Print Process Characterization via Segmented Spectral Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining characterization data in printing processes are complex and cumbersome, requiring a large number of color patches and extensive calculations, especially for multi-color systems, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method using a reduced test element with fewer color patches, where spectral data is measured and analyzed to determine dot gain curves and tone value increases, allowing for interpolation and model-based calculations to generate characterization data, utilizing the segmented spectral Yule-Nielsen-Neugebauer model to optimize color value assignments and reduce the number of necessary color patches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of color patches are used to determine characterization data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color space into a limited number of representative patches (e.g., 16 patches for CMYK) rather than using exhaustive color samples. This segmentation approach maintains characterization accuracy while significantly reducing test element complexity and measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a partial set of color patches that are sufficient to characterize the printing process without requiring complete coverage of all possible color combinations. This partial action approach achieves the necessary measurement precision with reduced complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of color patches are used to determine characterization data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the color space into a manageable number of representative patches, the patent reduces the total measurement time while preserving characterization accuracy. The segmented approach allows selective measurement of critical color regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by measuring only the essential color patches needed for characterization rather than all possible patches, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining sufficient measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive calculations are performed for multi-color systems, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calculation process into manageable steps corresponding to the segmented color patches. This allows precise color value assignments for multi-color systems while keeping the calculation system complexity manageable through structured processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs calculations only for the essential color patches rather than all possible color combinations, achieving sufficient manufacturing precision with reduced computational complexity.
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 simplifies the determination of characterization data, reducing the number of color patches needed and improving accuracy, enabling more precise color value assignments and process control with less complexity and resources.
Implementation Method 1
the color patches of the at least one test element are spectrally measured with a measuring device to determine measurement results
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
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AI summary
Determining print tables for CMYK printing systems, printing systems with spot colors, or multicolor systems is easily cumbersome and time-consuming due to the required color patches (3) in test elements (1, 2). Therefore, a method for calculating characterization data of a printing process is presented that is more user-friendly and less complex than previously known methods. For this purpose, a test element (10, 10') is introduced that provides actual spectral data. Using subsets (54, 54') of this actual data, tone value and tone value increase curves, parameters of a printing process model for determining the spectra of superimposed printing inks (CMYK), and adapted input parameters (CbMbYbKb) are determined in a calculation unit (56) according to the model, taking into account the tone value increase.Only a few color fields (3) are needed to calculate characterization data.