Digital Print Data Reuse for Haptic and Optical Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital printing technologies face limitations in the reuse of digital data for further processing of printed carrier materials, particularly in achieving high-quality optical and haptic enhancements, due to constraints in color changes and surface structuring, which are not fully utilized in subsequent process steps.
Innovation Solution
A method that digitally separates color information into separate channels, allowing independent editing and precise positioning of color components, enabling the creation of high-resolution, optically and haptically enhanced print decorations by using additional process steps such as UV inks and mechanical structuring congruent with the printed decor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital printing is used to print decors on carrier materials, then flexibility in color changes and decor customization is improved, but the ability to create optically and haptically enhanced print decorations in subsequent processing steps deteriorates due to lack of digital data reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The digital print data is segmented into individual color channels (CMYK), allowing each color component to be processed independently in subsequent steps. This segmentation enables selective enhancement of specific color regions without affecting the entire print, thus improving optical quality while maintaining digital printing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary separation of color channels during the digital printing stage, preparing the data structure for subsequent optical and haptic enhancements. By pre-organizing the digital data into editable color components, the system enables later processing steps to add value without requiring re-printing, thereby resolving the contradiction between flexibility and enhancement capability.
2Device complexity
If digital data is used only once for printing, then simplicity of the printing process is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to reuse digital data in subsequent processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The digital print data structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls the digital printing process and simultaneously provides the basis for subsequent optical enhancement (varnish application) and haptic enhancement (surface structuring). This multi-functionality allows a single digital data set to drive multiple processing stages, improving productivity without significantly increasing initial system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the digital print data as feedback information to control subsequent processing steps. The same digital file that generates the print decoration also controls the application of optical enhancements and haptic structures, ensuring precise alignment and enabling automated multi-step processing, thereby improving productivity while maintaining process coherence.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional process steps are added for optical and haptic enhancement, then quality of print decorations is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple processing steps (digital printing, optical enhancement, haptic structuring) into a unified system controlled by a single digital print data file. By combining these functions under one digital workflow, the system reduces operational complexity even though multiple physical processing steps are involved, as all steps are coordinated through the same data source.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the multiple use of digital print data for the production of optically and/or haptically high-quality printed decorations on a substrate, comprising the steps a) providing at least one print motif; b) converting the at least one print motif into at least one high-resolution electronic data set with a resolution of up to 2400 dpi, preferably 1200 dpi, using at least one image editing software; c) digitally separating the color information contained in the at least one electronic data set into at least four color channels, wherein the at least four color channels are each assigned to the color components cyan, magenta, yellow, and key of the CMYK color system or a modified set thereof; d) optionally independently editing the color information contained in each color channel;e) Combining the separated color information, in particular provided in step c), into at least one digital print file for a print decoration to be produced by digital printing; f) Creating at least one print decoration on a substrate using the at least one digital print file with at least one digital printer; characterized in that the method further comprises the step: g) Determining and storing the position data of at least one of the separated color components provided in step c) during the production of the print decoration on the substrate in step f). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this method.