Spot Color Spectral Data Calculation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for calculating spot color spectral data are complex, time-consuming, and expensive, particularly when determining how to overprint process colors and spot colors, as they require extensive sample prints on light and dark substrates, and are not well-suited for creating color gradients or accurately correlating halftone values with layer thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A method for calculating spectral data records for spot colors using a computer, which involves generating spectral characterization data, adapting spectra to defined substrates, and using these data records for color control in printing processes, eliminating the need for empirical measurements and enabling efficient setup and monitoring of printing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectral data records for spot colors are determined by empirical sample prints on light and dark substrates, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses process color spectra as a template or model to generate spot color spectra through mathematical calculation rather than physical measurement. The system creates a virtual copy of the spectral behavior that can be applied to spot colors, eliminating the need for actual sample prints while maintaining spectral accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of printing sample colors and measuring their spectra with a computational system. Mathematical models and algorithms substitute for the physical printing and measurement process, calculating spot color spectra from process color data through iterative mathematical procedures.
2Reliability
If the Kubelka-Munk model is used to describe spot colors with scattering and absorption parameters, then spectral characterization is achieved, but the complexity of determining parameters through iterative calculation from sample prints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential spectral information from process color prints and uses this extracted data as the foundation for calculating spot color spectra. By taking out the key spectral characteristics from readily available process color data, the system avoids the complex iterative determination of Kubelka-Munk parameters from spot color samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary spectral measurement of process colors before spot color production. This preliminary action creates a spectral reference that can be used to calculate spot color spectra, avoiding the need for complex iterative calculations during actual spot color characterization.
3Measurement precision
If sample prints are produced on both light and dark substrates to determine spectral parameters, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the quantity of substance and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the process color spectral data serve multiple functions: it characterizes the printing process, provides the basis for calculating spot color spectra, and enables prediction of overprinting behavior. This universal use of process color data eliminates the need for separate spot color sample prints on multiple substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of spot color spectra by copying and adapting process color spectral data through mathematical transformation, rather than producing physical copies in the form of sample prints on different substrates.
4Reliability
If the Kubelka-Munk model is used for halftone colors, then spectral description is achieved, but the correlation between layer thickness and tone values requires extensive experimental determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the experimental determination of halftone correlations with a computational approach. Mathematical models and algorithms calculate the relationship between tone values and spectral characteristics, substituting physical experimentation with computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from determining physical layer thickness correlations through experimentation to calculating spectral parameters directly from tone values using mathematical transformations. This parameter change eliminates the need for experimental correlation studies.
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
This method allows for accurate and efficient calculation of spot color spectra, reducing the complexity and cost of determining spectral characterizations, enabling precise control over the printing process and overprinting behavior without the need for extensive empirical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The scattering parameter S(λ) and the absorption parameter K(λ) are determined by printing a color sample onto a light printing material or substrate (paper white) and onto a dark printing material or substrate (paper black)
Implementation Method 2
The scattering parameter S(λ) and the absorption parameter K(λ) are determined by printing a color sample onto a light printing material or substrate (paper white) and onto a dark printing material or substrate (paper black)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating spectral data records for spot colors includes the steps of generating or selecting spectral characterization data of a printing process; selecting colorimetrically defined spot colors from a color table; calculating the spectrum of the spot colors based on the spectral characterization data on a white printing substrate and on a black printing substrate; calculating the spectrum of the halftone spot colors from the spectra of the spot colors on a white substrate and on a black substrate; adapting the spectra of the spot colors to a defined white printing substrate; adapting the spectra of the spot colors to the predetermined values from the color table; adapting the spectra of the spot colors to a defined black printing substrate; and adapting the spectral dot gains to a defined standard. The calculated spectral data record are used for color control in a printing press.