confirm their spot color selections before actual printing occurs. This preliminary visual feedback prevents errors rather than requiring post-printing verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4040769B1Information processing apparatus, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 CANON KK
  • EP4040769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4040769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4040769B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are provided an information processing apparatus (101), a control method, and a program, which are capable of suppressing the occurrence of an unintended print result. To this end, multiple spot colors that can be designated are displayed on a spot color setting screen (402). User selects the color to be used as the spot color while visually checking the multiple spot colors that the user can designate.