Method for providing decoration to side of ceramic unit

Abstract

A method of providing a decoration for one or more sides or edges of a ceramic unit may include the step of providing a ceramic unit. The ceramic unit may be made of a ceramic material and may include a trim disposed on a major surface of the ceramic unit. The method may also include the step of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface of the ceramic unit. The method may also include the step of obtaining a decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image. The method may also include the step of providing a trim on a side of the ceramic unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of providing a ceramic manufacturing unit (e.g., a plate or a brick made of a ceramic material), and a ceramic manufacturing unit (e.g., a plate or a brick made of a ceramic material) according to the method disclosed herein. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of providing decoration to one or more sides or edges of a ceramic manufacturing unit. Background Art

[0002] A ceramic manufacturing unit, also referred to as a ceramic "unit", includes a base or "body" made of a ceramic material. Examples of ceramic units include ceramic plates, such as can be used as countertops or ceramic tiles, such as can be used on floors and / or walls. The ceramic unit also includes decorations and glazes applied to the main surface of the ceramic unit. For example, one or more ceramic pigments can be digitally printed on the main surface to achieve the decoration, and at least one glaze layer can cover the decoration. The base with the decoration and glaze applied thereto is subjected to a firing process, wherein a high temperature (e.g., about 1200°C) cures the base, and fixes the ceramic pigments and glazes to the base, and cures the ceramic pigments and glazes.

[0003] Decoration is usually applied to the ceramic manufacturing unit to imitate a desired theme or pattern, such as imitating wood, stone or cement. For example, where the ceramic manufacturing unit is a board, common decoration imitates stone, such as granite or marble.

[0004] Only the major surfaces of the ceramic slab or tile include the decoration. Likewise, when the ceramic manufacturing unit is used in an application where the sides or edges are intended to be visible, the sides also need to be provided with decoration. For example, where the ceramic slab is intended for use as a countertop, the ceramic slab may be cut to size and rectified (e.g., squared), leaving the sides of the base ceramic material exposed.

[0005] In the prior art, there are several common methods for providing decoration on the sides or edges of ceramic manufacturing units. The first method includes applying ceramic ink or colorant and glaze to the sides or edges for decoration. This method requires a second firing process to fix and cure the glaze on the sides or edges, and is therefore complicated and expensive. The second method is to spray the sides or edges with one or more layers of paint. However, the application of such paint cannot be printed to accurately replicate the decoration on the main surface, but can only produce solid color decoration or dotted decoration. In addition, each layer of paint needs to be dried in a drying chamber for a long time, so the process is also time-consuming, inefficient and produces a large amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Neither of these two technologies can provide a decoration on the edge that matches the main decoration.

[0006] Another method includes forming the decoration to extend through the body of ceramic material, for example so that when the ceramic unit is cut, the decoration extending through the thickness is visible along the sides and edges.

[0007] For example, US2019 / 0009430 relates to manufacturing a ceramic product by a method comprising forming the ceramic product from a mixture comprising ceramic powders of different colors. When the ceramic product is formed, the various ceramic materials produce various decorations extending through the thickness of the ceramic product, for example, extending into the body of the ceramic material forming the ceramic product. However, attempts to provide decoration within the body of the ceramic material have some disadvantages.

[0008] For example, WO 2021 / 250586 and WO 2021 / 250587 relate to the production of ceramic panels by similar methods, and to the resulting ceramic panels. WO 2021 / 250586 and WO 2021 / 250587 recognize that a ceramic panel formed by depositing a ceramic layer into a soft ceramic material produces a decoration exhibiting multiple visible "textures" as the ceramic material moves along the plane in which the ceramic layer is deposited, all of which have similar inclinations, thereby giving the ceramic panel an unnatural appearance. Although WO 2021 / 250586 and WO 2021 / 250587 propose improvements to the appearance of decoration within a body of ceramic material, providing decoration within a body of ceramic material requires specialized equipment, adds unnecessary complexity and expense to the manufacturing process, and is at best limited in the decoration that can be provided.

[0009] WO 2016 / 113652 discloses a programmable robot capable of excavating and filling voids to form a texture within a mold containing a ceramic mixture. This process of producing ceramic panels is slow and, furthermore, excavating the void spaces to create the texture can lead to inhomogeneities within the panel and subsequent defects or cracks in the ceramic panel. Furthermore, this technique is limited in the size of the texture that can be produced and, therefore, in addition to being slow, complex and expensive, has the additional disadvantage of being limited in terms of decorative possibilities.

[0010] There is therefore a need for an improved method for providing a ceramic manufacturing unit, and more particularly, for an improved method for providing a decoration on one or more sides or edges of a ceramic plate or tile, which will address one or more problems encountered in the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0011] In some aspects, disclosed herein is a method for providing a decoration to one or more sides or edges of a ceramic unit. The method may include providing a ceramic unit. The ceramic unit may be made of a ceramic material and may include a decoration disposed on a major surface of the ceramic unit. The method may also include acquiring an image of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface of the ceramic unit. The method may also include obtaining a decoration of a side of the ceramic unit from the image. The method may also include providing a decoration on a side of the ceramic unit.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, disclosed herein is a ceramic unit obtained by the method disclosed herein.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, a machine learning model is disclosed herein. The machine learning model can be configured to receive an image of at least a portion of a decoration disposed on a major surface of a ceramic unit, evaluate the image, and determine the decoration of a side of the ceramic unit based on the evaluation of the image.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, a method of training a machine learning model is disclosed herein. The machine learning model can be configured to receive an image of at least a portion of a decoration disposed on a major surface of a ceramic unit, evaluate the image, and determine the decoration of a side of the ceramic unit based on the evaluation of the image. The method can include processing training data.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, disclosed herein is a ceramic unit comprising a ceramic material having a major surface (having a decoration) and a side (having an inkjet-printed decoration). The decoration on the side can exhibit a high degree of continuity relative to the major surface. For example, the side can have a design feature that appears continuous between the major surface and the side. Additionally or alternatively, the decoration on the side comprises a cured ink.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, a set of ceramic units is disclosed herein, including at least a first ceramic unit and a second ceramic unit. Each of the first ceramic unit and the second ceramic unit can have a respective decoration on its main surface. The first ceramic unit can include a decoration on at least one side. The decoration on the side of the first ceramic unit can be based on at least a portion of the decoration on the main surface of the second ceramic unit.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, disclosed herein is a method for providing decoration to one or more sides or edges of a ceramic unit. The method may include providing a ceramic unit. The ceramic unit may be made of a ceramic material and may include a decoration disposed on a major surface of the ceramic unit. The method may also include obtaining a first master file associated with the decoration to be printed on the side. The method may also include evaluating the ceramic unit, such as scanning at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface and / or measuring the size of the ceramic unit and / or the color coordinates of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface. The method may also include obtaining at least one correction factor from the evaluation. The method may also include correcting the master file based on the correction factor. The method may also include providing decoration on the side of the ceramic unit based on the corrected master file.

[0018] These and other features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following brief description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a ceramic unit according to the disclosed subject matter;

[0021] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a ceramic unit, and an exploded view of the layers from the side and above;

[0022] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration arranged on a main surface thereof, and a first possibility for acquiring an image of the decoration arranged on the ceramic unit;

[0023] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration arranged on a main surface thereof, and a first possibility for acquiring an image of the decoration arranged on the ceramic unit;

[0024] Figure 5 shows a top view of a ceramic unit according to a first preferred embodiment, the ceramic unit having a decoration provided on its main surface, and a derivative of the decoration on its side surfaces;

[0025] Figure 6 According to the first preferred embodiment, Figure 5 A perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration disposed on a side thereof;

[0026] Figure 7 shows a top view of a ceramic unit according to a second preferred embodiment, the ceramic unit having a decoration provided on its main surface, and a derivative of the decoration on its side surfaces;

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a computing system according to a second preferred embodiment, in which a machine learning model may be used, such as a machine learning model;

[0028] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of a machine learning model;

[0029] Fig.10 shows a top view of a ceramic unit according to a third preferred embodiment, the ceramic unit having a decoration provided on its main surface, and a derivative of the decoration on its side surfaces;

[0030] Fig.11According to the third preferred embodiment Fig.10 A perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration disposed on a side thereof;

[0031] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the disclosed method of providing decoration on the side of a ceramic unit by printing with a curable ink;

[0032] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged schematic diagram of the printer; and

[0033] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a disclosed method for providing decoration on the side of a ceramic unit by printing with a curable ink in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to facilitate understanding of the principles and features of the various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. Although certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are explained in detail, it should be understood that other embodiments may also be considered. Therefore, this does not mean that the disclosed subject matter is limited in scope to any specific construction and / or details of the components set forth in the following description or examples. The disclosed subject matter can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in various ways. In addition, when describing the disclosed embodiments, specific terms will be used for clarity.

[0035] In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are generally labeled with like reference numerals throughout the specification and drawings, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain features of the disclosed subject matter may be exaggerated in proportion or shown in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

[0036] In addition, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, a reference to "a" component also includes multiple components. A reference to a composition containing "a" ingredient includes other ingredients in addition to the specified ingredient. In other words, the terms "a", "an", and "the" do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but rather indicate that there is "at least one" of the items referred to. As used herein, the term "and / or" can mean "and", it can mean "or", it can mean "or (exclusive)", it can mean "one", it can mean "some, but not all", it can mean "neither", and / or it can mean "both". The term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or".

[0037] In addition, in the disclosed embodiments, various terms will be used for clarity. It is intended that each term is intended to have its broadest meaning, as understood by those skilled in the art, and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. It should be understood that the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented without these specific details. References to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "exemplary embodiment", "some embodiments", "certain embodiments", "various embodiments", etc. indicate that the embodiments of the disclosed technology described in this way may include specific features, structures or characteristics, but not every embodiment must include specific features, structures or characteristics. In addition, the repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may also refer to the same embodiment.

[0038] The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to methods for making ceramic units, particularly ceramic panels or tiles, which, according to one or more embodiments, provide solutions to one or more problems encountered in the prior art.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, the terms "ceramic manufacturing unit" and "ceramic unit" refer to a structure formed by a ceramic material. For example, a ceramic unit may include at least about 70% of the ceramic material by weight of the ceramic unit, additionally or alternatively, at least about 80% of the ceramic material, additionally or alternatively, at least about 90% of the ceramic material, additionally or alternatively, at least about 95% of the ceramic material. The term "ceramic material" refers to a material obtained by sintering a mineral raw material at a high temperature, the mineral raw material being, for example, clay, feldspar, calcium carbonate, metal oxides, silica, etc. or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the ceramic material may be, for example, porcelain, pottery, clay ceramics, red tiles, monoporous ceramics, single-fired ceramics, clinkers, etc. In some aspects, the structure formed by the ceramic material may be referred to as the "base" or "body" of the ceramic unit.

[0040] In some embodiments, the ceramic material can be classified based on the method of forming the ceramic material, such as extrusion or semi-dry pressing, and / or based on the water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545. In one embodiment, the ceramic material is characterized by showing a water absorption of less than 0.5% measured according to EN ISO 10545. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the ceramic material can be classified in group BIa according to EN 14411, such as a porcelain material. In another embodiment, the ceramic material is characterized by showing a water absorption of 0.5% to 3% measured according to EN ISO 10545. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the ceramic material can be classified as group BIb according to EN 14411. In other embodiments, the ceramic material can be classified in another group if appropriate.

[0041] In some embodiments, the ceramic unit can be characterized as a ceramic plate and / or a ceramic brick. "Ceramic plate" or "ceramic brick" can generally represent various sizes, sizes, forms or intended uses, although this is not necessary. For example, the term "ceramic brick" generally refers to a ceramic substrate with relatively small specifications and used on floors and / or walls. The term "ceramic plate" generally refers to a ceramic substrate with relatively large size and, for example, used as a work surface or furniture industry (such as a desktop). The characteristics of ceramic bricks and / or ceramic plates can be length, width and / or thickness. For example, the length and / or width of a ceramic tile can be about 2cm to about 90cm, and the thickness is about 2mm to about 20mm, preferably about 6mm to about 12mm, and the length and / or width of a ceramic plate can be at least 90cm, preferably about 120cm to about 320cm, and the thickness is about 5mm to about 20mm, preferably about 6mm to about 12mm. Therefore, characterizing a ceramic unit as a ceramic plate is not intended to exclude the possibility that a ceramic unit can also be characterized as a ceramic brick.

[0042] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "major surface" refers to the surface of a ceramic unit that generally extends perpendicular to the thickness of the ceramic unit and is generally intended to be visible when finally installed. Typically, the major surface is defined by the length and width of the ceramic unit and constitutes a major portion of the visible surface area of ​​the ceramic unit. Preferably, the major surface of the ceramic tile may include decorations, such as designs or patterns that imitate natural materials (e.g., wood, stone (e.g., marble)), or any desired design. Although various examples of suitable decorations may be illustrated in one or more embodiments, such as imitating natural materials such as stone or wood, the term "decoration" should not be interpreted as limiting the disclosed and / or claimed subject matter to any particular design, pattern, theme, color, etc. The decoration on the major surface can be made using ceramic pigments, preferably ceramic inks, such as metal oxides. The decoration of the major surface is preferably digitally printed using, for example, an inkjet printer.

[0043] In some embodiments, the ceramic unit includes at least one glaze layer covering a major surface of the ceramic unit of ceramic material. The term "glaze layer" refers to a glassy coating. The major surface of the ceramic unit may include at least one background glaze disposed below the decoration. Preferably, the ceramic unit also includes a transparent glaze above the decoration.

[0044] In the context of the present invention, the terms "side" and "edge" are used interchangeably and refer to a surface of a ceramic unit, whether straight and / or flat, rounded (e.g., convex), beveled and / or angled, or contoured (e.g., bullnose or ogee), which is generally defined by the thickness of the ceramic unit and one of the length and width of the ceramic unit.

[0045] In some applications, ceramic units may be utilized such that one or more edges of the ceramic unit (e.g., a ceramic board) are visible. However, only the major surface of the ceramic board or tile includes the decoration. Likewise, when the ceramic unit is used in an application where one or more edges are intended to be visible, those edges should include the decoration. For example, where the ceramic board is intended to be used as a countertop, the ceramic board may be cut to size and rectified (e.g., squared), leaving the sides of the base of the ceramic unit exposed.

[0046] However, previous attempts to provide decoration on the sides of ceramic units (e.g., ceramic plates or ceramic tiles) have produced unsuitable results. In particular, compositions previously used to provide decoration on one or more edges are not suitable for producing a high quality finish that matches the decoration on the main surface (in terms of color and design). For example, the use of paints only allows the application of solid or dotted decorative schemes, but cannot be used to provide designs that imitate natural colors or textures, such as wood or stone. In addition, the use of ceramic inks or colorants to provide decoration on one or more sides requires secondary firing of the ceramic unit, making this method slow and expensive, and not suitable for use in aftermarket environments, such as ceramic plates or ceramic tiles that must be cut (e.g., cut by an installer) after leaving the manufacturer's factory. In addition, even if the prior art provides a suitable composition for decorating one or more sides of a ceramic unit, the prior art has not yet provided a method that allows matching between the decoration on the main surface of the ceramic unit and one or more sides thereof.

[0047] Method for providing side decoration

[0048] In a first independent aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter solves one or more problems arising in the prior art and generally relates to a method of providing a decoration to one or more sides or edges of a ceramic unit. In some embodiments, the method generally comprises the following steps: providing a ceramic unit made of a ceramic material and comprising a decoration disposed on a major surface of the ceramic unit; acquiring an image of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface of the ceramic unit; obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image; providing the decoration on the side.

[0049] Ceramic units available

[0050] In some embodiments, the step of providing a ceramic unit generally includes obtaining a ceramic unit made of a suitable ceramic material (preferably, porcelain). The ceramic unit includes a decoration on its main surface. The ceramic unit can be formed according to any suitable method known in the art, for example, generally including applying one or more pigments and glazes to the ceramic material, and firing the ceramic material to form the ceramic unit. In a preferred embodiment, the pigment and glaze and the ceramic material are fired together in a single firing step.

[0051] Acquire an image of a decoration set on a ceramic unit

[0052] The step of acquiring an image can be performed according to several possibilities, which can be performed individually or in combination with each other. Two preferred possibilities are described below.

[0053] In the first described possibility, the step of acquiring an image may comprise scanning at least a portion of the decoration provided on the main surface. For example, in various embodiments, all or substantially all of the main surface may be scanned, or alternatively, only a portion of the main surface may be scanned. For example, only a portion of the main surface corresponding to the information required to obtain the side decoration may be scanned, such as a portion of the ceramic unit to be used and a portion of the ceramic unit adjacent to the portion of the ceramic unit to be used. In embodiments where the step of acquiring an image comprises scanning at least a portion of the decoration provided on the main surface, the step of cutting the ceramic unit may be performed after the image has been acquired.

[0054] In the second described possibility, the step of acquiring an image may include acquiring a master file associated with the decoration disposed on the main surface. The master file may be an image or other data on which the decoration disposed on the main surface is based, for example, for creating the decoration disposed on the main surface. Additionally or alternatively, the master file may be an image or other data, on which the decoration of the side may be based, and the image or other data may be particularly associated with the decoration disposed on the main surface. In an embodiment in which the step of acquiring an image includes acquiring a master file, the method may further include determining a correction factor for the ceramic unit. For example, during the manufacturing process of the ceramic unit, the decoration is applied to a ceramic material, and the ceramic material on which the decoration is disposed is fired to form the ceramic unit. During the firing of the ceramic material, the ceramic material may shrink or retract, causing the decoration applied to the main surface of the ceramic material to also shrink or retract, for example, shrink or retract by about 5% to about 10%, or about 7%. The correction factor may be determined by measuring the size of the ceramic unit after firing, and / or by measuring the size of various marks or features within the decoration and comparing the measured values ​​with the corresponding sizes before firing (for example, the size of the ceramic material before firing or the size of the marks or features within the decoration). The correction factor can be applied to the master file, for example, to scale the master file or otherwise correct the master file so that the master file accurately corresponds to the decoration on the major surface of the ceramic unit. Additionally or alternatively, the color and / or tone (e.g., color coordinates) present on the major surface can be detected, for example after firing, and compared to the color and / or tone indicated in the master file so that the color and / or tone indicated in the master file can be corrected or adjusted to match the color and / or tone present in the decoration on the major surface of the ceramic unit.

[0055] Decoration of the side of the ceramic unit obtained from the image

[0056] In a first preferred embodiment, the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image includes identifying a first portion of the image corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit to be used (e.g., installed in a final application), and also identifying a second portion of the image corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit adjacent to the portion of the ceramic unit to be used. For example, the second portion of the image can be adjacent to the first portion of the image. More specifically, the second portion of the image can be adjacent to the first portion of the image on the side to be provided with the decoration (e.g., when the ceramic unit is cut).

[0057] In various embodiments, the first portion of the image can be identified so as to correspond to any suitable size and / or format, for example, so that the portion of the ceramic unit ultimately obtained by the disclosed method will have a desired size and / or format. In addition, the first portion of the image can be identified based on various additional considerations, for example, so as to include and / or exclude certain features of the decoration, or so as to maximize the efficiency of use of the ceramic unit.

[0058] The step of identifying the first portion of the image corresponding to the portion of the ceramic unit to be used may include identifying one or more marks within the decoration on the first portion of the image. For example, the mark can be a feature or combination of features on the surface of the ceramic unit that allows the determination of a point or position on the ceramic unit and / or the orientation of the ceramic unit. In some embodiments, the mark includes a feature or combination of features within the decoration, for example, a feature or combination of features that appears to be part of the decoration, such as a specific texture pattern within a wood-look decoration or a specific texture or combination of textures within a stone-look decoration (e.g., marble decoration). In some embodiments, the decoration on the main surface can be created to include one or more marks, for example, these marks may be imperceptible to the human eye, but can be recognized when imaging, such as by appropriately configured software. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the mark includes an invisible mark, for example, it is invisible under normal conditions, but under certain conditions, such as under certain lighting conditions, it can be rendered visible.

[0059] In a first preferred embodiment, the decoration of the side is based on the second portion of the image. For example, the decoration of the side can be the decoration in the second portion of the image. Alternatively, the decoration of the side can include a portion of the decoration in the second portion of the image, or an adjustment, tilt or other change of the decoration in the second portion of the image. In a first preferred embodiment, using the second portion of the image to provide decoration for the side produces a side decoration of significantly better quality than that provided in the prior art. For example, because important features within the first portion of the image can extend into the second portion of the image, using the second portion of the image as the basis for the side decoration allows continuity of such features (e.g., texture or pattern) between the decoration on the main surface and the side.

[0060] Alternatively, in a second preferred embodiment, the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image includes evaluating the image and also determining the decoration of the side based on the evaluation of the image. Preferably, the step of evaluating the image is performed by a suitable machine learning model. For example, in an embodiment in which the ceramic unit is cut after obtaining the image of the decoration on the main surface, the machine learning model can be configured to identify a portion of the ceramic unit, the first portion of the image corresponding to the portion of the ceramic unit to be used. The machine learning model can also be configured to identify features within the image and / or within the first portion of the image that correspond to features within the decoration on the main surface. For example, the machine learning model can include certain features and / or omit certain features in the evaluation step.

[0061] Furthermore, preferably, the step of determining the decoration of the side based on the evaluation of the image is also performed by a machine learning model. For example, the machine learning model can also be configured to predict relevant features based on the features identified within the image. For example, the machine learning model can identify relatively more important features, such as texture in the decoration that imitates natural stone like marble, and can provide corresponding features in the decoration of the side, such as the extension of the texture.

[0062] In a second preferred embodiment, the decoration of the side is based on the operation of a machine learning model. In various embodiments, the side decoration determined by the machine learning model can effectively mimic any suitable decoration, for example, a naturally occurring design or pattern, such as wood or a stone like granite or marble. In a second preferred embodiment, the use of a machine learning model to provide decoration for the side also produces a side decoration of significantly better quality than provided in the prior art. For example, because the machine learning model can identify certain features within the decoration on the main surface and predict corresponding features in the decoration on the side, the use of the machine learning model allows for continuity of features (e.g., texture or pattern) between the decoration on the main surface and the side.

[0063] Alternatively, in a third preferred embodiment, the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image includes identifying a first portion of the image corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit to be used (e.g., installed in a final application), and also identifying at least a portion of the first portion of the image corresponding to a portion of the ceramic along the side to be provided with decoration.

[0064] In a third preferred embodiment, the decoration of the side is based on a portion of the first part of the image. For example, the decoration of the side can be a mirror image of the decoration in a portion of the first part of the image, for example, mirrored along the side. Alternatively, the decoration of the side can include a portion of the decoration in a portion of the first part of the image (for example, mirrored along a cut line), or an adjustment, tilt or other change of the decoration in the second part of the image. In a third preferred embodiment, using a portion of the first part of the image to provide decoration for the side produces a side decoration of significantly better quality than provided in the prior art. For example, because the decoration is obtained by mirroring the decoration along the side to be decorated, using the decoration within a portion of the first part of the image as the basis for the side decoration allows continuity of such features (for example, texture or pattern) between the decoration on the main surface and the side.

[0065] Provide decoration on the sides

[0066] In some embodiments, the method may include one or more steps, prior to providing the decoration on the side, of preparing the ceramic unit to have the decoration applied thereto.

[0067] For example, in some embodiments, the method may include the step of cutting the ceramic unit into one or more pieces having a size suitable for the intended use. In one embodiment, the step of cutting the ceramic unit may be performed before the step of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface of the ceramic unit. In some alternative embodiments, the step of cutting the ceramic unit may be performed after the step of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface of the ceramic unit. As will be disclosed herein, the suitability of performing the step of cutting the ceramic unit before or after acquiring the image may depend on the manner in which the side decoration is obtained from the image.

[0068] For example, in an embodiment in which the step of acquiring an image is performed according to the first possibility (for example, by scanning), and in an embodiment in which the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image is performed according to the first preferred embodiment, the step of cutting the ceramic unit is preferably performed after an image of at least a portion of the decoration provided on the main surface of the ceramic unit has been acquired.

[0069] Also for example, in an embodiment in which the step of acquiring an image is performed according to the second possibility (for example, acquiring an image from a master file or other existing file), or in an embodiment in which the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image is performed according to the first preferred embodiment, the step of cutting the ceramic unit is preferably performed after an image of at least a portion of the decoration provided on the main surface of the ceramic unit has been acquired.

[0070] In some embodiments, the cutting step can be performed based on the identification of the first portion of the image. For example, the ceramic unit can be cut (if not previously cut to size) so that after cutting, the ceramic unit corresponds to the first portion of the image, i.e., the portion of the ceramic intended for use and / or installation.

[0071] In addition, in some embodiments, for example, in embodiments where the ceramic unit is cut after acquiring an image of the decoration on the major surface, the cutting of the ceramic unit can be verified to ensure that the cutting is consistent with the identification of the first portion of the image, i.e., the portion of the ceramic unit identified in the image is for use and / or installation. In some embodiments, verifying the cutting can include re-imaging, for example, rescanning the ceramic unit after cutting and comparing the resulting image (second image) to the previous image to ensure that the ceramic unit was cut consistent with the identification of the first portion of the image.

[0072] The cutting step can be carried out by wet cutting or dry cutting method. In the case of wet cutting, the method can further include drying the slices to remove the step of lubricant water or fluid. The drying step for removing the lubricant water can preferably be carried out by hot air. In a preferred embodiment, the step of cutting the ceramic unit can also include correcting the ceramic unit, for example, one or more sides of the ceramic unit are made square and / or straightened, for example, by grinding one or more sides or edges.

[0073] In some embodiments, before providing the decoration on the side, for example, in addition to any drying after wet cutting and / or grinding, the method may include a step of drying at least the side, for example by infrared lamps. This drying step before providing the decoration on the side may effectively ensure that the side is completely dry when the step of providing the decoration on the side is performed. For example, the porosity of the ceramic material forming the ceramic unit may absorb moisture present in the atmosphere, thereby negatively affecting the adhesion between the decoration (e.g., ink) and the ceramic material.

[0074] In some embodiments, the step of providing a decoration on the side is preferably performed by printing with one or more inks (eg, a set of inks).In a preferred embodiment, the printing step is an inkjet printing step.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the ink is a curable ink and the step of providing the decoration on the side further comprises curing the ink. The curable ink is preferably radiation curable, such as UV radiation or electron beam (EB) radiation. The set of curable inks may preferably include acrylic-based inks, such as mixtures comprising different types of acrylate monomers and / or oligomers, such as polyester acrylates, polyether acrylates, polyurethane acrylates, epoxy acrylates or combinations thereof. Preferably, the ink includes, for example, a photoinitiator to activate the curing of the ink in the presence of a predetermined dose of radiation. In an alternative embodiment, the step of providing the decoration on the side comprises printing with one or more ceramic inks and firing the ceramic ink to form the decoration.

[0076] In some embodiments, the ink can be printed in direct contact with the ceramic material. Generally, in the context of the present application, references to the printed ink being in direct contact with the ceramic material, and similarly, references to the printed ink being in direct contact with the ceramic material, generally refer to the absence of any layer between the decoration and the ceramic material. More specifically, references to direct contact refer to the absence of any primer coating on the side of the ceramic unit, such as between the decoration and the ceramic material. For example, in the methods disclosed herein, there may be no step of applying a substance to the side of the ceramic unit before providing the decoration. References to direct contact are not meant to indicate that the decoration is printed using a direct contact printing technique, such as offset printing; instead, printing can be performed using a non-contact printing technique. After curing, the ink exhibits very good adhesion to the ceramic material, so there is no need to add any intermediate layer between the substrate and the ink.

[0077] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the ink can be printed on the primer. For example, in some embodiments, the method may further include providing a primer before printing the ink. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the ink is a curable ink, the primer may be a UV primer, preferably a polyurethane-based or acrylic-based, provided before printing the decoration. In an alternative embodiment, wherein the ink is a ceramic ink, the primer may be a glaze. In various embodiments, for example, the primer may be transparent or may be colored to provide a background for the decoration. For example, when the color of the base layer is darker than the color of the decoration, the primer may preferably be used to provide a background. For example, in the case where the background is generally darker than the decoration, it may be preferred to directly print the decoration, such as without a colored primer, or alternatively, with a transparent primer. Similarly, in the case where the background is generally darker than the decoration, it is preferred that the decoration is printed on a colored (e.g., opaque) background.

[0078] In some embodiments, the ink set is a "CMYK" ink set, for example, including inks of cyan, magenta, yellow and a "key" (i.e., black) color. In general, CMYK ink sets provide a wide range of potential colors, for example, making the CMYK ink set suitable for printing different decorations that are independent of the background. In some embodiments, the CMYK ink set can be printed directly onto the ceramic material of the substrate, for example, without any primer and / or undercoat. CMYK inks may be particularly effective in cases where the ceramic material has a light color (e.g., white, gray, beige and shades thereof), and even more particularly when the ceramic material of the substrate is porcelain. CMYK inks may also be particularly effective when the decoration to be printed consists of dark colors, such as imitating dark wood, black marble or dark stone. In general, CMYK inks are preferred when the color of the ceramic material of the subject is lighter than the color that constitutes the decoration. In this case, for example, the relatively light color of the ceramic material can represent a good background for the relatively dark color of the decoration, so that the color of the decoration can be fully revealed.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, in addition to CMYK inks, or in place of one or more CMYK inks, the ink set can include one or more additional inks. For example, one or more spot colors can be added to the CMYK set to further expand the range of potential colors. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the spot color can replace one or more colors of the CMYK system. In this way, the range of potential colors can be narrower, but can be customized according to the decoration to be printed, for example, to reduce ink consumption.

[0080] For example, in some embodiments, the additional ink may preferably include white and / or yellow ink. More preferably, the additional ink can be printed directly onto the ceramic material of the substrate without any primer and / or undercoat, and can be printed to produce a background color of the decoration formed mainly by CMYK ink. The additional ink can also form a part of the decoration together with the CMYK ink. In addition, in the case of yellow additional ink, the printer can preferably be configured to print two yellow inks, one is part of the CMYK set, and one forms an additional ink. In the case where the ceramic material has a dark color (e.g., brown, red or dark gray and its hue), and even more particularly, when the ceramic material of the substrate is red clay, using additional ink together with the CMYK set may be particularly effective. When the decoration to be printed consists of light colors, such as light wood, white marble or white / beige stone, using additional ink together with the preferred embodiment of the CMYK set may also be particularly effective. Generally, when the color of the ceramic material of the main body is darker than the color constituting the decoration, it may be preferred to use additional ink and the CMYK set. In this case, the additional ink can form a background covering the color of the ceramic material to help expand the color of the decoration.

[0081] In a first embodiment of how to use additional inks together with the CMYK set for printing decoration, the method may include the step of printing one or more additional inks immediately before the step of printing the CMYK inks. In this embodiment, the additional inks are printed in a manner that covers at least a portion, preferably all of the side surfaces, thereby forming a background for the decoration. In some embodiments, after printing, the additional inks can be mixed together to obtain a desired hue or background hue. It is important to note that the additional ink may not be a base coat, a bonding layer or a primer. For example, the additional ink may be an ink having the same chemical and physical properties as the CMYK ink, so that it provides the sole function of covering the color of the ceramic material and contributes to the expansion of the decorative color. In a first approach, the additional ink can be printed with a different printer from that for printing the additional CMYK ink, although the additional ink and the CMYK ink can also be printed with the same printer. In some embodiments, the additional ink can be cured together with the CMYK ink. In some alternative embodiments, the additional ink is cured before curing the CMYK ink.

[0082] In a second embodiment of how to use additional inks with the CMYK set for printing decoration, the method may include the step of printing one or more additional inks with the CMYK inks. In this way, the additional inks, even if not printed to form the background, will be mixed with the CMYK to help extend the decoration color.

[0083] In various additional or alternative embodiments, the ink set may be formed of any color ink. The colors may be selected in such a way as to best print the predetermined design colors. For example, spot colors may be used, for example, to reduce metamerism and / or improve color matching between the decoration on the main surface and the decoration on the side. The use of various other color sets may be particularly effective when printing a reduced number of different decorations. The CMYK color set allows a wide variety of colors to be obtained using inks, and also increases the variety of possible decorations to be printed.

[0084] In some embodiments, preferably, the step of providing the decoration on the side comprises printing in a single-pass printing operation. Single-pass means that the printer comprises a fixed printing unit, and in the context of the present invention, the workpiece (ceramic unit) to be printed moves continuously below or in front of the printing unit. For example, in particular, the printer may preferably include a plurality of printing units arranged along the forward direction, wherein each printing unit is configured to print an ink. The printing unit is also commonly referred to as a rod or beam and may include one or more print heads. Each printing unit is preferably dedicated to a specific color. Therefore, the colors are printed sequentially based on the order of the printing units in the forward direction. In an embodiment in which an additional ink can be used with the CMYK set to print the decoration, the printing unit for printing the additional ink may preferably be arranged upstream relative to the forward direction.

[0085] In some embodiments, the step of printing (e.g., using an inkjet printer) ink (e.g., curable ink) may include ejecting 12 picoliters (pl) or more of droplets. For example, the step of printing ink may be performed by a print head having a 60 micron (μm) diameter nozzle. This may allow a decorative layer having a thickness of 6 to 25 microns to be printed. In addition, the ink forming the decoration is provided in an amount of 0.75 to 1.15 mg / cm2. This helps to form a sufficiently thick layer to show good adhesion and mechanical, physical and chemical properties. In some embodiments, the decoration may be printed at a resolution of 360 dpi.

[0086] In some embodiments, the printing unit may preferably be arranged at an angle relative to the supporting frame of the printer or may be configured to be tilted, in such a way that printing is correctly performed on a lateral configuration, in particular when the latter is bent or tilted.

[0087] In some embodiments, the printer may further comprise a detection device adapted to identify the decoration on the incoming ceramic unit and / or its main surface in such a way as to determine the correct decoration to be printed on the side, for example so that the decoration on the side can be aligned with the corresponding decoration on the main surface.

[0088] Ink curing

[0089] The step of curing the curable ink can include exposing one or more curable inks to radiation, such as UV radiation or electron beam (EB) radiation. For example, in an embodiment where the curable ink is UV curable, the method includes exposing the ceramic unit, particularly the side on which the decoration is arranged, to a UV lamp (such as a mercury lamp, a gallium lamp or an LED-UV lamp). In order to cure the curable ink, LED-UV lamps are preferred because LED-UV emits radiation such as narrow radiation wavelengths and high intensity to quickly cure the ink. For example, UV radiation can be within the UVA wavelength range of 315 nanometers (nm) to 400nm. In some embodiments, for colored curable materials such as inks, longer wavelengths can be preferred to cure the decoration more deeply. The step of curing the curable ink is preferably performed immediately after the printing step. In some embodiments, the step of curing the ink can also include a first partial curing and a second subsequent complete curing of the ink. In some embodiments, radiation curing may be particularly advantageous compared to other curing mechanisms because it provides fast and almost instantaneous curing.

[0090] In the case of ceramic inks, firing comprises firing the ceramic unit with the ink and possibly any primer or protective coating in a kiln at a temperature above 500°C, for example above 600°C. The firing temperature may be below 900°C, for example below 800°C.

[0091] Protective coating

[0092] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of providing a protective coating over the decoration. The protective coating may be transparent or translucent. In addition, the protective coating may be glossy or matte. Typically, the thickness of the protective coating may be greater than the thickness of the decoration. The protective coating may effectively provide mechanical, physical and chemical resistance to the decorative surface of the ceramic unit. In particular, the protective coating may effectively provide resistance to scratches and chemical attack. In addition, the protective coating may improve the bonding of the decoration to the ceramic material.

[0093] In some embodiments, the protective coating is a curable protective coating, preferably a radiation-curable protective coating, such as UV radiation or electron beam (EB) radiation. The protective coating may preferably include an acrylic-based resin, such as a mixture of different types of acrylate oligomers and / or monomers, such as polyester acrylates, polyether acrylates, polyurethane acrylates, epoxy acrylates, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the protective coating includes a photoinitiator to activate the curing of the protective coating in the presence of a predetermined dose of radiation. In an alternative embodiment where the ink is a ceramic ink, the protective coating may be a transparent or translucent glaze.

[0094] In some embodiments, the protective coating may include fillers, such as mineral particles, for example talc, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide. The filler may change the appearance and / or mechanical, physical and / or chemical properties of the protective coating. For example, the filler may be a so-called leveling agent, which reduces the gloss of the protective coating.

[0095] In some embodiments, the step of providing a protective coating is a coating step, for example, wherein the protective coating is applied as a spray or by a roller. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the step of providing a protective coating can be performed by the operation of an inkjet printer. Application by coating can allow the application of a more viscous composition, for example when the protective coating includes a filler. In addition, application by coating can allow the formation of a relatively thick protective coating. As an alternative to inkjet printing, other digital printing techniques can be used, such as valve jet printing. Compared to inkjet printing, valve jet printing allows the printing of more viscous inks and also provides a higher amount of ink to form a thicker protective coating.

[0096] The step of curing the protective coating can include exposing the protective coating to radiation, such as UV radiation or electron beam (EB) radiation. In an embodiment where the protective coating is UV-curable, the method includes exposing the ceramic unit (especially its side) to a UV lamp (e.g., a mercury lamp, a gallium lamp, or an LED-UV lamp). In order to cure the protective coating, a mercury lamp is preferably used, particularly a mercury lamp that emits UVB radiation. For example, the UV radiation can be in the UVB range of 280nm to 315nm in wavelength. In some embodiments, for transparent curable materials such as protective coatings, shorter wavelengths can be preferred to cure the decoration more deeply. The step of curing the protective coating is preferably performed immediately after the step of providing the protective coating. In some embodiments, the step of curing the ink is a first partial curing, and the step of curing the protective curing can also include a second subsequent ink complete curing. In some embodiments, the method can further include a finishing step, such as sorting and / or packaging.

[0097] It should be noted that although the method disclosed herein can be used to provide decoration for any side or edge surface of a ceramic unit, the method disclosed herein is particularly advantageously applied to applications where the ceramic unit is cut from the size at the time of manufacture to obtain a specific size. That is, the method disclosed herein is particularly advantageously used to provide decoration on the side of a ceramic unit that has been cut, straightened and optionally ground. For example, although the decoration can be provided on the original side of the ceramic unit (i.e., the side that originally existed when the ceramic unit was manufactured) by the same method as the method for providing decoration on the main surface, and in some cases, while providing decoration on the main surface, such as when cutting one or more sides of the ceramic unit to obtain a specific custom (e.g., non-standard) size, the method for providing decoration on the main surface is not feasible because this method requires secondary firing of the ceramic unit.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method disclosed herein can be performed outside of a manufacturing facility, such as by an installer. In addition, the operation of the method can be performed online in a manufacturing facility for ceramic units. Specifically, the ceramic units can be transported between various operating stations by an automatic conveyor or conveyor for performing the above steps, and the automatic conveyor or conveyor can preferably be the same for all operations. In fact, an important advantage of using radiation-cured substances is that the production line or equipment is certainly smaller than that required by standard methods.

[0099] In a second independent aspect, the disclosed subject matter is directed to a ceramic unit comprising a ceramic material having a major surface with a decoration and a side with a decoration that exhibits a high degree of continuity relative to the major surface (e.g., a side with a design feature that appears continuous between the major surface and the side). For example, the decoration on the side can be provided by the method described with respect to the first aspect. The side includes a cured digitally printed decoration in direct contact with the ceramic material. The ceramic unit according to the second aspect of the disclosed subject matter may include one or more features described with reference to the first aspect.

[0100] In a third independent aspect, the disclosed subject matter is directed to a machine learning model configured to receive an image of at least a portion of a decoration disposed on a major surface of a ceramic unit, evaluate the image, and determine the decoration of a side of the ceramic unit based on the evaluation of the image. The machine learning model according to the third aspect of the disclosed subject matter may include one or more features described with reference to the first aspect.

[0101] In a fourth independent aspect, the disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of training a machine learning model configured to receive an image of at least a portion of a decoration disposed on a major surface of a ceramic unit, evaluate the image, and also determine the decoration of a side of the ceramic unit based on the evaluation of the image, such as the machine learning model described with respect to the third aspect. The method includes processing training data and, optionally, evaluating the machine learning model to determine whether an error exhibited by the trained machine learning model is unacceptable.

[0102] In a fifth independent aspect, the disclosed subject matter is directed to a ceramic unit comprising a ceramic material having a major surface (having a decoration) and a side surface (having an inkjet-printed decoration). The decoration on the side surface exhibits a high degree of continuity relative to the major surface. For example, the side surface may have a design feature that appears continuous between the major surface and the side surface. Additionally or alternatively, the decoration on the side surface comprises a cured ink.

[0103] In a sixth independent aspect, the disclosed subject matter relates to a group of ceramic units. The group of ceramic units includes at least a first ceramic unit and a second ceramic unit. Each of the first ceramic unit and the second ceramic unit may have a respective decoration on its main surface. The first ceramic unit may be, for example, a ceramic unit having a decoration disposed on a side and ready to be installed, such as may be prepared according to the method disclosed herein. The second ceramic unit may be, for example, a ceramic unit for preparing the first ceramic unit, such as according to the method disclosed herein. The first ceramic unit includes decoration on at least one side. The decoration on the side of the first ceramic unit is based on at least a portion of the decoration on the main surface of the second ceramic unit. For example, the decoration on the side may include a portion of the decoration on the main surface of the second surface, or an adjustment, tilt or other variation thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the decoration on the side may be a mirror image of a portion of the decoration on the main surface of the second surface, or an adjustment, tilt or other variation thereof.

[0104] In a seventh independent aspect, the disclosed subject matter relates to a method for providing a decoration for one or more sides or edges of a ceramic unit. The method may include providing a ceramic unit. The ceramic unit may be made of a ceramic material and may include a decoration disposed on a major surface of the ceramic unit. The method may also include obtaining a first master file associated with the decoration to be printed on the side. The method may also include evaluating the ceramic unit. For example, the method may include scanning at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface, measuring the size of the ceramic unit, and / or determining the color coordinates of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface. The method may also include obtaining at least one correction factor from the evaluation. For example, the correction factor may be based on scanning at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface, measuring the size of the ceramic unit, and / or determining the color coordinates of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface. The method may also include correcting the master file based on the correction factor. The method may also include providing the decoration on the side of the ceramic unit based on the corrected master file.

[0105] It should be noted that the disclosed subject matter may also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods disclosed herein. The apparatus may include one or more features described with respect to other independent aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0106] Attached photos

[0107] In order to better illustrate the characteristics of the disclosed subject matter, several preferred forms of embodiment are described below, as examples without any limiting character, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0108] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a ceramic unit according to the disclosed subject matter;

[0109] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a ceramic unit, and an exploded view of the layers from the side and above;

[0110] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration arranged on a main surface thereof, and a first possibility for acquiring an image of the decoration arranged on the ceramic unit;

[0111] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration arranged on a main surface thereof, and a first possibility for acquiring an image of the decoration arranged on the ceramic unit;

[0112] Figure 5 shows a top view of a ceramic unit according to a first preferred embodiment, the ceramic unit having a decoration provided on its main surface, and a derivative of the decoration on its side surfaces;

[0113] Figure 6 According to the first preferred embodiment, Figure 5 A perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration disposed on a side thereof;

[0114] Figure 7 shows a top view of a ceramic unit according to a second preferred embodiment, the ceramic unit having a decoration provided on its main surface, and a derivative of the decoration on its side surfaces;

[0115] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a computing system according to a second preferred embodiment, in which a machine learning model may be used, such as a machine learning model;

[0116] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of a machine learning model;

[0117] Fig.10 shows a top view of a ceramic unit according to a third preferred embodiment, the ceramic unit having a decoration provided on its main surface, and a derivative of the decoration on its side surfaces;

[0118] Fig.11 According to the third preferred embodiment Fig.10 A perspective view of a ceramic unit having a decoration disposed on a side thereof;

[0119] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the disclosed method of providing decoration on the side of a ceramic unit by printing with a curable ink;

[0120] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged schematic diagram of the printer; and

[0121] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a disclosed method for providing decoration on the side of a ceramic unit by printing with a curable ink in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0122] Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0123] Figure 1 A ceramic unit 100 is shown, comprising a substrate made of a ceramic material 102. The ceramic material 102 is preferably porcelain, for example having a water absorption of less than 0.1 measured according to EN ISO 10545. The ceramic material 102 comprises a main surface 103 provided with a decoration 104, which comprises a vitreous material, for example a glaze. In particular, the main surface 103 comprises one or more glaze layers arranged on the decoration 104, which glaze layers can be obtained by inkjet printing with a ceramic ink.

[0124] The ceramic unit 100 also includes at least one side 105 that includes a decoration 106 that matches the decoration 104 on the major surface 103 of the ceramic unit 100, for example, exhibiting continuity with one or more features present therein. Figure 2 As shown, the ceramic unit 100 includes a decorative layer 107, which forms the decoration 106 and is made of cured ink. It should be noted that the decorative layer 107 can include various features to imitate any desired material, such as natural materials (e.g., wood or stone (e.g., marble)). In some embodiments, the ink is in direct contact with the ceramic material 102. The decorative layer 107 is obtained by digital inkjet printing, preferably with a resolution of 320dpi. The thickness of the decorative layer 107 can be 6 to 25μm.

[0125] A protective coating 108 is provided above the decorative layer 107. The protective coating 108 is transparent or translucent. Preferably, the thickness of the protective coating 108 is greater than the thickness of the decorative layer 107. The protective coating 108 may also include fillers, such as mineral particles (not shown). In particular, a leveling agent (such as talc or calcium carbonate) may be used to produce a matte effect.

[0126] Figure 3 and Figure 4

[0127] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Two possibilities are shown for the step of acquiring the decorative image provided on the ceramic unit. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ceramic unit advances through various steps over a conveyor T. The conveyor T (eg, a conveyor belt) moves the ceramic unit along an advancing direction A.

[0128] In particular, Figure 3 The first of these possibilities is shown, in which the step of acquiring an image includes scanning at least a portion of a decoration disposed on a major surface 303 of a ceramic unit 300. In step S1, all, substantially all, or a portion of the major surface 303 of the ceramic unit 300 may be scanned by the operation of a scanner 350. Typically, the scanner 350 may be any suitable device capable of optically scanning the major surface 303 and generating a digital image representing the major surface 303. For example, the size of the scanner 350 may be designed to optically scan a ceramic unit of a type and size disclosed herein. In addition, the scanner is capable of generating a digital image of sufficient quality to enable the production of a decoration having features also disclosed herein.

[0129] Referring to step S2, scanning at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the main surface 303 may also include identifying one or more marks 320 present in the decoration. The marks 320 may allow a point or position on the ceramic unit and / or the orientation of the ceramic unit to be determined, for example, so that the cutting line 305 can be located at a specific position on the ceramic unit 300. The marks 320 may include features or feature combinations in the decoration, for example, features or feature combinations that appear to be part of the decoration, such as a specific texture pattern in a wood decoration or a specific texture or texture combination in a stone decoration, such as marble decoration. These marks may not be perceptible to the human eye, but can be identified when imaging, such as by a scanner 350. Additionally or alternatively, the marks 320 may include invisible marks, for example, which are invisible under normal conditions, but can be rendered visible under certain conditions, such as under specific lighting conditions, which can be generated when the scanner 350 is operated.

[0130] Figure 4 The second of these possibilities is shown, in which the step of acquiring an image includes acquiring a master file associated with a decoration disposed on a major surface 403 of a ceramic unit 400. The master file may be an image or other data on which the decoration disposed on the major surface is based. In step S1, a master file associated with the decoration on the major surface 403 of a ceramic unit 400 may be acquired. In some variants, the master file may be determined and / or verified based on one or more marks 320 present on the major surface 403.

[0131] With reference to step S2, a correction factor for the ceramic unit 400 may be determined. The correction factor may take into account deviations between the master file and the actual decoration on the main surface 403, for example, this may be due to the firing of the ceramic material causing the ceramic material to shrink or retract, causing the decoration applied to the main surface of the ceramic material to also shrink or retract. As shown in step S2, the ceramic unit 400, for example the main surface 403 of the ceramic unit 400, may be scanned by the operation of the scanner 350 to determine the correction factor, for example by determining the size of various marks, features, and intervals in the decoration, and comparing the measured values ​​with the corresponding sizes indicated by the master file. The correction factor may be applied to the master file, for example, scaling the master file or otherwise correcting the master file so that the master file accurately corresponds to the decoration on the main surface of the ceramic unit.

[0132] Additionally or alternatively, the color and / or hue (e.g., color coordinates) present on the major surface can be detected by comparing the scanner 350 with the color and / or hue indicated in the master file, so that the color and / or hue indicated in the master file can be corrected or adjusted to match the color and / or hue present in the decoration on the major surface 403 of the ceramic unit 400.

[0133] Figure 5 and Figure 6

[0134] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An embodiment of the step of obtaining a decoration for the side surfaces of a ceramic unit according to a third preferred embodiment is shown. Figure 5 An image 500 of a decoration 104 disposed on a major surface 103 of a ceramic unit is shown, shown relative to the ceramic unit. Figure 5 As shown, the trim 104 may include one or more features 510, such as a particular grain pattern in a wood look trim, or a particular grain or combination of grains in a stone look trim, preferably marble trim.

[0135] In a third preferred embodiment, the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image 500 includes identifying a first portion 502 of the image 500, which corresponds to a portion of the ceramic unit to be used (e.g., installed) in the final application. The step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image 500 also includes identifying a second portion 504 of the image 500, which corresponds to a portion of the ceramic unit adjacent to the portion of the ceramic unit to be used. For example, the second portion 504 of the image 500 can be adjacent to the first portion 502 of the image 500 along a cutting line 505 (e.g., along which the ceramic unit will be cut). As also shown in the figure, the second portion 504 of the image 500 can be adjacent to the first portion 502 of the image 500 on the side to be provided with the decoration.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, in the third preferred embodiment, the decoration of the side 105 is based on Figure 5 For example, the decoration of side 105 may be the decoration in second portion 504 of image 500, or alternatively, the decoration of side 105 may include a portion of the decoration in second portion 504 of image 500, or an adjustment, tilt, or other change of the decoration in second portion 504 of image 500. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, because important features in the first portion 502 of the image may extend into the second portion 504 of the image 500 (e.g., feature 510, which may represent a pattern or texture), using the second portion 504 of the image 500 as a basis for the decoration of the side 105 allows continuity of such features (e.g., feature 510, such as a texture or pattern) between the decoration on the primary surface 103 and the side 105.

[0137] Figure 7

[0138] Figure 7An embodiment of the step of obtaining a decoration for the side surfaces of the ceramic unit according to a second preferred embodiment is shown. Figure 7 An image 700 of a decoration 104 disposed on a major surface 103 of a ceramic unit is shown, shown relative to the ceramic unit. Figure 7 and similar to Figure 5 As discussed, the trim 104 may include one or more features 510, such as a particular grain pattern within a wood look trim or a particular grain or combination of grains within a stone look trim.

[0139] In a second preferred embodiment, the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image includes evaluating the image 700, and also determining the decoration of the side based on the evaluation of the image. Preferably, the step of evaluating the image 700 is performed by a suitable machine learning model. For example, the machine learning model can be configured to identify one or more features 510 within the image 700 (and / or within the first portion of the image) that correspond to features within the decoration 104 on the main surface 103.

[0140] In addition, preferably, the step of determining the side decoration based on the evaluation of the image 700 is also performed by the machine learning model. For example, the machine learning model can also be configured to predict the relevant features 712 based on the features 510 identified in the image 700. In the second preferred embodiment, because the machine learning model can identify certain features in the decoration on the main surface 103 and predict corresponding or relevant features 712 in the decoration 704 on the side, the use of the machine learning model allows for the continuity of features (e.g., features 510, such as texture or pattern) between the decoration on the main surface 103 and the side 105.

[0141] Figure 8 -Computing system

[0142] exist Figure 8 A machine learning model suitable for obtaining the decoration of the side of a ceramic unit from an image is shown in the context of . For example, Figure 8 An embodiment of a computing system 800 is shown that includes a plurality of clients 805, a server system 815, and a data repository 840 that are communicatively coupled via a network 810 by one or more communication links 802 (e.g., wireless, wired, or a combination thereof). The client 805 may generally include any hardware or software device that accesses a service provided by the server system 815. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4The scanner 350 and / or a computing device communicatively coupled to the scanner 350 can be a client, enabling the scanner 350 to send and receive information (e.g., digital images) with the computing system 800. The computing system 800 can generally execute applications and analyze data related to images, such as decorative images on a ceramic main surface, such as images that can be obtained in performing the methods disclosed herein. For example, the computing system 800 can execute the machine learning model 835 to evaluate the image and also determine the decoration of the side based on the evaluation of the image.

[0143] In general, server system 815 can be any server that stores one or more hosted applications, such as, for example, machine learning model 835. In some cases, machine learning model 835 can be executed via requests and responses sent to a user or client within and communicatively coupled to the illustrated computing system 800. In some cases, server system 815 can store a plurality of various hosted applications, while in other cases, server system 815 can be a dedicated server designed to store and execute only a single hosted application, such as machine learning model 835.

[0144] In some cases, server system 815 may include a network server, where the hosted application represents one or more network-based applications accessed and executed by client 805 of the system via network 810 to perform the programming tasks or operations of the hosted application. At a higher level, server system 815 may include an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data and information associated with computing system 800. Specifically, Figure 8 The illustrated server system 815 may be responsible for receiving application requests from one or more client applications associated with the client 805 of the computing system 800 and responding to the received requests by processing the requests in the associated hosted applications and sending appropriate responses from the hosted applications back to the requesting client applications.

[0145] In addition to requests from client 805, requests associated with a hosted application may also be sent from internal users, external or third-party clients, other automated applications, and any other suitable entity, person, system, or computer. As used in the present invention and described in more detail herein, the term "computer" is intended to include any suitable processing device. For example, although Figure 8A single server system 815 is shown, but the computing system 800 can be implemented using two or more server systems 815 and computers other than servers, including server pools. The server system 815 can be any computer or processing device, such as, for example, a blade server, a general-purpose personal computer (PC), a Macintosh, a workstation, a UNIX-based workstation, or any other suitable device. In other words, the present invention contemplates computers other than general-purpose computers, and computers without traditional operating systems. In addition, the server system 815 shown can be adapted to execute any operating system, including Linux, UNIX, Windows, Mac OS, or any other suitable operating system.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the server system 815 includes a processor 820, an interface 830, a memory 825, and a machine learning model 835. The interface 830 is used by the server system 815 to communicate with other systems (e.g., the client 805, and other systems communicatively coupled to the network 810) in a client-server or other distributed environment (including within the computing system 800) connected to the network 810. In general, the interface 830 includes logic encoded in software and / or hardware in appropriate combinations and is operable to communicate with the network 810. More specifically, the interface 830 may include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with the communication, so that the network 810 or the hardware of the interface is operable to transmit physical signals within and outside the computing system 800 shown.

[0147] Despite Figure 8 800, two or more processors may be used depending on the particular needs, desires, or particular implementation of the computing system 800. Each processor 820 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a blade, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other suitable component. In general, the processor 820 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform operations of the server system 815, and specifically, the machine learning model 835. Specifically, the server's processor 820 performs the functions required to receive and respond to requests from the client 805 and its corresponding client application, as well as the functions required to perform other operations of the machine learning model 835.

[0148] Regardless of the specific implementation, "software" may include computer-readable instructions, firmware, wired or programmed hardware, or any combination thereof on a tangible medium, operable when executed to at least perform the processes and operations described herein. Each software component may be written or described in whole or in part in any appropriate computer language, including any appropriate version of C, C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic, assembler, Perl, 4GL, and others. It will be understood that, although the parts of the software implemented in the context of the embodiments disclosed herein may be shown as separate modules that implement various features and functions through various objects, methods, or other processes, the software may include multiple submodules, third-party services, components, libraries, etc. (if appropriate). On the contrary, the features and functions of various components may be combined into a single component (if appropriate). In the computing system 800 shown, the processor 820 executes one or more managed applications on the server system 815.

[0149] At a high level, a machine learning model 835 is any application, program, module, process, or other software that can execute, change, delete, generate, or otherwise manage information in accordance with the present invention, particularly in response to and in conjunction with one or more requests received from the illustrated client 805 and its associated client application. In some cases, only one machine learning model 835 may be located on a particular server system 815. In other cases, multiple related and / or unrelated modeling systems may be stored in a server system 815, or also located in multiple other server systems 815. In some cases, the computing system 800 may implement a composite hosted application. For example, portions of a composite application may be implemented as enterprise Java beans (EJBs), or design-time components may have the ability to generate runtime implementations on different platforms, such as J2EE (Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition), ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) objects, or Microsoft's .NET, among others. In addition, a hosted application may represent a network-based application that is accessed and executed by a client 805 or client application via a network 810 (e.g., over the Internet).

[0150] In addition, although shown as being internal to the server system 815, one or more processes associated with the machine learning model 835 may be stored, referenced, or executed remotely. For example, a portion of the machine learning model 835 may be a network service associated with an application that is called remotely, while another portion of the machine learning model 835 may be an interface object or agent that is bundled for processing at a remotely located client 805. In addition, any or all of the machine learning models 835 may be sub-items or sub-modules of another software module or enterprise application (not shown) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, portions of the machine learning model 835 may be executed by a user working directly on the server system 815, or may be executed remotely on the client 805.

[0151] The server system 815 also includes a memory 825. The memory 825 may include any memory or database module and may take the form of volatile or non-volatile memory. Figure 8 The illustrated computing system 800 also includes one or more clients 805. Each client 805 can be any computing device operable to connect to or communicate with at least a server system 815, and / or any computing device that connects to or communicates with at least a server system 815 via a network 810 using a wired or wireless connection.

[0152] The illustrated data repository 840 can be any database or data storage operable to store data, such as data of one or more images associated with one or more ceramic units and / or data associated with decorations, such as various designs or patterns. Typically, the data can include inputs to the machine learning model 835, historical and / or operational information associated with one or more ceramic units and / or data associated with surface decorations associated with natural materials that the various ceramic units are intended to imitate (e.g., such as various designs or patterns), and output data from the machine learning model 835.

[0153] refer to Figure 8 The functions of one or more components disclosed (e.g., server system 815 or client 805) may be performed on a computer or other device including a processor (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a smartphone, or some combination thereof). Typically, such a computer or other computing device may include a processor (which may be referred to as a central processing unit or CPU) that communicates with storage devices including secondary storage, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), input / output (I / O) devices, and network connection devices. The processor may be implemented as one or more CPU chips.

[0154] Fig. 9– Machine Learning Models

[0155] Fig. 9 Depicted Figure 8 An example of the operation of the machine learning model 835. Fig. 9 In an embodiment, the machine learning model 835 includes a machine learning module 950, which is coupled to one or more data stores, such as data in the data repository 840. For example, in Fig. 9 In the implementation mode, Figure 8 The data within data repository 840 may include data from training data storage 920 and / or input 930 .

[0156] Likewise Fig. 9 As shown, the machine learning module 950 can access data, such as data from the training data storage 920, receive input 930, and provide output 960 based on the input 930 and the data retrieved from the training data storage 920. Generally, the machine learning module 950 utilizes the data stored in the training data storage 920, which is related to the surface decoration associated with the natural materials that the various ceramic units are intended to imitate, so that the machine learning module 950 can predictively obtain the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit associated with the image evaluated by the machine learning module 950. In various embodiments to be disclosed herein, the data stored in the training data storage 920 can generally include data related to the surface decoration associated with the natural materials that the various ceramic units are intended to imitate.

[0157] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the information in training data storage 920 can be used to train or develop machine learning module 950 to predictively obtain the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit associated with the image evaluated by machine learning module 950. For example, at least a portion of the data stored in training data storage 920 can be characterized as "training data" for training machine learning module 950. As will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the present invention, although Figure 8 Embodiments are shown where the training data is stored in a single "memory" (e.g., at least a portion of training data memory 920), but additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the training data may be stored in multiple memories in one or more locations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the training data (e.g., at least a portion of the data stored in training data memory 920) may be subdivided into two or more subsets, e.g., a training data subset, one or more evaluation and / or test data subsets, or a combination thereof.

[0158] In various embodiments, the training data may include various types of image data relating to surface decoration associated with natural materials that various ceramic units are intended to imitate. For example, in various embodiments, the image data may include images obtained from various substrates, such as naturally occurring substrates of the type that the ceramic unit (e.g., a ceramic plate or a ceramic tile) is intended to imitate. For example, the image data may include images of one or more surfaces of natural stone (such as granite or marble) or various woods. Alternatively, the image data may include images of one or more surfaces of materials that imitate such natural materials. The image data may include images of the main surface of the same substrate and one or more corresponding sides.

[0159] Likewise Fig. 9 As shown in the embodiments of the present invention, the machine learning module 950 can receive one or more inputs 930. Generally, the inputs 930 can include one or more constraints or restrictions that can affect the way in which the machine learning module 950 is trained. In various embodiments, the inputs 930 can be provided as separate inputs, as a single input, or as a vector or matrix of input values. In some embodiments, the inputs 930 can be received, for example, from a device operator or other user. In various embodiments, the inputs 930 can define, for example, constraints or parameters of the machine learning module 950.

[0160] Typically, the machine learning module 950 is a learning machine that exhibits "artificial intelligence" capabilities. For example, the machine learning module 950 can use algorithms to learn through inductive reasoning based on observational data, which represents incomplete information about statistical phenomena, and summarize it into rules, and predict missing attributes or future data. In addition, the machine learning module 950 can perform pattern recognition, in which the machine learning module 950 "learns" to automatically recognize complex patterns, distinguish samples based on changing patterns, and make intelligent predictions. In some embodiments, even when there is a large amount of historical training data, and / or when there are complex input parameters, the machine learning module 950 can also perform optimizations to narrow down the data used to allow the machine learning module 950 to operate effectively.

[0161] The machine learning module 950 may include and / or implement any suitable machine learning algorithm or method, examples of which may include but are not limited to artificial neural networks (ANNs), deep neural networks (DNNs), deep reinforcement learning, convolutional neural networks, decision trees, support vector machines, Bayesian networks, genetic algorithms, etc. and combinations thereof.

[0162] At a higher level, the machine learning module 950 can receive input 930, which includes constraints, parameters, and training data, such as data from the training data memory 920, to perform learning about surface decoration associated with natural materials that various ceramic units are intended to imitate. For example, in some embodiments, the machine learning module 950 can "learn" or be trained by processing training data, more specifically, data from the training data memory 920, which includes multiple batches of data, each batch representing each data of each of multiple scenes. Each batch of data may include a known input (e.g., a surface decoration on a first surface corresponding to a main surface) and a known output (e.g., a surface decoration on a second surface corresponding to a side). When the machine learning module 950 processes the training data, the machine learning module 950 can form one or more probability weighted associations between various known inputs and corresponding results. As the training proceeds, the machine learning module 950 can adjust the weighted associations between the various inputs, such as according to the learning rules, so as to reduce the error between the inputs and their respective outputs. In this way, the machine learning module 950 can gradually approach the target output until the error is acceptable.

[0163] Thus, in some embodiments, based on processing training data, such as data from training data storage 920, machine learning module 950 can provide a prediction of the decoration of a surface, such as a side, as output 960. That is, once machine learning module 950 is trained using training data, machine learning module 950 can be used to evaluate an image and can also determine the decoration of the side based on the evaluation of the image.

[0164] In some embodiments, the trained machine learning module 950 may undergo one or more evaluation, validation and / or testing protocols to determine whether the trained machine learning module exhibits sufficient ability to predict decoration. For example, at least a portion of the training data (e.g., a subset of the evaluation data) may be used to evaluate and / or test the trained machine learning module. During the evaluation procedure, the trained machine learning module may process the evaluation data, and the evaluation results may be compared with an acceptable error threshold. If the error presented by the trained machine learning module is unacceptable, the machine learning module may be retrained. In various embodiments, the trained and optionally retrained machine learning module may undergo any desired number of evaluation, testing and / or validation phases. When the error presented by the trained machine learning module is an acceptable error in the desired number of evaluation, testing and / or validation phases, the machine learning model may be considered ready to be used.

[0165] Fig.10 and Fig.11

[0166] Fig.10 and Fig.11 An embodiment of the step of obtaining a decoration for the side surfaces of a ceramic unit according to a third preferred embodiment is shown. Fig.10 An image 500 of a decoration 104 disposed on a major surface 103 of a ceramic unit is shown (shown relative to the ceramic unit). Fig.10 As shown, the trim 104 may include one or more features 510, such as, similar to that discussed in other embodiments, a particular grain pattern in a wood look trim, or a particular grain or combination of grains in a stone look trim, preferably a marble trim.

[0167] In a third preferred embodiment, the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image includes identifying a first portion 502 of the image 500 corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit that will be used (e.g., installed) in the final application. The step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image 500 also includes identifying at least a portion 1004 of the first portion of the image 500 corresponding to a portion of the ceramic along the side to which the decoration will be provided. For example, portion 1004 of the first portion 502 of the image 500 can be adjacent to the side that will be formed when cutting, for example, along a cutting line 505 (e.g., along the line along which the ceramic unit will be cut).

[0168] like Fig.11 As shown, in a third preferred embodiment, the decoration of the side 105 is based on the portion 1004 of the first portion 502 of the image 500. For example, the decoration of the side 105 can be a mirror image 1006 of the decoration in the portion 1004 of the first portion 502 of the image 500, for example, mirrored along the cut line 505, or alternatively, the decoration of the side 105 can include a portion of the decoration in the portion 1004 of the first portion 502 of the image 500 (for example, mirrored along the cut line), or an adjustment, tilt or other variation of the mirror image of the decoration in the portion 1004 of the first portion 502 of the image 500. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, because the decoration is a mirror image 1006 of the decoration along the side (e.g., cut line 505) on which the decoration is to be provided, using the decoration within portion 1004 of the first portion 502 of the image as a basis for the side decoration allows continuity of such features (e.g., texture or pattern) between the decoration on the primary surface 103 and the side 105.

[0169] Fig.12

[0170] Fig.12 A method for manufacturing a ceramic unit (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2Some steps of the method for preparing a ceramic unit 100 of the present invention are provided. In the first step S1 of providing the ceramic unit 100, the ceramic unit 100 is provided above a transport device T. The transport device T, such as a conveyor belt, moves the ceramic unit 100 in a forward direction A. It should be noted that the ceramic unit 100 provided in the first step S1 includes a glazed decoration 104 on the main surface 103 and has a side 105 (e.g., a side produced by cutting) without any glaze or coating, so that the ceramic material 102 is exposed on the side 105. The ceramic unit 100 can be obtained by cutting the ceramic unit into pieces and then straightening the edges to form the side 105. Although not shown, the cutting and straightening steps can form part of the method of the disclosed subject matter. Since the cutting and / or straightening steps can be performed in a wet process with the aid of a lubricant, they can be followed by a drying step.

[0171] The ceramic unit 100 is transported to a drying station 1209, which is preferably equipped with IR lamps 1210 for drying at least the side 105 of the ceramic unit 100 in a drying step S2. In the drying step S2, it is ensured that the side 105 is completely dry when the subsequent steps are carried out. In fact, it should be noted that the porosity of the ceramic material 102 can absorb moisture present in the atmosphere, which has a negative impact on the adhesion between the ink and the ceramic material. The drying step S2 is a further drying step than the drying step carried out after any cutting step.

[0172] The dried ceramic unit 100 is then transported to a printing station 1211 equipped with a printer 1212 for step S3 of providing a decorative layer 107 to produce a decoration 106 on the side 105 by inkjet printing of radiation curable ink directly onto the ceramic material 102. Fig.12 It is shown that there is no material application step on the side 105 before the printing step S3. The curable ink set may preferably include an acrylic-based ink, for example including acrylate oligomers and / or monomers, such as polyester acrylates, polyether acrylates, polyurethane acrylates, epoxy acrylates or combinations thereof. Although Fig.12 Inkjet printing using curable ink is shown, but other suitable inks may be used, as disclosed herein.

[0173] Fig.13

[0174] Fig.13The details of the printer 1212 are schematically shown. The printer 1212 is a single-pass printer including a plurality of printing units 1213, each of which includes one or more print heads and is configured to print only one color. In the single-pass printer 1212, the printing units are fixed, and the ceramic unit 100 moves continuously under the printing unit 1213, and the printing unit 1213 disperses ink droplets when the ceramic unit 100 moves.

[0175] exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the printing unit 1213 may include a print head having a plurality of nozzles, for example, of 60 micrometers (μm) in diameter, and configured to eject 12 picoliters (pl) or larger droplets, and preferably, print an ink volume of 0.75 to 1.15 mg / cm2. In some embodiments, the printing may be effective to form a sufficiently thick layer to exhibit good adhesion and mechanical, physical and chemical properties. In addition, the decoration may be printed at a resolution of 360 dpi.

[0176] Fig.13 The example shown in illustrative embodiments illustrates an embodiment in which the printer is configured to print a CMYK ink set, and therefore includes a CMYK group printing unit 1215, and is configured to print an additional ink set, such as white and yellow inks, and includes an additional group printing unit 1214. In particular, with respect to the advancing direction, the additional group printing unit 1214 is arranged upstream of the CMYK group printing unit 1215, so that the additional ink is printed first. In this way, the additional ink printed on the side 105 can form a background for the CMYK ink, thereby helping to expand the color of the decoration 106.

[0177] In an alternative embodiment, the printer 1212 may be configured to print only CMYK inks and no additional inks. This depends on the decoration 106 to be printed, and may be the case when the color of the decoration 106 is darker than the color of the ceramic material of the substrate, such as dark wood decoration on white or gray porcelain. In this case, the printer 1212 may not require an additional set of printing units 1214.

[0178] Back to Fig.12 , the printed ceramic unit 100 is transported to a first curing station 1216 , which is provided with a UV lamp 1217 , such as an LED-UVA lamp, for curing the decoration layer 107 in a first curing step S4 .

[0179] After curing the decorative layer 107, the ceramic unit 100 is transported to a coating station 1218 including a roller coater 1219, which performs a step S5 of providing a protective coating 108 over the decorative layer 107. The protective coating 108 is preferably transparent or translucent and is preferably acrylic-based. The protective coating 108 can be provided in the form of a suspension comprising an uncured protective coating composition and a filler or additive, such as mineral particles.

[0180] The ceramic unit 100 is then transported to a second curing station 1220 provided with a UV lamp 1221 , such as a mercury UVB lamp, for curing the protective coating 108 in a second curing step S6 .

[0181] Fig.14

[0182] Fig.14 Additional or alternative methods of making ceramic unit 100 are shown. Fig.14 The method has the same Fig.12 The method of claim 1 further comprises the steps of providing a sealant to at least partially fill the open pores of the ceramic material corresponding to at least the side surface. In this example, the ceramic unit 100 is transported to a sealing station 1222 after the drying step S2, and the sealing station 1222 includes an application device 1223 for performing the sealing step S7, such as a dryer or a roller applicator. Preferably, the sealant may include a polymer, an oligomer, a monomer or a mixture thereof, which is epoxy-based, siloxane-based unsaturated polyester-based or polyethylene-based or a mixture thereof.

[0183] The sealant is preferably a curable substance, more preferably a heat-curable substance, especially an organic substance. Therefore, the method further includes a step S8 of curing and drying the sealant. The sealant curing step S8 can be performed in the third curing station 1224 having a drying chamber 1225. Fig.14 As shown, the sealing steps S7 and S8 are performed upstream of the printing step S3. The drying step S2 is preferably performed upstream of the sealing steps S7 and S8, but it is not excluded that the drying step S2 is performed downstream or both upstream and downstream of the sealing steps S7 and S8.

[0184] Additional aspects

[0185] Having generally described the present disclosure, the following examples are given as specific aspects of the present disclosure and demonstrate its practice and advantages. It should be understood that these examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or claims in any way.

[0186] Aspect 1 is a method for providing decoration to one or more sides or edges of a ceramic unit, the method comprising: providing a ceramic unit, the ceramic unit being made of a ceramic material and comprising a decoration disposed on a major surface of the ceramic unit; acquiring an image of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface of the ceramic unit; obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image; and providing the decoration on the side of the ceramic unit.

[0187] Aspect 2 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic plate.

[0188] Aspect 3 is the method of aspect 2, wherein the length and / or width of the ceramic plate is at least 90 cm, preferably about 120 cm to about 320 cm, and the thickness is about 5 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0189] Aspect 4 is the method of aspect 1, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic tile.

[0190] Aspect 5 is the method of aspect 4, wherein the length and / or width of the ceramic tile is about 2 cm to about 90 cm, and the thickness is about 2 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0191] Aspect 6 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the ceramic material is characterized by exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.5%, preferably exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.1%.

[0192] Aspect 7 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the ceramic material is classified in group BIa according to EN 14411, preferably as a porcelain material.

[0193] Aspect 8 is the method of one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the step of acquiring an image comprises scanning at least a portion of a decoration disposed on the major surface.

[0194] Aspect 9 is a method of one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the step of acquiring an image includes acquiring a master file associated with the decoration set on the main surface, wherein the master file includes data based on the decoration set on the main surface and / or data based on the decoration set on the side surface.

[0195] Aspect 10 is the method of Aspect 9, wherein the step of acquiring an image includes evaluating the ceramic unit, such as scanning at least a portion of the decoration set on the main surface and / or measuring the size of the ceramic unit and / or the color coordinates of at least a portion of the decoration set on the main surface, obtaining at least one correction coefficient from the evaluation, and correcting the master file based on the correction coefficient.

[0196] Aspect 11 is a method of one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the step of obtaining decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image includes identifying a first portion of the image corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit to be used; and identifying a second portion of the image corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit adjacent to the portion of the ceramic unit to be used.

[0197] Aspect 12 is the method of aspect 11, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the image each include a portion of the image feature that is continuous between the first portion and the second portion.

[0198] Aspect 13 is the method of any one of aspects 11 to 12, wherein the decoration of the side surface is based on the second portion of the image.

[0199] Aspect 14 is the method of one of aspects 1, wherein the step of obtaining the decoration of the side of the ceramic unit from the image comprises: evaluating the image; and determining the decoration of the side based on the evaluation of the image.

[0200] Aspect 15 is the method of Aspect 14, wherein the steps of evaluating the image and determining the decoration of the side based on the evaluation of the image are performed by a machine learning model.

[0201] Aspect 16 is the method of Aspect 15, wherein the machine learning model is configured to identify features within the image that correspond to features within the decoration on the primary surface.

[0202] Aspect 17 is the method of Aspect 16, wherein the machine learning model is configured to predict relevant features based on features identified within the image.

[0203] Aspect 18 is a method of one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the step of obtaining a decoration of a side of a ceramic unit from an image includes: identifying a first portion of the image that corresponds to a portion of the ceramic unit to be used; and identifying at least a portion of the first portion of the image that corresponds to a portion of the ceramic along the side.

[0204] Aspect 19 is the method of aspect 18, wherein the decoration of the side is a mirror image of the decoration in a portion of the first portion of the image, or a portion, adjustment, tilt or other variation thereof.

[0205] Aspect 20 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing with an inkjet printer.

[0206] Aspect 21 is the method of aspect 20, wherein the step of printing with an inkjet printer comprises ejecting 12 picoliter (pl) droplets.

[0207] Aspect 22 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises: printing with a curable ink by an inkjet printer; and curing the curable ink.

[0208] Aspect 23 is the method of any one of aspects 22, wherein the step of providing the decoration on the side by inkjet printing of the curable ink is a single pass printing operation.

[0209] Aspect 24 is the method of any one of aspects 22 to 23, wherein the step of curing the curable ink comprises UV or UVLED curing.

[0210] Aspect 25 is the method of aspect 24, wherein the curing step comprises using a gallium lamp, a mercury lamp, or an LED-UV lamp.

[0211] Aspect 26 is the method of any one of aspects 22 to 25, wherein the curable ink is an acrylate-based ink.

[0212] Aspect 27 is the method of any one of Aspects 22 to 26, wherein the curable ink comprises white ink or yellow ink.

[0213] Aspect 28 is the method of one of aspects 22 to 27, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing a background color and printing the decoration.

[0214] Aspect 29 is the method of aspect 28, wherein curing the curable ink comprises curing the background color and curing the decoration in the same step.

[0215] Aspect 30 is the method of any one of aspects 28 to 29, wherein printing the background color and printing the decoration are performed using the same printer.

[0216] Aspect 31 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 30, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing with a CMYK color set.

[0217] Aspect 32 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 31, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing with a CMYK ink set and an additional ink set.

[0218] Aspect 33 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 32, further comprising providing a protective coating over the decoration.

[0219] Aspect 34 is the method of aspect 33, wherein the protective coating is a curable protective coating.

[0220] Aspect 35 is the method of aspect 34, further comprising curing the protective coating.

[0221] Aspect 36 is the method of any one of aspects 33 to 35, wherein the protective coating comprises a leveling agent or mineral particles.

[0222] Aspect 37 is the method of any one of aspects 33 to 36, wherein the thickness of the protective coating is greater than the thickness of the decoration.

[0223] Aspect 38 is the method of any one of aspects 33 to 37, wherein the step of providing the protective coating is an inkjet printing step.

[0224] Aspect 39 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 38, wherein the step of providing a decoration on the side further comprises drying the side before printing.

[0225] Aspect 40 is the method of aspect 39, wherein the drying step removes airborne moisture from the ceramic material.

[0226] Aspect 41 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 40, wherein the step of providing the decoration is performed by a print head having nozzles with a diameter of 60 micrometers (μm).

[0227] Aspect 42 is the method of any of aspects 1 to 41, wherein the decoration comprises a thickness of 6 to 25 microns.

[0228] Aspect 43 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 42, wherein the decoration is printed at a resolution of 360 dpi.

[0229] Aspect 44 is the method of any one of aspects 1 to 43, wherein the decoration is provided in an amount of 0.75 to 1.15 mg / cm2.

[0230] Aspect 45 is a ceramic unit obtained by the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0231] Aspect 46 is a machine learning model, wherein the machine learning model is configured to: receive an image of at least a portion of a decoration disposed on a major surface of a ceramic unit; evaluate the image; and determine the decoration of a side of the ceramic unit based on the evaluation of the image.

[0232] Aspect 47 is the machine learning model of Aspect 46, wherein the machine learning model is configured to identify features within the image that correspond to features within the decoration on the primary surface.

[0233] Aspect 48 is the machine learning model of Aspect 47, wherein the machine learning model is configured to predict relevant features based on features identified within the image.

[0234] Aspect 49 is a method for training a machine learning model configured to receive an image of at least a portion of a decoration disposed on a major surface of a ceramic unit, evaluate the image, and determine the decoration of a side of the ceramic unit based on the evaluation of the image, the method comprising processing training data.

[0235] Aspect 50 is the method of aspect 49, wherein the image data relates to a surface finish associated with a natural material, preferably stone or wood, more preferably granite or marble.

[0236] Aspect 51 is the method of one of Aspects 49 to 50, further comprising evaluating the machine learning model to determine whether an error exhibited by the trained machine learning module is unacceptable.

[0237] Aspect 52 is a ceramic unit comprising a ceramic material having a major surface and a side, the major surface having a decoration, the side having an inkjet-printed decoration, wherein the decoration on the side exhibits a high degree of continuity relative to the major surface, for example, the side has design features that appear continuous between the major surface and the side; and / or the decoration on the side comprises cured ink.

[0238] Aspect 53 is the ceramic unit of aspect 52, wherein the decoration of the side surface is obtained from the decoration on the main surface.

[0239] Aspect 54 is the ceramic unit of one of aspects 52 to 53, wherein the decoration of the side comprises a portion of the decoration in a portion of the major surface, or an adjustment, tilt or other variation thereof.

[0240] Aspect 55 is the ceramic unit of one of aspects 52 to 54, wherein the decoration on the side is a mirror image of a portion of the decoration on the major surface, or a portion, adjustment, tilt or other variation thereof.

[0241] Aspect 56 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 52 to 55, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic plate.

[0242] Aspect 57 is the ceramic unit of aspect 56, wherein the length and / or width of the ceramic plate is at least 90 cm, preferably about 120 cm to about 320 cm, and the thickness is about 5 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0243] Aspect 58 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 52 to 55, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic tile.

[0244] Aspect 59 is the ceramic unit of aspect 58, wherein the length and / or width of the ceramic tile is about 2 cm to about 90 cm, and the thickness is about 2 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0245] Aspect 60 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 52 to 59, wherein the ceramic material is characterized by exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.5%, preferably exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.1%.

[0246] Aspect 61 is a ceramic unit according to one of aspects 52 to 60, wherein the ceramic material is classified in group BIa according to EN 14411, preferably as a porcelain material.

[0247] Aspect 62 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 52 to 61, wherein the decoration is printed using an inkjet printer.

[0248] Aspect 63 is the ceramic unit of aspect 62, wherein the decoration is printed with 12 picoliter (pl) droplets.

[0249] Aspect 64 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 52 to 63, wherein the decoration is printed with a curable ink.

[0250] Aspect 65 is the ceramic unit of aspect 64, wherein the curable ink comprises a UV curable ink.

[0251] Aspect 66 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 64 to 65, wherein the curable ink is an acrylate-based ink.

[0252] Aspect 67 is the ceramic unit of any one of Aspects 64 to 66, wherein the curable ink comprises white ink or yellow ink.

[0253] Aspect 68 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 64 to 67, wherein the decoration comprises a background color.

[0254] Aspect 69 is a ceramic unit according to any one of aspects 52 to 68, wherein the decoration is printed using a CMYK color set.

[0255] Aspect 70 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 52 to 69, wherein the decoration is printed with a CMYK ink set and an additional ink set.

[0256] Aspect 71 is the ceramic unit of aspect 52, further comprising a protective coating over the decoration.

[0257] Aspect 72 is the ceramic unit of aspect 71, wherein the protective coating is a curable protective coating.

[0258] Aspect 73 is the ceramic unit of one of aspects 71 to 72, wherein the protective coating comprises a leveling agent or mineral particles.

[0259] Aspect 74 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 71 to 73, wherein the thickness of the protective coating is greater than the thickness of the decoration.

[0260] Aspect 75 is the ceramic unit of any of aspects 52 to 74, wherein the decoration comprises a thickness of 6 to 25 μm.

[0261] Aspect 76 is a ceramic unit according to any one of aspects 52 to 75, wherein the decoration is printed at a resolution of 360 dpi.

[0262] Aspect 77 is the ceramic unit of any one of aspects 52 to 76, wherein the decoration is provided in an amount of 0.75 to 1.15 mg / cm2.

[0263] Aspect 78 is a ceramic unit group comprising at least a first ceramic unit and a second ceramic unit, each ceramic unit having a respective decoration on a major surface thereof, wherein the first ceramic unit includes a decoration on at least a side surface, and wherein the decoration on the side surface of the first ceramic unit is based on at least a portion of the decoration on the major surface of the second ceramic unit.

[0264] Aspect 79 is the ceramic unit group of aspect 78, wherein the decoration of the side surface includes a portion of the decoration on the major surface of the second surface, or an adjustment, tilt or other variation thereof.

[0265] Aspect 80 is the ceramic unit group of one of aspects 78 to 79, wherein the decoration on the side surface is a mirror image of a portion of the decoration on the major surface of the second surface, or an adjustment, tilt or other variation thereof.

[0266] Aspect 81 is the set of ceramic units of one of aspects 78 to 80, wherein at least a portion of the decoration on the major surface of the first ceramic unit includes at least a portion of the decoration on the major surface of the second ceramic unit.

[0267] Aspect 82 is the ceramic unit set of any one of aspects 78 to 81, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic plate.

[0268] Aspect 83 is the ceramic unit set of aspect 82, wherein the length and / or width of the ceramic plate is at least 90 cm, preferably about 120 cm to about 320 cm, and the thickness is about 5 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0269] Aspect 84 is the ceramic unit set of any one of aspects 78 to 81, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic tile.

[0270] Aspect 85 is the ceramic unit set of aspect 84, wherein the length and / or width of the ceramic tile is about 2 cm to about 90 cm, and the thickness is about 2 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0271] Aspect 86 is the set of ceramic units of one of aspects 78 to 85, wherein the first ceramic unit comprises a ceramic material, wherein the ceramic material is characterized by exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.5%, preferably exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.1%.

[0272] Aspect 87 is the group of ceramic units of one of aspects 78 to 86, wherein the first ceramic unit comprises a ceramic material, wherein according to EN 14411, the ceramic material is classified in group BIa, preferably as a porcelain material.

[0273] Aspect 88 is the ceramic unit set of any one of Aspects 78 to 87, wherein the decoration on the side surface is printed with an inkjet printer.

[0274] Aspect 89 is the ceramic unit cell set of aspect 88, wherein the decoration on the side is printed with 12 picoliter (pl) droplets.

[0275] Aspect 90 is the ceramic unit set of any one of aspects 78 to 89, wherein the decoration on the side is printed with a curable ink.

[0276] Aspect 91 is the ceramic unit set of aspect 90, wherein the curable ink comprises a UV curable ink.

[0277] Aspect 92 is the ceramic unit group of one of aspects 90 to 91, wherein the curable ink is an acrylate-based ink.

[0278] Aspect 93 is the ceramic unit group of any one of aspects 90 to 92, wherein the curable ink comprises white ink or yellow ink.

[0279] Aspect 94 is a ceramic unit group of any one of aspects 90 to 93, wherein the decoration on the side includes a background color.

[0280] Aspect 95 is a ceramic unit group of any one of aspects 78 to 94, wherein the decoration on the side is printed with a CMYK color set.

[0281] Aspect 96 is a ceramic unit set of any one of aspects 78 to 95, wherein the decoration on the side is printed with a CMYK ink set and an additional ink set.

[0282] Aspect 97 is the ceramic unit group of one of aspects 78 to 96, further comprising a protective coating over the decoration on the side.

[0283] Aspect 98 is the ceramic unit cell set of aspect 97, wherein the protective coating is a curable protective coating.

[0284] Aspect 99 is the ceramic unit group of aspect 98, wherein the protective coating comprises a leveling agent or mineral particles.

[0285] Aspect 100 is the set of ceramic units of any one of aspects 97 to 99, wherein the thickness of the protective coating is greater than the thickness of the decoration.

[0286] Aspect 101 is the ceramic unit group of any one of aspects 78 to 100, wherein the decoration on the side comprises a thickness of 6 to 25 μm.

[0287] Aspect 102 is a ceramic unit group of one of aspects 78 to 101, wherein the decoration on the side surface is printed at a resolution of 360 dpi.

[0288] Aspect 103 is the ceramic unit group of any one of aspects 78 to 102, wherein the decoration on the side is provided in an amount of 0.75 to 1.15 mg / cm2.

[0289] Aspect 104 is a method for providing decoration to one or more sides or edges of a ceramic unit, the method comprising providing a ceramic unit made of a ceramic material and including a decoration disposed on a major surface of the ceramic unit; obtaining a first master file associated with the decoration to be printed on the side; evaluating the ceramic unit, such as scanning at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface and / or measuring the size of the ceramic unit and / or the color coordinates of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface; obtaining at least one correction coefficient from the evaluation; correcting the master file based on the correction coefficient; and providing the decoration on the side of the ceramic unit based on the corrected master file.

[0290] Aspect 105 is the method of aspect 104, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic plate.

[0291] Aspect 106 is the method of aspect 105, wherein the length and / or width of the ceramic plate is at least 90 cm, preferably about 120 cm to about 320 cm, and the thickness is about 5 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0292] Aspect 107 is the method of aspect 104, wherein the ceramic unit is a ceramic tile.

[0293] Aspect 108 is the method of aspect 107, wherein the ceramic tile has a length and / or width of about 2 cm to about 90 cm, and a thickness of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

[0294] Aspect 109 is the method of any of aspects 104 to 108, wherein the ceramic material is characterized by exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.5%, preferably exhibiting a water absorption measured according to EN ISO 10545 of less than 0.1%.

[0295] Aspect 110 is the method of one of aspects 104, wherein the ceramic material is classified in group BIa according to EN 14411, preferably as a porcelain material.

[0296] Aspect 111 is the method of any of aspects 104 to 110, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing with an inkjet printer.

[0297] Aspect 112 is the method of aspect 111, wherein the step of printing with an inkjet printer comprises ejecting 12 picoliter (pl) droplets.

[0298] Aspect 113 is the method of any one of aspects 104 to 112, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises: printing with a curable ink by an inkjet printer; and curing the curable ink.

[0299] Aspect 114 is the method of aspect 113, wherein the step of providing the decoration on the side by inkjet printing the curable ink is a single pass printing operation.

[0300] Aspect 115 is the method of any of aspects 113 to 114, wherein the step of curing the curable ink comprises UV or UV LED curing.

[0301] Aspect 116 is the method of aspect 115, wherein the curing step comprises using a gallium lamp, a mercury lamp, or a LED-UV lamp.

[0302] Aspect 117 is the method of any one of aspects 113 to 116, wherein the curable ink is an acrylate-based ink.

[0303] Aspect 118 is the method of any one of aspects 113 to 117, wherein the curable ink comprises a white ink or a yellow ink.

[0304] Aspect 119 is the method of one of aspects 113 to 118, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing a background color and printing the decoration.

[0305] Aspect 120 is the method of aspect 119, wherein curing the curable ink comprises curing the background color and curing the decoration in the same step.

[0306] Aspect 121 is the method of any one of aspects 119 to 120, wherein printing the background color and printing the decoration are performed using the same printer.

[0307] Aspect 122 is the method of one of aspects 104 to 121, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing using a CMYK color set.

[0308] Aspect 123 is the method of any one of aspects 104 to 122, wherein the step of providing the decoration comprises printing using a CMYK ink set and an additional ink set.

[0309] Aspect 124 is the method of one of aspects 104 to 123, further comprising providing a protective coating over the decoration of the side.

[0310] Aspect 125 is the method of one of aspects 124, wherein the protective coating is a curable protective coating.

[0311] Aspect 126 is the method of aspect 125, further comprising curing the protective coating.

[0312] Aspect 127 is the method of any of aspects 124 to 126, wherein the protective coating comprises a leveling agent or mineral particles.

[0313] Aspect 128 is the method of any of aspects 124 to 127, wherein the thickness of the protective coating is greater than the thickness of the decoration.

[0314] Aspect 129 is the method of any one of aspects 124 to 128, wherein the step of providing the protective coating is an inkjet printing step.

[0315] Aspect 130 is the method of one of aspects 104 to 134, wherein the step of providing a decoration on the side further comprises drying the side before printing.

[0316] Aspect 131 is the method of aspect 130, wherein the drying step removes airborne moisture from the ceramic material.

[0317] Aspect 132 is the method of one of aspects 104 to 131, wherein the step of providing the decoration is performed by a print head having nozzles with a diameter of 60 micrometers (μm).

[0318] Aspect 133 is the method of one of aspects 104 to 132, wherein the decoration on the side comprises a thickness of 6 to 25 μm.

[0319] Aspect 134 is the method of any one of aspects 104 to 133, wherein the decoration on the side is printed at a resolution of 360 dpi.

[0320] Aspect 135 is the method of any of aspects 104 to 134, wherein the decoration on the side is provided in an amount of 0.75 to 1.15 mg / cm2.

[0321] At least one embodiment is disclosed, and the variation, combination and / or modification of the embodiment and / or the features of the embodiment made by those of ordinary skill in the art is within the scope of the present invention. Alternative embodiments produced by combining, integrating and / or omitting the features of the embodiment are also within the scope of the present invention. In the case of explicitly stating a numerical range or limitation, such explicit range or limitation should be understood to include repeated ranges or limitations of similar size falling within the explicitly stated range or limitation (e.g., about 1 to about 10 includes 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit R1 and an upper limit Ru is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=Rl+k*(Ru-Rl), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1% to 100%, with an increment of 1%, i.e., k is 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, ..., 50%, 51%, 52%, ..., 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%. In addition, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined above is also specifically disclosed. With respect to any element of a claim, the term "optionally" is used to mean that the element is essential, or alternatively, the element is not essential, and both options are within the scope of the claim. The use of broader terms such as "comprising", "including" and "having" should be understood as support for narrower terms such as "consisting of", "consisting essentially of" and "consisting essentially of". Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited by the above description, but is defined by the subsequent claims, which include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each claim is incorporated into the specification as further disclosure and the claims are embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Claims

1. A method for providing decoration to one or more sides (105) or edges of a ceramic unit (100), the method comprising: Providing the ceramic unit, the ceramic unit is made of a ceramic material (102) and comprises a decoration (104) disposed on a major surface (103) of the ceramic unit; acquiring an image of at least a portion of the decoration disposed on the major surface of the ceramic unit; obtaining a decoration (106) for a side surface (105) of the ceramic unit (100) from the image; The decoration (106) is provided on the side (105) of the ceramic unit (100).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ceramic unit (100) is a ceramic plate, for example having a length and / or width of at least 90 cm, preferably about 120 cm to about 320 cm, and a thickness of about 5 mm to about 20 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of acquiring the image comprises scanning at least a portion of the decoration (104) provided on the main surface (104).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of acquiring the image comprises acquiring a master file associated with the decoration arranged on the main surface, wherein the master file contains data on which the decoration (104) arranged on the main surface (103) is based and / or data on which the decoration (106) arranged on the side (105) is based.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of acquiring the image comprises evaluating the ceramic unit (100), for example scanning at least a portion of the decoration (104) provided on the main surface (103), and / or measuring the dimensions of the ceramic unit (100) and / or the color coordinates of at least a portion of the decoration (104) provided on the main surface (103), deriving at least one correction factor from said evaluation, The master file is corrected based on the correction factor.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining a decoration (106) for a side (105) of the ceramic unit (100) from the image comprises: identifying a first portion of the image, the first portion corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit to be used; and A second portion of the image is identified, the second portion corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit adjacent to a portion of the ceramic unit to be used.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the image each include a portion of an image feature that is continuous between the first portion and the second portion.

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the decoration (106) for the side (105) is based on a second part of the image.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of obtaining a decoration (106) for a side surface (105) of the ceramic unit (100) from the image comprises: evaluating the image; and The decoration (106) for the side surface (105) is determined based on an evaluation of the image.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the steps of evaluating the image and determining the decoration (106) for the side (105) based on the evaluation of the image are performed by a machine learning model.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the machine learning model is configured to identify features within the image that correspond to features within the decoration (104) on the major surface (103).

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the machine learning model is configured to predict relevant features based on features identified within the image.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of obtaining a decoration (106) for the side (105) of the ceramic unit (100) from the image comprises: identifying a first portion of the image, the first portion corresponding to a portion of the ceramic unit (100) to be used; and At least a portion of the first portion of the image is identified, the at least a portion of the first portion corresponding to a portion of the ceramic along the side (105).

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the decoration (106) for the side (105) is a mirror image of the decoration in the portion of the first part of the image, or a portion, adjustment, tilt or other variation of the mirror image.

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing the decoration (106) on the side (105) comprises printing using an inkjet printer.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing the decoration (106) on the side (105) comprises: Printing with curable ink by inkjet printer; and The curable ink is cured.

17. A ceramic unit (100) comprising a ceramic material (102), the ceramic unit having a major surface (103) comprising a decoration (103) and a side surface (105) having an inkjet-printed decoration (106), wherein: The decoration (106) on the side surface (105) exhibits a high degree of continuity with respect to the decoration (104) on the main surface (103), for example, the side surface has a design feature that appears continuous between the main surface and the side surface; and / or The decoration on the side comprises cured ink; and preferably wherein: The decoration (106) of the side surface (105) is derived from the decoration (104) on the main surface (103); and / or The decoration (106) for the side (105) comprises a portion of the decoration (104) in a portion of the main surface (103), or an adjustment, tilt or other variation of a portion of the decoration (104); The decoration (106) of the side (105) is a mirror image of a portion of the decoration (104) on the main surface (103), or a portion, adjustment, tilt or other variation of the mirror image.

18. The ceramic unit (100) according to claim 17, wherein the ceramic unit (100) is a ceramic plate.

19. A set of ceramic units (100), comprising at least a first ceramic unit (100) and a second ceramic unit (100), each having a corresponding decoration (104) on its main surface (103), wherein the first ceramic unit (100) comprises a decoration (106) on at least one side (105), and wherein the decoration (106) on the side (105) of the first ceramic unit (100) is based on at least a part of the decoration (104) on the main surface (103) of the second ceramic unit (100); preferably, wherein: The decoration of the side surface comprises a portion of the decoration on the main surface of the second surface, or an adjustment, tilt or other variation of a portion of the decoration; and / or The decoration of the side surface is a mirror image of a portion of the decoration on the main surface of the second surface, or an adjustment, tilt or other variation of the mirror image; and / or At least a portion of the decoration on the major surface of the first ceramic unit includes at least a portion of the decoration on the major surface of the second ceramic unit.

20. The set of ceramic units (100) according to claim 19, wherein the ceramic units (100) are ceramic plates.

Images