Decorative Panel Color Printing with Stored Characteristic Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing color images on substrates are time-consuming and require repetitive cycles to achieve color accuracy due to variations in output devices and substrates, leading to high costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the initial printing of color samples with varying tonal values, generating and storing characteristic curves, and adapting printer settings or image files using these curves to maintain color accuracy over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional color profiling methods are used with multiple repetitive printing cycles, then color accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining characteristic curves for each color channel (C, M, Y, K) that represent ideal color output. These curves are created in advance and stored, eliminating the need for repetitive measurement cycles. When printing, the system directly uses these pre-established curves to maintain color accuracy without requiring multiple test prints and adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter approach by shifting from measuring actual print output to using predefined characteristic curves that describe desired color behavior. The system modifies the printing process by adapting image data according to these curves, transforming the problem from iterative measurement to direct parameter-based control, thereby reducing time while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional color profiling methods are used with multiple repetitive printing cycles, then color accuracy can be achieved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By establishing characteristic curves in advance for each color channel, the patent eliminates the need for costly repetitive printing cycles. The preliminary definition of these curves serves as a reference that guides all subsequent printing operations, reducing both time and cost while maintaining color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital representation (characteristic curve) of the desired color output behavior. Instead of physically repeating the printing process to measure and adjust colors, the system copies the ideal color characteristics into predefined curves that can be applied repeatedly without additional material or time costs.
3Productivity
If characteristic curves are predefined and stored, then printing speed increases, but adaptability to substrate variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains adaptability by allowing the system to modify image data parameters according to the predefined characteristic curves. When substrate variations occur, the system adjusts the input image parameters to compensate, using the curves as a reference framework rather than a rigid constraint, thus balancing speed with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system compares actual printing results against the predefined characteristic curves and makes real-time adjustments to the image data. This feedback loop ensures that even with predefined curves for speed, the system can adapt to substrate variations by correcting deviations from the ideal color output.
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
Ensures color-accurate output without repetitive cycles by using stored characteristic curves to adjust printer settings or image files, reducing time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the sample areas of each color with a spectrophotometer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of printing a color image of an image file onto a substrate (12) for decorative panels using a digital printer (10), the method comprising the following steps: at a first point in time: a) printing a plurality of color samples in a number of different colors on a substrate (12), said color samples comprising a reproduction of each color in a plurality of sample areas having the same color but different tonal values; b) generating a first characteristic curve for each color by measuring the sample areas of each color and storing the first characteristic curves of each color in a primary file; at a second point in time that is after the first point in time: c) repeating step a) using the same colors and the same type of substrate; d) generating a new characteristic curve for each color by measuring the sample areas of each color printed in step c) and storing the new characteristic curves of each color in a secondary file; e) adapting the image file by means of the secondary file such that the colors are printed with the first characteristic curves of the primary file and printing the color image (18) of the adapted image file, or e') adapting the printer's (10) settings by means of the secondary file such that the colors are printed with the first characteristic curves of the primary file and printing the color image (18) of the image file.