DE102005045288A1 - Printing form e.g. offset printing form, illustration process controlling method, involves carrying out illustration of form using mechanical/optical parameter so that parameter value adapts for partial areas with raster systems on form - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transferring additional data (A) to a control unit (2) of an exposure unit via a local allocation of partial areas with different raster systems on a printing form (6) to be illustrated. The illustration of the printing form is carried out with the help of mechanical and/or optical parameters, such that a value of the mechanical and/or optical parameter adapts for each partial area with the available raster system on the printing form to be illustrated. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a control unit for an exposure device for illustrating a printing form (2) an exposure device for illustrating a printing form.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method of control a Bebilderungsvorganges according to the preamble of claim 1 and an exposure device, which has a control unit with which a method for controlling a Bebilderungsvorganges according to the preamble of Claim 1 executable is.

Generally the transmission is known of image data and data for presetting and / or setting parameter values for the Illustration of a printing form. Previously, the data becomes the default and / or setting and the image data during the creation of the to be transmitted Image information and during the screening (screening, scanning) of the image to be transmitted in the raster image generator (Raster Image Processor, RIP). The image data and data for presetting and / or setting will be followed transferred the control unit of an exposure device, whereby the imaging a printing form feasible and is additionally controllable by the control unit.

Around To reproduce hue values in print true to the original must the original picture in the smallest possible Raster points are decomposed. This process is called rasterization. It belongs to the state of the art that for the imaging of a printing plate different grid systems, on the closer in the following is received within different subareas of the printing form to be imaged (multi-screening). Multi-rastering is generally understood to mean a printing form in subareas subdivided, each with a different grid system, where the individual faces both by their size as well through the grid systems, which are present in the individual sub-areas and which in their properties Rasterart (frequency modulated or amplitude modulated), dot size, dot pitch and / or screen angle (inclination of adjacent screen systems in adjacent subareas relative to each other) are variable, distinguishable from each other are.

The Multi-rasterization can be beneficial to the quality of the print result affect optical interference, such as moiré effects, is prevented. Furthermore are different grid system types for display and playback different image information of the original differently good suitable. For example, skin tones can only be achieved by a frequency-modulated sound Raster true to reality represent. By using different grid systems for a Original image leaves for all subareas with different image information an outstanding Achieve print result.

Also the multi-raster data will be during the creation of the to be transferred Image information and during the screening (screening, scanning) of the image to be transmitted in the raster image generator (Raster Image Processor, RIP).

From the publication DE 102 01 918 A1 It can be seen that information about the spatial distribution of sub-areas with different raster systems on the printing form to be imaged is transmitted as raster area information to the unit for area coverage calculation. From this, the unit for area coverage calculation determines the optimum for the quantities of ink in the individual ink zones of a printing unit in a printing press. In other words, for each individual grid point on the printing form to be imaged, the information about the grid system present there can be called up with the grid system properties specific to this location.

The Illustration of a printing plate with a multi-raster turns out to be according to the prior art with the common exposure devices as unfavorable and awkward. It remains open in what way the raster area information on the printing plate to be imaged to the Bebilderungsvorgang a Multi-rasters can contribute.

task It is the object of the present invention to illustrate a printing form to enable with a multi-grid and the raster area information of the form to be imaged for the imaging process to make usable.

This object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, in the method for controlling a printing process of a printing form, image data and data for presetting or adjustment are transferred to a control unit of an exposure apparatus, and the printing form is imaged by the exposure apparatus according to the image data and using the data for presetting or adjustment. In the method, additional data on the local distribution of partial areas with different raster systems on the printing form to be imaged are transferred to the control unit of the exposure apparatus and the imaging of the printing form is carried out by means of mechanical and / or optical parameters such that for each Partial surface with the present grid system on the printing form to be imaged the values of the mechanical and / or optical parameters be fit.

The Invention allows it to make the imaging of a printing plate with a multi-raster da raster area information of the printing form to be imaged the control unit of the exposure device is transferred / transmitted / sent and the control unit the raster area information for the imaging take into account in an advantageous manner can.

The inventive method can be used in drum exposure machines, which external drum and Internal drum imaging device include, and / or be applied in flatbed exposure devices.

The inventive method can for one Variety of different printing forms are used. The printing form can be a pressure plate and / or sleeve-shaped and / or in changeable in shape be. In particular, the printing form may be an offset printing form. It can Positive printing plates and / or negative printing plates for the different ones Printing techniques (for example, high pressure, planographic printing, gravure) used are made of rubber and / or a polymer and / or at least a metal layer and / or at least two layers different Materials, with a layer for recording the image information and the other layer serves to stabilize the printing form exist. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the method of the present invention also applies transferred to other, not explicitly mentioned printing forms / printing plates leaves, which the raster area information by means of one of the above specified exposure devices are transferable.

at The printing plate used may also be a re-imageable Act printing form.

advantageous Further developments and embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims.

According to one preferred embodiment of inventive method will be the extra Data during creation / generation / generation of the raster bitmap in the raster image generator (Raster Image Processor, RIP ') generated, since the data is directly accessible here. It is under the Term raster bitmap in general the pixelized image content meant, where the pixels the information for location / position, size angular position and color of the individual pixels and each pixel individually controllable is.

A advantageous development of the invention is the additional Data in the Raster Image Processor (RIP) into the Raster bitmap generated by the raster image generator and as part of the raster bitmap from the raster image generator to the Control unit of the exposure device in TIFF-B format to send. This requires no additional Work step and increased Speed and efficiency of the imaging process.

alternative this can be the additional data separately, outside the raster bitmap, in TIFF-B format from the raster image generator to the Control unit of the exposure device or by means of an external disk (For example, CD-ROM and / or DVD and / or memory stick and / or Floppy disk) transfer / transfer / send. Were the extra Data independent by creating the raster bitmap outside the raster image generator generated, can They also with the help of an external disk to the control unit be transferred to the exposure device.

Of more will be added Data for every subarea with the present raster system on the printing form to be imaged from the control unit of the exposure device into mechanical and / or converted optical parameter values and to the exposure unit transferred to the exposure device.

the inventive method accordingly the additional Data in raster image processor (RIP) in the form of mechanical and / or optical parameter values of the individual partial surfaces the corresponding locking systems generated and on the Control unit of the exposure unit to the exposure unit be transferred to the exposure device.

According to the invention can additional data the sizes of the individual partial areas in Form of coordinates of all vertices of each subarea or in the form of the displacement vector to a vertex and the height and width every single sub-area within an area to be determined on the printing form to be imaged relative reference system included.

A higher precision in the imaging of the printing form can preferably be achieved by transferring further additional data on the type of screen system and / or screen frequency and / or dot size and / or dot shape for each sub-area, each with a grid system on the printing plate to be imaged. The additional additional data can be transferred from the raster image generator to the control unit of the exposure device and by the control unit of the exposure device for the exposure of the printing form in vorteilhaf be taken into account.

A preferred development of the invention can be realized thereby, that the mechanical parameters at least one parameter from the Quantity Feed of an exposure module in a first direction, feed the exposure module in a second direction, which of the first linear independently is, feeding an exposure module on the lateral surface parallel to the axis of rotation of a cylinder to be imaged printing form receiving cylinder, Angular position of this cylinder and feed of the cylinder recorded to be imaged printing form perpendicular to the movement of the exposure module by the rotation of the cylinder around its own axis of rotation, speed of the cylinder and / or that the optical parameters at least one Parameter from the amount of exposure power, exposure time and Focus position include.

It is provided in particular that the exposure unit of the exposure device with the control unit of the exposure device during the imaging process via a Feedback loop is in contact, about which the additional ones Data exchanged at least once and to control the Bebilderungsvorganges from the control unit of the exposure apparatus for the imaging process Adjustments / changes made in the mechanical and / or optical parameter values and the additional ones adapted to the imaging process Data is sent again to the exposure unit, whereby the Bebilderungsvorgang is resumable. It is under the term Feedback loop / feedback process to understand a process optimization in general, in which only the output variables input data are and in which the computing system (here the control unit of the Exposure device) calculates a respective value of a target function from the input data and adjusted according to a predetermined strategy, the reference variables such that the value of the objective function assumes its optimum. In other words, during the entire imaging process is a control of the mechanical and / or optical parameter values (via the feedback) and their advantageous Adaptation possible.

alternative it is provided that over a Feedback loop between the exposure unit of the exposure device and the control unit of the exposure unit to regulate the Bebilderungsvorganges the target values of the mechanical and / or optical parameters comparable with their actual values at least once and the actual values of the control unit of the exposure device according to the deviations can be corrected to the desired values, wherein the desired values of the mechanical and / or optical parameters to be determined before the exposure process Sizes are and the actual values each in situ, ie during of the exposure process.

there is it for a flatbed exposure device particularly appropriate that the mechanical parameters a lot of feed of an exposure module in a first direction and advance the exposure module in a second direction, which is linearly independent of the first, and / or the optical parameters a quantity of exposure power, Exposure duration and focus position include. For a drum exposure device is the Amount of mechanical parameters from advancing an exposure device the lateral surface parallel to the axis of rotation of a cylinder to be imaged printing form receiving cylinder, Angular position of the cylinder, feed of the cylinder received, to be imaged printing form perpendicular to the movement of the exposure module by the rotation of the cylinder around its own axis of rotation and speed of the cylinder and / or the amount of optical parameters of exposure power, Exposure duration and focus position. According to the method of the invention in each case at least one parameter from these quantities is transmitted by transmission the additional Data to the control unit of an exposure device for the imaging process adapted favorably.

one advantageous development for carrying out the method according to the invention Accordingly, a control unit is in particular for an exposure apparatus for imaging a printing form equipped with a computing unit (computer), having a memory unit characterized that in the memory unit a computer program is stored, the has at least one part, by means of which by the arithmetic unit (Computer) the inventive method for Control of a Bebilderungsvorganges a printing form is executable.

In a preferred development for carrying out the method according to the invention has the exposure device for imaging a printing forme at least one control unit with a computing unit (computer) on which a storage unit includes, in which a computer program is stored, which at least a part, by means of which by the computing unit (computer) the inventive method feasible is.

alternative this can be the exposure device for Illustrating a printing form any other unit for performing the inventive method exhibit.

In a particularly preferred apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention The exposure device is an external drum exposure device which has a rotatable cylinder on whose outer jacket a printing form to be imaged can be received and comprises a number of imaging devices which have laser diode bars with individually controllable diode lasers and additionally includes the control unit described above.

One Exposure apparatus whose exposure unit has at least two imaging modules, the independent from each other linearly along the printing form to be imaged for the production of the overall picture resulting sub-pictures within any attributable subareas on the printing form to be imaged the control unit of the exposure device are controlled to be movable, and which has a control unit as described above a further advantageous embodiment to carry out the method according to the invention The more exposure modules the exposure unit of the exposure device has, the faster the imaging process is feasible because the individual exposure modules independently of each other at the same time which can produce the fields resulting in the overall picture.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the figures with reference to various Embodiments explained in more detail. It demonstrate:

1 a preferred embodiment, which explicitly illustrates the data transmission / data transfer / data transmission for the inventive method, and

2 : A schematic representation of components of an external drum exposure apparatus, with which the inventive method is feasible.

1 schematically shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling a Bebilderungsvorganges a printing form 6 , where additional data A on the spatial distribution of sub-areas with different grid systems on the printing plate to be imaged 6 from a raster image generator 1 to a control unit 2 an exposure device 4 be transferred. In this case, the additional data A in the form of mechanical and / or optical parameter values in the raster image generator are preferred 1 generated and / or the additional data A only from the control unit 2 converted into mechanical and / or optical parameter values, by means of which the imaging process of the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 is controlled.

The additional data A in TIFF-B format is preferred as part of the raster bitmap provided by the raster image generator 1 is generated, or separately to the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 transmitted / transferred / transmitted. The transmission may be by an electrical and / or optical and / or wireless connection 8th respectively. Furthermore, an external data carrier, for example a floppy disk and / or a CD-ROM and / or a DVD and / or a memory stick, can also be used for the data transmission.

The 1 shows at the same time that from the raster image generator 1 additional additional data B on An of the grid system and / or screen frequency and / or dot size and / or dot shape for each sub-area, each with a grid system on the printing plate to be imaged 6 to the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 can be transferred, which is advantageous to the accuracy of the Bebilderungsergebnisses on the printing plate 6 effect.

In 1 is further shown how the additional data A and / or the additional additional data B from the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 to the exposure unit 3 of the exposure device 4 be transferred.

In addition, based on the 1 clarifies that the exposure unit 3 and the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 via a feedback loop 5 can be in contact with each other and the additional data A can be exchanged at least once between the two units, the additional data A during each pass from the control unit 2 in their mechanical and / or optical parameter values corresponding to the Bebilderungsvorgang be adapted and then as adapted to the Bebilderungsvorgang additional data A 'back to the exposure unit 3 of the exposure device 4 be transferred and the exposure unit 3 to continue the imaging process.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shows the 2 a printing form 6 , Preferably, an offset printing form, which rotates from one about its axis of rotation (indicated by the rotation arrow 9 ) Cylinder 7 was recorded on the lateral surface, during the Bebilderungsvorganges. The exposure unit 3 of the exposure device 4 consists of a linear guide 13 and at least one on the linear guide 13 applied exposure module 12 which is linear, coaxial with the axis of rotation of the printing plate 6 receiving cylinder 7 on the linear guide 13 is displaceable, what by the arrows 10 should be clarified. Due to the relative movements of the exposure module 12 to the printing form 6 receiving cylinder 7 can the entire printing form 6 along different tracks are completely exposed according to the present image information for each pixel. Only moves the exposure module 12 coaxial with the axis of rotation of the printing plate 6 receiving cylinder 7 , so a pixel row is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the printing form 6 receiving cylinder 7 on the printing form 6 generated. Will the cylinder 7 subsequently to the diameter of a pixel on the lateral surface of the cylinder receiving the printing form 7 rotated the corresponding route, the imaging process can be continued. To speed up the imaging process, the exposure module becomes 12 and the printing form 6 receiving cylinders 7 simultaneously moved relative to each other so that the imaging 11 the printing form 6 happened along Helices.

Not explicitly in 2 The preferred embodiment may also include an exposure unit 3 be, which several and / or at least two exposure modules 12 which are on the linear guide 13 are applied and independently of each other linearly along the printing plate to be imaged 6 on the linear guide 13 are movable and which different sections on the imprinting printing forme 6 be assigned, their illustration 11 as a sum the overall picture on the printing form to be imaged 6 results. By reference, the disclosure content of the publicly available document DE 101 38 773 A1 included in this presentation.

Furthermore, in 2 shown how the additional data A, the additional additional data B and the additional data A 'adapted to the imaging process are transmitted. The additional data A and the additional additional data B are in the raster image generator 1 generated and sent to the control unit 2 an exposure device 4 transferred. Since the raster image generator 1 not necessarily in the exposure device 4 is integrated, the data transfer from the raster image generator 1 to the control unit 2 of the exposure device 2 via a connection for data transmission 8th take place or, alternatively, be realized by means of an external data carrier, which is not explicitly shown.

In 2 is also shown that the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 with the exposure unit 3 of the exposure device 4 via a connection for data transmission 8th in contact. The control of the Bebilderungsvorganges done by the transmission of the additional data A and the other additional data B from the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 to the imaging unit 3 of the exposure device 4 , By means of the connection for data transmission 8th also the additional data A within the feedback loop 5 from the imaging unit 3 of the exposure device 4 back to the control unit 2 of the exposure device 4 sent and that for controlling the Bebilderungsvorganges of the control unit 2 to the imaging process additional data A 'again to the exposure unit 3 of the exposure device 4 which transferred the exposure unit 3 integrated into the Bebilderungsvorgang and thus continues the Bebilderungsvorgang.

The description of 2 refers, by way of example, to external drum exposure devices. However, the invention also includes flatbed exposure apparatuses and internal drum exposure apparatuses, in which the method according to the invention for controlling an imaging process can be carried out in an analogous manner, but which differ in the imaging mechanism.

This includes exposure devices that can be integrated into a printing machine (direct imaging) and / or that are spatially separated from the printing press. The invention is applicable to all embodiments of printing machines known to the person skilled in the art which work with a printing form. In particular, the invention is suitable for planographic printing machines or offset printing machines (indirect Flachdurck). The printing machine may also be a sheet-fed printing press and / or a roll-fed printing press, with a sheet-fed printing press comprising a feeder, a variable number of printing units ( 4 . 8th . 10 or 12 ) and a cantilever and a roller printing machine from a roll stand, a variable number of printing units ( 4 . 8th . 10 or 12 ) and a rewind. Optionally, further processing units, such as folding unit and / or cutting unit and / or punching unit, are directly connected to the printing machines.

typical, often used substrates are for the respective printing process suitable papers and / or cardboard and / or cardboard, in particular also for the Production of diverse Packaging or labels. The method according to the invention is also suitable for the Printing of film-like substrates and / or plastics and / or banners and / or fabrics.

1

Raster image generator (RIP, Raster Image Processor)

2

control unit of the exposure device

3

illuminator of the exposure device

4

exposure unit

5

Feedback loop

6

printing form

7

cylinder (rotatable), which receives the printing form

8th

connection for data transmission

9

rotation arrow

10

Translation arrow (coaxial with the axis of rotation of the cylinder)

11

imaging the printing form

12

exposure module

13

linear guide

A

additional dates

A '

at additional data adapted to the imaging process

B

Further additional dates

Claims (13)

Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ), wherein image data and data for presetting or for adjustment to a control unit ( 2 ) of an exposure device ( 4 ) and the printing form ( 6 ) from the exposure device ( 4 ) according to the image data and using the data for presetting or for adjustment, characterized in that additional data (A) about the spatial distribution of sub-areas with different raster systems on the printing form to be imaged ( 6 ) to the control unit ( 2 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) and that the imaging ( 11 ) of the printing form ( 6 ) is carried out with the aid of mechanical and / or optical parameters such that for each partial area with the present grid system on the printing plate to be imaged ( 6 ) the values of the mechanical and / or optical parameters are adjusted. Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional data (A) during the generation of the raster bitmap in a raster image generator ( 1 ) (Raster Image Processor, RIP). Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional data (A) in the from the raster image generator ( 1 ) generated raster bitmap are integrated and as part of the raster bitmap in TIFF-B format to the control unit ( 2 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ). Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the additional data (A) for each partial area with the present grid system on the printing plate to be imaged ( 6 ) from the control unit ( 2 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) are converted into mechanical and / or optical parameter values and sent to the exposure unit ( 3 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) are transferred. Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the additional data (A) in the raster image generator ( 1 ) in the form of mechanical and / or optical parameter values of the individual sub-areas with the corresponding grid systems present and via the control unit ( 2 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) to the exposure unit ( 3 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) are transferred. Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the additional data (A) the sizes of the individual sub-areas in the form of the coordinates of all vertices of each sub-area or in the form of the displacement vector to a corner and the height and width of each sub-area within a on the printing form to be imaged ( 6 ) are to be defined relative reference system. Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further additional data (B) for each of the sub-areas, each with a raster system on the type of raster system and / or dot shape and / or dot size and / or raster frequency on the printing form to be imaged by the raster image generator ( 1 ) via the control unit ( 2 ) to the exposure unit ( 3 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) are transferred. Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical parameters at least one parameter from the amount advancing an exposure module in a first direction, advancing the exposure module in a second direction, which is linearly independent of the first, advancing an exposure module on the lateral surface parallel to the axis of rotation of the printing form to be imaged ( 6 ) receiving cylinder ( 7 ), Angular position of this cylinder ( 7 ) and feed of the cylinder ( 7 ) to be imaged printing form ( 6 ) perpendicular to the movement of the exposure module by the rotation of the cylinder ( 7 ) about its own axis of rotation, speed of the cylinder ( 7 ) and / or that the optical parameters comprise at least one parameter from the amount of exposure power, exposure time and focus position. Method for controlling an imaging process of a printing form ( 6 ) according to one of standing claims, characterized in that the exposure unit ( 3 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) with the control unit ( 2 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) during the imaging process via a feedback loop ( 5 ) is in contact, via which the additional data (A) exchanged at least once and for the regulation of the imaging process by the control unit ( 2 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) for the imaging process, specific adjustments are made in the mechanical and / or optical parameter values, and the additional data (A ') adapted to the imaging process are readjusted to the exposure unit ( 3 ) are sent, whereby the Bebilderungsvorgang can be continued. Control unit ( 2 ) especially for an exposure device ( 4 ) for imaging ( 11 ) of a printing form ( 6 ), with a computing unit (computer), which has a memory unit, characterized in that a computer program is stored in the memory unit, which has at least one part, by means of which by the computing unit (computer) a method for controlling a Bebilderungsvorganges a printing form ( 6 ) is executable according to one of the preceding claims. Exposure device ( 4 ) for imaging ( 11 ) of a printing form ( 6 ), characterized in that in the exposure apparatus ( 4 ) at least one control unit ( 2 ) according to claim ( 10 ) is included. Exposure device ( 4 ) for imaging ( 11 ) of a printing form ( 6 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the exposure apparatus ( 4 ) a rotatable cylinder ( 7 ), on the outer surface of which a printing plate ( 6 ) and a number of imaging devices ( 11 ) of a printing form ( 6 ), which have laser diode bars with individually controllable diode lasers. Exposure device ( 4 ) for imaging ( 11 ) of a printing form ( 6 ) according to claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the exposure unit ( 3 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) has at least two exposure modules, which are independent of each other linearly along the printing form to be imaged ( 6 ) for generating partial images resulting from the overall image within arbitrarily assignable partial regions on the printing form to be imaged ( 6 ) from the control unit ( 2 ) of the exposure device ( 4 ) are movably controlled.