Linearization Assistant

The main task of the spectral meter based linearization assistant (wizard) is to create printer- and media-specific linearization to ensure reliable and reproducible color reproduction.

The linearization assistant wizard generates a characteristic linear curve for printing. The curve considers all the factors, of which the linear characteristic is dependent. These include the printer model, print media (ink, paper, material) and the print mode (number of color applications, print speed, and drying behavior). The settings are stored in the linearization file, including the maximum application of ink, the optimization of the gray balance and color gradients.

The number of printable colors (color space) is highly determined by the type of ink and the ink combination used by the printer. Increasing utilization of additional colors (e.g. light cyan, light magenta, light gray, photo black) enlarges the representable color space. Particularly additional process colors such as orange and green enable a controlled enlargement of the color space. The ColorGATE RIP software supports these developments with the spectral linearization of all process colors.

MIM settings

Automatic integration of linearizations in a MIM (Media-Ink-Metamode) combination.

Color transfer

Definition of the transition areas from light to full-tone colors.

Pre-calibration

Manual linearization for advanced correction of ink quantities that are too high or too low.

Selection

Selection of an appropriate target document for the measurement device.

Media white point

Definition of the media white point by input of a L*a*b* value.

Measuring data

The measurement device is controlled via the software. Measurement data can be saved.

Measuring data preview

Preview of the measured data per channel (density/ L*a*b*).

Full color

Automatic or manual definition of the full color tone, optionally based on density (ISO-A, ISO-E, ISO-T) or chroma (Lightness for Black).

Graphs

Graphical illustration of measured density, chroma and lightness values per channel.

Linearization curves

Display of the linearization curves per channel.

Smoothing

Slider for linearization curve smoothing. Allows to compensate mismeasurements.

Ink Splitting

Combination of light and full color channels on printmodes with light ink support.

Ink limit target

Printing of an ink limit target in order to define the maximum ink lay down.

Gray balance

Optimization of the gray balance.