Patents by Inventor Nikolaus Pfeiffer

Nikolaus Pfeiffer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11841272
    Abstract: A method of adapting a Lab setpoint color value of multicolored printed products, wherein a special color is replaced by process colors using an ICC color profile. A measurement point that is assigned to the replaced special color on the printed product is metrologically acquired using a color measuring system and a Lab actual color value of the measurement point is calculated. The ICC color profile or a standardized ICC color profile is used for computing the color composition of the Lab setpoint color value from the participating process colors. Changes of the layer thicknesses of the participating process colors are ascertained to achieve a predetermined Lab setpoint color value of the measurement point using a digital tool or a digital model. The participating process colors are adapted using the ascertained changes of their layer thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Stefan Schenk, Bernd Utter, Michael Hansen
  • Publication number: 20230236064
    Abstract: A method of adapting a Lab setpoint color value of multicolored printed products, wherein a special color is replaced by process colors using an ICC color profile. A measurement point that is assigned to the replaced special color on the printed product is metrologically acquired using a color measuring system and a Lab actual color value of the measurement point is calculated. The ICC color profile or a standardized ICC color profile is used for computing the color composition of the Lab setpoint color value from the participating process colors. Changes of the layer thicknesses of the participating process colors are ascertained to achieve a predetermined Lab setpoint color value of the measurement point using a digital tool or a digital model. The participating process colors are adapted using the ascertained changes of their layer thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Stefan Schenk, Bernd Utter, Michael Hansen
  • Patent number: 11630611
    Abstract: A method of processing print jobs on a printing substrate processing machine by using a computer, includes creating a data model for the computer with parameters for an unusable print/set-up time prediction on the basis of global print jobs and printing machine data, training the data model on the basis of global and/or local print jobs and printing machine data by using the computer, and defining ease-of-use criteria by an operator. The trained data model for the computer is used to predict the number of unusable prints during set up and set-up time of the printing substrate processing machine. The order of the processing of the print jobs is optimized on the basis of the predicted number of unusable prints during set-up and the predicted set-up time by using the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Steffen Neeb, Franz Woellert, Roland Stenzel, Nicolas Martin
  • Patent number: 11554592
    Abstract: A method includes the steps of: a) printing a first print job on a printing machine using a printing fluid, a substrate, a specified ICC profile, and a first machine setting; b) preparing the printing operation of a second print job involving a change of the printing fluid and/or of the substrate; and c) printing the second print job using a second combination of printing fluid and substrate. Step b) includes: b1) printing a test print having a plurality of test fields; b2) recording the test fields; b3) computationally determining and saving a quality value based on the test fields; b4) determining and saving an adjustment value for a machine setting; and b5) selectively changing a printing machine setting from the first machine setting to a second machine setting using the adjustment value or keeping the first printing machine setting, and the making a choice based on a quality value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Petra Svoboda, Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Stefan Bollmann
  • Publication number: 20220402288
    Abstract: A printing method includes determining a master machine setting by using a master substrate, printing a first test print including test fields, and using a first combination of printing fluid and master substrate, recording test fields of the first test print, and computationally determining and storing a first setting value for a first machine setting as the master setting. Printing a print job is prepared by changing the substrate to a second combination of printing fluid and substrate, printing a second test print including test fields, and using the second combination of printing fluid, substrate and master setting, recording the test fields of the second test print, and computationally determining and storing a second setting value for a second machine setting, the second setting value defined relative to the master setting. The print job is printed by using the second combination of printing fluid, substrate and second machine setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Petra Svoboda, Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Stefan Bollmann
  • Publication number: 20220363074
    Abstract: A method includes the steps of: a) printing a first print job on a printing machine using a printing fluid, a substrate, a specified ICC profile, and a first machine setting; b) preparing the printing operation of a second print job involving a change of the printing fluid and/or of the substrate; and c) printing the second print job using a second combination of printing fluid and substrate. Step b) includes: b1) printing a test print having a plurality of test fields; b2) recording the test fields; b3) computationally determining and saving a quality value based on the test fields; b4) determining and saving an adjustment value for a machine setting; and b5) selectively changing a printing machine setting from the first machine setting to a second machine setting using the adjustment value or keeping the first printing machine setting, and the making a choice based on a quality value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Petra Svoboda, Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Stefan Bollmann
  • Patent number: 11453223
    Abstract: A method for closed-loop color control in printing machines using a computer includes initially coating a printing substrate with opaque white to set up closed-loop color control in the course of a print job, subsequently applying process colors and, in the process, color measurement strips onto the opaque white, recording the opaque white and the color measurement strips using a measuring device, and, based on data recorded by the measuring device, performing closed-loop color control for process colors and opaque white using the computer. The measuring device is an inline measuring device and is initially calibrated at a fixed position of the printing substrate, then the application of opaque white is adjusted and, when a deviation stays below a maximum deviation, closed-loop control of both the opaque white and the process colors is done using the computer by taking measurements in the color control strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Joerg Schmitt
  • Patent number: 11272077
    Abstract: A method performs color control in a printing operation on a printing machine by use of a computer. The computer uses an input profile to transform print image data from a first color space to a device-independent color space, subsequently uses an output profile to transform the print image data into a second color space dependent on the printing machine. The computer compares measurement conditions of the used input profile and of the output profile to be generated, and, if there are differences between the respective measurement conditions, adapts the print image data in the device-independent color space to deviating measurement conditions of the output profile. The printing machine subsequently executes the printing operation using the print image data, and wherein UV light excitation is used for the measurement conditions of the output profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Stefan Bollmann, Hauke Thomsen
  • Publication number: 20210291550
    Abstract: A method for closed-loop color control in printing machines using a computer includes initially coating a printing substrate with opaque white to set up closed-loop color control in the course of a print job, subsequently applying process colors and, in the process, color measurement strips onto the opaque white, recording the opaque white and the color measurement strips using a measuring device, and, based on data recorded by the measuring device, performing closed-loop color control for process colors and opaque white using the computer. The measuring device is an inline measuring device and is initially calibrated at a fixed position of the printing substrate, then the application of opaque white is adjusted and, when a deviation stays below a maximum deviation, closed-loop control of both the opaque white and the process colors is done using the computer by taking measurements in the color control strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: NIKOLAUS PFEIFFER, JOERG SCHMITT
  • Publication number: 20210294540
    Abstract: A method of processing print jobs on a printing substrate processing machine by using a computer, includes creating a data model for the computer with parameters for an unusable print/set-up time prediction on the basis of global print jobs and printing machine data, training the data model on the basis of global and/or local print jobs and printing machine data by using the computer, and defining ease-of-use criteria by an operator. The trained data model for the computer is used to predict the number of unusable prints during set up and set-up time of the printing substrate processing machine. The order of the processing of the print jobs is optimized on the basis of the predicted number of unusable prints during set-up and the predicted set-up time by using the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: NIKOLAUS PFEIFFER, STEFFEN NEEB, FRANZ WOELLERT, ROLAND STENZEL, NICOLAS MARTIN
  • Patent number: 10906296
    Abstract: A method compensates for position-dependent density fluctuations of print nozzles in an inkjet printing machine by use of a computer. The computer produces compensation profiles for the position-dependent density fluctuations over all the print heads for all print substrates used, calculates an mean profile from these, and applies the mean profile to compensate for the position-dependent density fluctuations in the inkjet printing machine. When one or more print heads of the inkjet printing machine are replaced, the computer calculates a new compensation profile for only one print substrate. The computer derives a new mean profile from this, and the computer calculates and applies the new mean profile using the old compensation profiles for the remaining print substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Sepideh Samadzadegan, Hans Koehler, Nikolaus Pfeiffer, Annika Kamper
  • Publication number: 20200137264
    Abstract: A method performs color control in a printing operation on a printing machine by use of a computer. The computer uses an input profile to transform print image data from a first color space to a device-independent color space, subsequently uses an output profile to transform the print image data into a second color space dependent on the printing machine. The computer compares measurement conditions of the used input profile and of the output profile to be generated, and, if there are differences between the respective measurement conditions, adapts the print image data in the device-independent color space to deviating measurement conditions of the output profile. The printing machine subsequently executes the printing operation using the print image data, and wherein UV light excitation is used for the measurement conditions of the output profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: NIKOLAUS PFEIFFER, STEFAN BOLLMANN, HAUKE THOMSEN
  • Publication number: 20200094546
    Abstract: A method compensates for position-dependent density fluctuations of print nozzles in an inkjet printing machine by use of a computer. The computer produces compensation profiles for the position-dependent density fluctuations over all the print heads for all print substrates used, calculates an mean profile from these, and applies the mean profile to compensate for the position-dependent density fluctuations in the inkjet printing machine. When one or more print heads of the inkjet printing machine are replaced, the computer calculates a new compensation profile for only one print substrate. The computer derives a new mean profile from this, and the computer calculates and applies the new mean profile using the old compensation profiles for the remaining print substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: SEPIDEH SAMADZADEGAN, HANS KOEHLER, NIKOLAUS PFEIFFER, ANNIKA KAMPER
  • Patent number: 10397413
    Abstract: A method for printing on an inkjet printing machine including color space transformation between target and process color spaces using a computer, includes calibrating the machine by printing and colorimetrically measuring a process color space test chart for printing in the target color space including printing-operation-related limitations in the applied ink amount. The generated measured values correspond to sampling points in the measured target color space. The sampling points are interpolated to define further sampling points. The color space transformation uses sampling points in the target color space and input values from the chart in the process color space corresponding to sampling points in the target color space. The physical variable of ink drop volume is directly used for ink application limitations and input values in the process color space. The calibration of the machine is adapted and the printing operation is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Eggert, Helmut Siegeritz, Stefan Bollmann, Nikolaus Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10261456
    Abstract: A method for automated process control of a printing machine system by using a computer includes the steps of applying a set of rules including process parameters to be examined by the computer to detect whether and when process control is required. The values of the process parameters are made available to the computer by respective responsible components of the printing machine system. The computer is used to implement process control and the computer is used to evaluate process control results. The computer is used to implement actions that are deemed necessary based on the evaluation of the results and the computer is used to save the established data of the implemented process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Schenk, Nikolaus Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10226955
    Abstract: A method for setting up and carrying out a print job on an inkjet printing machine having print heads and a thermal dryer includes printing onto a substrate using water-based black and chromatic inks. First test prints of a first test chart with different area coverage test patches are generated on the substrate using black ink, thermally drying the first test prints at different temperatures and evaluating dried first test prints to determine a dryer operating temperature during the print job. A second test print of a second test chart with different ink amount test patches is generated on the substrate using chromatic inks, thermally drying the second test print at the temperature, and evaluating the dried second test print to determine a total ink amount for operating the print heads during the print job. The machine receives temperature and total ink amount and prints the print job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Axel Hauck, Sabine Roehl, Michael Kaiser, Rolf Mueller, Nikolaus Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 10136032
    Abstract: A method monitors a color standard for a machine for processing printing material. The color standard results from various parameters of the printing operation and correspondingly associated set points. The color standard may be modified and individually adapted to every machine. The machine is equipped such that current values of the parameters of the color standard are measured and forwarded to a computer. The computer compares these values and predefined set points of the color standard, and based on this information, makes an assessment of the color and quality level achieved in the printing operation. The computer outputs control signals based on the monitoring. The control signals influence the machine control and/or the determining of the current values of the parameters of the color standard in a feedback loop. The color standard is modifiable by the operator by a different selection and weighting of the parameters and the set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Joerg Schmitt, Nikolaus Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20180281487
    Abstract: A method for setting up and carrying out a print job on an inkjet printing machine having print heads and a thermal dryer includes printing onto a substrate using water-based black and chromatic inks. First test prints of a first test chart with different area coverage test patches are generated on the substrate using black ink, thermally drying the first test prints at different temperatures and evaluating dried first test prints to determine a dryer operating temperature during the print job. A second test print of a second test chart with different ink amount test patches is generated on the substrate using chromatic inks, thermally drying the second test print at the temperature, and evaluating the dried second test print to determine a total ink amount for operating the print heads during the print job. The machine receives temperature and total ink amount and prints the print job.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: AXEL HAUCK, SABINE ROEHL, MICHAEL KAISER, ROLF MUELLER, NIKOLAUS PFEIFFER
  • Publication number: 20180278758
    Abstract: A method for printing on an inkjet printing machine including color space transformation between target and process color spaces using a computer, includes calibrating the machine by printing and colorimetrically measuring a process color space test chart for printing in the target color space including printing-operation-related limitations in the applied ink amount. The generated measured values correspond to sampling points in the measured target color space. The sampling points are interpolated to define further sampling points. The color space transformation uses sampling points in the target color space and input values from the chart in the process color space corresponding to sampling points in the target color space. The physical variable of ink drop volume is directly used for ink application limitations and input values in the process color space. The calibration of the machine is adapted and the printing operation is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: SEBASTIAN EGGERT, HELMUT SIEGERITZ, STEFAN BOLLMANN, NIKOLAUS PFEIFFER
  • Publication number: 20180203393
    Abstract: A method for automated process control of a printing machine system by using a computer includes the steps of applying a set of rules including process parameters to be examined by the computer to detect whether and when process control is required. The values of the process parameters are made available to the computer by respective responsible components of the printing machine system. The computer is used to implement process control and the computer is used to evaluate process control results. The computer is used to implement actions that are deemed necessary based on the evaluation of the results and the computer is used to save the established data of the implemented process control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: STEFAN SCHENK, NIKOLAUS PFEIFFER