Printing Machine Calibration via Test Print Quality Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating printing machines between print jobs, especially when changing printing fluids or substrates, often result in unsatisfactory print quality as they rely on adapting individual measuring fields to predefined criteria like dot gain or gray balance, which is complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves printing a test print using the new fluid and substrate combination with a specified ICC profile and initial machine settings, recording test fields, determining a quality value and adjustment value, and selectively changing machine settings to ensure minimal color deviations, thus adapting the machine settings to the ICC profile without modifying it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional calibration methods are used to adapt individual measuring fields to predefined criteria (dot gain or gray balance), then calibration can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming, resulting in unsatisfactory print quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from adapting measuring fields to predefined criteria by modifying machine settings based on quality values derived from test prints. Instead of forcing test fields to match dot gain or gray balance specifications, the system calculates quality values from actual test print measurements and uses these to determine optimal machine settings, fundamentally changing the calibration parameter adaptation strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where test prints are measured, quality values are computed from these measurements, and the computed quality values feed back into automatic machine setting adjustments. This closed-loop feedback system replaces the open-loop traditional calibration approach, allowing the machine to self-adjust based on actual print quality measurements
2Reliability
If traditional calibration methods are used to adapt individual measuring fields to predefined criteria, then calibration can be performed, but it requires significant time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the printing machine to perform calibration autonomously by automatically printing test patterns, measuring them, computing quality values, and adjusting its own settings without requiring external calibration equipment or expert intervention. The system serves itself by using its own printing output as the calibration reference, eliminating time-consuming manual calibration processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions by printing test patterns and computing quality values before actual production printing. This preliminary quality assessment and automatic setting adjustment ensures that subsequent print jobs start with optimized machine settings, reducing the need for repeated calibration during production
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes the steps of: a) printing a first print job on a printing machine using a printing fluid, a substrate, a specified ICC profile, and a first machine setting; b) preparing the printing operation of a second print job involving a change of the printing fluid and/or of the substrate; and c) printing the second print job using a second combination of printing fluid and substrate. Step b) includes: b1) printing a test print having a plurality of test fields; b2) recording the test fields; b3) computationally determining and saving a quality value based on the test fields; b4) determining and saving an adjustment value for a machine setting; and b5) selectively changing a printing machine setting from the first machine setting to a second machine setting using the adjustment value or keeping the first printing machine setting, and the making a choice based on a quality value.