Digital Printer Color Correction via Positional Test Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color correction methods for digital printers fail to adequately address color and density differences across the print width, leading to visible banding in solid-color prints due to varying print dot sizes, nozzle errors, and spray mist settling, especially in inkjet printing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation and analysis of digital test images with solid-color test strips across the print width, using an optical color measuring device to detect color values and generate correction data to adjust print densities, thereby reducing artifacts like banding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional color correction methods are used, then some color deviations are corrected, but banding artifacts remain visible in solid-color prints due to insufficient correction of printing variations across the print width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the print width into multiple measurement positions and creates separate correction profiles for each position. The test image includes multiple test strips arranged across the print width, allowing independent measurement and correction of color deviations at each segment, thereby addressing the root cause of banding artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies location-specific correction values to different regions of the print width. Each measurement position receives tailored correction data based on its specific color deviations, rather than applying a uniform correction across the entire print width, thus achieving homogeneous color output
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple color channels are printed together, then complete color images are produced, but color homogeneity deteriorates due to cumulative printing artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs color correction measurements and creates correction profiles before actual printing. Test images are printed and measured in advance to establish correction data that compensates for printing artifacts, ensuring that when multiple color channels are printed together, the cumulative effects are already accounted for
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measured color values from test strips as feedback to generate correction profiles. These correction profiles are then applied to subsequent printing operations, creating a closed-loop system where actual printing performance informs future corrections, improving color homogeneity across multiple color channels
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
The method effectively reduces printing artifacts, particularly banding, by accurately correcting color and density variations across the print width, ensuring high precision in large-area decorations.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the colour values of the printed test image as a function of their position in the direction of the print width using an optical colour measuring device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for color correcting a digital printer over a printing width of the digital printer, having the steps of: a) providing a specified digital image, said digital image having at least one color channel pattern, wherein each color channel pattern is assigned to a print color channel of the digital printer; b) determining at least one test color of the specified digital image; c) generating a digital test pattern, said digital test pattern being provided with at least one single-colored test strip which is designed to be printed over the printing width of the digital printer, d) printing the digital test pattern using the digital printer; e) detecting the color values of the printed test pattern on the basis of the position thereof in the direction of the printing width using an optical color measuring device; f) generating correction data for the digital printer using the detected color values; and g) using the correction data on the digital printer and/or the specified digital image. The method is suitable in particular for color correcting substantially single-colored prints and for reducing the formation of stripes in the printing direction.