Color Registration Error Detection Using Periodic Patch Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-color printing systems, including highlight color printing systems, are susceptible to color separation registration errors due to mechanical issues and thermal variations, leading to noticeable color shifts and moiré patterns, which current methods struggle to accurately detect and correct.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses fine-periodic-patch images and coarse-patch images marked by first and second color separations to determine whether half-period or full-period color separation registration errors exist, employing Infrared Densitometers to measure the total area of coverage and adjust the registration accordingly, allowing for precise correction of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If color separations are marked using multiple color separations to achieve desired visual perception, then color variety and visual quality are improved, but color separation registration errors cause noticeable color shifts and moiré patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of color separation registration errors using fine-periodic-patch images and coarse-patch images before the actual printing process. By measuring the total area of coverage with Infrared Densitometers and determining half-period or full-period errors in advance, the system can pre-adjust the registration settings to prevent color shifts and moiré patterns from occurring during production
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where fine-periodic-patch images and coarse-patch images are continuously measured using Infrared Densitometers to detect registration errors. The measured data is processed to determine the presence of half-period or full-period errors, and adjustment information is fed back to the color separation marking system to correct registration deviations, thereby maintaining accurate color alignment
2Measurement precision
If fine-periodic-patch images are used to detect registration errors, then detection precision is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional components: fine-periodic-patch image marking for precise error detection, coarse-patch image marking for broader registration assessment, Infrared Densitometers for measurement, and processing units for error determination. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific task, improving overall detection precision while making the complex system more manageable and maintainable
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed with multi-functionality where the same marking system can produce both fine-periodic-patch images and coarse-patch images, and the Infrared Densitometers can measure various types of patches. The processing unit can determine both half-period and full-period errors using the same hardware infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated detection capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a color separation registration error in a multi-color printing system are provided. The system and method provide for instructing first and second color separations to mark a substrate with first and second fine-periodic-patch images to determine color separation registration error(s). The system and method further provide for determining whether at least an about half-period color separation registration error exists between the first and second color separations.