Color Register Measurement via Density Test Structure Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for color register measurement on printing presses require expensive high-resolution devices and special measuring marks, which are costly and inefficient compared to color density measurement.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a color density measuring device to record images of a test structure with solid and halftone tones, determining position dimensions by averaging over multiple fields, and calculating color register position relative to one another, eliminating the need for separate high-resolution devices and marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-resolution device is used for color register measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines color register measurement functionality with the existing color density measurement device. The same camera and illumination device are used for both measurement types by recording images of a test structure that contains both color density information and color register information, eliminating the need for a separate high-resolution measuring device
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is made multi-functional by using it for both color density measurement and color register measurement. The evaluation unit processes images to extract both types of measurement data from the same test structure, allowing one device to perform multiple measurement functions
2Measurement precision
If special measuring marks are used for color register measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color register test marks with the color density test structure into a single integrated test structure. This combined test structure contains all necessary elements for both measurement types, eliminating the need for separate special measuring marks and simplifying the printing process
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution devices are used for color register measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing color density measurement device is made multi-functional to also perform color register measurement, eliminating the need to invest in expensive separate high-resolution equipment. The same hardware infrastructure supports both measurement functions
Solution Approach 2:
The existing measurement device and test structure are made to serve dual purposes. The color density test structure automatically provides color register measurement capability through appropriate image evaluation, making the system self-sufficient for both measurement types
4Measurement precision
If averaging over multiple fields is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test structure is designed with multiple fields of each printing color arranged in advance, enabling statistical averaging to be performed on pre-captured image data. This preliminary arrangement of test elements allows accurate measurement without requiring extended measurement time
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 approach simplifies color register measurement, reduces costs, and achieves accurate results through averaging, compensating for resolution-related errors, thus providing a cost-effective solution for color register position determination.
Implementation Method 1
at least one camera with a two-dimensional electronic image sensor and an illumination device, which is aimed at the observation area of the camera and is suitable for its pulsed illumination
Implementation Method 2
illumination device, which is aimed at the observation area of the camera and is suitable for its pulsed illumination while the predetermined section of the printed product is there
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves recording an image by a strip bar color density test-structure (1) printed on a printed product, where the test-structure includes a set of fields (2A-2H, 2J) with full tone and/or raster tone of printing inks and fields of the printing inks are separated from each other. A position dimension for the printing inks is determined by averaging a position dimension of the fields of the printing inks. Color register positions are relatively determined to each other depending on the position of the position dimension determined for the printing inks.