Closed loop color calibration with multiple inline imagers
AssigneeHydra Management LLC
InventorsAllen Lorne WEIL, Fred W. FINNERTY, Kenneth E. IRWIN JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Production methods and systems enable the inline production of instant lottery tickets or documents using at least three different digital imagers. By interfacing at least three digital imagers in a common printing line, heretofore unknown printing efficiencies are realized, particularly on smaller volume print runs. These methods and systems enhance the overall appearance of the printed instant lottery tickets or documents, as well as potentially expand the consumer base.
Claims6
A method for producing Scratch-Off Coating (SOC) protected tickets or documents on a common inline web press using (i) multiple digital imagers each maintaining registration with the other, (ii) a closed loop feedback camera system, and (iii) an operator monitor display, the method comprising:
- (a) printing, with each digital imager, process color physical images comprised of varying amounts of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and blacK (CMYK) ink or dye;
- (b) capturing color digital facsimiles having CMYK data of at least a portion of the printed process color physical images with a closed loop feedback camera system;
- (c) processing the color digital facsimiles;
- (d) comparing the color digital facsimiles with initially established color calibration data and/or the process color physical images of at least one of the other digital imagers;
- (e) digitally adjusting the varying amounts of CMYK data of the color digital facsimile images to theoretically calibrate the printed tickets and documents to substantially match the initially established color calibration data;
- (f) displaying the digitally adjusted color digital facsimile images on a monitor display, thereby enabling human operator approval of the digitally adjusted color digital images;
- and
- (g) saving the digitally adjusted color digital facsimile images to a memory storage associated with the inline web press so that subsequently-printed tickets or documents substantially match the initially established color calibration data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.