Spot Color Channel Dual-Function Printing Process
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ink jet printing systems face limitations in reproducing a wide range of colors, particularly specialized spot colors, and suffer from issues such as color gamut deficiency, durability problems, and inefficiencies in printer maintenance due to the need for frequent cleaning and replacement of spot color channels.
Innovation Solution
The process involves applying two or more ink limits and two or more linearizations to a spot color channel, allowing it to function as both a spot color and a process color, thereby increasing the number of spot color channels and improving durability, consistency, and printer life while expanding the color gamut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional process color sets (CMYK) are used to print images, then the printing process is simple and equipment requirements are basic, but the color gamut is limited and cannot reproduce specialized spot colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling spot color channels to serve dual purposes: they can function as specialized spot colors for brand colors and as process colors for general image rendering. This is achieved through the longstore process that allows spot color inks to be retained in channels while still permitting process color printing operations, thus expanding color gamut without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the ability to dynamically switch and adjust ink limits for spot color channels based on whether spot color or process color is being printed. The system can adaptively modify printing parameters, ink coverage limits, and channel assignments in real-time during operation, allowing flexible transition between different printing modes and color reproduction requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional spot color channels are added to expand color gamut, then more spot colors can be printed, but the printer requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance (longstore process)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing the longstore process that maintains spot color inks in channels during periods when they are not actively being printed. This allows spot color channels to remain ready and operational without requiring complete draining or cleaning, enabling continuous availability of spot color capability while reducing the frequency and extent of maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by selectively managing ink in spot color channels - allowing spot color inks to be retained (recovered) in channels during maintenance periods rather than being completely discarded through cleaning, while still permitting the channels to function for process color printing when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If spot color channels are used frequently, then color gamut and specialized color printing improve, but cleaning solvents are wasted and printer life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining spot color inks in channels during non-printing periods through the longstore process, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning operations with solvents. This continuous retention of useful ink reduces solvent consumption while preserving spot color printing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of having spot color inks remain in channels (which would normally require cleaning) into a benefit by allowing these retained inks to be used for process color printing operations. The ink that would otherwise be waste becomes useful for general printing, reducing the need for cleaning solvents while extending printer life
4Reliability
If process color inks are used for all printing, then equipment is simple and operation is straightforward, but durability and consistency of printed images are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling spot color channels to serve dual purposes: specialized spot color printing for enhanced durability and brand accuracy, and process color printing for general applications. This allows the system to leverage spot color inks for their superior durability properties while maintaining operational simplicity through unified channel management and automated mode selection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for printing comprising the steps of selecting eight or fewer process colors from a known process ink color set, providing a color channel for the selected process colors from the known process ink color set, providing two or more spot color channels, wherein one or more of spot colors correspond to a non-selected process color of the process ink color set, applying a first ink limit and a first linearization to the one or more spot color channels to produce a color set including the non-selected process color of the known process ink color set, applying a second ink limit and a second linearization to the one or more spot color channels to produce a color set including the spot color, and optionally printing an image.