Print Characteristic Correction via RIP File Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to consistently achieve a specified target print characteristic curve during printing, leading to potential color errors and waste, as the actual dot gain varies with printing machine type, material quality, and ink properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a test print image carrier with a fine gradation wedge, measurement of actual print characteristics, comparison with target characteristics, and generation of a corrected RIP file to ensure consistent dot gain and print quality across all printing colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional printing calibration methods are used, then printing can be performed, but the actual print characteristic curve deviates from the target curve, causing color errors and quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the actual print characteristic curve from printed test images and using this measurement to calculate correction values. These correction values are then applied to adjust the RIP file generation, creating a closed-loop system that continuously refines printing accuracy based on actual performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the RIP file by calculating correction values for each gradation step based on the deviation between target and actual print characteristic curves. These parameter adjustments transform the original RIP file into a corrected version that compensates for printing system variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If printing parameters are adjusted to match target characteristics, then print quality improves, but the process becomes more complex requiring measurement and calculation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by printing test images with gradation wedges, measuring their actual characteristics, and calculating correction values before actual production printing. This preliminary action establishes the correction data needed to simplify subsequent printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration process that acts as a mediator between the printing system and the final output. By using test images with gradation wedges as intermediaries, the system can indirectly measure and correct print characteristics without affecting production printing complexity.
3Reliability
If actual print characteristics are measured and corrected, then color accuracy improves, but measurement and calculation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial correction by focusing measurement and calculation efforts on specific test images with gradation wedges rather than attempting to measure entire production images. This partial action approach achieves sufficient color accuracy without requiring exhaustive measurement of all printing outputs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for illustrating printed image carriers that ensure, during printing, a specified target printing characteristic, namely a specified relation between prepress-based setting copy surface covering values and printed image surface covering values actually developed during printing, thus ensuring a defined increase in tone value, said method comprising at least the following steps: a) producing a test printed image carrier for at least one printing ink used in the printing, namely in such a way that a RIP file is produced from a test setting copy that reproduces, for each printing ink, a fine gradation wedge having a defined number of gradation steps, wherein each test printed image carrier is illustrated based on said RIP file; b) using the or each test printed image carrier produced according to step a) to print a test printed image, wherein the test printed image comprises the respective fine gradation wedge having the defined number of gradation steps for at least one printing ink used in the printing; c) measuring the printed image printed in step b) with the or each test printed image carrier in such a way that for each gradation step of the or each fine gradation wedge a test printed image surface covering value actually developed during printing is determined, wherein an actual printing characteristic for each printing ink is determined from the test setting copy surface covering values of each gradation step of the fine gradation wedge and the test printed image surface covering values of each gradation step of the fine gradation wedge actually developed during printing; d) comparing the or each actual printing characteristic determined in step c) with the target printing characteristic specified for the respective printing ink in such a way that, for each printed image surface covering value specified in the target printing characteristic for a defined setting copy surface covering value, the test printed image surface covering value developed in the printing in step b) is determined and is placed in proportion therewith in order to calculate a ratio, wherein the printed image surface covering values in the target printing characteristic are replaced with values that result from multiplication of the setting copy surface covering values and the ratios determined therefor in order to provide a corrected target printing characteristic; e) using the or each corrected target printing characteristic produced in step d), producing an RIP file from the setting copy of the printed image actually to be printed, said RIP file being used to illustrate the printed image carrier.