Lab Color Value Adaptation in Multicolored Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing special colors with process colors in multicolored printing are inefficient due to varying layer thicknesses and lack of consideration for ICC profiles, leading to suboptimal color regulation and manual, complex processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an ICC color profile to metrologically acquire measurement points, determine Lab setpoint color values, and adjust layer thicknesses of participating process colors to achieve precise color regulation, enabling optimized closed-loop color control by combining at least two process colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If special colors are replaced by process colors using theoretical methods, then color replacement can be achieved, but layer thicknesses vary during printing leading to suboptimal color regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system where a color measuring device continuously measures the actual color values of printed special colors, compares them with target values, and automatically adjusts the layer thicknesses of process colors to compensate for variations. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining color precision despite layer thickness instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the layer thickness parameters of process colors based on real-time measurements. By adjusting the thickness of individual process color layers (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) according to measured deviations, the system compensates for printing variations and maintains optimal color reproduction throughout the printing run.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual color regulation methods are used, then color adjustments can be made, but the process becomes complex and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically measuring its own output and adjusting process parameters without human intervention. The color measuring device and control unit work together to autonomously optimize color reproduction, eliminating the need for manual operator adjustments and thereby increasing productivity while maintaining high color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment methods with an automated electronic control system. The color measuring device electronically detects color values, and the control unit electronically adjusts printing parameters, substituting manual operations with automated electronic processes that are both faster and more precise.
3Measurement precision
If measurement fields are installed in print control strips, then color measurement is possible, but the installation becomes complex requiring individual print control strip creation
Solution Approach 1:
The color measuring device is designed to measure multiple parameters (color values, layer thicknesses) and work with various printing configurations without requiring specialized measurement fields. This universal measurement capability eliminates the need for complex print control strip configurations while maintaining measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If color measurement is performed outside the printing press, then measurement can be done, but it cannot be performed in-line without an in-line measuring device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an in-line color measuring device as an intermediary between the printing press and the quality control process. This mediator enables real-time measurement of printed colors directly during the printing operation, allowing for immediate detection and correction of color deviations without removing samples from the press.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adapting a Lab setpoint color value of multicolored printed products, wherein a special color is replaced by process colors using an ICC color profile. A measurement point that is assigned to the replaced special color on the printed product is metrologically acquired using a color measuring system and a Lab actual color value of the measurement point is calculated. The ICC color profile or a standardized ICC color profile is used for computing the color composition of the Lab setpoint color value from the participating process colors. Changes of the layer thicknesses of the participating process colors are ascertained to achieve a predetermined Lab setpoint color value of the measurement point using a digital tool or a digital model. The participating process colors are adapted using the ascertained changes of their layer thicknesses.