Print Data White Streak Detection and Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plate-making and printing systems face inefficiencies in detecting and correcting white streak data caused by faults in the RIP process, leading to low operation efficiency and potential print accidents due to the need for going-back in operation processes and risk of introducing new faults.

Innovation Solution

A print data processing method that performs pattern matching using a streak detection pattern with a width of one pixel to identify and measure streak candidates, determining their length against a threshold to detect and correct white streak data without causing operational setbacks or introducing new faults.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to detect white streak data (checking by eye during proof), then detection is possible, but operation efficiency is low due to going-back in operation processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a re-RIP process in advance based on a fixing print condition to proactively fix white streak errors before final printing. By detecting white streak data in the print data and executing a re-RIP process with adjusted parameters (such as changing transparency settings or rendering options), the system prevents the need to go back and correct errors after printing, thereby maintaining both detection accuracy and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If RIP process parameters are changed to prevent white streak data, then white streak occurrence may be reduced, but a different fault may be introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint qualityVSAvoidnew faults
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system detects white streak data in the generated print data and automatically executes a re-RIP process with adjusted parameters. The detection unit identifies the presence of white streaks, and the control unit responds by re-processing with modified settings (such as disabling transparency effects or adjusting rendering options). This closed-loop feedback ensures that corrections are made based on actual detected issues rather than speculative parameter changes, reducing the risk of introducing new faults while maintaining print quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If white streak data is overlooked, then printing can proceed, but a print accident occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting speedVSAvoidprint accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the printing system to automatically detect and correct white streak errors through self-service mechanisms. The detection unit scans the print data for white streak patterns, and upon detection, the control unit automatically executes a re-RIP process with adjusted parameters without requiring external intervention. This automated self-correction ensures that print accuracy is maintained while minimizing disruptions to the printing workflow, as the system handles corrections internally without halting production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10458923B2Print data processing method, print data processing device, and recording medium having recorded therein print data processing program
Publication Date: 2019.10.29 SCREEN HOLDINGS CO LTD
  • US10458923B2 patent drawing
  • US10458923B2 patent drawing
  • US10458923B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for processing print data includes a matching processing step of performing pattern matching between a streak detection pattern including a streak pattern having a width of one pixel and print data after a RIP process, a length measurement step of determining, when matching is established in the matching processing step, a length of a streak candidate part including a part corresponding to the streak pattern in a region where matching is established and a part continuous in an extending direction of the streak pattern and having a same value as a data value of the streak pattern, in the print data, and a determination step of determining whether or not the streak candidate part is white streak data that possibly results in a streak, by comparing the length determined in the length measurement step against a predetermined threshold.