In-line Spectrophotometer for Dynamic Color Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies struggle to match the color output of one printer with that of a different class, type, or brand of printer, as they are calibrated to preset target colors that may not meet constantly changing customer demands or match specific color requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of an in-line spectrophotometer within the printing apparatus to scan an item and store its color as a custom target color, allowing the printer to dynamically adjust its settings to match the scanned item's color, thereby ignoring preset target colors and conforming to the specific item's color requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If preset target colors are used for calibration, then manufacturing consistency is improved, but adaptability to custom color requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between preset target colors for manufacturing consistency and custom target colors for adaptability. The controller allows operators to input custom color values (e.g., L*a*b* values) that replace or supplement the preset targets, enabling the printing press to adapt to specific customer requirements while maintaining the stability of the core calibration framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of color target parameters from fixed preset values to customizable parameters. Operators can input custom colorimetric values (such as CIE L*a*b* coordinates) that change the target parameters, enabling the press to reproduce specific colors like matching a competitor's product color or meeting unique customer specifications.
2Reliability
If preset target colors are used, then device performance uniformity is improved, but ability to match specific customer colors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration using preset target colors to establish a baseline for device uniformity. This preliminary action ensures all presses start with consistent performance characteristics, while subsequent custom target input allows matching of specific customer colors without compromising the established uniformity foundation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the fixed preset target system and custom color requirements. It manages the transition from preset to custom targets, allowing operators to input specific color values (e.g., L*a*b* values) that mediate between the standardized preset system and unique customer demands, maintaining both uniformity and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic custom target colors are implemented, then color matching flexibility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service capabilities for custom target color input. Operators can directly input custom color values (such as L*a*b* coordinates) through the controller interface without requiring external calibration equipment or complex setup procedures. This self-service approach simplifies the implementation of dynamic color matching while maintaining flexibility.
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 solution enables precise color matching across different printers, allowing one printer to visually match the output of another, ensuring customer color requirements are met, and enabling the storage and reproduction of custom target colors for future reference.
Implementation Method 1
an in-line spectrophotometer that comprises an integral part of the printing apparatus and is operatively connected to the processor scans the item that has the color feature to identify the item color
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system scan an item having at least one color feature using an in-line spectrophotometer of a printing apparatus. The scanning identifies at least one “item color” within the color feature. The item color is stored as at least one custom target color in a computer-readable storage medium of the printing apparatus. The custom target color can be stored with the print job for future reference. At least one print job is processed through a printing engine of the printing apparatus to output at least one printed sheet. During the processing of the print job, the printed sheet is scanned with the in-line spectrophotometer to identify at least one printed color on the printed sheet and the printed color is compared to the custom target color to identify any color difference. The printing characteristics of the printing apparatus are adjusted to reduce the color difference.