Method for color correction in a digital printing process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for color correction in a digital printing process, in which method: a raster image processor (100) is used to create a screened color separation (104) from at least one color separation (101) of a specified digital image (102) using a screening algorithm (103); the screening algorithm (103) sequentially reads in color values of the color separation along a screening path and creates points for the screened color separation on the basis of the read-in color values and at least one specified threshold value (threshold); and a print-position-dependent correction value is taken into account in each case in which the screening algorithm creates a point.

Description

[0001] Method for color correction in a digital printing process

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for color correction in a digital printing process.

[0003] Methods for color correction of digital prints are well known. These involve identifying deviations from the expected print result and incorporating them into the printing process to ensure the final print more closely matches the expected result.

[0004] A major challenge in digital image output is achieving prints that exhibit as little deviation as possible from a reference print when printing a digital image repeatedly, even after extended pauses. The reasons for deviations are varied; for example, the printing substrate may exhibit differences in color and gradation properties, or the printer may change over time.

[0005] A particular challenge is color correction depending on the position along the print width, i.e. perpendicular to the feed direction of the medium to be printed. A major problem when outputting digital images is the color and density differences across the print width of a printer caused by printing artifacts, which often become visible as banding in the print direction, especially when the same color (“solid color”). There are many reasons for this. For example, the print dot size (droplet size for inkjets) is never exactly the same across the entire width of a print head and from print head to print head. Furthermore, the positioning accuracy of each print dot is subject to varying tolerances and thus changes the tonal value originally desired by ripping or can change the perceived color value by changing the ratio of additive and subtractive color mixing.Furthermore, especially in inkjet printing, spray mist deposited on the substrate can alter the desired color and density values. In inkjet printing, varying flow behavior, especially on non-absorbent materials, due to different print head positions in the direction of travel and their distance from the pinning or final drying stages can adversely affect the print density. Furthermore, especially in inkjet printing, print dropouts (nozzle errors) can negatively impact the visual appearance of the print result.

[0006] To determine the position and intensity of these printing artifacts, test images are printed and analyzed. The information obtained can then be used for correction in a variety of ways.

[0007] One problem with this type of correction data determination, however, is that the achievable results are often inadequate. In particular, the homogeneity achieved in the individual colors through correction is sometimes not achieved to the same extent when printing overlays. This poses a major problem, especially when printing essentially solid-color images, because any remaining deviations are particularly noticeable and lead to clearly visible banding in the printing direction. The quality of the determined correction data can have a significant impact on the achievable results.

[0008] For example, EP 4113963 A1 describes a method for color correction of a digital printer across a print width of the digital printer, comprising the steps of: a) providing a predetermined digital image, wherein the digital image has at least one color channel image, wherein each color channel image is assigned to a print color channel of the digital printer; b) determining at least one main color of the predetermined digital image; c) creating a digital test image, wherein the digital test image is provided with at least one solid-color test strip that is intended to be printed across the print width of the digital printer, d) printing the digital test image with the digital printer; e) capturing the color values ​​of the printed test image as a function of the print width using an optical color measuring device; f) creating correction data for the digital printer based on the captured color values;and g) applying the correction data to the digital printer and / or the specified digital image;

[0009] In known processes, correction data is taken into account in one way or another in the printing process.

[0010] To quickly correct current color deviations, color correction can be performed on systems based on inkjet printers, for example, by adjusting the printhead voltage. Some systems even allow the independent adjustment of individual sections of the printhead. However, this changes the optimal operating point of the printhead and can therefore only be used for correction to a limited extent. Furthermore, color deviations that are smaller than the smallest adjustable sections of a printhead—such as nozzle errors—cannot be corrected, or only to a limited extent.

[0011] Another option is to use the color management system included with the output device to generate new print data with color correction in certain areas. Depending on the integration of the color management system into the printing press, the press operator's access to the color management system, the speed of the color management system, and the overall size of the digital image file, this process can take a considerable amount of time.

[0012] Other methods that attempt to avoid resorting to color management include sending correction signals to the print head controller, which implements the correction by adjusting the number and / or size of print dots. One problem with such methods, however, is that special hardware may be required for implementation. Furthermore, due to process reasons, such methods cannot take the correction into account equally in the print feed direction and along the print width. This can lead to disadvantages in the print result. In particular, with such methods, particularly small corrections that are distributed across several print dots due to discrete print dot sizes cannot be distributed evenly in the print feed direction and along the print width, which can cause artifacts.

[0013] EP 4113964 A1 describes a method for color correction of a digital print, wherein the digital print provides the output of a predetermined digital image with a digital printer, wherein the predetermined digital image is provided to the digital printer as a color-separated digital image with at least one color channel image, wherein each color channel image is assigned to a print color channel of the digital printer and has information about print dots to be set by the printer of the corresponding print color channel, and wherein a print dot is defined by its print position and print dot size, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing correction data for the digital print, wherein the correction data comprise at least one correction value for at least one color channel image, b) applying the correction data to the color-separated digital image, whereby a color-corrected color-separated digital image is obtained,c) optionally printing the color-corrected, color-separated digital image with the digital printer.

[0014] EP 3570530 A1 describes a method for compensating position-dependent density fluctuations in an inkjet printing machine by means of a computer, wherein, as part of the calibration of a raster image processor of the inkjet printing machine, certain raster patterns are assigned to certain gray values ​​of a color separation of a print image to be rasterized by means of a look-up table, these raster patterns are used by the computer to rasterize the print image and the rasterized print image is printed on the inkjet printing machine, which is characterized in that the look-up table contains the position of each print nozzle of the print heads of the inkjet printing machine as an additional variable and for each position of a print nozzle in the look-up table a complete set of gray values ​​with assigned, adapted raster patterns is entered by the computer.

[0015] US 2019 / 217629 A1 describes a control device for generating a control signal for controlling a printer based on an input signal, comprising a quantizer configured to generate the control signal by quantizing an intermediate signal generated by a first multiplier multiplying the input signal by a correction gain for controlling a correction amount for a print density error, together with a first calculator subtracting an error diffusion output signal from the input signal output by a diffusion matrix that determines a distribution of the print density error; a second multiplier configured to multiply the control signal by an adjustment gain determined based on the correction gain;and a second calculator configured to generate an error diffusion input signal to be input to the diffusion matrix based on a signal output from the second multiplier;

[0016] In other words, the document describes the correction of a control signal for a printer, in which a computer calculates an input signal with an error diffusion (ED) signal from a distribution matrix, and does not address ripping. The correction is performed based on the final input signal, which is why, without being bound to any theory, small corrections may not be evenly distributed in the print feed direction and across the print width, which can cause artifacts.

[0017] US 2009 / 051944 A1 describes an image processing method comprising a step of converting halftone pixels of an image to be printed, which are represented at a first, lower tonal resolution, into pixels represented at a second, higher tonal resolution. The image processing is applied to the pixels with a higher tonal resolution to reduce artifacts in image quality when the pixels are printed at the first, lower tonal resolution. In a preferred embodiment, the image processing includes error diffusion of a sigma-delta modulation.

[0018] In other words, the correction is performed using position-dependent correction values ​​via look-up tables in a second image processing step following a first image processing step in which the image is first rasterized. Thus, no correction is performed during ripping, but only on the already rasterized image. Color correction methods in a digital printing process still offer potential for improvement. Potential for improvement may lie in the fact that color correction can be performed more quickly and easily. However, there is still potential for improvement, especially in the quality of the correction results and the avoidance of artifacts.

[0019] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved method for color correction in a digital printing process.

[0020] This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1 and further by the device according to claim 14 and the use according to claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, in the description, or in the figures, wherein further features described or shown in the subclaims or in the description or in the figures can individually or in any combination represent an object of the invention, unless the context clearly indicates the opposite.

[0021] The invention proposes a method for color correction in a digital printing process, wherein a raster image processor is used to create a rasterized color separation (halftone image) from at least one color separation of a predetermined digital image (halftone image) using a screening algorithm. The screening algorithm reads color values ​​of the color separation sequentially along a screening path and creates points for the rasterized color separation based on the read color values ​​and at least one predetermined threshold. A printing position-dependent correction value is taken into account each time the screening algorithm creates a point. Surprisingly, the method according to the invention can achieve a variety of advantages. In particular, the method can be integrated particularly easily into existing processes.Furthermore, the method is particularly efficient compared to other correction methods and barely affects the speed of the raster image processor used in digital printing anyway. Furthermore, the method according to the invention can achieve particularly precise color correction while simultaneously reducing artifacts. In particular, the method according to the invention can achieve color corrections particularly well for both small and large color deviations. For example, the method according to the invention can also correct color deviations caused by deviations of individual print nozzles (nozzle errors), especially when printing with multiple rows arranged one behind the other in the printing direction (double color rows).

[0022] In other words, a method for color correction is proposed that can be used in a digital printing process. A raster image processor is used. At least one color separation of a given digital image is fed to the raster image processor. This is rasterized using a screening algorithm, creating a rasterized color separation that can be printed, for example, using a printer in the digital printing process. The screening algorithm reads color values ​​of the color separation sequentially along a screening path and creates points for the rasterized color separation based on the read color values ​​and at least one threshold value. When the screening algorithm creates a point, it takes into account a printing position-dependent correction value.

[0023] For the purposes of the present invention, a digital printing process is understood in particular to mean a method for printing a digital image using a digital printer. For the purposes of the present invention, a digital printer is understood in particular to mean a device that can output colored printing dots on a substrate, forming the corresponding image. Preferably, the rasterized color separation obtained by the process is printed on a digital printer.

[0024] Preferably, the digital printing process can be an inkjet digital printing process. Further preferably, the rasterized color separation can be printed on an inkjet printer.

[0025] For the purposes of the present invention, a digital image is understood to be, in particular, a digitally storable image whose image information has position-dependent color values ​​with respect to a color system. A given digital image, for the purposes of the present invention, is, in particular, a digital image intended for printing. For example, the given digital image can be a pixel-based or a vector-based image.

[0026] For the purposes of the present invention, a color separation can therefore be understood in particular as a part of the digital image that contains only the information for one color channel of the color system in which the digital image is stored. For example, the digital image can be defined by color values ​​in the CMYK color system, and the color separation can contain, for example, only the color values ​​of the C color channel.

[0027] For the purposes of the present invention, a distinction must therefore be made in particular between a color separation of the given digital image, which can be defined in particular via continuous color values ​​(contone image), and a rasterized color separation, which can be defined in particular via single-color dots (halftone image).

[0028] Preferably, the color of the color separation and the halftone color separation can correspond to a process color of the printer intended for the digital printing process. If the process comprises multiple color separations and halftone color separations, the colors of the color separations and halftone color separations can preferably correspond to the process colors of the printer intended for the digital printing process.

[0029] An inkjet printer can preferably be provided for the digital printing process, which particularly preferably includes the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) as process colors. In this case, it can particularly preferably be provided that the process creates a corresponding rasterized color separation (halftone image) from a cyan color separation, a magenta color separation, a yellow color separation, and a black color separation of the given digital image, each using the screening algorithm.

[0030] For the purposes of the present invention, a raster image processor is understood to mean, in particular, software that is executed on a computer, for example the computer of the printer used for the digital printing process.

[0031] In the context of the present invention, a screening algorithm is understood to mean in particular a routine of the raster image processor that can create a corresponding rasterized color separation.

[0032] For the purposes of the present invention, color values ​​of the color separation are understood to mean, in particular, the color values ​​readable by the screening algorithm for the various positions of the color separation. For example, the color of the color separation can be defined by 8-bit gray values ​​or color saturation, i.e., a gradation of 256 gray values.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, a screening path is understood to be a path specified in the screening algorithm or implemented in the screening algorithm, along which the color separation can be partially or substantially completely or comprehensively read in. The screening path therefore specifies, in particular, the order in which color values ​​from different surface sections of the color separation are read in.

[0034] The fact that a print position-dependent correction value is taken into account each time the screening algorithm creates a dot can be understood, in the context of the present invention, in particular to mean that when the dot is created, the dot is modified using the print position-dependent correction value such that the resulting rasterized color separation takes the correction data into account in such a way that color deviations between a print of the specified digital image and the specified digital image are corrected when printing with the rasterized color separation. In other words, this means that correction data are taken into account during the RIP process when creating individual print dots and not, for example, before or after the RIP process.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the screening path can run across the specified digital image in parallel, consecutive, and equidistant lines. Preferably, the screening path can read the lines in alternating directions. The lines can run, for example, parallel, orthogonal, diagonal, or at another specific angle to a specified print feed direction. Alternatively, the lines can run parallel, orthogonal, diagonal, or at another specific angle to a specified print screen angle of the color separation in question. In a preferred embodiment, the screening path can be determined according to an algorithm, for example, using a chaotic algorithm.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the raster image processor creates the rasterized color separation from the at least one color separation of the given digital image using more than one screening algorithm and / or the screening algorithm provides more than one screening path. In particular, it can be provided that several screening algorithms create the rasterized color separation at least partially simultaneously (in parallel processes) and / or several screening paths read in the color separation at least partially simultaneously (in parallel processes). For example, it can be provided that different screening paths begin at different points in the color separation and thus each cover partial areas of the color separation. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the screening paths run alongside one another or in opposite directions.In particular, the use of multiple screening algorithms and / or screening paths can make it easier to parallelize the process.

[0037] For the purposes of the present invention, a predefined threshold is understood to be a value that, when reached or exceeded, results in a point being created by the screening algorithm. For example, the threshold can be adjusted to the format of the read-in color values, for example, also as an 8-bit value. Furthermore, the thresholds can be adapted, in particular, to the printer intended for printing and / or the screen used.

[0038] In other words, the screening algorithm preferentially sums or integrates the color value during input until it reaches the corresponding predefined threshold. A point is then created in the rasterized color separation.

[0039] For the purposes of the present invention, a print-position-dependent correction value is understood in particular to be a value that describes color deviations between a printed image and a specified image depending on the print position. In other words, a print-position-dependent correction value can be understood as a correction value that can assume different values ​​depending on a specified print position. The print position is understood in particular to be the position when printing the rasterized color separation on a print medium, depending on the printer.

[0040] Preferably, the digital printer can be provided with a feed direction (y) for a medium to be printed, and the correction value can be dependent on the print position (x) transverse to the feed direction. For example, the correction values ​​can be a continuous profile depending on the print position (x) transverse to the feed direction of the digital printer.

[0041] Preferably, the correction values ​​can include information about the position of the digital printer's print nozzles. For example, the correction values ​​can be discrete values ​​for the specific positions of the digital printer's print nozzles transverse to the digital printer's feed direction.

[0042] If the method comprises multiple color separations and halftone color separations, it may be preferable for the screening algorithm to consider a print position-dependent correction value when creating each halftone color separation. It may be preferable for separate or independent print position-dependent correction values ​​to be considered for each process color.

[0043] Alternatively, the screening algorithm can also be configured not to consider a print-position-dependent correction value when creating each halftone color separation. For example, the method can create a corresponding halftone color separation (halftone image) from a cyan color separation, a magenta color separation, a yellow color separation, and a black color separation of the given digital image using the screening algorithm, whereby the screening algorithm does not consider a print-position-dependent correction value when creating the yellow halftone color separation.

[0044] Preferably, it can be provided that the screening algorithm uses a screen when creating the screened color separation, wherein the screen is, for example, an AM screen or an FM screen.

[0045] Preferably, it can be provided that the screening algorithm uses a screen when creating the screened color separation, for example an AM screen or an FM screen, wherein preferably the method comprises a plurality of color separations and screened color separations and the screening algorithm uses a screen system when creating the screened color separations, for example an AM screen system or an FM screen system.

[0046] Preferably, it can be provided that the screening algorithm uses a screen when creating the screened color separation, wherein the method comprises a plurality of color separations and screened color separations and the screening algorithm uses a screen system when creating the screened color separations, wherein the screen system is, for example, an AM screen system or an FM screen system. In the sense of the present invention, a screen can be understood in particular as a grid of points or cells with which image details can be represented by varying point sizes and / or distances between the points. Different point shapes such as round, elliptical or square can be selected. In the sense of the present invention, a screen system can be understood in particular as a combination of several coordinated screens.In particular, screen angles and screen frequencies can be coordinated in a screen system in order to optimize the printing of the screens.

[0047] Preferably, the specified digital image can be processed in an upstream color management system. In particular, the specified digital image can be converted into an image format adapted to the color space of the intended printing process using the upstream color management system, and a corresponding color-separated image comprising corresponding color separations can be created. Additional correction values, in particular print-position-independent correction values, can be taken into account in the color management system.

[0048] Preferably, it can be provided that the printing position-dependent correction value is the product of a printing position-specific raw correction value and at least one scaling factor, wherein the scaling factor is preferably selected from a constant scaling factor, a color value-dependent scaling factor and a dot size-dependent scaling factor, wherein particularly preferably the printing position-dependent correction value is the product of the printing position-specific raw correction value, the constant scaling factor and the dot size-dependent scaling factor.

[0049] A constant scaling factor can preferably be understood as a scaling factor that does not depend on other parameters, i.e., scales the correction data linearly (all by the same factor). This can essentially influence the overall strength of the correction. This can be particularly advantageous if the color correction is insufficient or excessive when applying the method.

[0050] A color-value-dependent scaling factor can preferably be understood as a scaling factor that depends on the read-in color value, i.e., one that can assume different values ​​depending on the read-in color value. Thus, when applying the print-position-dependent correction value, not only the print position is taken into account, but also the color value used at that point. In particular, a color-value-dependent scaling factor can represent the scaling factor as a function of the read-in color value, for example, as a linear function or polynomial. This can, for example, ensure that particularly light or dark color values ​​are corrected more or less strongly.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the scaling factor can be dependent on the color of the specified digital image. This particularly means that the scaling factor depends not only on the color value of the respective color separation, but also on the color of the specified digital image itself. The scaling factor can be interpolated for the various colors, preferably based on test measurements. This allows, for example, the combined printing of different process colors to be taken into account.

[0052] Preferably, a dot-size-dependent scaling factor in the sense of the present invention can be understood as a scaling factor that depends on the dot size of the created dot. Thus, when applying the print-position-dependent correction value, not only the print position is taken into account, but also the size of the print dot intended at this location. In particular, a dot-size-dependent scaling factor can represent the scaling factor as a function of the dot size as a table, so that each dot size achievable by the printer is assigned a separate scaling factor. Alternatively, the scaling factor can also be specified as a function of the dot size. A conversion between table and function would be possible by interpolating the table data or calculating the function values ​​for the dot sizes achievable by the printer.

[0053] For example, the print position-specific raw correction value k for an inkjet printer can depend on the print position x perpendicular to the feed direction y, and thus be represented, for example, as k(x). Together with the constant scaling factor s and the dot-size-dependent scaling factor s' (dot size), this can result in a print position-dependent correction value K(x, dot size): K(x, dot size) = k(x) * s * s' (dot size).

[0054] Preferably, it can be provided that the print position-dependent correction value was obtained from the color difference between at least one predetermined test image and print position-dependent color measurements of a test print created on the basis of the predetermined test image, in particular of test prints with different color values ​​and / or dot sizes.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the correction value is obtained like the correction data in EP 4113964 A1. In other words, it can therefore preferably be provided that a test color of the predetermined digital image is determined and a test image comprising at least one solid-color test strip, which is intended to be printed across the print width of the digital printer, is created, the digital test image is printed with the digital printer and the color values ​​of the printed test image are recorded with an optical color measuring device as a function of their position in the direction of the print width, and correction data for the digital printer are created based on the recorded color values.

[0056] Preferably, the test color determined in step b) can be a primary color of the given digital image. For the purposes of the present invention, a primary color of the given digital image is understood to mean, in particular, a color value that constitutes a significant portion of the digital image.

[0057] Preferably, it can be provided that the printing of the digital test image is carried out with the digital printer on a printing substrate which is the same printing substrate on which the specified digital image is to be printed.

[0058] Preferably, it can be provided that at least one solid-color test strip is defined by the print density of all process colors of the digital printer; and / or at least one solid-color test strip is defined by the print density of a single process color of the digital printer; and / or at least one solid-color test strip is defined by the print density of more than one and less than all process colors of the digital printer.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the digital test image can be provided with at least one of the aforementioned solid-color test strips. This can advantageously ensure that the correction is particularly successful. Without being bound by any theory, it is assumed that the combination of these test strips allows the source of the printing artifacts to be identified with particular certainty, thus enabling a color correction that delivers particularly good and stable results.

[0060] Preferably, it can be provided that the process colors of the digital printer have a printing sequence, wherein the solid-color test strip, which is defined by the print density of a single process color of the digital printer, is defined by the print density of the printing ink channel to be printed first according to the printing sequence.

[0061] This makes it possible to start the color correction with the first color to be printed, which, without being bound to a theory, simplifies further correction in particular, since overlapping of different effects when applying the correction is avoided.

[0062] Preferably, it can be provided that the solid-color test strips, which are defined by the print density of more than one and less than all of the printing ink channels of the digital printer, are selected such that a first of these solid-color test strips is defined by the print density of the process color to be printed first according to the printing sequence and additionally by the print density of the process color to be printed next according to the printing sequence, and optionally each further one of these solid-color test strips is defined by the print density of the respective previous solid-color test strip and additionally by the print density of the process color to be printed next according to the printing sequence.

[0063] This makes it possible to combine process colors in the test strips in such a way that only one printing ink channel is added from a first to a second test strip, so that the color correction can be calculated particularly easily and reliably.

[0064] For example, it can be particularly preferably provided that four process colors are provided for printing a test color, for example CMYK, wherein the printing ink channels are printed in the order C, M, Y and K. The digital test image can then particularly preferably have four solid-color test strips, wherein the first solid-color test strip is defined by the print density of the C printing ink channel provided for printing the test color, the second solid-color test strip is defined by the print density of the C and M printing ink channels provided for printing the test color, the third solid-color test strip is defined by the print density of the C, M and Y printing ink channels provided for printing the test color, and the fourth solid-color test strip is defined by the print density of all CMYK process colors provided for printing the test color.In particular, it can be provided, for example, that several test colors of the given digital image have been determined and the previously described plain-colored test strips are determined for each test color.

[0065] This allows color correction to compensate for artifacts caused by individual print head rows and those caused by printing multiple colors together, using a particularly small number of test strips. In particular, this ensures that color correction reliably and accurately accounts for these artifacts without having to use complex calculation methods to separate the effects.

[0066] Preferably, it can be provided that the test colors are selected from the colors that occur most frequently in the given digital image, optionally maintaining a minimum distance in the color space between several test colors, and / or the test colors are selected independently of a color frequency in the given digital image, and the greatest possible distance is maintained between the test colors in the color space. Preferably, it can be provided that when creating the test print based on the given test image, a screening algorithm is used that uses the same screening system as the screening algorithm for creating the screened color separation from the color separation of the given digital image.

[0067] Preferably, it can be provided that the print position-dependent correction value is taken into account in such a way that a dot size is determined for each of the dots created by the screening algorithm on the basis of the read-in color value, the predetermined threshold value and the print position-dependent correction value.

[0068] In other words, the screening algorithm is preferably executed and the color value C(x,y) is read in. This is summed or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. A point B(x,y) is then created in the rasterized color separation. The screening algorithm determines the point size by taking into account the read color value C(x,y), the threshold value T, and the print-position-dependent correction value K(x) provided at the corresponding print position.

[0069] It can preferably be provided that the printing position-dependent correction value taken into account depends on the dot size to be created or the read-in color value.

[0070] Preferably, it can be provided that the print position-dependent correction value is taken into account as described above in such a way that a dot size is determined for each of the dots created by the screening algorithm on the basis of the read-in color value, the predetermined threshold value and the print position-dependent correction value, wherein the raster is an AM raster.

[0071] If multiple dot sizes are provided, the threshold T comprises multiple thresholds, i.e., a separate threshold for each specified dot size. If, for example, the read color value reaches a first threshold Ti and not a second threshold T2, a point B(x,y) with dot size Pi is created. However, if the screening algorithm instead directly reaches the second threshold T2, which is larger than the first threshold Ti, a point B(x,y) with dot size P2 is created. The same can preferably be done for all dot sizes that can be implemented by the printer up to a maximum threshold T ma x and a maximum point size Pmax.

[0072] Preferably, it can be provided that the screening algorithm comprises an error distribution algorithm, wherein preferably the error distribution algorithm calculates an error from the difference between the created point and at least the color value used for creating the respective point, wherein the error is distributed over the color value of at least one position along the screening path not yet read in, and wherein the error preferably takes into account the print position-dependent correction value.

[0073] In other words, the screening algorithm is preferentially executed and the color value C(x,y) is read in. This is summed or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. A point B(x,y) is then created in the rasterized color separation. The error e(x,y) of the error distribution algorithm is determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the summed or integrated color value C(x,y) that was used to create the point - i.e. the corresponding summed or integrated color value. The error e(x,y) is then offset against the following read in color values ​​C(x,y). The print position-dependent correction value K(x) is taken into account.

[0074] If several point sizes and threshold values ​​are provided, the error e(x,y) is preferably determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the summed or integrated color value C(x,y) in such a way that the point size of the point is also taken into account.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that for each of the points created by the screening algorithm, a point size is determined on the basis of the read-in color value, the predetermined threshold value and the print position-dependent correction value, and the error of the error distribution algorithm is calculated from the difference between the created point and the sum of the color value used to create the respective point and the print position-dependent correction value.

[0076] In other words, the screening algorithm is preferentially executed and the color value C(x,y) is read in. This is summed or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. The screening algorithm determines the dot size by taking into account the read in color value C(x,y), the threshold value T and the print position-dependent correction value K(x) provided at the corresponding print position. The print position-dependent correction value K(x) is added to the summed or integrated color value C(x,y) and, based on the resulting value, a point B(x,y) is created in the rasterized color separation. The error e(x,y) of the error distribution algorithm is determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the read in color value C(x,y) and the print position-dependent correction value K(x) that was used to create the dot.The error e(x,y) is then calculated with the following read color values ​​C(x,y).

[0077] If several point sizes and threshold values ​​are provided, the error e(x,y) is preferably determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y), the summed or integrated color value C(x,y) and the correction value K(x) in such a way that the point size of the point is also taken into account.

[0078] Preferably, it can be provided that for the points created by the screening algorithm, as described above, a point size is determined on the basis of the read-in color value, the predetermined threshold value and the print position-dependent correction value, and the error of the error distribution algorithm is calculated from the difference between the created point and the color value used for creating the respective point, wherein the raster is an AM raster.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the points created by the screening algorithm are created on the basis of the read-in color value and the predetermined threshold value, and the error of the error distribution algorithm is calculated from the difference between the created point and the sum of the color value used to create the respective point and the print position-dependent correction value.

[0080] In other words, the screening algorithm is preferably executed and the color value C(x,y) is read in. This is summed or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. A point B(x,y) is then created in the rasterized color separation. The error e(x,y) of the error distribution algorithm is determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the sum of the summed or integrated color value C(x,y) and the print-position-dependent correction value K(x) provided at the corresponding print position. The error e(x,y) is then offset against the following read-in color values ​​C(x,y).

[0081] If several point sizes and threshold values ​​are provided, the error e(x,y) is preferably determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the sum of the summed or integrated color value C(x,y) and the correction value K(x) in such a way that the point size of the point is also taken into account.

[0082] Preferably, the dots created by the screening algorithm are created as described above based on the read-in color value and the specified threshold value, and the error of the error distribution algorithm is calculated from the difference between the created dot and the sum of the color value used to create the respective dot and the print position-dependent correction value, wherein the screen is an FM screen. In a preferred embodiment, the FM screen can comprise more than one printing dot size.

[0083] Preferably, the error distribution algorithm can distribute the error across the color value of at least two positions not yet read along the screening path, more preferably from at least 2 to a maximum of 10 positions, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 positions, particularly preferably 3, 4, or 5 positions. Preferably, the positions not yet read along the screening path can be located in the vicinity of the position of the read color value, with weighting preferably being applied to the error distribution depending on the proximity of the positions.

[0084] For example, the positions can be in the immediate vicinity of the position of the read-in color value, i.e. directly adjacent to the position of the read-in color value. However, the positions can also be merely close to the position of the read-in color value, i.e. not directly adjacent to the position of the read-in color value. For example, nearby positions can be understood to mean positions that can be connected to the position of the read-in color values ​​via one, two or three further positions. Particularly preferably, at least one position can be in the immediate vicinity of the position of the read-in color value and at least one position can not be in the immediate vicinity. In this case, each of the positions can preferably be in the immediate vicinity of at least one other of the positions.Preferably, each position can be in immediate proximity to the position of at least one color value that has already been read in.

[0085] Preferably, it can be provided that the error distribution algorithm is selected from the group consisting of a Floyd-Steinberg algorithm, a Shiau-Fan algorithm, and an Ostromoukhov algorithm.

[0086] The Floyd-Steinberg algorithm is well-known and described in RW Floyd and L. Steinberg. An adaptive algorithm for spatial grey scale. Proc. Soc. Inf. Display, 17:75-77, 1976.

[0087] The Shiau-F an algorithm is described in a known manner in EP 0659012 A2.

[0088] The Ostromoukhov algorithm is well-known and described in V. Ostromoukhov, A Simple and Efficient Error-Diffusion Algorithm, Proceedings of SIGGRAPH 2001, ACM, 567-572.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the error distribution algorithm can be dependent on the read color value. For example, a threshold-dependent error distribution (TDED) can preferably be used. For example, if multiple dot sizes and thresholds are provided for an FM screen, the error distribution algorithm can be selected, for example, depending on the threshold value reached (TDED-FM).

[0090] The invention further proposes a digital printing device, wherein the digital printing device has at least one computer which is designed to carry out the method described above, wherein the printing device is preferably an inkjet printer

[0091] The invention further proposes a use of the above-described method or the above-described device for printing decorations, in particular decorations with a limited color variety, for example for wood and / or stone decorations, or plain-colored decorations.

[0092] Surprisingly, it was shown that the method described above is particularly well suited for color correction in such applications. In particular, stripes can be detected particularly well in such designs, so particularly good color correction is essential for high-quality prints.

[0093] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are illustrated by the figures and explained in the following description. It should be noted that the figures are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0094] It shows

[0095] Fig. 1 schematically shows the sequence of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 schematically shows the sequence of the screening algorithm in an embodiment of the present invention,

[0096] Fig. 3 schematically shows the sequence of the screening algorithm in a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0097] Fig. 4 schematically shows the process of the screening algorithm in another

[0098] Embodiment of the present invention,

[0099] Fig. 5 schematically shows the flow of the screening algorithm in another

[0100] Embodiment of the present invention,

[0101] Fig. 6 schematically shows the sequence of the error distribution algorithm in an embodiment of the present invention,

[0102] Fig. 7 schematically shows the sequence of the error distribution algorithm in a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0103] Fig. 8 schematically shows the sequence of the error distribution algorithm in a further embodiment of the present invention,

[0104] Fig. 1 shows the sequence of the method according to one embodiment of the present invention. In a digital printer 200, a raster image processor 100 is used to create a rasterized color separation 104 from a color separation 101 of a predetermined digital image 102 using a screening algorithm 103. The screening algorithm 103 reads color values ​​C(x,y) of the color separation sequentially along a screening path S and creates points B(x,y) for the rasterized color separation 104 based on the read color values ​​C(x,y) and at least one predetermined threshold value T, wherein a print position-dependent correction value K(x) is taken into account each time the screening algorithm S creates a point. In the embodiment shown, the screening algorithm S comprises an error distribution algorithm e(x,y).

[0105] Fig. 2 schematically shows the screening algorithm in one embodiment of the present invention, where the read color value C(x,y) is summed or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. A point B(x,y) is then created in the rasterized color separation. The screening algorithm determines the point size by taking into account the read color value C(x,y), the threshold value T, and the print-position-dependent correction value K(x) provided at the corresponding print position.

[0106] Fig. 3 shows a schematic of the screening algorithm in a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the read-in color value C(x,y) is added up or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. A point B(x,y) is then created in the rasterized color separation. The error e(x,y) of the error distribution algorithm is determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the added up or integrated color value C(x,y) on which the point was created, i.e. the corresponding added up or integrated color value. The error e(x,y) is then offset against the following read-in color values ​​C(x,y). The print position-dependent correction value K(x) is taken into account.

[0107] Fig. 4 shows a schematic of the screening algorithm process in a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the read-in color value C(x,y) is summed or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. The screening algorithm determines the dot size by taking into account the read-in color value C(x,y), the threshold value T and the print position-dependent correction value K(x) provided at the corresponding print position. The print position-dependent correction value K(x) is added to the summed or integrated color value C(x,y) and, on the basis of the resulting value, a point B(x,y) is created in the rasterized color separation. The error e(x,y) of the error distribution algorithm is determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the read-in color value C(x,y) and the print position-dependent correction value K(x) on which the dot was based.The error e(x,y) is then offset against the following read-in color values ​​C(x,y). Fig. 5 schematically shows the flow of the screening algorithm in a further embodiment of the present invention, the read-in color value C(x,y) is summed or integrated until it reaches a corresponding threshold value T. A point B(x,y) is then created in the rasterized color separation. The error e(x,y) of the error distribution algorithm is determined from the difference between the created point B(x,y) and the read-in color value C(x,y) and the print position-dependent correction value K(x), which was used as a basis for creating the point. The error e(x,y) is then offset against the following read-in color values ​​C(x,y).

[0108] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates the flow of the error distribution algorithm in one embodiment of the present invention, using the Floyd-Steinberg algorithm. Color values ​​are read in along a screening path. When point Noo is created, an error is determined. This error is distributed among the four neighboring points Nio, Nn, Noi, and Nu with the specified weightings.

[0109] Fig. 7 schematically shows the flow of the error distribution algorithm in a further embodiment of the present invention, a Shiau-Fan algorithm. Color values ​​are read in along a screening path. When point Noo is created, an error is determined. This error is distributed among the three neighboring points Nio, Nn, and the two not directly adjacent points N-31 and N-21. A weighting is also used as indicated in Fig. 7.

[0110] Fig. 8 schematically shows the flow of the error distribution algorithm in a further embodiment of the present invention, the Ostromoukhov algorithm. Color values ​​are read in along a screening path. When the point Noo is created, an error is determined and distributed among the three neighboring points Nio, N-11, and Noi. The weighting is determined using distribution coefficients d01, d-11, and d0i, which vary depending on the read color value and can be stored, for example, in a table.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for color correction in a digital printing process, wherein a rasterized color separation (104) is created from at least one color separation (101) of a predetermined digital image (102) using a raster image processor (100) with a screening algorithm (103), wherein the screening algorithm (103) reads in color values ​​of the color separation (101) sequentially along a screening path and creates points for the rasterized color separation on the basis of the read-in color values ​​and at least one predetermined threshold value, wherein in each case that the screening algorithm creates a point, a printing position-dependent correction value is taken into account.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rasterized color separation obtained by the method is printed on a digital printer (200).

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the screening algorithm uses a screen, for example an AM screen or an FM screen, when creating the screened color separation, wherein the method preferably comprises a plurality of color separations and screened color separations and the screening algorithm uses a screen system, for example an AM screen system or an FM screen system, when creating the screened color separations.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the print position-dependent correction value is the product of a print position-specific correction raw value and at least one scaling factor, wherein the scaling factor is preferably selected from a constant scaling factor, a color value-dependent scaling factor and a dot size-dependent scaling factor, wherein particularly preferably the print position-dependent correction value is the product of the print position-specific correction raw value, the constant scaling factor and the point size dependent scaling factor.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the print position-dependent correction value was obtained from the color difference between at least one predetermined test image and print position-dependent color measurements of a test print created on the basis of the predetermined test image, in particular of test prints with different color values ​​and / or dot sizes.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, when creating the test print on the basis of the predetermined test image, a screening algorithm is used which uses the same screening system as the screening algorithm for creating the screened color separation from the color separation of the predetermined digital image.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the print position-dependent correction value is taken into account in such a way that a dot size is determined for each of the dots created by the screening algorithm on the basis of the read-in color value, the predetermined threshold value and the print position-dependent correction value.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the screening algorithm comprises an error distribution algorithm, wherein the error distribution algorithm preferably calculates an error from the difference between the created point and at least the color value used to create the respective point, wherein the error is distributed over the color value of at least one position not yet read along the screening path, and wherein the error preferably takes into account the print position-dependent correction value.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein for each of the points created by the screening algorithm, a point size is determined on the basis of the read-in color value, the predetermined threshold value and the print position-dependent correction value, and the error of the error distribution algorithm is calculated from the difference between the created point and the sum of the color value used to create the respective point and the print position-dependent correction value.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the points created by the screening algorithm are created on the basis of the read-in color value and the predetermined threshold value, and the error of the error distribution algorithm is calculated from the difference between the created point and the sum of the color value used to create the respective point and the print position-dependent correction value.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the error distribution algorithm distributes the error to the color value of at least two positions not yet read along the screening path, more preferably from at least 2 to a maximum of 10 positions, more preferably 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 positions, particularly preferably from 3, 4 or 5 positions.

12. Method according to one of claims 8 or 11, wherein the positions not yet read along the screening path are in the vicinity of the position of the read-in color value, wherein the distribution of the error is preferably weighted as a function of the proximity of the positions.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the error diffusion algorithm is selected from the group consisting of a Floyd-Steinberg algorithm, a Shiau-Fan algorithm, and an Ostromoukhov algorithm.

14. Digital printing device, wherein the digital printing device has at least one computer configured to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the printing device is preferably an inkjet printer.

15. Use of the method according to one of claims 1 to 13 or the Digital printing device according to claim 14 for printing decorations, preferably decorations with a small color variety, for example for wood and / or stone decorations, or plain-colored decorations.