Method and system for providing a colour match between a scanned colour test pattern and the respective printout of a colour printer, using a closed control loop

摘要

A method and system for continuously correcting for errors in color output of a color copier or printer (18) and caused by events that occur between the input of a color image scanner (10) and the output of a copier or printer (18) driven thereby. This method and system includes, among other things, the continuous comparison (40) of input test pattern data, TP_in, from a small color gamut (Fig. 6, 30) or "patch" having only a selected few number of color pixels therein with the output test pattern data, TP_out, from a color printer (18) or copier to generate (40) a color correction conversion factor, H. Then, H is used to continuously update (42, 86) an initial full scale look up table which was initially prepared from a full scale color gamut (Fig. 5). The initial look up table (28) has a color conversion factor, F_old, and H is used to convert F_old to F_new where F_new = H · F_old In this manner (84), H continuously corrects for undesirable changes in parameters used to generate the initial look up table (28), such as quality of print media, ink, dye loading, ink drop volume, pen types and the calibration of system devices.