EP0759192B1 - Process control strip and a method of recording - Google Patents

Process control strip and a method of recording Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0759192B1
EP0759192B1 EP96903928A EP96903928A EP0759192B1 EP 0759192 B1 EP0759192 B1 EP 0759192B1 EP 96903928 A EP96903928 A EP 96903928A EP 96903928 A EP96903928 A EP 96903928A EP 0759192 B1 EP0759192 B1 EP 0759192B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strip
process control
value
control strip
exposure
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP96903928A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0759192A1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Köhler
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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03D—APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03D13/00—Processing apparatus or accessories therefor, not covered by groups G11B3/00 - G11B11/00
    • G03D13/007—Processing control, e.g. test strip, timing devices
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24942—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including components having same physical characteristic in differing degree

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of electronic reproduction technology and relates to a process control strip for visual control and calibration an exposure process for a recording material, in particular for a Printing plate, and a method for recording the process control strip.
  • the dot and line, screened exposure of a recording material is usually done by means of an electronic one Recording device, also called imagesetter or recorder.
  • image signal values which represent the tonal values to be recorded
  • a raster generator supplied in which the image signal values after a raster function in Control signal values for one generated in an exposure unit of the imagesetter Exposure beam to be converted.
  • the exposure beam switch on and off and thus determine which pixels as parts of the halftone dots exposed on the film or not exposed.
  • the grid function sets the size of the grid points depending on the ones to be recorded Tonal values.
  • the real tonal values produced on the film give way or screen dot sizes from the desired nominal tonal values, since every pixel and therefore every raster point by overexposing more or less is recorded enlarged.
  • the deviations between the real generated Tonal values and the nominal tonal values are referred to as point increases, which lead to disturbing tonal value changes in the reproduction.
  • the dot gains are therefore compensated for in the imagesetter during film exposure, by the image signal values representing the nominal tonal values after a correction curve determined before the film exposure by a so-called Film linearization can be corrected so that the real on the film recorded tonal values correspond to the nominal tonal values.
  • the film exposed in the imagesetter is placed in a developing station developed and used for the production of a printing form.
  • the conventional production of printing plates takes place in two sub-processes.
  • a film is exposed using an imagesetter and the exposed Film developed in a development station.
  • the exposed and developed film as a template in a copier copied a photosensitive printing plate, whereby also slight positive or negative dot gains and thus tone value distortions can occur.
  • the exposed printing plate is then also in one Development station developed.
  • the conventional calibration of the first sub-process namely the point and line-wise film exposure in an imagesetter and film development in one Development station, for example with the help of stepped standard gray wedges, which are exposed on the film and co-developed, and by measuring the Solid densities. Constant monitoring of the stability of exposure and development is too expensive in practice with the known means. Compliance For this reason, a stable work process has so far been carried out indirectly Control and regulation or adjustment of suitable process parameters such as the intensity of the exposure beam and / or the correction curve in the imagesetter and the development temperature and / or the regeneration rates in the development station.
  • the conventional calibration of the second sub-process namely the pictorial one Exposure of the printing plate in a copier and the development of the exposed Printing plate in a development station, is often made using the microline method with the help of precision measuring strips, for example with the FOGRA precision measuring strips PMS-I or the UGRA offset test wedge 1982.
  • These Precision measuring strips are e.g. B. in detail in "fogra praxis report” No. 34, 1990, Fogra-PMS-I and UGRA offset test wedge 1982.
  • FOGRA German Research Association for Printing and Reproduction Technology e.V.
  • test film which together in a copying device copied with the original onto a printing plate in order to be on the printing plate a control image for visual control of the subsequent development process to create.
  • the test film shows fine signal elements in the form of finely structured Districts and rough signal elements in the form of a roughly structured background district that surrounds and separates the finely structured districts.
  • the Districts each consist of a large number of points.
  • the finely structured Districts are such that a change in process conditions to one visible change in their optical density results while the optical Density of the roughly structured background area when the process conditions change changes only slightly, causing changes in process conditions be displayed visually.
  • Constant monitoring of the stability of the copying process and the development of the Printing plate is also too expensive in practice with the known means.
  • adherence to a stable work process takes place at the So far, copying has also been done indirectly through control and regulation or adjustment suitable process parameters such as the exposure time or the number of cycles and the duration of vacuum suction of the pressure plate at the imagewise exposures in the copier and the development temperature or the regeneration rates in the development station.
  • suitable process parameters such as the exposure time or the number of cycles and the duration of vacuum suction of the pressure plate at the imagewise exposures in the copier and the development temperature or the regeneration rates in the development station.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a process control strip for visual Control and calibration of an exposure process for a recording material, in particular for a printing plate, and a method for recording to improve the process control strip in such a way that it can also be used for direct exposure of printing plates in electronic recording devices are applicable and high quality quality monitoring with regard to exposure and development enable.
  • Fig. 1 shows the basic structure of a process control strip (1) for direct exposure of printing plates by means of an imagesetter (computer-to-plate).
  • the process control strip (1) is during the direct exposure of the printing plate in the imagesetter outside of that intended for the information to be exposed Area of the printing plate exposed on the printing plate and together with the information developed in a development station.
  • the exposed and developed process control strip (1) is used for visual control and setting of the process parameters such as the intensity of the exposure beam and the development temperature and / or the regeneration rates in the development station.
  • the process control strip (1) basically consists of three in the direction of the larger one Extension of the process control strip (1) extending parallel to each other arranged strips, namely a setpoint strip (2), an actual value strip (3) and a display strip (4).
  • the setpoint strip (2) is a stepped tonal value wedge for example 16 reference levels from 0% to 100%.
  • the reference tone values of the tone value wedge are largely process-independent, i.e. they change only insignificant in the case of fluctuations in process parameters.
  • a setpoint range can be set within the tone value wedge of the setpoint strip (1) (5) the at least one reference tone level as the setpoint tolerance range contains that in the exposure and development process on the Pressure plate should be reached.
  • the reference tone levels of the Tone value wedge appropriately selected such that the desired setpoint range (5) lies in the middle area of the process control strip (1).
  • a tone value wedge can also be used with continuously changing reference tone values.
  • the tone value wedge of the setpoint strip (2) is a line grid with perpendicular to Extension of the process control strip (1) oriented lines (6) formed are composed of individual pixels during exposure.
  • the reference tone values of the tonal value wedge are due to the ratio of line width to line interval of the line grid defined.
  • the lines (6) of the tone value wedge represent rough signal elements The size of the coarse signal elements changes with fluctuations the process parameters are only minor because of the process-dependent changes the pixel sizes essentially only in the direction of the lines on the side Edges of the lines (6) lead to negligible tonal value changes, whereby the reference tone values of the setpoint strip (2) are essentially process-independent are.
  • the structure of the line grid of the setpoint strip (2) is due to the resolving power of the human eye and should be chosen that the integrating effect regarding a homogeneous impression is not lost goes.
  • a favorable value for the line spacing in the line grid lies in the range 10 to 16 times the value of the pixel diameter by the addressing can be set when generating the halftone dot.
  • the actual value strip (3) running parallel to the setpoint strip (2) is finely screened, for example with 333 lines / cm, and represents a highly process-dependent, but represents a uniform tonal value within the actual value strip (3).
  • the actual value strip (3) consists of a plurality of fine arranged in a grid Halftone dots, each halftone dot within a grid of the grid is composed of individual exposed pixels during the exposure.
  • the sum of the exposed pixel areas or the halftone dot size within one Grid mesh based on the total area of the grid mesh determines the exposed tonal value.
  • the exposed pixels or those composed of the exposed pixels Grid points within the actual value strip (3) form fine signal elements, whose size changes with fluctuations in the process parameters, which creates process-dependent tonal value changes.
  • each halftone dot is more appropriate Way from a comparatively large number of within a grid of the available pixels of the grid are exposed, for example from 2 x 2 exposed pixels within a 3 x 3 pixel grid.
  • a process-dependent change in pixel size thus brings about a comparable one large change in the percentage of the total area of a Grid mesh, so that changes in pixel size due to fluctuations the process parameter changes the tonal value within the actual value strip (3) arise.
  • the structure of the grid in the actual value strip (3) with regard to the size of the grid mesh, the dot size and dot shape is determined by the resolution limited to the printing plate to be exposed and is therefore of the plate type and additional also dependent on addressing when generating raster points. practical Values are 3 to 5 times the addressing for the side length of one square grid grid.
  • Each pixel size exposed on the actual value strip (3) of the process control strip (1) or dot size thus represents one achieved in the exposure process Tone value that corresponds to a reference tone value of the tone value wedge of the setpoint strip (2) matches.
  • the tonal value of the actual value strip changes (3) while the tonal values of the tonal value wedge in the setpoint strip (2) of the process control strip (1) remain practically stable.
  • the tonal values are matched at another point on the process control strip (1).
  • the process control strip (1) is parallel to the setpoint strip (2) and the Actual value strips (3) extending display strips (4) in the longitudinal direction of the strip Display fields arranged one behind the other and labeled with symbols (7) is divided.
  • a display field (7a) e.g. B. with the label "setpoint reached” or “correct exposure” while the neighboring display fields (7b, 7c) e.g. B. with the inscription “falling below setpoint” or “too little exposure” or “setpoint exceeded” or “too much exposure” are provided.
  • Fig. 3 shows a process control strip (1) simulated as a contone pressure Reproduction of the real optical impression for printing reasons not is possible, the real optical impression in Fig. 3 is by means of a contone print the process control strip (1) simulated.
  • the visual tonal value comparison thus advantageously provides a continuous one Statement about process stability.
  • the distance between the "coarseness" of the line grid the tone value wedge in the setpoint strip (2) and the "fineness" of Dot grid in the actual value strip (3) determines the sensitivity of the control process.
  • the calibration and control procedure with the help of the process control strip (1) enables a highly sensitive quality assessment of the overall process of direct exposure and development of printing plates.
  • the high sensitivity poses in particular the increased quality requirements that are certain when exposing Printing plates with frequency-modulated grids exist.
  • Fig. 4 shows a basic block diagram of a device for direct exposure of printing plates, in particular offset printing plates.
  • the facility exists essentially a raster image processor (8), simply called RIP, a plate imager (9) and a plate development station (10).
  • One sheet to be exposed on the printing plate and the one next to the sheet Process control strips (1) to be exposed are, for example, in an electronic Assembly station assembled according to an imposition program.
  • the one there PostScript image data obtained are then processed in a raster image processor (8) interpreters included in a display list.
  • the raster generator also contained in the raster image processor (8) Display list after a raster function in corresponding control signal values in Form of a bitmap for switching on and off pixel by pixel in an exposure unit of the platesetter (9) converted exposure beam.
  • the platesetter (9) takes the pixel-by-line exposure of the printing plate (11) before.
  • the control signal values of the bitmap determine during plate exposure, which pixels are exposed as parts of the halftone dots on the printing plate (11) or not exposed.
  • the grid function defines the size of the grid points depending on the tonal values to be recorded.
  • the exposure beam is, for example, a laser beam, which by means of the control signal values controlled modulator is switched on and off.
  • a platesetter (9) can, for example, the "Gutenberg" platesetter from Linotype-Hell AG can be used.
  • the exposed plate is on the printing plate (11) exposed in the platesetter (9) Printing sheet (12) and the process control strip exposed outside the printing sheet (12) (1) visible.
  • a CTX printing plate for example, can be used as the printing plate (11) from Polychrome can be used.
  • the exposed printing plate (11) is developed in the plate development station (10).
  • the process control strip (1) on the exposed and developed printing plate (10 ') is then used for visual control of the exposure process and for adjustment the process parameter used.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf das Gebiet der elektronischen Reproduktionstechnik und betrifft einen Prozeßkontrollstreifen zur visuellen Kontrolle und Kalibrierung eines Belichtungsprozesses für ein Aufzeichnungsmaterial, insbesondere für eine Druckplatte, sowie ein Verfahren zur Aufzeichnung des Prozeßkontrollstreifens.The invention relates to the field of electronic reproduction technology and relates to a process control strip for visual control and calibration an exposure process for a recording material, in particular for a Printing plate, and a method for recording the process control strip.

Die punkt- und zeilenweise, gerasterte Belichtung eines Aufzeichnungsmaterials, beispielsweise eines Filmes, erfolgt üblicherweise mittels eines elektronischen Aufzeichnungsgerätes, auch Belichter oder Recorder genannt. Dazu werden Bildsignalwerte, welche die aufzuzeichnenden Tonwerte repräsentieren, einem Rastergenerator zugeführt, in dem die Bildsignalwerte nach einer Raster-Funktion in Steuersignalwerte für einen in einer Belichtungseinheit des Belichters erzeugten Belichtungsstrahl umgewandelt werden. Während einer Relativbewegung zwischen dem Belichtungsstrahl und dem zu belichtenden Film erfolgt die pixel- und zeilenweise Belichtung des Filmes, indem die Steuersignalwerte den Belichtungsstrahl ein- und ausschalten und damit bestimmen, welche Pixel als Teile der Rasterpunkte auf dem Film belichtet oder nicht belichtet werden. Die Raster-Funktion legt dabei die Größe der Rasterpunkte in Abhängigkeit von den aufzuzeichnenden Tonwerten fest.The dot and line, screened exposure of a recording material, for example a film, is usually done by means of an electronic one Recording device, also called imagesetter or recorder. For this purpose, image signal values, which represent the tonal values to be recorded, a raster generator supplied in which the image signal values after a raster function in Control signal values for one generated in an exposure unit of the imagesetter Exposure beam to be converted. During a relative movement between The exposure beam and the film to be exposed are pixel and line by line exposure of the film by the control signal values the exposure beam switch on and off and thus determine which pixels as parts of the halftone dots exposed on the film or not exposed. The grid function sets the size of the grid points depending on the ones to be recorded Tonal values.

Bei der Belichtung des Filmes weichen die auf dem Film erzeugten realen Tonwerte bzw. Rasterpunktgrößen von den gewünschten, nominellen Tonwerten ab, da jedes Pixel und damit jeder Rasterpunkt durch Überstrahlen mehr oder weniger vergrößert aufgezeichnet wird. Die Abweichungen zwischen den real erzeugten Tonwerten und den nominellen Tonwerten werden als Punktzuwächse bezeichnet, welche zu störenden Tonwertänderungen in der Reproduktion führen.When the film is exposed, the real tonal values produced on the film give way or screen dot sizes from the desired nominal tonal values, since every pixel and therefore every raster point by overexposing more or less is recorded enlarged. The deviations between the real generated Tonal values and the nominal tonal values are referred to as point increases, which lead to disturbing tonal value changes in the reproduction.

Die Punktzuwächse werden daher während der Filmbelichtung im Belichter kompensiert, indem die Bildsignalwerte, welche die nominellen Tonwerte repräsentieren, nach einer vor der Filmbelichtung ermittelten Korrektur-Kurve durch eine sogenannte Filmlinearisierung derart korrigiert werden, daß die auf dem Film real aufgezeichneten Tonwerte den nominellen Tonwerten entsprechen.The dot gains are therefore compensated for in the imagesetter during film exposure, by the image signal values representing the nominal tonal values after a correction curve determined before the film exposure by a so-called Film linearization can be corrected so that the real on the film recorded tonal values correspond to the nominal tonal values.

Nach der Filmbelichtung wird der in dem Belichter belichtete Film in einer Entwicklungsstation entwickelt und zur Herstellung einer Druckform verwendet. After film exposure, the film exposed in the imagesetter is placed in a developing station developed and used for the production of a printing form.

Die herkömmliche Herstellung von Druckplatten erfolgt in zwei Teilprozessen. In einem ersten Teilprozeß wird mittels eines Belichters ein Film belichtet und der belichtete Film in einer Entwicklungsstation entwickelt. In einem zweiten Teilprozeß wird der belichtete und entwickelte Film als Vorlage in einer Kopiervorrichtung auf eine lichtempfindliche Druckplatte kopiert, wobei ebenfalls geringfügige positive oder negative Punktzuwächse und damit Tonwertverfälschungen auftreten können. Nach dem Kopiervorgang wird dann die belichtete Druckplatte ebenfalls in einer Entwicklungsstation entwickelt.The conventional production of printing plates takes place in two sub-processes. In In a first sub-process, a film is exposed using an imagesetter and the exposed Film developed in a development station. In a second sub-process the exposed and developed film as a template in a copier copied a photosensitive printing plate, whereby also slight positive or negative dot gains and thus tone value distortions can occur. After the copying process, the exposed printing plate is then also in one Development station developed.

Bei der herkömmlichen Herstellung einer Druckplatte sind somit für zwei Teilprozesse entsprechende Kalibrierungen, d.h. Einstellungen und Kontrollen der optimalen Prozeßparameter, vorzunehmen.In the conventional production of a printing plate, there are therefore two sub-processes corresponding calibrations, i.e. Settings and controls of the optimal Process parameters.

Die herkömmliche Kalibrierung des ersten Teilprozesses, nämlich die punkt- und zeilenweise Filmbelichtung in einem Belichter und die Filmentwicklung in einer Entwicklungsstation, erfolgt beispielsweise mit Hilfe von gestuften Normgraukeilen, die auf den Film belichtet und mitentwickelt werden, und über die Messung der Volltondichten. Eine ständige Überwachung der Stabilität von Belichtung und Entwicklung ist mit den bekannten Mitteln in der Praxis zu aufwendig. Die Einhaltung eines stabilen Arbeitsprozesses erfolgt aus diesem Grunde bisher indirekt durch Kontrolle und durch Regelung bzw. Einstellung geeigneter Prozeßparameter wie der Intensität des Belichtungsstrahles und/oder der Korrektur-Kurve im Belichter sowie der Entwicklungstemperatur und/oder der Regenerierraten in der Entwicklungsstation.The conventional calibration of the first sub-process, namely the point and line-wise film exposure in an imagesetter and film development in one Development station, for example with the help of stepped standard gray wedges, which are exposed on the film and co-developed, and by measuring the Solid densities. Constant monitoring of the stability of exposure and development is too expensive in practice with the known means. Compliance For this reason, a stable work process has so far been carried out indirectly Control and regulation or adjustment of suitable process parameters such as the intensity of the exposure beam and / or the correction curve in the imagesetter and the development temperature and / or the regeneration rates in the development station.

Die herkömmliche Kalibrierung des zweiten Teilprozesses, nämlich die bildmäßige Belichtung der Druckplatte in einer Kopiervorrichtung und die Entwicklung der belichteten Druckplatte in einer Entwicklungsstation, erfolgt häufig nach dem Mikrolinien-Verfahren mit Hilfe von Präzisionsmeßstreifen, beispielsweise mit dem FOGRA-Präzisionsmeßstreifen PMS-I oder dem UGRA-Offset-Testkeil 1982. Diese Präzisionsmeßstreifen sind z. B. ausführlich in dem "fogra praxis report" Nr. 34, 1990, Fogra-PMS-I und UGRA-Offset-Testkeil 1982, beschrieben. (FOGRA = Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft für Druck- und Reproduktionstechnik e.V.).The conventional calibration of the second sub-process, namely the pictorial one Exposure of the printing plate in a copier and the development of the exposed Printing plate in a development station, is often made using the microline method with the help of precision measuring strips, for example with the FOGRA precision measuring strips PMS-I or the UGRA offset test wedge 1982. These Precision measuring strips are e.g. B. in detail in "fogra praxis report" No. 34, 1990, Fogra-PMS-I and UGRA offset test wedge 1982. (FOGRA = German Research Association for Printing and Reproduction Technology e.V.).

Aus der DE-A-23 56 325 ist ein Prüffilm bekannt, der in einer Kopiervorrichtung zusammen mit der Vorlage auf eine Druckplatte kopiert wird, um auf der Druckplatte ein Kontrollbild zur visuellen Kontrolle des nachfolgenden Entwicklungsvorganges zu erzeugen. Der Prüffilm weist feine Signalelemente in Form von feinstrukturierten Bezirken und grobe Signalelemente in Form eines grobstrukturierten Hintergrundbezirks auf, der die feinstrukturierten Bezirke umgibt und voneinander trennt. Die Bezirke bestehen jeweils aus einer Vielzahl von Punkten. Die feinstrukturierten Bezirke sind derart beschaffen, daß eine Änderung der Prozeßbedingungen zu einer sichtbaren Änderung ihrer optischen Dichte führt, während sich die optische Dichte des grobstrukturierten Hintergrundbezirkes bei Änderung der Prozeßbedingungen nur geringfügig ändert, wodurch Änderungen in den Prozeßbedingungen visuell angezeigt werden.From DE-A-23 56 325 a test film is known, which together in a copying device copied with the original onto a printing plate in order to be on the printing plate a control image for visual control of the subsequent development process to create. The test film shows fine signal elements in the form of finely structured Districts and rough signal elements in the form of a roughly structured background district that surrounds and separates the finely structured districts. The Districts each consist of a large number of points. The finely structured Districts are such that a change in process conditions to one visible change in their optical density results while the optical Density of the roughly structured background area when the process conditions change changes only slightly, causing changes in process conditions be displayed visually.

Eine ständige Überwachung der Stabilität von Kopiervorgang und Entwicklung der Druckplatte ist in der Praxis mit den bekannten Mitteln ebenfalls zu aufwendig. Die Einhaltung eines stabilen Arbeitsprozesses erfolgt aus diesem Grunde bei dem Kopiervorgang bisher auch indirekt durch Kontrolle und durch Regelung bzw. Einstellung geeigneter Prozeßparameter wie beispielsweise der Belichtungsdauer bzw. der Taktzahlen und der Dauer der Vakuumansaugung der Druckplatte bei der bildmäßigen Belichtungen in der Kopiervorrichtung sowie der Entwicklungstemperatur oder der Regenerierraten in der Entwicklungsstation. Häufig werden diese Prozeßparameter aus Aufwandsgründen nur in größeren zeitlichen Abständen meistens in Verbindung mit neuen Materialchargen überprüft.Constant monitoring of the stability of the copying process and the development of the Printing plate is also too expensive in practice with the known means. The For this reason, adherence to a stable work process takes place at the So far, copying has also been done indirectly through control and regulation or adjustment suitable process parameters such as the exposure time or the number of cycles and the duration of vacuum suction of the pressure plate at the imagewise exposures in the copier and the development temperature or the regeneration rates in the development station. These are common Process parameters due to effort only in larger time intervals mostly checked in connection with new material batches.

In der Reproduktionstechnik besteht heutzutage die Tendenz, die Druckplatten nicht in zwei Teilprozessen über das Zwischenmedium Film herzustellen, sondern direkt in einem Belichter zu belichten (Computer-to-Plate). Da die Kalibrier- und Kontrollverfahren mit Hilfe der bekannten Prozeßkontrollstreifen auf dem Zwischenmedium Film basieren, sind sie bei der direkten Belichtung von Druckplatten in einem Belichter nicht anwendbar. Die mit den bekannten Prozeßkontrollstreifen durchgeführten Kalibrier- und Kontrollverfahren weisen darüber hinaus den Nachteil auf, daß sie meßtechnische Hilfsmittel benötigen und praktisch keine einfache kontinuierliche Prozeßüberwachung erlauben.Nowadays there is a tendency in reproduction technology to use printing plates not to produce in two sub-processes via the intermediate medium film, but to be exposed directly in an imagesetter (computer-to-plate). Since the calibration and Control procedures using the known process control strips on the intermediate medium Film based, they are used for direct exposure of printing plates not applicable in an imagesetter. The one with the known process control strips performed calibration and control procedures also have the disadvantage on that they need measuring aids and practically no simple allow continuous process monitoring.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, einen Prozeßkontrollstreifen zur visuellen Kontrolle und Kalibrierung eines Belichtungsprozesses für ein Aufzeichnungsmaterial, insbesondere für eine Druckplatte, sowie ein Verfahren zur Aufzeichnung des Prozeßkontrollstreifens derart zu verbessern, daß sie auch bei der Direktbelichtung von Druckplatten in elektronischen Aufzeichnungsgeräten anwendbar sind und dabei eine hochwertige Qualitätsüberwachung bezüglich Belichtung und Entwicklung ermöglichen. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a process control strip for visual Control and calibration of an exposure process for a recording material, in particular for a printing plate, and a method for recording to improve the process control strip in such a way that it can also be used for direct exposure of printing plates in electronic recording devices are applicable and high quality quality monitoring with regard to exposure and development enable.

Diese Aufgabe wird bezüglich des Prozeßkontrollstreifens durch die Merkmale des Anspruch 1 und bezüglich des Verfahrens durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 12 gelöst.This task is accomplished with regard to the process control strip by the characteristics of the Claim 1 and with respect to the method by the features of claim 12 solved.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Fig. 1 bis 4 näher beschrieben.The invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
einen prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Prozeßkontrollstreifens für die Direktbelichtung von Druckplatten mittels eines Belichters,
Fig. 2
ein praktisches Ausführungsbeispiel für einen Prozeßkontrollstreifen,
Fig. 3
einen als Contone-Druck simulierten Prozeßkonztollstreifen und
Fig. 4
ein prinzipielles Blockschaltbild einer Einrichtung zur direkten Belichtung von Druckplatten.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a basic structure of a process control strip for the direct exposure of printing plates by means of an imagesetter,
Fig. 2
a practical embodiment of a process control strip,
Fig. 3
a process check strip simulated as Contone print and
Fig. 4
a basic block diagram of a device for direct exposure of printing plates.

Fig. 1 zeigt den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) für die Direktbelichtung von Druckplatten mittels eines Belichters (Computer-to-Plate).Fig. 1 shows the basic structure of a process control strip (1) for direct exposure of printing plates by means of an imagesetter (computer-to-plate).

Der Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1) wird während der Direktbelichtung der Druckplatte im Belichter außerhalb des für die zu belichtende Information vorgesehenen Druckplattenbereiches auf die Druckplatte belichtet und zusammen mit der Information in einer Entwicklungsstation entwickelt. Der belichtete und entwickelte Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1) dient zur visuellen Kontrolle und Einstellung der Prozeßparameter wie der Intensität des Belichtungsstrahles sowie der Entwicklungstemperatur und/oder der Regenerierraten in der Entwicklungsstation.The process control strip (1) is during the direct exposure of the printing plate in the imagesetter outside of that intended for the information to be exposed Area of the printing plate exposed on the printing plate and together with the information developed in a development station. The exposed and developed process control strip (1) is used for visual control and setting of the process parameters such as the intensity of the exposure beam and the development temperature and / or the regeneration rates in the development station.

Der Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1) besteht prinzipiell aus drei sich in Richtung der größeren Ausdehnung des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) erstreckenden, parallel zueinander angeordneten Streifen, nämlich einem Sollwert-Streifen (2), einem Istwert-Streifen (3) und einern Anzeige-Streifen (4).The process control strip (1) basically consists of three in the direction of the larger one Extension of the process control strip (1) extending parallel to each other arranged strips, namely a setpoint strip (2), an actual value strip (3) and a display strip (4).

Der Sollwert-Streifen (2) ist im Ausführungsbeispiel ein gestufter Tonwertkeil mit beispielsweise 16 Referenztonwert-Stufen von 0% bis 100%. Die Referenztonwerte des Tonwertkeiles sind weitestgehend prozeßunabhängig, d.h. sie ändern sich bei Schwankungen von Prozeßparametern nur unwesentlich.In the exemplary embodiment, the setpoint strip (2) is a stepped tonal value wedge for example 16 reference levels from 0% to 100%. The reference tone values of the tone value wedge are largely process-independent, i.e. they change only insignificant in the case of fluctuations in process parameters.

Innerhalb des Tonwertkeiles des Sollwert-Streifens (1) kann ein Sollwert-Bereich (5) festgelegt werden, der mindestens eine Referenztonwert-Stufe als Sollwert-Toleranzbereich enthält, der im Belichtungs- und Entwicklungsprozeß auf der Druckplatte erreicht werden soll. Dabei werden die Referenztonwert-Stufen des Tonwertkeiles in zweckmäßiger Weise derart gewählt, daß der gewünschte Sollwert-Bereich (5) im mittleren Bereich des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) liegt.A setpoint range can be set within the tone value wedge of the setpoint strip (1) (5) the at least one reference tone level as the setpoint tolerance range contains that in the exposure and development process on the Pressure plate should be reached. The reference tone levels of the Tone value wedge appropriately selected such that the desired setpoint range (5) lies in the middle area of the process control strip (1).

Anstelle eines Tonwertkeiles mit gestuften Referenztonwerten kann auch ein Tonwertkeil mit sich kontinuierlich ändernden Referenztonwerten verwendet werden.Instead of a tone value wedge with stepped reference tone values, a tone value wedge can also be used with continuously changing reference tone values.

Der Tonwertkeil des Sollwert-Streifens (2) ist als Linienrasters mit senkrecht zur Ausdehnung des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) orientierten Linien (6) ausgebildet, die bei der Belichtung aus einzelnen Pixeln zusammengesetzt werden. Die Referenztonwerte des Tonwertkeiles sind durch das Verhältnis Linienbreite zu Linienintervall des Linienrasters definiert. Die Linien (6) des Tonwertkeiles stellen grobe Signalelemente dar. Die Größe der groben Signalelemente ändert sich bei Schwankungen der Prozeßparameter nur geringfügig, da die prozeßabhängigen Änderungen der Pixelgrößen im wesentlichen nur in Linienrichtung an den seitlichen Rändern der Linien (6) zu vernachlässigbaren Tonwertänderungen führen, wodurch die Referenztonwerte des Sollwert-Streifens (2) im wesentlichen prozeßunabhängig sind.The tone value wedge of the setpoint strip (2) is a line grid with perpendicular to Extension of the process control strip (1) oriented lines (6) formed are composed of individual pixels during exposure. The reference tone values of the tonal value wedge are due to the ratio of line width to line interval of the line grid defined. The lines (6) of the tone value wedge represent rough signal elements The size of the coarse signal elements changes with fluctuations the process parameters are only minor because of the process-dependent changes the pixel sizes essentially only in the direction of the lines on the side Edges of the lines (6) lead to negligible tonal value changes, whereby the reference tone values of the setpoint strip (2) are essentially process-independent are.

Die Struktur des Linienrasters des Sollwert-Streifens (2) ist durch das Auflösungsvermögen des menschlichen Auges begrenzt und sollte derart gewählt werden, daß die integrierende Wirkung bezüglich eines homogenen Eindrucks nicht verloren geht. Ein günstiger Wert für die Linienabstände im Linienrasters liegt im Bereich des 10- bis 16-fachen Wertes des Pixeldurchmessers, der durch die Adressierung bei der Rasterpunktgenerierung eingestellt werden kann.The structure of the line grid of the setpoint strip (2) is due to the resolving power of the human eye and should be chosen that the integrating effect regarding a homogeneous impression is not lost goes. A favorable value for the line spacing in the line grid lies in the range 10 to 16 times the value of the pixel diameter by the addressing can be set when generating the halftone dot.

Der parallel zum Sollwert-Streifen (2) verlaufende Istwert-Streifen (3) ist fein gerastert, beispielsweise mit 333 Linien/cm, und stellt einen stark prozeßabhängigen, aber gleichmäßigen Tonwert innerhalb des Istwert-Streifens (3) dar. Der Istwert-Streifen (3) besteht aus einer Vielzahl von in einem Raster angeordneten feinen Rasterpunkten, wobei jeder Rasterpunkt innerhalb einer Rastermasche des Rasters bei der Belichtung aus einzelnen belichteten Pixeln zusammengesetzt wird. The actual value strip (3) running parallel to the setpoint strip (2) is finely screened, for example with 333 lines / cm, and represents a highly process-dependent, but represents a uniform tonal value within the actual value strip (3). The actual value strip (3) consists of a plurality of fine arranged in a grid Halftone dots, each halftone dot within a grid of the grid is composed of individual exposed pixels during the exposure.

Die Summe der belichteten Pixelflächen bzw. die Rasterpunktgröße innerhalb einer Rastermasche bezogen auf die Gesamtfläche der Rastermasche bestimmt den belichteten Tonwert. Die belichteten Pixel bzw. die aus den belichteten Pixeln zusammengesetzten Rasterpunkte innerhalb des Istwert-Streifens (3) bilden feine Signalelemente, deren Größe sich bei Schwankungen der Prozeßparameter ändert, wodurch prozeßabhängige Tonwertänderungen entstehen.The sum of the exposed pixel areas or the halftone dot size within one Grid mesh based on the total area of the grid mesh determines the exposed tonal value. The exposed pixels or those composed of the exposed pixels Grid points within the actual value strip (3) form fine signal elements, whose size changes with fluctuations in the process parameters, which creates process-dependent tonal value changes.

Um starke Tonwertänderungen zu erreichen, wird jeder Rasterpunkt in zweckmäßiger Weise aus einer vergleichsweise großen Anzahl der innerhalb einer Rastermasche des Rasters zur Verfügung stehenden Pixel belichet, beispielsweise aus 2 x 2 belichteten Pixeln innerhalb einer aus 3 x 3 Pixeln aufgebauten Rastermasche. Eine prozeßabhängige Pixelgrößenänderung bewirkt somit eine vergleichbare hohe Änderung des prozentualen Flächenanteils an der Gesamtfläche einer Rastermasche, so daß bei Pixelgrößenänderungen aufgrund von Schwankungen der Prozeßparameter starke Tonwertänderungen innerhalb des Istwert-Streifens (3) entstehen.In order to achieve strong tonal value changes, each halftone dot is more appropriate Way from a comparatively large number of within a grid of the available pixels of the grid are exposed, for example from 2 x 2 exposed pixels within a 3 x 3 pixel grid. A process-dependent change in pixel size thus brings about a comparable one large change in the percentage of the total area of a Grid mesh, so that changes in pixel size due to fluctuations the process parameter changes the tonal value within the actual value strip (3) arise.

Die Struktur des Rasters im Istwert-Streifen (3) bezüglich der Größe der Rastermasche, der Rasterpunktgröße und der Rasterpunktform wird durch die Auflösung der zu belichtenden Druckplatte begrenzt und ist somit vom Plattentyp und zusätzlich auch von der Adressierung bei der Rasterpunktgenerierung abhängig. Praktische Werte sind das 3- bis 5-fache der Adressierung für die Seitenlänge einer quadratisch angenommenen Rastermasche.The structure of the grid in the actual value strip (3) with regard to the size of the grid mesh, the dot size and dot shape is determined by the resolution limited to the printing plate to be exposed and is therefore of the plate type and additional also dependent on addressing when generating raster points. practical Values are 3 to 5 times the addressing for the side length of one square grid grid.

Jede auf dem Istwert-Streifen (3) des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) belichtete Pixelgröße bzw. Rasterpunktgröße repräsentiert somit einen im Belichtungsprozeß erreichten Tonwert, der mit einem Referenztonwert des Tonwertkeiles des Sollwert-Streifens (2) übereinstimmt.Each pixel size exposed on the actual value strip (3) of the process control strip (1) or dot size thus represents one achieved in the exposure process Tone value that corresponds to a reference tone value of the tone value wedge of the setpoint strip (2) matches.

Die Nennbedingung für den Belichtungsprozeß ist dann erfüllt, wenn der im Istwert-Streifen (3) erreichte Tonwert in den definierten Sollwert-Bereich (5) des Sollwert-Streifens (2) fällt.The nominal condition for the exposure process is fulfilled if it is in the actual value strip (3) Tone value reached in the defined target value range (5) Setpoint strip (2) falls.

Ändern sich die Prozeßparameter, so ändert sich der Tonwert des Istwert-Streifens (3), während die Tonwerte des Tonwertkeiles im Sollwert-Streifen (2) des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) praktisch stabil bleiben. Bei Änderung der Prozeßparameter erfolgt die Übereinstimmung der Tonwerte an einer anderen Stelle des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1). If the process parameters change, the tonal value of the actual value strip changes (3) while the tonal values of the tonal value wedge in the setpoint strip (2) of the process control strip (1) remain practically stable. When changing the process parameters the tonal values are matched at another point on the process control strip (1).

Zur einfachen visuellen Kontrolle des Grades einer Tonwertübereinstimmung weist der Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1) einen parallel zu dem Sollwert-Streifen (2) und dem Istwert-Streifen (3) verlaufenden Anzeige-Streifen (4) auf, der in Streifenlängsrichtung hintereinander angeordnete und mit Symbolen beschriftete Anzeige-Felder (7) unterteilt ist. Dabei ist dem definierten Sollwert-Bereich (5) des Sollwert-Streifens (2) ein Anzeige-Feld (7a) z. B. mit der Beschriftung "Sollwert erreicht" oder "richtige Belichtung" zugeordnet, während die benachbarten Anzeige-Felder (7b, 7c) z. B. mit der Beschriftung "Sollwertunterschreitung" oder "zu wenig Belichtung" bzw. "Sollwertüberschreitung" oder "zu viel Belichtung" versehen sind. Auf diese Weise erhält man in vorteilhafter Weise anhand des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) eine ortsabhängige Aussage darüber, ob die Druckplatte richtig belichtet, überbelichtet oder unterbelichtet ist.For easy visual control of the degree of tone matching the process control strip (1) is parallel to the setpoint strip (2) and the Actual value strips (3) extending display strips (4) in the longitudinal direction of the strip Display fields arranged one behind the other and labeled with symbols (7) is divided. Here is the defined setpoint range (5) of the setpoint strip (2) a display field (7a) e.g. B. with the label "setpoint reached" or "correct exposure" while the neighboring display fields (7b, 7c) e.g. B. with the inscription "falling below setpoint" or "too little exposure" or "setpoint exceeded" or "too much exposure" are provided. To this In an advantageous manner, one obtains one on the basis of the process control strip (1) location-dependent statement about whether the printing plate is correctly exposed, overexposed or is underexposed.

Fig. 2 zeigt ein praktisches Ausführungsbeispiel für einen Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1), der beispielsweise mit 1000 Linien/cm dargestellt ist und mit 300 dpi (dpi = dot per inch) gedruckt wurde.Fig. 2 shows a practical embodiment of a process control strip (1), which is shown for example with 1000 lines / cm and with 300 dpi (dpi = dot per inch) was printed.

Fig. 3 zeigt einen als Contone-Druck simulierten Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1).Da die Wiedergabe des realen optischen Eindruckes aus drucktechnischen Gründen nicht möglich ist, wird der reale optische Eindruck in der Fig. 3 mittels eines Contone-Druckes des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) simuliert.Fig. 3 shows a process control strip (1) simulated as a contone pressure Reproduction of the real optical impression for printing reasons not is possible, the real optical impression in Fig. 3 is by means of a contone print the process control strip (1) simulated.

Wird das Kalibrier- und Kontrollverfahren mit Hilfe des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) bei der primären Arbeitspunktfestlegung, d.h. bei der Prozeßkalibrierung benutzt, so liefert der visuelle Tonwertvergleich in vorteilhafter Weise eine kontinuierliche Aussage über die Prozeßstabilität. Der Abstand zwischen der "Grobheit" des Linienrasters des Tonwertkeiles im Sollwert-Streifen (2) und der "Feinheit" des Punktrasters im Istwert-Streifen (3) bestimmt dabei die Sensibilität des Kontrollverfahrens.If the calibration and control procedure is carried out using the process control strip (1) when determining the primary operating point, i.e. used in process calibration, the visual tonal value comparison thus advantageously provides a continuous one Statement about process stability. The distance between the "coarseness" of the line grid the tone value wedge in the setpoint strip (2) and the "fineness" of Dot grid in the actual value strip (3) determines the sensitivity of the control process.

Das Kalibrier- und Kontrollverfahren mit Hilfe des Prozeßkontrollstreifens (1) ermöglicht eine hochsensible Qualitätsbewertung des Gesamtprozesses der Direktbelichtung und Entwicklung von Druckplatten. Die hohe Sensibilität stellt insbesondere die erhöhten Qualitätsanforderungen sicher, die bei der Belichtung von Druckplatten mit frequenzmodulierten Rastern bestehen. The calibration and control procedure with the help of the process control strip (1) enables a highly sensitive quality assessment of the overall process of direct exposure and development of printing plates. The high sensitivity poses in particular the increased quality requirements that are certain when exposing Printing plates with frequency-modulated grids exist.

Fig. 4 zeigt ein prinzipielles Blockschaltbild einer Einrichtung zur direkten Belichtung von Druckplatten, insbesondere von Offset-Druckplatten. Die Einrichtung besteht im wesentlichen aus einem Raster-Image-Prozessor (8), einfach RIP genannt, einem Platten-Belicher (9) und einer Platten-Entwicklungsstation (10).Fig. 4 shows a basic block diagram of a device for direct exposure of printing plates, in particular offset printing plates. The facility exists essentially a raster image processor (8), simply called RIP, a plate imager (9) and a plate development station (10).

Ein auf der Druckplatte zu belichtender Druckbogen und der neben dem Druckbogen zu belichtende Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1) werden beispielsweise in einer elektronischen Montagestation nach einem Impositionsprogramm montiert. Die dabei gewonnenen PostScript-Bilddaten werden dann in einem im Raster-Image-Prozessor (8) enthaltenen Interpreter in eine Display-Liste umgesetzt. In einem ebenfalls im Raster-Image-Prozessor (8) enthaltenen Raster-Generator wird die Display-Liste nach einer Raster-Funktion in entsprechende Steuersignalwerte in Form einer Bitmap zum pixelweisen Ein- und Ausschalten eines in einer Belichtungseinheit des Platten-Belichters (9) erzeugten Belichtungsstrahles umgewandelt.One sheet to be exposed on the printing plate and the one next to the sheet Process control strips (1) to be exposed are, for example, in an electronic Assembly station assembled according to an imposition program. The one there PostScript image data obtained are then processed in a raster image processor (8) interpreters included in a display list. In one the raster generator also contained in the raster image processor (8) Display list after a raster function in corresponding control signal values in Form of a bitmap for switching on and off pixel by pixel in an exposure unit of the platesetter (9) converted exposure beam.

Der Platten-Belichter (9) nimmt die pixel- und zeilenweise Belichtung der Druckplatte (11) vor. Die Steuersignalwerte der Bitmap bestimmen bei der Plattenbelichtung, welche Pixel als Teile der Rasterpunkte auf der Druckplatte (11) belichtet oder nicht belichtet werden. Die Raster-Funktion legt dabei die Größe der Rasterpunkte in Abhängigkeit von den aufzuzeichnenden Tonwerten fest. Der Belichtungsstrahl ist beispielsweise ein Laserstrahl, der mittels eines durch die Steuersignalwerte gesteuerten Modulators ein- und ausgeschaltet wird. Als Platten-Belichter (9) kann beispielsweise der Plattenbelicher "Gutenberg" der Fa. Linotype-Hell AG eingesetzt werden.The platesetter (9) takes the pixel-by-line exposure of the printing plate (11) before. The control signal values of the bitmap determine during plate exposure, which pixels are exposed as parts of the halftone dots on the printing plate (11) or not exposed. The grid function defines the size of the grid points depending on the tonal values to be recorded. The exposure beam is, for example, a laser beam, which by means of the control signal values controlled modulator is switched on and off. As a platesetter (9) can, for example, the "Gutenberg" platesetter from Linotype-Hell AG can be used.

Auf der im Platten-Belichter (9) belichteten Druckplatte (11) ist der belichtete Druckbogen (12) und der außerhalb des Druckbogens (12) belichtete Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1) sichtbar. Als Druckplatte (11) kann beispielsweise eine CTX-Druckplatte der Fa. Polychrome verwendet werden.The exposed plate is on the printing plate (11) exposed in the platesetter (9) Printing sheet (12) and the process control strip exposed outside the printing sheet (12) (1) visible. A CTX printing plate, for example, can be used as the printing plate (11) from Polychrome can be used.

Die belichtete Druckplatte (11) wird in der Platten-Entwicklungsstation (10) entwikkelt. Der Prozeßkontrollstreifen (1) auf der belichteten und entwickelten Druckplatte (10') wird dann zur visuellen Kontrolle des Belichtungsprozesses und zur Einstellung der Prozeßparameter verwendet.The exposed printing plate (11) is developed in the plate development station (10). The process control strip (1) on the exposed and developed printing plate (10 ') is then used for visual control of the exposure process and for adjustment the process parameter used.

Claims (15)

  1. Process control strip for visual checking of a recording material exposure process which has coarse signal elements whose value is essentially constant when process variations occur and fine signal elements whose value changes when process variations occur,
        characterized in that
    a first strip (2) extending in the direction of the greater extension of the process control strip (1) has a tonal-value wedge with reference tonal values that are independent of the process and vary in the strip direction, as coarse signal elements,
    a second strip (3) running parallel with the first strip (2) has a screen with fine screen dots as fine signal elements, the said screen representing in the second strip (3) a uniform tonal value highly dependent on the process, and
    the recording material is a printing plate.
  2. Process control strip according to Claim 1, characterized in that the tonal-value wedge of the first strip (2) is formed as a line screen.
  3. Process control strip according to Claim 2, characterized in that the lines (6) of the screen in the first strip (2) are orientated perpendicularly to the strip direction.
  4. Process control strip according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized in that the lines (6) of the screen in the first strip (2) and the screen dots in the second strip (3) are composed of recorded pixels.
  5. Process control strip according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each screen dot within a mesh of the screen of the second strip (3) is exposed from a large number of the pixels available within the mesh.
  6. Process control strip according to Claim 5, characterized in that each mesh of the screen consists of 3 x 3 pixels and each screen dot within the mesh is exposed from 2 x 2 pixels.
  7. Process control strip according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a required-value range (5) comprising at least one reference tonal value desired in the exposure process is definable in the tonal-value wedge of the first strip (2), for visual comparison with the tonal value of the second strip (3) attained in the exposure process.
  8. Process control strip according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reference tonal values of the wedge in the first strip (2) are selected so that the defined required-value range (5) lies in the central region of the process control strip (1).
  9. Process control strip according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the process control strip (1) has a third strip (4) running parallel with the first and second strips (2, 3), for indicating the degree of matching between the reference tonal values of the first strip (2) and the tonal values of the second strip (3) attained in the exposure process.
  10. Process control strip according to Claim 9, characterized in that the third strip is subdivided into indication fields (7) arranged one after another in the strip direction, with indicate by means of captions the specific degree of tonal-value matching.
  11. Process control strip according to Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that
    an indication field (7a) in the third strip (4) with the caption "required value attained" is assigned to the defined required-value range (5) of the first strip (2) and
    the adjacent indication fields (7b, 7c) of the third strip are provided with the captions "required value exceeded" and "required value not attained", respectively [sic].
  12. Method for the exposure of a process control strip, characterized in that the process control strip (1) is a process control strip according to any one of Claims 1-11 and is exposed pixel by pixel and line by line directly on to a printing plate (11).
  13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that exposure of the process control strip (1) is carried out simultaneously with the pixel-by-pixel and line-by-line exposure of the printing plate (11).
  14. Method according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, characterized in that the process control strip is generated as PostScript data.
  15. Method according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the process control strip (1) is orientated during the pixel-by-pixel and line-by-line exposure of the printing plate (11) so that the lines (6) of the line screen in the first strip (2) extend in the line direction.
EP96903928A 1995-03-04 1996-03-02 Process control strip and a method of recording Expired - Lifetime EP0759192B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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DE19507665A DE19507665A1 (en) 1995-03-04 1995-03-04 Exposure calibration and control procedures and exposure control strips
DE19507665 1995-03-04
PCT/DE1996/000363 WO1996027821A1 (en) 1995-03-04 1996-03-02 Process control strip and a method of recording

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EP0759192A1 EP0759192A1 (en) 1997-02-26
EP0759192B1 true EP0759192B1 (en) 2003-01-02

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EP (1) EP0759192B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2888992B2 (en)
DE (2) DE19507665A1 (en)
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DE4316825C2 (en) * 1993-05-19 1994-06-30 Axel Ritz Control strips for monitoring the transfer properties and tonal value changes of photopolymer printing plates
DE4338975A1 (en) * 1993-11-15 1995-05-18 Fogra Forschungsgesellschaft D Printing control field formation system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1832924A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2007-09-12 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Process sensitometric strip and recording method
DE102006011140A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2007-09-13 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Process control strip and method for recording

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5748331A (en) 1998-05-05
JPH09505678A (en) 1997-06-03
DE59610020D1 (en) 2003-02-06
DE19507665A1 (en) 1996-09-05
EP0759192A1 (en) 1997-02-26
JP2888992B2 (en) 1999-05-10
WO1996027821A1 (en) 1996-09-12

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