Automated Continuous Printing Characterization via Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous printing systems face limitations in characterization due to the need for manual removal and profiling of color chart proofs, which is discontinuous and inefficient, especially in continuous printing processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using multispectral or hyperspectral scanning technology to characterize the printing system by measuring a section of the printed decoration, comparing it to a reference color space, and creating a characterization file without printing color charts, allowing for continuous and automated characterization during the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual color chart profiling is used to characterize the printing system, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity decreases due to discontinuous operation and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system characterizes itself automatically by measuring its own output (printed decoration) rather than requiring external color charts and manual profiling operations. The system uses its printing mechanism to create test patterns and then measures these to generate characterization data, eliminating the need for separate color chart preparation and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The characterization process is integrated into continuous printing operation, allowing the system to perform profiling measurements during normal production runs. This eliminates interruptions for separate color chart printing, removal, and manual scanning, maintaining continuous productive activity while achieving accurate color characterization.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate color charts are printed and measured to characterize the printing system, then manufacturing precision is achieved, but loss of time increases due to discontinuous profiling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The characterization process is merged with the printing process itself. Instead of printing separate color charts and then measuring them, the system prints test patterns as part of the decoration and immediately measures them, combining the manufacturing and characterization operations into a single continuous flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization measurements during the printing process to establish color profiles before production runs. This allows the printing system to be calibrated and optimized in advance without requiring time-consuming post-printing profiling operations.
3Measurement precision
If traditional color chart methods are used for printing system characterization, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity increases due to manual removal and profiling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system automatically performs its own characterization without requiring external color chart equipment or manual profiling operations. The system uses its printing mechanism to create test patterns and its measurement system to analyze them, generating characterization data automatically and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical color charts as intermediaries, the system creates digital test patterns that are printed and then measured. This digital approach eliminates the need for physical color chart preparation, handling, and scanning, simplifying the overall process while maintaining measurement precision.
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 enables precise and consistent color management, reduces manual intervention, and allows for real-time adjustment of printing settings, optimizing the printing process by eliminating the need for separate color charts and enabling continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral measuring system (24) is used to measure at least one section of the printed decoration
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the automated characterization of a continuous printing system, a) in which, for at least one decoration, at least one reference chart file for a section of a reference pattern is measured and generated by a spectral measuring system and stored in the digital printing system, b) in which the at least one decoration is printed onto a substrate using a continuous digital printing process, c) in which a section as part of the printed decoration is measured by a spectral measuring system and a color chart file is generated, d) in which the color chart file and the reference chart file are subjected to a difference analysis, e) in which, if the difference analysis reveals an excessive deviation of the color difference from a predetermined tolerance value,Based on the reference chart file and the differential analysis, at least one characterization file is generated, and after applying the characterization file for profiling and/or linearizing the printer system, steps b) to d) are applied again, and f) if the differential analysis reveals a deviation less than a predefined tolerance value, the printing process continues with the current characterization. This method solves the technical problem of further improving the characterization process in general for printing any digital image.