Offset Printing Inking Control Using Color Register Marks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling inking in offset printing machines are prone to errors and imprecision, especially in newspaper printing where external print control elements are perceived as disturbing and measurement within the subject is less precise.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using color register marks measured by a camera to determine actual color density values, reducing the need for external print control elements and compensating for scattered light effects through targeted illumination and mathematical corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external print control elements are used for measuring inking, then measurement precision is improved, but the disturbance to newspaper printing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddisturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the function of color register marks with print control elements. The same color register marks that are already present for registration purposes are also used for measuring color density and controlling zonal inking, eliminating the need for separate external print control elements while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The color register marks serve multiple functions: they are used for color register control and simultaneously for determining actual color density values to control zonal coloring. This multi-functionality reduces the number of additional elements needed in the printing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If print control elements are measured within the subject, then disturbance is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedisturbanceVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a camera-based optical measurement system to measure the color density of color register marks. This replaces traditional mechanical or contact-based measurement methods, enabling non-contact, precise measurement of small elements without affecting the printing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If color register marks are used instead of separate print control elements, then the number of print control elements is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of print control elementsVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera-based optical measurement system with specific illumination and image processing techniques to accurately measure the small color register marks (0.5-2mm). This optical system compensates for the small size of the marks through controlled illumination and digital image analysis, maintaining measurement precision despite the reduced element size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes measurement parameters including illumination intensity, camera positioning, and image processing algorithms to accurately measure the color density of small color register marks. By adjusting these parameters, precise measurement is achieved even with the reduced size of the control elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach improves color fidelity and reduces the disturbance of print control elements, providing precise control over zonal coloring even in newspaper printing without trimming, while minimizing external print control elements.

Implementation Method 1

After this, color register marks are measured as print control elements for determining the actual color density values

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

compensating for scattered light effects through targeted illumination and mathematical corrections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattered light: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2070701B1Method for controlling the inking of an offset printing press

Publication Date: 2014.08.13 MANROLAND WEB SYST

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Figure 3~4

AI summary

The method involves calibrating printing control elements of a printing substrate, where the elements are printed outside a virtual subject on the substrate by a camera e.g. charge coupled device camera. Determined color density actual value is compared with predetermined color density reference value to generate a control signal for color adjusting elements including duct roller, jack roller or film roller, depending on comparison between the actual and the reference values. Color register marks (11-14) are calibrated as the elements for determining the color density actual value.