Color Patch Control for Offset-Digital Print Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in managing colors effectively when offset printing and digital printing are combined, as they differ in printing methods and color gamut, leading to difficulties in maintaining color accuracy in superimposed portions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that controls both offset and digital image forming apparatuses, using measurement units to analyze and adjust color patches in overlap regions, ensuring color consistency by generating and adjusting color information for precise printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If offset printing and digital printing are used together in a combined workflow, then productivity is improved by leveraging the strengths of both methods, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to color gamut differences between the two printing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by converting offset printing parameters (color profiles, ink characteristics) into equivalent digital printing parameters. The system measures color patches from offset printing and uses this measurement information to adjust digital printing parameters, transforming the physical printing process into a controllable parameter adjustment process that maintains color accuracy across different printing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring color patches from the combined printing output and using this measurement information to adjust subsequent printing parameters. The system continuously monitors color accuracy and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then modifies printing parameters to maintain color consistency between offset and digital printing portions
2Measurement precision
If color patches are measured and analyzed for each printing method separately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for separate measurement and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate measurement and control functions into a unified system. The measurement unit measures color patches from the combined output of both printing methods, and the control unit integrates this information to control both offset and digital printing apparatuses, eliminating the need for separate measurement and control systems for each printing method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal measurement and control systems that can handle both offset and digital printing methods through a single interface. The measurement unit is designed to measure color patches regardless of their origin, and the control unit can adjust parameters for both printing methods, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a data analysis unit analyzing an overlap region where an image printed by a first image forming apparatus and an image printed by a second image forming apparatus overlap each other, first and second color patch generation units generating first and second color patches corresponding to colors of the overlap region, an adjustment unit adjusting color information with which an image is printed on a printed matter, based on a result of measurement of a color patch measured by a measurement unit, and an instruction output unit instructing the image forming apparatus to print the image based on the adjusted color information.