Patented Flow Syncs Press, Proofs

With the growth of the Internet, parties involved in a print project can be anywhere, printing and proofing on anything. Now Dallas-based Color Control Network (colorcontrolnetwork.com) has taken a fresh approach, building an integrative tool to keep 4-color consistent throughout.

CCN's products are already producing high-fidelity color in high-impact visual marketing communications for clients that demand to stand out in print with an intensity of color. Recently, CCN received U.S. patent 6725772, which reveals some of its unique color process controls. CCN employs a method of quantifying the differences between the “System Admixture” characteristics of a proofing system and a printing device (the press).

CCN isolates these different characteristics independently of tone reproduction, best described as the “color effect irregularities” that result from superimposing C, M, Y and K ink spots. The patent describes methods for calculating correction factors and applying these in a fashion similar to transfer curves for tone reproduction control. But instead of the usual four curves—one for each color—CCN uses 32!

With all the efforts of press and RIP manufacturers, proofing, color management, measurement and profile product vendors, it is safe to say the printing industry is not hurting for assistance to produce even better color than we have today. While much attention has been placed on emerging digital press technology (choose your flavor), the reality is that more color is often produced in a single week in an offset printing plant than will ever be produced in the entire lifetime of a digital color press.

Henry Martinez, CEO of CCN and inventor of the technology, sees continued potential for offset after clocking 45 years of prepress experience—including time as GM of Martinez & Rutter/Techtron, the Dallas prepress unit of Beatrice Foods. Before launching CCN last October, Martinez tested it at printer ColorMark, Carrollton, TX. The firm has now adopted it into a Prinergy workflow.

CCN has set up a reasonably priced subscription process that incorporates support. The value appears high for CCN's offerings. American Airlines and Chili's restaurants have adopted it.

Besides raising the bar above current and de facto print standards, says CTO John Jeffus of CCN, the system “accommodates a wide range of variables allowing for corrections within a system that closes the loop.” He also notes, “It provides a means to accurately model corrections needed to print at high densities.”

Jeffus describes CCN as a distributed computing system with a Web-based user interface for collaboration. There are tools for image processing via Photoshop plug-ins; for recording of individual proof results at various stages; for paper selection; for computing file corrections; for an image correcting appliance in the print shop; and finally, for image correction of files prior to RIPing plates.

This last step is key, as it includes compensations for all the variables typically encountered in a print job—proofing platform, proofing paper, proof-to-proof variances and paper and press selected for the final run. The system even allows for differing press behavior due to multiple press operators. Even paper, the “fifth color,” has been incorporated in CCN's paper, which contains characteristics for over 1,000 different types.

CCN claims that, by using its software and system integration, commercial printers can produce a wider color gamut than normal. These additional colors require a re-examination of color matching for creatives, who can enhance their design palette to reflect the expanded gamut.