Inline Opaque White Control in Printing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inline color control in printing machines are inadequate for managing opaque white, as they require external devices, complex calibration, and cannot handle multiple printing units effectively, leading to difficulties in achieving precise control of opaque white and process colors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an inline measuring device, such as a spectral measuring head, for closed-loop color control, where the device is calibrated at a fixed position on the printing substrate, allowing for simultaneous control of opaque white and process colors, with data-driven adjustments and distribution of opaque white application across multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external color measurement devices are used for opaque white control, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inline color measurement device is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both process colors and opaque white using the same sensor system. The device uses spectral measurements to differentiate between opaque white and transparent colors, allowing a single device to handle diverse measurement requirements without requiring separate external measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes measurement parameters dynamically based on the printing unit configuration. When opaque white is detected in a printing unit, the system adjusts the measurement approach by analyzing spectral data and applying reversal of algebraic sign for light opaque colors. This allows the same device to adapt its measurement strategy without requiring hardware changes.
2Device complexity
If inline measuring devices are used for opaque white control, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The inline measuring device is pre-calibrated on the specific paper type before production printing begins. This preliminary calibration establishes the baseline for accurate opaque white measurement. The calibration is performed during the setup phase, allowing the device to be ready for precise measurements during production without requiring recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop control where the inline measuring device continuously monitors color output and provides feedback to the control system. For opaque white, the system calculates deviations from target values and automatically adjusts the printing parameters. The feedback mechanism includes special handling for opaque white by reversing the algebraic sign of deviations, ensuring accurate control despite the unique properties of opaque inks.
3Area of stationary object
If color control strips are used in multiple printing units, then control coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to field reservation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control strip is divided into separate measurement fields, with specific fields reserved for opaque white measurement in each printing unit that applies opaque white. This segmentation allows the system to independently measure and control opaque white in each unit without interference from other units. The reserved fields are strategically positioned to capture opaque white ink deposits while avoiding overlap with process color measurements.
4Ease of operation
If automated target value determination is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to automated calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated target value determination using feedback from actual measurements. During the setup phase, the system measures the actual opaque white output and automatically calculates appropriate target values for individual printing units. The automation includes sophisticated algorithms that consider the interaction between multiple opaque white units and process colors, reversing algebraic signs for light opaque colors to account for their unique optical properties. This automated approach maintains precision by using actual measurement data rather than theoretical calculations.
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
Enables precise, automatic, and efficient closed-loop control of opaque white and process colors, reducing the need for external devices and simplifying the setup process, while ensuring accurate color management across multiple printing units.
Implementation Method 1
recording the opaque white and the color measurement strips by using a measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for closed-loop color control in printing machines using a computer includes initially coating a printing substrate with opaque white to set up closed-loop color control in the course of a print job, subsequently applying process colors and, in the process, color measurement strips onto the opaque white, recording the opaque white and the color measurement strips using a measuring device, and, based on data recorded by the measuring device, performing closed-loop color control for process colors and opaque white using the computer. The measuring device is an inline measuring device and is initially calibrated at a fixed position of the printing substrate, then the application of opaque white is adjusted and, when a deviation stays below a maximum deviation, closed-loop control of both the opaque white and the process colors is done using the computer by taking measurements in the color control strip.