Ink-jet Printing System for Rigid Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ink-jet printing systems for rigid materials, particularly ceramic tiles, face challenges in color conversion and data management, requiring skilled operators and manual processes that are prone to errors and inefficiencies, leading to suboptimal results and lack of data processing safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a server and client apparatus with remote connectivity, utilizing a spectrophotometer for data processing and automated conversion from RGB/CMYK to xCLR format, generating calibration and test diagrams to optimize printing on ceramic materials, enabling efficient file management and reducing operator dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual color conversion processes are used with traditional software, then operators can perform color separation, but the process becomes complex and error-prone requiring skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated color conversion and separation without requiring manual operator intervention. The server automatically converts RGB/CMYK data to xCLR format, generates calibration diagrams, and manages the printing process, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform complex manual conversions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (operators physically performing color separation and conversion) with an automated digital system. The server apparatus automatically performs color space conversions, generates xCLR separated files, and manages calibration data, substituting human operators with automated computational processes
2Reliability
If automated conversion from RGB/CMYK to xCLR format is implemented, then operator sensitivity is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates calibration diagrams that are printed and measured to provide feedback on the actual printing conditions. This feedback is used to automatically adjust and optimize the color conversion profiles, ensuring consistent results across different printing sessions and materials without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration by printing test diagrams and measuring them before actual production printing. This preliminary action establishes the correct color profiles and conversion parameters in advance, ensuring that subsequent printing operations produce consistent results without requiring operators to manually adjust settings
3Productivity
If manual file management processes are used, then operators can manage printing data, but data safety and processing efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual file management processes with an automated server-based system. The server automatically manages color conversion files, calibration data, and printing parameters, eliminating manual file handling and improving both efficiency and data safety through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The server apparatus acts as an intermediary between the input data and the printing process. It automatically manages all file conversions, stores calibration data, and coordinates the printing operations, serving as a centralized mediator that improves data safety and processing efficiency by eliminating direct manual intervention
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An ink-jet printing system for use on stiff elements, comprising: a server apparatus (10) configured for processing data related to an ink-jet printing on stiff elements; one or more client apparatus (20) connected to said server apparatus (10); one or more ink-jet printing devices (30), for printing on stiff elements. The server apparatus (10) is configured for sending data contained in a calibration test diagram (CT) to said printing device (30) thus obtaining the print of said calibration test diagram on a stiff element; the client apparatus (20) is associated with an optical reading device (40) for detecting operating data (OD) representative of the print of said calibration test diagram (CT) on said stiff element; the client apparatus (20) co-operates with said optical reading device (40) for detecting auxiliary data (AD) representative of the print of said xCLR test diagram (MT); the server apparatus (10) is configured for receiving said auxiliary data (AD) and generating a conversion profile (CP) for said printing device (30) as a function of said auxiliary data (AD).