Color Control Pattern for Security Printing Ink Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color control systems for commercial offset printing are not suitable for security printing applications, as they rely on the CMYK subtractive color model, which is not applicable to security printing that uses solid patterns with different inks, necessitating a new solution for accurate color measurement and ink supply control.
Innovation Solution
A color control pattern is introduced for multicolor security printing presses, featuring color control strips with distinct fields corresponding to actual ink application positions, allowing for in-line optical measurement and closed-loop color control, suitable for security documents like banknotes, and enabling automatic adjustment of inking units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color control pattern with distinct fields corresponding to actual ink application positions is implemented, then color measurement precision and ink supply control accuracy are improved, but device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The color control pattern is segmented into multiple distinct color control fields (first color control field, second color control field, etc.), each corresponding to specific ink application positions. This segmentation allows precise measurement of individual ink colors and their placement accuracy, resolving the contradiction by enabling high measurement precision through structured division of the control pattern into functional segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The color control pattern including all necessary color control fields is pre-configured and printed on the substrate before the actual printing process. This preliminary action establishes reference points and measurement targets in advance, allowing the measurement system to accurately assess ink application without requiring complex real-time adjustments during printing.
2Productivity
If in-line optical measurement is implemented for real-time color control, then productivity and color consistency are improved, but device complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs in-line optical measurement of the color control fields during the printing process, providing real-time feedback on ink color and placement accuracy. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of printing parameters to maintain color consistency, improving productivity through reduced waste and rework while the structured color control pattern simplifies the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The color control pattern serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides measurement targets for optical sensors, establishes reference standards for color accuracy, and enables self-diagnosis of printing issues. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex measurement devices and setup procedures, allowing the system to perform self-monitoring and self-adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise color measurement and automatic ink adjustment in multicolor security printing, ensuring consistent color quality and optimizing ink supply, addressing the limitations of traditional systems in security printing.
Implementation Method 1
color control pattern for the optical measurement of colors printed on a sheet or web substrate
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a color control pattern (CP) for the optical measurement of colors printed on a sheet or web substrate (S) by means of a multicolor printing press, especially by means of a multicolor security printing press, which substrate (S) exhibits an effective printed region (EF) having a multicolor printed image comprising a plurality of juxtaposed colored areas (A-H) printed with a corresponding plurality of printing inks of different colors, wherein the color control pattern (CP) is located in a margin portion (Im) of the substrate (S) next to the effective printed region (EF). The color control pattern (CP) comprises one or more color control strips (a-d) extending transversely to a direction of transport (T) of the substrate (S), each color control strip (a-d) comprising a plurality of distinct color control fields (CF, CFA to CFH) consisting of printed fields of each relevant printing ink that is printed in the effective printed region (EF). The color control fields (CF, CFA to CFH) are coordinated to actual application of the relevant printing inks in the effective printed region (EF) and are positioned transversely to the direction of transport (T) of the substrate (S) at locations corresponding to actual positions where the relevant printing inks are applied in the effective printed region (EF).