Automated Spot Color Editor Using Model Predictive Controller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spot color editing methods in the printing industry rely on manual adjustments and pre-calculated single gain matrices, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate color production, especially near color boundaries, and struggle to minimize deltaE2000 color differences efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An automated spot color editor system utilizing a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) that selects gain matrices from a set to minimize deltaE2000 color differences and control energy, allowing online computation of printer Jacobians and adaptive adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pre-calculated single gain matrix is used per spot color, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of color accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, pre-calculated single gain matrix to a dynamic, adaptive gain matrix selection process. The Model Predictive Controller dynamically selects the most appropriate gain matrix from a pre-computed set based on real-time color state and machine conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying operational conditions while maintaining ease of use through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of gain matrix selection from a fixed, pre-determined value to a dynamically selected value from multiple pre-computed matrices. By maintaining a library of gain matrices computed for different operating conditions and selecting the appropriate one based on current state, the system improves color accuracy without requiring real-time complex computation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of CMYK recipes is used, then adaptability to customer requirements is improved, but the productivity and consistency of color production deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through the automated Model Predictive Controller that independently performs gain matrix selection and CMYK recipe optimization. The controller automatically adjusts color parameters based on customer requirements and machine state without manual intervention, maintaining adaptability while dramatically improving productivity and consistency through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the Model Predictive Controller continuously monitors color output and machine state, then automatically adjusts CMYK recipes based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to customer requirements while maintaining consistent, high-quality color production without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If CIELab convergence criteria is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of deltaE2000 color difference minimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the simple CIELab convergence criteria and the desired deltaE2000 optimization. The Model Predictive Controller uses CIELab as a computational intermediary while incorporating deltaE2000 as the ultimate optimization objective, allowing the system to benefit from the computational simplicity of CIELab while achieving the superior color accuracy of deltaE2000 through the predictive control algorithm.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of color management for image marking devices utilizes an automated spot color editor having a control module accessing a graphical user interface. The method includes receiving image data input, in either device-dependent color space or device-independent color space, for a marking job. It is determined whether spot colors are present within the image data input and whether the CMYK values for each of the spot colors present within the image data input are included in the marking device spot color dictionary. Operational parameters for the automated spot color editor are initialized, with operational parameters including the desired performance criteria to be minimized by the automated spot color editor through selection of one or more matrices from a plurality of possible gain matrices to identify new CMYK values. The quality level of the new CMYK values is assessed and new CMYK values are transmitted to image printing device(s).