Coated Print Color Estimation via Uncoated Measurement Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color printing technologies face challenges in accurately predicting the color of coated prints due to the alteration caused by clear coatings, which complicates meeting customer color requirements, especially for spot colors, and often requires color adjustments before coating, leading to potential color inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate the color of a coated print by measuring the uncoated print using a color measuring device and applying a function to correlate uncoated and coated color measurements, allowing for adjustments to the printing process parameters to achieve accurate color rendition post-coating, potentially using spectral transformation models or physics-based models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clear coating is applied to enhance image chroma and protect the print, then image appearance and protection are improved, but color accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary color measurement of the uncoated print and uses a correlation function to predict the coated color before the actual coating is applied. This allows color adjustments to be made in advance, ensuring color accuracy is maintained even after coating enhances the image appearance and provides protection.
2Manufacturing precision
If color measurements are made after coating to ensure accurate color rendition, then color accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly measuring the coated print color, the system creates a predictive model by correlating uncoated color measurements with expected coated color outcomes. This copying approach allows the system to estimate coated color from uncoated measurements, avoiding the need for complex post-coating measurement setups while maintaining color accuracy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If color adjustments are made before coating to account for color changes, then color consistency is improved, but timing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the correlation function continuously predicts how coating will affect color, and this information feeds back to guide real-time color adjustments. This allows color consistency to be maintained while providing flexibility in timing, as adjustments can be made based on predictive feedback rather than requiring fixed pre-coating timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating the color of a coated print includes: measuring the color of an uncoated print with a color measuring device; and estimating the color of the print when coated by a coating process based on the uncoated color measurement using a function that correlates uncoated color measurements and coated color measurements; and adjusting at least one parameter of the printing process based on the coated color estimation. The correlating function may be derived by measuring the color of a plurality of uncoated color patches; measuring the color of the plurality of patches after the patches have been coated by the coating process; and correlating the color of the coated patches with the uncoated patches based on the coated and uncoated color patch measurements.