Printing Process Control via Spectral Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing technologies, particularly inkjet printing, face limitations in controlling print quality and color reproduction, as adjustments to printing-process-specific parameters affect the entire printed area rather than individual elements, restricting precise color control and real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring actual print results using spectral values, comparing them to desired values, and modifying digital printing data from the prepress stage through a color calculator to enable precise color corrections, allowing for real-time adjustments and selective control of individual color regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printing-process-specific parameters are adjusted to control color reproduction, then color control capability is improved, but the adjustment affects the entire printed area rather than individual elements, reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printed area into multiple individually controllable regions or zones. Each region can have its own printing parameters adjusted independently, allowing precise local color control without affecting the entire printed area. This is achieved by dividing the printing process into region-specific control units that can be independently regulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality control by allowing different printing parameters to be applied to different regions of the printed material. Each region can have customized color profiles, ink densities, and printing conditions tailored to specific requirements, enabling high-precision color management for individual elements while maintaining overall print consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital printing data are modified during printing production, then real-time color corrections are enabled, but the complexity of the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where printed output is monitored in real-time and measurement results are fed back to automatically adjust printing parameters. This closed-loop control system enables real-time color corrections without manual intervention, maintaining process simplicity while achieving high adaptability. The feedback loop continuously compares actual print results with target values and makes automatic adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system performs self-correction by automatically adjusting its own parameters based on real-time measurements and pre-defined correction rules. The system monitors its own output and makes necessary modifications without external intervention, reducing operational complexity while enabling flexible real-time adaptations to maintain color consistency.
3Manufacturing precision
If control intervals are reduced for better color consistency, then print quality is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement and control at optimized intervals rather than continuous monitoring. By strategically positioning measurement points and adjusting parameters at regular, predetermined intervals, the system achieves excellent color consistency while minimizing interruptions to the printing process. This periodic approach balances quality control with production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary corrections by predicting color deviations based on pre-defined models and compensation algorithms. Instead of waiting for actual measurements to make adjustments, the system proactively applies corrective measures based on anticipated variations, reducing the frequency of actual control interventions while maintaining high color consistency throughout production.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a printing process is disclosed. The method includes printing a printing material by a printing unit on a basis of data of a prepress stage. A printed result on the printing material is compared with a desired value and a correction value is derived from the comparison. The data of the prepress stage is corrected with the correction value.