Gray Balance Correction Using Chromatic Gray and Black Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting gray balance in printing processes often result in undesired color fluctuations and wastage, as they fail to accurately account for deviations in ink and paper properties, leading to compromises that introduce new errors and require frequent recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a test form with chromatic gray and black areas to determine actual color values, calculate corrected tonal value combinations, and perform a second process calibration to optimize gray balance, ensuring accurate color reproduction across different printing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional gray balance correction methods are used, then gray balance can be adjusted, but undesired color fluctuations and wastage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the test form with chromatic gray and black areas before the actual printing process. This allows the system to determine actual color values and calculate corrected tonal value combinations in advance, so that when the printing process runs, the corrections are already computed and applied through the second process calibration, preventing color fluctuations rather than correcting them after occurrence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual color values of the test form (both chromatic gray and black areas) and using these measurements to calculate corrected tonal value combinations. The feedback loop closes when the second process calibration uses these corrected values to adjust the printing process, ensuring that any deviations from intended color values are detected and corrected systematically
2Manufacturing precision
If frequent recalibration is performed to maintain gray balance, then color accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary measurements and calculations in advance before the actual printing run. By measuring the test form and calculating corrected tonal value combinations beforehand, the system eliminates the need for frequent interruptions and recalibrations during the printing process, allowing continuous production while maintaining color accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the test form itself to provide the correction data needed for the actual printing process. The chromatic gray and black areas in the test form automatically generate the measurement and correction information required for process calibration, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external intervention or frequent manual recalibration
3Manufacturing precision
If tonal value adjustments are made to correct gray balance, then gray balance improves, but new color errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by separately measuring and correcting the chromatic gray area and the black area independently. The chromatic gray area measurement provides correction data for colored ink tonal values, while the black area measurement provides correction data for black ink tonal values. This localized approach allows precise correction of gray balance without introducing new color errors, as each area is corrected according to its specific characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The test form is segmented into distinct chromatic gray areas and black areas, each serving a specific correction function. The chromatic gray areas (built from colored printing inks) provide correction information for process colors, while the black areas provide correction information for black ink. This segmentation allows the system to calculate corrected tonal value combinations for different ink types separately, maintaining color accuracy while achieving gray balance correction
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 reduces wastage and minimizes undesired color fluctuations by precisely adjusting tonal values, allowing for consistent gray balance correction without introducing new errors, even when using different papers or inks.
Implementation Method 1
the test form printed onto the printing material is measured colorimetrically
Data Source
AI summary
In printing processes, even when a process calibration under predefined printing conditions is used, it is possible for deviations in the gray balance to occur. Attempts have been made to correct the deviations, for example by changing the layer thickness of the printing inks in the printing process, but that can lead to color deviations in other regions. A gray balance correction method with which wastage that regularly occurs can be reduced and an occurrence of undesired color fluctuations can be avoided, is achieved by using differences between black and chromatic gray areas in gray balance areas to replace the measured values from a first process calibration with corrected measured values and carrying out a new process calibration.