Printing signal correction and printer operation control apparatus utilizing neural network

A printing signal correction and printer operation control apparatus for executing correction computations on values of an image data signal representing successive picture elements of an original image, for obtaining a printing density data signal to be supplied to printer means to produce a copy of said original image, comprising:

• a neural network;
• a parameter memory for storing internal parameters of said neural network;
• sensor means for detecting at least one internal environmental condition of said printer means and for producing a detection signal having a value indicative of said internal environmental condition;
• wherein said neural network is coupled to receive said image data signal and said detection signal as respective input signals, and executes computations on each of successive combinations of values of said image data signal and detection signal to produce corresponding values of said printing density data signal, and wherein respective values for said neural network internal parameters are determined by a procedure which includes inputting to said neural network successive pluralities of sample values of image data signal under respectively different ones of said printer internal environmental conditions, while also inputting to said neural network detection signal values respectively indicative of said different internal environmental conditions, and comparing resultant printing density data signal values produced from said neural network with respectively corresponding ideal printing density data signal values.