Color Estimation Model for N-Color Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color management and proofing systems face challenges in accurately handling spot colors, particularly in N-color printing systems, due to limitations in infrastructure, measurement requirements, and the exponential increase in calculations and look-up-tables, leading to inaccuracies in color conversion and proofing, especially when dealing with multiple spot colors and varying print conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system and method that uses channel-independent information to estimate color values by quantifying key properties of each channel through a mathematical model based on the physics of the printing system, incorporating smear, dot size, tint, trap, and opacity information to accurately predict the resulting color of individual and mixed colorants on various substrates, even with sparse sampling data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional color management systems use extensive measurements and large look-up-tables to improve color accuracy, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity and loss of time increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the specific printing system characteristics (smear, dot size, trap, opacity) from the overall color management process. By isolating these key parameters, the system avoids the need for exhaustive measurements of all possible color combinations, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining color accuracy through targeted characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the color prediction approach by changing from using extensive LUTs to using a mathematical model with specific physical parameters (smear factor, dot size, trap, opacity). This parameter transformation reduces the dimensional complexity from exponential LUT requirements to a manageable set of physical characteristics that can be measured and applied across different color combinations.
2Ease of operation
If conventional systems perform simple spline interpolations to estimate tinted spot colors, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple spline interpolation with a physics-based mathematical model that incorporates specific printing parameters (smear, dot size, trap, opacity). This parameter-based approach maintains ease of operation through automated calculations while significantly improving color estimation accuracy by accounting for the physical realities of ink deposition and interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mathematical approximation method (spline interpolation) with a physics-based computational model. This substitution replaces a purely mathematical approach with one grounded in the physical mechanisms of printing, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through algorithmic implementation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional workflows convert spot colors to CMYK approximations, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mathematical model with physical printing parameters as an intermediary between spot color definitions and CMYK conversions. This intermediary layer allows the system to maintain spot color accuracy by calculating predictions based on physical printing characteristics, while still enabling conversion to CMYK when needed, thus preserving both adaptability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the printing system by measuring key parameters (smear, dot size, trap, opacity) before actual color conversions. This preliminary action creates a predictive model that can accurately estimate spot color appearance under various conditions, enabling precise color management while maintaining flexibility in workflow options.
4Measurement precision
If contract proofing systems use expensive equipment to improve measurement precision, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of substance increases due to ink consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive printing system characterization once through preliminary measurements of smear, dot size, trap, and opacity parameters. This preliminary action creates a reusable mathematical model that can predict color outcomes without requiring additional ink consumption for repeated proofing measurements, thereby achieving high precision while minimizing substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical copy or model of the printing system's physical behavior through measured parameters. This virtual copy allows for accurate color prediction and proofing without requiring physical ink deposition for each measurement, thereby achieving measurement precision while eliminating the continuous ink consumption associated with traditional proofing methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that accurately estimate a post-printing appearance of a color on a substrate. In addition, systems and methods are provided that accurately estimate a post-mixing appearance of several colors mixed on a substrate.