Trim Image Extraction for Compact Calibration Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
In offset printing and digital proofing, forming a calibration image on a medium with a smaller size than the actual printing size is challenging due to size restrictions, making it difficult to use print data for calibration without modifications.
Innovation Solution
A calibration data generation apparatus and method that extracts a portion of the print data image region to create a trim image, which is then arranged on a smaller calibration medium, accompanied by a media wedge image, allowing efficient arrangement even on smaller-sized media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If print data is used directly for calibration printing without modification, then the calibration image can be formed with complete content, but the calibration medium size must be large enough to accommodate the entire print data image region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the first image region from print data into multiple page regions, selecting specific pages to include in the trim image. This segmentation allows the calibration image to be formed on smaller calibration media by dividing and selecting only the necessary content portions, thereby reducing the required calibration medium size while maintaining calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts a trim image from the complete print data by selecting specific page regions and arranging them in a trimmed format. This extraction process removes unnecessary content from the original print data, creating a condensed calibration image that fits on smaller calibration media while preserving the essential calibration information.
2Area of stationary object
If the calibration image is arranged on a smaller calibration medium, then the calibration process can be performed with size-constrained media, but the arrangement of calibration image and media wedge becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic arrangement strategies where the media wedge is positioned in available spaces around the trim image based on the specific page selection and trim image dimensions. The arrangement adapts to different calibration medium sizes and trim image configurations, providing flexible positioning options that optimize space utilization without requiring fixed, complex predefined layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning the media wedge in specific locations relative to the trim image based on available space and calibration requirements. Different arrangement configurations are considered for different regions of the calibration medium, placing elements in optimal positions that maximize space efficiency while maintaining calibration accuracy.
3Area of stationary object
If pages are selected and arranged in a trimmed format, then the calibration image fits on smaller media, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining page selection criteria and trim image arrangement rules before actual calibration data generation. The system pre-processes the print data to identify which pages should be included in the trim image and pre-determines optimal arrangement configurations, thereby streamlining the subsequent calibration data creation process and improving overall efficiency despite the additional processing steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a calibration data generation apparatus, a method, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a program which can efficiently arrange a calibration image (54) and a media wedge (56) even on a calibration medium that has a relatively small size. A portion (trim region) of a first image region (130) indicated by plate making data (72) is extracted and one trim image is cut out as a calibration image. The cutout trim image is arranged in a second image region indicated by calibration data and a media wedge image (154) including a plurality of patches is arranged in the vicinity of the trim image.