Digital Proofing for Metal Deco Color Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of selecting and matching colors for metal articles, such as aluminum cans, is time-consuming and arduous, as it requires physical printing and shipping of samples, and lacks a method to accurately translate digital color files into physical representations on metallic substrates without interpretation, especially when parties are remotely located.
Innovation Solution
A digital proofing process that selects a best match for a metal deco color by generating an arrangement of colors on a transparent sheet, simulating their application on a metal substrate, and using spectrophotometer measurements to validate the color match, allowing for remote validation and distribution of color data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical printing and shipping of color samples is used to match target colors, then color accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and arduous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual color swatches that are digital copies of physical color samples, allowing remote viewing and selection without physical shipping. The system generates photorealistic images of colored metal articles from digital color data, enabling parties to evaluate color matches remotely and select best matches without exchanging physical samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical printing, shipping, and handling color samples with an automated computational system. The system uses algorithms to generate virtual color swatches, automatically compares candidate colors against target colors using color difference formulas, and identifies best matches without human intervention in the physical sample exchange process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Pantone library books are used for color selection, then a wide range of colors are available, but the color appearance may not meet expectations due to lighting and material factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates specific local properties of metal substrates into the virtual color swatch generation process. The system accounts for metal reflectivity, surface texture, and curvature effects to generate photorealistic images that accurately represent how colors will appear on actual metal packaging, rather than generic color swatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary simulation of color appearance on metal substrates before final production. The system generates virtual color swatches that pre-account for lighting conditions, metal surface properties, and printing characteristics, allowing stakeholders to evaluate and approve colors in advance with high confidence that the final product will match expectations.
3Measurement precision
If physical samples are shipped to remote parties for color evaluation, then accurate color assessment is possible, but shipping time slows down the evaluation and approval process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates and distributes digital copies of color samples in the form of photorealistic virtual color swatches. These digital images can be instantly transmitted to any number of remote parties simultaneously, eliminating shipping delays while maintaining color evaluation accuracy through realistic visual representation of the colored metal articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal digital color evaluation system that can be accessed by multiple remote parties simultaneously through electronic devices. The virtual color swatches serve all evaluation purposes that physical samples would provide, allowing developers, printers, customers, and manufacturers to review and approve colors remotely without physical sample exchange.
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 process significantly reduces the time and effort required to find a color match, sets a defined digital inkjet standard within desired tolerances, and ensures consistent color reproduction across remote locations, eliminating the need for physical samples and interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
The inkjet system may be a drop-on-demand inkjet system, such as a piezoelectric inkjet system or a thermal inkjet system
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric inkjet system
Implementation Method 3
a thermal inkjet system
Implementation Method 4
A first UV print head of the multi-headed UV inkjet system is used to print a first image on a first layer of photoresist material
Implementation Method 5
The inkjet system may be a drop-on-demand inkjet system, such as a piezoelectric inkjet system or a thermal inkjet system
Data Source
AI summary
The described herein is a method for identifying a best match to a metal deco target color and distributing the best match to interested parties for ongoing validation. The method creates a digital proofing database that matches, for example, PantoneLIVE™ target colors and sets a defined digital inkjet standard to within desired tolerances. Also described is a system that implements the method.