EP1656593A1

EP1656593A1 - Control method for production processes with color-relevant products and printing outcome control method

Info

Publication number: EP1656593A1
Application number: EP04736388A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jörg PEITZKER
Original assignee: Medigraph GmbH
Current assignee: Medigraph GmbH
Priority date: 2003-08-19
Filing date: 2004-06-09
Publication date: 2006-05-17
Also published as: WO2005029209A1; US20060185548A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a control method for production processes with color-relevant products that comprises the following steps: defining a production line with those stations in the production process whose preparation processes and/or processing processes influence the product outcome; predetermining at least one master data record for each station in the production line, and; comparing current data of one station with the at least one associated master data record.

Description

CONTROL PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION PROCESS WITH COLOR-RELEVANT PRODUCTS AND PRINT RESULT CONTROL PROCESS

The invention relates to a control process for production processes with coloring relevant products and a print result control process.

Printing processes as an example of production processes with color-relevant products include various stations such as proofing, reproduction and printing on printing presses, which are arranged in series. The stations as a whole are responsible for the print result in terms of print quality; If a station provides or transmits incorrect data or processes data incorrectly, this can lead to a deterioration in the print result.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to create a control process for production processes with color-relevant products and in particular a print result control process with which a production process can be monitored in a simple and reliable manner.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that a production line is defined with those stations in the production process whose provisioning and / or processing operations influence the (color-relevant) production result, that at least one master data record is specified for each station in the production line and that current ones Data of a station can be compared with the assigned at least one master data record. With the solution according to the invention, one or more master data records are specified as target data records for each (relevant) station in the production line and, for example, current data is compared as actual data with the master data record (s) at regular intervals. In this way, drifts in the individual stations can be identified separately. The current data record is determined by current device parameters and in particular hardware parameters and / or software parameters of the devices in the respective stations. The devices can drift, i.e. the device parameters can change over time. These drifts can in turn affect the provisioning or processing processes of the respective station and thereby also on the product result (such as a printing result); Changes to the device parameters with regard to calibration device parameters lead to deviations of the actual data record (current data) from the target data record (master data record). By comparing current data with the master data separately for each station, it can be recognized whether, for example, devices have to be recalibrated. It can be seen directly which station or stations are responsible for a deteriorating product result (such as, for example, a print result). The product result (such as, for example, a print result) can be optimized in a targeted manner by the control method according to the invention, and monitoring can ensure that the product result also meets the required quality standards over longer periods of time.

The production line does not necessarily have to be a real production line. It can also be a virtual production line because it can be defined by an operator. If this is possible for a station, the master data records are preferably device-neutral and are defined, for example, by a color space standard such as the FOCRA standard. In particular, the master data sets for "color space-relevant" stations within a production line are identical: for example, the at least one master data set for a proofer and a printing press is identical.

The master data records are based on the result to be achieved, the visual product image in terms of color (such as a printed image).

The solution according to the invention allows the production process (such as a printing process) to be standardized; the responsibility of each station for the product result (such as the printing result) is emphasized, whereby each station can be controlled separately and the product process (such as a printing process) can be monitored or observed as a whole.

In particular, it is provided that calibrated devices of the corresponding station are used to determine or define device parameters which lead to a master data set (“master device parameters”). This creates the master data set based on output parameters that guarantee an optimal printing result. (An optimal product result - such as a print result - is obtained if the current data set is the master data set for each station.)

It is provided that the comparison of current data with the assigned at least one master data record takes place at predetermined test intervals, with a time specification being made, for example, at fixed intervals can. Current data are then generated which are compared with the corresponding at least one master data record of the respective station. It can then be determined whether there are deviations within or outside a tolerance limit.

It is particularly advantageous if a test file is output in order to compare current data with the assigned at least one master data record. This test file is based in particular on predetermined digital (test) data, which in turn are determined by the current device parameters. In particular, the color result is determined by the current device parameters.

If a check for measuring devices is to be carried out in a station or if measuring devices themselves define a station, then test measurements are advantageously carried out for such measuring devices in order to compare current data with the assigned at least one master data set. The test measurements (which are carried out in particular for specified data) can then be used to determine whether there are any deviations from the master data record. If the measuring devices function properly and are set correctly, the measurements on the specified data should yield the at least one assigned master data record.

If the test result is then measured for color analysis, for example by spectrophotometric measurements, then deviations between the master data set and the test data set can be determined. It can also be provided that, in particular in connection with a printing process and a proofer, a white balance is carried out for the paper tone for the test result, so that a falsification of results due to different paper tones is prevented.

It is particularly advantageous if one or more test forms are specified for the test file; these test forms are basically freely definable and serve to visualize the data. For example, a color chart or a freely definable image can be selected as the test form. The test form is preferably chosen so that the current data set can be compared in a simple and comprehensive manner with the at least one master data set. For example, color tones in a test color space can be compared in a simple manner with a reference color space of the master data set.

When comparing current data with the assigned at least one master data set, it is checked whether deviations lie within a predetermined tolerance. This makes it possible to determine whether a station needs to be acted on, such as recalibrating the corresponding devices in the station, in order to improve the product result (such as a printing result). By means of the method according to the invention, it is possible to find out precisely that station at which the tolerance limit is exceeded, that is to say which has a negative influence on the product result (such as a printing result).

One or more measuring device stations can be provided or a comparison between current data and master data records can be carried out for one or more measuring devices of a station with regard to the calibration become. Measuring devices can also be relevant for the product result. An example of such color-relevant measuring devices are spectrophotometers of a proof station in a printing process. If measuring devices supply incorrect or inaccurate data, unsuitable data may be passed through and lead to an unsuitable product result. If measuring devices are monitored as separate stations on the production line or within a station, then the product result can be monitored in a targeted manner or improved via the monitoring.

In particular, a reproduction station is provided that generates a print template, that is, generates data that can be processed by a printing press. The reproduction station comprises, for example, one or more raster image processors (RIP) and one or more imagesetter devices in order to produce an exposed plate or an exposed film. RIPs and imagesetters in particular form a unit. Alternatively, data can be generated for further processing by a digital printing press.

A prepress station such as a prepress station in a printing process can also be provided, on which output data are preferably provided and / or displayed. The pre-press station (such as pre-press station) may include one or more proofers on which a color inspection process with visual representation of the data is performed. If the data passes the color inspection process successfully, then it can be transferred to a reproduction station for further processing. In this sense, the prepress station (such as prepress station) provides data. (If it is recognized that the data does not meet the required standards, then further processing of the data for the production of the end product will do the same For example, the pressure makes no sense.) A proofer works in conjunction with the operator of the proofer as a kind of firewall or filter: Only data within the tolerances are passed on for forwarding.

Furthermore, a color production station (such as a printing press station) is provided, at which the actual color-relevant manufacturing or processing process takes place (such as a printing process on the paper with the end result "printed paper").

In particular, a master data record for a station is based on device-independent functions, if this is possible. In principle, it is possible for a master data set to contain device parameters. However, these are difficult to compare, for example in printing machines. Targeted, simple monitoring of the production process (such as a printing process) can be achieved via device-independent definitions, with corresponding implementations for carrying out the method and in particular software solutions then also being universally and scalably usable. Furthermore, color reproduction can also be checked directly via device-independent definitions; the color reproduction essentially determines the product result (like a print result).

In particular, a master data set is based on a colorimetric definition. The master data records of the prepress station (like a prepress station) and the color production station (like a printing press station) are preferably based on such a colorimetric definition, whereby the same definition (within certain tolerances) must be based. It is therefore envisaged that the master data set for the prepress station and for the color production station are identical. However, the comparison with the current data is carried out separately for these stations, as in the prepress station and in the color production station, the respective current data can deviate independently of the associated at least one master data record. The at least one master data set is then a reference color space (master color space), which is compared with a current color space. Color by color can then be compared with regard to deviations from the master data record. The colorimetry can be defined within a certain tolerance, in particular device-independent, using a LAB definition.

Color distance measures such as ΔE values are then preferably determined in order to be able to check the quality of the current data record of the corresponding station in comparison with the at least one master data record.

An actual (current) color space and a predetermined reference color space (master color space) are then compared. The reference color space can meet a certain standard, such as a FOGRA standard. The method according to the invention can be used to monitor whether this standard is being complied with. Tools for carrying out color comparisons are known, such as the ColorLab tool from Gretag Macbeth or PrintOpen from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. These can be integrated into the method according to the invention. With the method according to the invention, these tools can then also be used via a network and can also be used for the production line (with a plurality of stations).

It can be provided that, for example, density and / or contrast and / or pressure increase and / or gray balance and any other parameters at the color production station (such as a printing press station) be determined. This gives an operator or observer of the method according to the invention the possibility of monitoring the actual printing process or of being able to influence it accordingly. Since it is based on defined output data, namely the master data, an operator can be specifically suggested which parameters of a printing press are to be reset in order to correct a deviation from the master data set.

For example, an exposure calibration is calculated, which then ensures that a master data record is achieved on a color production machine (such as, for example, a mixing machine or a printing machine). This exposure calibration determined in this way then defines itself a master data record of the reproduction station. The exposure calibration is used to calibrate imagesetters and / or raster image processors, which provide template data such as template data, which are then processed by a color production machine such as a printing machine. By appropriately adapting the calibration of such an exposure machine, for example, a targeted increase in pressure (dot increase in printing) can be achieved on a printing machine. This calibration is thus a means of achieving the purpose of achieving a product result in accordance with the assigned master data set on the color production machine.

The master data record for the reproduction station is preferably based on calibration data, which are determined in such a way that, for example, for a given printing press (with a given pressure increase) at least one master data record is generated (which, for example, complies with a FOGRA standard). In particular, the calibration data are set externally. The By contrast, master data records for a proofing station and a printing press station are specified by the selected standard.

It is particularly advantageous if a central device is provided for comparing the master data sets with current data. The central device can be spatially decentralized; The facility is a central facility because it receives data from every station on the production line. The central facility can be used to check whether the tolerances are observed for each station. This in turn makes it possible to find out which station is responsible for a deteriorating product result, such as the printing result. An observer or operator of the production process (such as a printing process) can in turn observe the production process (such as a printing process) via the central device.

For example, this can be used to monitor externally whether standardizations are being observed. In principle, it is also possible for the corresponding devices of the stations to be controlled via the central device. If, for example, it is recognized for a proofer that the actual data deviate too much from the master data, then the central device can initiate a recalibration of the proofer or send modified proof ICC profiles to the proofer, which take into account the actual state of the proofer. Defined user rights can also be assigned for such a central device, so that it is possible to define who can carry out which monitoring processes and, if necessary, who can carry out which control processes.

Device parameters of the devices of the respective stations are preferably also transmitted to the central device, so that the central device can directly detect a device drift, for example. In particular, the master data records are stored in the central facility so that a comparison with the current data can be carried out.

The central device is supplied with current data and / or device parameters of the stations in order to be able to carry out the comparison.

It is particularly advantageous if the central device is connected to the stations via a network such as the Internet or an internal network or the like, that is to say the central device can be reached for these stations through the network. The central device can then be arranged spatially separate from the stations. The production process (like a printing process) can also be monitored if the stations of the production line are arranged in different spatial locations. The central facility can be implemented, for example, as a software solution on a server.

It is furthermore advantageous if the central facility can be accessed via a network, so that one or more participants in the production process (such as a printing process), such as a customer or an operator, can monitor or observe the production process ,

In particular, the central device specifies time check intervals for checking the current data and / or device parameters. It is then ensured that the central device, preferably regularly, receives current data and / or device parameters so that it can be checked whether no more tolerable deviations with respect to the at least one master data set are present, which in turn necessitates a recalibration of the corresponding devices of the stations responsible for the deviations. Such a recalibration can also take place automatically; the central facility can initiate a recalibration if excessive deviations are found. The central device can then carry out a remote calibration if the devices are provided with appropriate interfaces. For example, a new ICC profile can also be specified for a proofer, which is selected so that with the current device parameters (which differ from the master device parameters), a current data record is generated in accordance with the at least one master data record becomes.

The method according to the invention can be carried out automatically. In particular, the comparison between the current data and the master data records can be carried out automatically. Data acquisition can also be carried out automatically.

It is possible that a master data record includes tolerance data that define the tolerances allowed. If a current data record contains data that are identical to the master data or contains data that are within a tolerance range of the master data, then no intervention is necessary or a product result with the desired quality is to be expected. By including the tolerance data in a master data record, the special conditions of each station on the production line can be recorded and no further data have to be used to evaluate the comparison of current data with a master data record, since the tolerance limits are contained in the master data record. It can also be provided that a comparison of current data with at least two master data records is carried out. It is thus possible, for example, for current data to be compared with an externally specified standardization master data record and additionally also to be compared with an internally specified master data record. By comparing with an external reference (standardization master data set) and an internal reference (internal master data set), optimization within a production line can be achieved taking into account the internal conditions. By providing a plurality of

A cross-comparison is also possible for master data records in a station, via which the control can be improved or optimized and / or via which additional knowledge can be gained.

The control method according to the invention for production methods with color-relevant products can be implemented in a software solution. According to the invention, a computer program product can be provided with at least one computer-readable medium and a computer program with program code means stored on the at least one computer-readable medium, the program code means then being suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention when the computer program runs. The computer program can run on several computers, for example on a central facility and on computers of the stations.

A computer program can also be provided with program code means which are suitable for executing the method according to the invention on one or more computers when the computer program runs. The following description of preferred embodiments serves in conjunction with the drawing to explain the invention in more detail.

The only FIG. 1 shows schematically an example of a production line for a printing process on which the process according to the invention is carried out.

Exemplary embodiments of the control method according to the invention for production methods with color-relevant products are explained below using the example of a print result control method. The color-relevant products are then print results, for example printed brochures or books. The production process is then a printing process.

A printing process, in particular for printing on paper, comprises various serially consecutive stations, which are designated by 10 in FIG. Each station 10 provides data, in particular in the sense that it "approves" data, or processes data that are required by subsequent stations. These provisioning and editing processes can affect the print result and especially the print quality.

The last station in a printing process is a printing press station 12. This comprises one or more printing presses which, for example, print on paper or other printable flat material. The printing press station 12 is usually preceded by a reproduction station 14 (repro station), in which a template of the print data for the printing presses of the printing press station 12 is produced. In particular, the reproduction station comprises 14 raster image processors (RIP) and an exposure station which, for example, produces exposed plates (CtP - Computer to plate) or films (CtF - Computer to film) for offset printing. Alternatively, data that can be processed by a digital printer can be produced.

The reproduction station 14 can optionally be preceded by one or more prepress stations 16. Such prepress stations include, in particular, one or more proofing stations, in which a color test method for color reproduction is carried out. In the ideal case, the reproduction station 14 should only be supplied with data that were previously released in the pre-press station or stations 16. The release is carried out, for example, by an operator.

In principle, it is also possible for data to be modified in a prepress station 16 in such a way that they have the required properties. For this purpose, the prepress station 16 can comprise a modification station. A viewer of the result of the proofer modifies the data within a given standard such as the FOGRA standard in order to improve the subjective color impression. For example, data is modified so that a more natural color impression results for faces of people. The modified data are then subjected in turn to a color inspection process and are provided by the operator when "approved", that is to say approved for further processing in the reproduction station 14. A prepress station provides data in the sense that it allows unsuitable data to be recognized, which can then be excluded from further processing.

The prepress stations 16 can be located entirely or partially outside a printing house. It is also possible for the reproduction station 14 to be outside a printing house.

Each of the stations 12, 14, 16 has devices which have certain setting options with regard to hardware and / or software. The printing press station 12 comprises one or more printing presses. The reproduction station 14 comprises one or more imagesetters with upstream raster image processors. Prepress station 16 includes one or more proofers. The settings of these devices can have a drift in terms of hardware and / or software. This drift in turn can have a negative impact on print quality and, for example, lead to color distortions.

So far it has been difficult to assign a print result of poor quality to a particular station 10. This problem is solved with the print result control method according to the invention.

For this purpose, a production line 18 (ink line) is defined, which includes those stations 10, the provisioning processes and / or processing processes of which influence and in particular significantly influence the printing result. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the production line 18 comprises a proof station 16, a reproduction station 14 with one or more imaging devices and a printing machine station 12. For each station 10, at least one master data set is specified as the target data set, which is selected such that if the current data set of each station 10 corresponds to the assigned at least one master data set, that is to say is the same as or within the specified tolerances, a print result of the required quality results. The tolerances are contained in particular in the master data record, that is to say it contains tolerance data which define the permissible deviations. The current data records of the individual stations 10 are based on certain device parameters. For calibrated devices, the current data set must correspond to the master data set within the specified tolerances.

The master data records of each station 10 are stored in a central device 20. The central device 20 can be arranged decentrally with respect to the production line 18 or individual stations 10 of the production line 18. In particular, it is provided that the stations 10 communicate with the central device 20 via a network (which is indicated by the reference symbol 22 in FIG. 1). The network 22 can be, for example, the Internet or an intranet.

If the master data records have been specified for the stations 10 (that is to say have been defined or the associated device parameters have been determined), then they are transmitted via the network 22 to the central device 20 and stored there. The central device 20 is implemented, for example, on a server. The central device 20, for example, specifies regular test intervals for each station 10 in order to be able to check the settings of the individual stations 10. A current data record is then generated with the current settings of the corresponding stations 10. This current record (actual record), which is based on the current actual settings

(Device parameters) based on hardware and / or software of the corresponding devices of the respective station 10 is then compared with the master data set (target data set). Then 10 deviations between the actual current data set and the master data set can be recognized for each station. The comparison is in particular carried out automatically in the central device 20.

The central device 20 can then recognize whether a correction of the settings of the devices of a tested station 10 is necessary, that is to say whether a recalibration is necessary. This process is separate for each

Station 10, for example stations 12, 14 and 16 carried out in order to be able to recognize deviations from the master data record at each station 10 and, if necessary, to correct them.

If the overall print result has a reduced quality, then this comparison can immediately identify which station 10 or which stations 10 are responsible for it. The comparison information would be communicated directly to the person responsible for station 10, for example by means of an electronic message. They can also be communicated to the person responsible for the entire production line or to the customer (who is primarily interested in the printing result). It can intervene directly at the corresponding station if an excessive deviation between the current data record and the master data record is detected. The committee can be kept so low.

Device parameters and the like for the individual stations 10 can also be transmitted to the central device 20, so that the central device 20 has an overview of the settings in the entire production line 18. If a drift of device parameters is recognized, a correction can be initiated, for example by recalibrating the corresponding device. If the device has an interface to the central device, this correction can also be carried out automatically.

A "customer" 24 of the central device 20 can monitor or observe the production line 18 by accessing the central device and in particular monitor it for deviations with respect to the master data record.

The customer 24 can access the central device 20 in particular via a network 26 such as the Internet.

The customer 24 can be, for example, a customer of a printing house, who thus has the possibility of carrying out a quality control with regard to the printing process. For example, it can also be an operator of the print shop, who can carry out quality monitoring on the production line 18 and intervene if necessary. Since the central device 20 can also be arranged decentrally, the printing process can in principle be checked from anywhere in the world. This check is independent of whether the individual stations 10 are spatially adjacent or are arranged at different locations. This means that print jobs can be processed in a standardized manner worldwide.

By monitoring the central device 20, each individual station 10 of the production line 18 is made clear of its own responsibility for the printing result.

The current data record, which is provided by each station 10 (or is displayed in a proofer), is determined by the respective parameters and in particular device parameters (with regard to hardware and / or software) of the respective station 10. The master data set is preferably selected independently of the device, if this is possible.

In principle, the device parameters themselves could be selected as data for the master data set. At the reproduction station 14, the master data record is selected so that it can be printed on a printing press in accordance with a predetermined master data record. For proofers (prepress station 16) and printing presses (printing press station 12), however, it is preferred to build on device-independent specifications and in particular on color space data such as I_AB data. The master data set then comprises color space data which are based on a specific standard such as the FOG.RA standard. In particular, the prepress station 16 and the printing press station 12 have the same master data record. The test data for these stations are then color space data, the current color space being compared with a reference color space (specified by the master data set). Deviations between the color space according to the master data set and the current data are expressed using a color distance measure, for example the color distance ΔE (see, for example, H. Eschner, Offsetdrucktechnik, Fachschriften-Verlag, 10th edition 1997).

On the basis of such a color spacing measure ΔE, it can be determined for each color tone whether the tolerance values are maintained for the prepress station 16 and for the printing press station 12.

For example, in offset printing with respect to full tones, values for ΔE less than or equal to 1.5 for gray tones ΔE less than 2.0 are judged to be invisible, while values of ΔE of 2.5 or greater for full tones and from 5.0 to 7.0 for gray tones as be visibly assessed.

The test data for the respective stations are preferably generated on the basis of test forms which are basically freely definable and which are predetermined. Individual test forms can be selected, which are selected, for example, from the standpoint of easy comparability between the master data set and the current data. For example, 12 test forms are used for a proof station or the printing press station, which are based on test charts such as ECI2002_Visual, ECI2002_Random, IT873_Visual or IR873_Random.

(Color) images can also be selected, which can in particular be freely specified. For example, the color image between master data and Switch current data back and forth and, in particular, switch back and forth at predefinable image areas in order to be able to detect color differences. For example, the face color of a person shown in the color image test form can be compared between master data and actual data.

In particular, it can be checked whether the current data comply with a specified standard, such as a FOGRA standard.

The central device 20 can also determine parameters of the printing from the current data of the printing press station 12 in connection with the known exposure calibration, such as in particular density in printing and / or contrast in printing and / or pressure increase curves and / or gray balances.

It is also possible to use this data from the printing press station 12 to calculate calibration data for imagesetter devices, which can be used, for example, to set a specific pressure increase for a printing press. This exposure calibration function, which is fundamentally variable, can then be used to calibrate exposure devices in the reproduction station 14. The master data records for a proofing station and a printing press station are not variable if they are based on the color space definition and if, for example, the FOGRA standard is to be met.

With the method according to the invention, all relevant stations 10 of the production line 18 (ink line) can be monitored transparently for all parties involved, such as an agency as a customer or the operator of the printing house. If necessary, compliance with a quality standard can also be checked in real time. By managing calibrations and Configurations by the central device can be defined and archived for the production line 10.

If the print result is inadequate, it can be checked directly which station 10 is responsible for it.

The central device 20 takes over administration tasks for the freely definable production line 18.

Since the production line 18 can be defined with its individual stations, the method according to the invention can be used in a scalable manner for any printing method.

In the event of deviations, an operator can be given specific assistance as to which device parameters are to be changed and how in order to bring the current data into line with the corresponding master data record. The analysis results of the central device 20 are preferably presented in such a way that specific suggestions are made to the surgeon.

It is fundamentally possible for more than one master data record to be specified for a station on the production line 18. A comparison of current data per station with several master data records assigned to the station can then be carried out. It is possible that a different number of master data records is defined for each station.

For example, it is possible to compare the current data with an external reference and an internal reference. A standardization master data record, for example, is then used as an external reference an internal master record for internal reference. In this way, the internal conditions of the production line 18 or a part of the production line 18 can be taken into account. For example, it is possible in a print shop to introduce the print image that is possible due to the given equipment as an internal reference.

It is also possible for a master data record to include tolerance data which define which deviations of the current data from the data of the master data record are permitted. The master data record then provides the tolerance thresholds which, in a comparison process with current data, determine whether the deviation from the master data is still permitted or is no longer tolerable.

One or more measuring devices can be arranged in the production line 18. For example, stations include measuring devices. It is also possible for one or more measuring devices to be defined as separate stations.

Master data sets are generated for the measuring device or devices, which include, for example, certain settings of the measuring devices and / or calibration data. A comparison with current data can then be used to determine whether setting parameters and / or calibration data have changed. A change can mean that the measurement result of the measuring device is no longer reliable.

The method according to the invention also makes it possible to monitor the measuring devices themselves. This can ensure, for example, that a proof result is not falsified by measuring instrument errors. The control method according to the invention for production methods with color-relevant products can also be used in other production methods with color-relevant products. Possible areas of application are, for example, manufacturing processes for wallpapers, wall paints, paints such as car paints, housings etc. These processes have in common that the end product is a color-relevant product, that is to say the color of the end product or the colors on the end product must be precisely defined and the color impression must be reproducible. For example, in the manufacture of wall paints, it is not permissible for color deviations to occur in a special wall color that can be seen by the eye. In the production of automotive paints, for example, it is also very important that the end product must be reproducible. This can also ensure that a lacquer can be produced with a certain color, via which, for example, lacquer damage can be repaired.

Depending on the area of application, the production line is defined differently, namely via those stations in the production process whose provisioning and / or processing operations influence the product result (based on the colors). A master data record is specified for each of these stations and a comparison of current data of a station with the assigned master data record is carried out.

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Control procedure for production processes with color-relevant products, comprising:

Definition of a production line with those stations in the production process whose provisioning and / or processing processes influence the product result;

Specification of at least one master data record for each station in the production line, and

Comparison of current data of a station with the assigned at least one master data record.

2. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that calibrated devices of the corresponding station are used to determine or define device parameters of a station which lead to a master data set.

3. Control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the comparison of current data with the associated at least one master data set is carried out at predetermined test intervals.

, Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a test file is output for comparison of current data with the assigned at least one master data record.

5. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that test measurements are carried out for measuring devices for comparing current data with the assigned at least one master data set.

6. Control method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the test result is measured.

7. Control method according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that one or more test forms are specified for the test file.

8. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when comparing current data with the assigned at least one master data set, it is checked whether deviations lie within a predetermined tolerance.

9. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more measuring device stations are provided or for one or more measuring devices of a station with respect to the calibration a comparison between current data and master data records is carried out.

10. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reproduction station is provided.

11. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one prepress station is provided.

12. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a color production station is provided.

13. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a master data set for a station is based on device-independent definitions.

14. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a master data record is based on a colorimetric definition.

15. Control method according to claim 14, characterized in that master data records are identical for a prepress station and for a color production station.

16. Control method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that color spacing measures are determined.

17. Control method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that ΔE values are determined.

18. Control method according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that an actual color space and a reference color space are compared.

19. Control method according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that density and / or contrast and / or pressure increase and / or gray balance are determined.

20. Control method according to one of claims 10 to 19, characterized in that an exposure calibration is calculated, which ensures that there is at least one master data set in a color production station.

21. Control method according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that the at least one master data record is set for the reproduction station.

22. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central device is provided for the comparison of the master data sets with current data.

23. Control method according to claim 22, characterized in that the master data sets and / or device parameters are stored in the central device.

24. Control method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the central device current data and / or device parameters of the stations are supplied.

25. Control method according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the central device is connected to the stations via a network.

26. Control method according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the central device can be accessed via a network.

27. Control method according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the central device specifies test intervals for checking the current data.

28. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an automated implementation.

29. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control method is a print result control method and the color-relevant product result is a print result.

30. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a master data record comprises tolerance data which define the permitted tolerances.

31. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a comparison of current data with at least two master data records is carried out.

32. Print result control process for production processes with color-relevant products, comprising:

Definition of a production line with those stations in the printing process whose provisioning processes and / or processing processes influence the printing result;

33. Print result control method according to claim 32, characterized in that calibrated devices of the corresponding station are used to determine or define device parameters of a station which lead to a master data set.

34. Print result control method according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the comparison of current data with the associated at least one master data set is carried out at predetermined test intervals.

35. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that a test file is output for comparison of current data with the assigned at least one master data set.

36. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that test measurements are carried out for measuring devices for comparing current data with the assigned at least one master data set.

37. Print result control method according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the test result is measured.

38. Print result control method according to one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that a white balance is carried out for the paper tone for the test result.

39. Print result control method according to one of claims 35 to 38, characterized in that one or more test forms are specified for the test file.

40. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 39, characterized in that when comparing current data with the assigned at least one master data set, it is checked whether deviations lie within a predetermined tolerance.

41. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 40, characterized in that a measuring device station is provided or a comparison between current data and master data records is carried out for one or more measuring devices of a station with regard to the calibration.

42. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 41, characterized in that a reproduction station is provided.

43. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 42, characterized in that a prepress station is provided.

44. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 43, characterized in that a printing press station is provided.

45. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 44, characterized in that a master data set for a station is based on device-independent definitions.

46. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 45, characterized in that a master data record is based on a colorimetric definition.

47. Print result control method according to claim 46, characterized in that master data records for a prepress station and for a printing press station are identical.

48. Print result control method according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that color spacing measures are determined.

49. Print result control method according to one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that ΔE values are determined.

50. Print result control method according to one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that an actual color space and a reference color space are compared.

51. Print result control method according to one of claims 44 to 50, characterized in that density and / or contrast and / or pressure increase and / or gray balance are determined.

52. Print result control method according to one of claims 42 to 51, characterized in that an exposure calibration is calculated, which ensures that there is at least one master data set in a printing press station.

53. Print result control method according to one of claims 42 to 52, characterized in that the at least one master data record is set for the reproduction station.

54. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 53, characterized in that a central device is provided for the comparison of the master data sets with current data.

55. Print result control method according to claim 54, characterized in that the master data sets and / or device parameters are stored in the central device.

56. Print result control method according to claim 54 or 55, characterized in that the central device current data and / or device parameters of the stations are supplied.

57. Print result control method according to one of claims 54 to 56, characterized in that the central device is connected to the stations via a network.

58. Print result control method according to one of claims 54 to 57, characterized in that the central device can be accessed via a network.

59. Print result control method according to one of claims 54 to 58, characterized in that the central device specifies test intervals for checking the current data.

60. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 59, characterized in that a master data set comprises tolerance data which define the permitted tolerances.

61. Print result control method according to one of claims 32 to 60, characterized in that a comparison of current data with at least two master data records is carried out.

62. Computer program product with at least one computer-readable medium and a computer program stored on the at least one computer-readable medium with program code means which are suitable for executing the method according to one of claims 1 to 61 when the computer program runs on one or more computers.

63. Computer program with program code means which are suitable for executing the method according to one of claims 1 to 61 when the computer program runs on one or more computers.