Colour data exchange using XML (ISO 17972)

Transcription

1 München, May 2018 International standardization for the printing industry THE AUTHORS represents the international standardization body for the printing industry. International experts, active in terminology, prepress, printing, post press, climate neutrality, materials and certification, in Toronto (Canada) in June 2017, in Surakarta (Indonesia) in December 2017 and in Berlin (Germany) in April A summary from Dr Andreas Kraushaar and Dr Uwe Bertholdt. Dr Uwe Bertholdt Convenor WG 4 The following project descriptions cover the current status of the pertinent ISO standards. Please also consult earlier issues of ISO News, in particular ISO News 13, for an explanation of the abbreviations such as WD, CD, DIS, etc. Prepress (WG 2) PDF/X-6 will be the new PDF/X-4 (ISO ) The final title of the document is: Prepress digital data exchange using PDF -- Part 9: Complete exchange of printing data (PDF/X-6) and partial exchange of printing data with external profile reference (PDF/X-6p and PDF/X-6n) using PDF 2.0. PDF/X-6 standard will benefit from the new features PDF 2.0 (ISO ) is providing. For example, it will be possible to have different output intents on different pages in the same PDF file. That allows for print files that consist of parts that are produced on different machines, e.g. cover and content for a book. In Berlin, it was agreed to start a second CD ballot and go to DIS right after the next Tokyo meeting in October So a final publication can be expected for Colour data exchange using XML (ISO 17972) ISO is a new standard that extends the storage of characterization data by providing a flexible schema to facilitate colour and process data exchange with the additional resources based on X-Rites CxF3 Standard (Colour Exchange Format Part 1 was published in Part 2, covering scanner input target data, was published and will be referenced in the new standard ISO Part 3 covers output target data and is intended to replace all the existing formats (e.g or 28178) to save characterization data sets. This standard Spot colour characterisation data (CxF/X-4) defines an exchange format for spectral measurement data of inks to provide means to characterize spot colour inks and is expected to be supported by many PDF/X workflows. It was published in January Advanced IT.8 scanner target on its way (ISO ) More than 1,000,000 targets, both lighttransmissive and reflective, have been produced and used in the past decades for calibrating scanners. The standard was revised and has been published. Dr Andreas Kraushaar Convenor WG 3 CONTACT Postal address Fogra Forschungsinstitut für Medientechnologien e.v. Einsteinring 1a Aschheim Germany Telephone bertholdt@fogra.org kraushaar@fogra.org NEXT MEETING 14 to 20 October 2018 in Tokio, Japan DOWNLOAD This publication can be downloaded as PDF and epub from Fogra s website free of charge: Standardization ISO News ISO News 23 May

2 Based on the input from LaserSoft Imaging (Germany) the second part was continued. It is termed: Advanced colour targets for input scanner calibration and is developed to achieve a better scanner colour characterization. The CD ballot comments have been resolved and the standard will be ballot as a DIS, hence it will be available outside the TC130 community for anyone to purchase and comment. Print Requirements and ISO Print Quality exchange (ISO /2) Brand owners and print buyers commissioning physical printing require two things: 1) print requirements describing the intended printing (PRX: ISO DIN NA 017 (NDR) NA AA Prepress and data exchange NA AA Process control and related metroloty NA AA Media and materials Convenor: Dr Uwe Bertholdt (Fogra) DIN NA Test processes for identity cards 1) and 2) the results of the printing itself (PQX: ISO ). These new standards are intended to facilitate the oneway transmission of performance data from print service providers to relevant stakeholders and brand owners for one or more printed samples from a single press run. PQX is structured as an XML message, which communicates colour, registration, and observed defects. PQX takes advantage of the standard CxF format (ISO ) in order to communicate colour. The communication from the brand owner toward the print shop by means of print requirements exchange, which is termed PRX, and will be covered in part 1 of this multi-part standard. The first part (Print requirements exchange (PRX) was under ballot so no discussion took place in Berlin. Part 2: Print quality exchange (PQX) was approved as a CD but with plenty of technical comments. The nature of the comments dealt with the XML implementation ( How ) and not with the content ( What ). A third CD ballot should be started. In that respect an adhoc was formed to meet and discuss the usage of xjdf and JMF to facilitate communication of print buyers expectations and corresponding printing scores. Committee work and Standardization Standardization efforts of Fogra Other Standardization Committees DIN NA Machine readable travel documents Graphic Technology WG 2 Digital prepress data exchange Fogra participation: Dr Andreas Kraushaar WG 3 Process control and related metroloty WG 4 Media and materials Convenor: Dr Uwe Bertholdt (Fogra) Overview of those committees, in which Fogra personell is currently active. WG 12 Print finishing Fogra participation: Florian Hirschhalmer DIN NA AK Features for tamper evidence medicine packaging iccmax (ISO 20677) iccmax is the fifth version of ICC specification. The IccMAX specification, submitted via ISO TC130 as ISO (Image technology colour management -- Extensions to architecture, profile format, and data structure), has progressed to DIS status. A final publication can be expected for Summer More information can be found online at: org. Sandwich-printing Detailed discussions about the printing order to be used in PDF/X output intend it was found that for some sandwich printing modes (such as CMYK-White-CMYK) it is not clear how to identify the right side (recto or verso). An adhoc group led by Martin Bailey (Global Graphic) will work on this topic and provide feedback at the coming Tokyo meeting. Process control and related metrology (WG 3, JWG 8, JWG 14): Colour measurement standard (ISO 13655) The standard has been published in 2009 and updated in For surface colours it comprises 4 different measurement modes namely M0, M1, M2 and M3. The main change was the modification of the white backing and the addition of M1 for transmissive media. Certification of Contract Proofing systems and proofing sites (ISO ) The revision has been finished in November The certifications FograCert Contract Proof Creation (CPC) and Contract Proofing System (CPS) are reflecting the changes, which also includes testing the colour accuracy of spot colours. More information can be found in Fogra Extra 36. The digital production printing standard (ISO 15311) Part 1 of that multipart standard defines metrics to measure important print image quality attributes. This technical specification was published as of In parallel, the development version was further discussed and developed. Here further im- IMPRINT ISO News A publication of Fogra Forschungsgesellschaft Druck e.v. Graphic Technology Research Association Streitfeldstraße 19, München, Germany Tel , Fax info@fogra.org Chairman of the board: Stefan Aumüller Responsible for the content: Dr Eduard Neufeld Chief editor: Rainer Pietzsch Photos: Fogra or see notes ISSN ISO News 23 May

3 age quality aspects are covered such as media relative colour accuracy with black point compensation, metamerism, water resistance, scratch resistance or multiple aspects of mis-registration. The candidate will be balloted as DTS followed by a final publication whereas the nature of a development document was continued to cover further sophisticated but premature metrics Part 2 (commercial printing applications) now has finally been published. The break-through, 7 years after its presentation by Fogra Digital Printing Working Group (DPWG), was achieved by removing any normative tolerances and pointing to the agreement between the buyer and user of the machine. However, the proposed PSD (PSD-2016) quality levels (commercial (A), semi-commercial (B) and newspaper-like printing (C) will be added as examples in an informative annex D. Another example The IDEAlliance digital print certification program will also be added in the same fashion for suggestion. Finally it was agreed to add the word digital back into the tile to read: Graphic technology -- Print quality requirements for printed matter -- Part 2: Commercial print applications utilizing digital printing technologies. This was remove during the discussion for various reasons. The specification for part 3 (large format signage printing) also originates from work of the Fogra Digital Printing Working Group (DPWG). The status is unchanged. So interested persons can access the free of charge Fogra specification at and report their feedback in the DPWG (Digital Printing Working Group). Measurement of image quality attributes (ISO/TS family) The joint working group (JWG 14) between TC130, JTC1 SC28 WG 4 and WG 42 met in Berlin and discussed the further development of four on-going projects. These are the computation of gamut volumes (-11), the evaluation of graininess (-12), of macroscopic uniformity M-Score (-22) and perceptual resolution L-Score (-31). The latter one is soon to be published (after a final DTS ballot) and will be the first final outcome of this joint working group. Defining meaningful dot gain curves for spot colours (ISO 20654) The standard covers a perceptual uniform way to calculate tone values for spot colours (between substrate and colour) where the Murray Davies formula is known not to work correctly. It was published in summer 2017 with the title Management and calculation of spot colour tone value (SCTV). In particular, SCTV will be used for process calibration of additonal primaries in multicolor printing. Offset printing (ISO ) Although the ballot outcome allows for a DIS ballot of the amendment proposed by the German delegation (to match the change in solid coloration when going from a CIEb*=-4 paper to a CIEb*=-6 paper ) it was agreed to cancel it. In light of the coming systematic revision (required by ISO after a 5-year period to either confirm, revise or withdraw a standard) it was discussed to add and revise the substrate categories. In this regard, a mutually exclusive tolerance schema should be materialised that allows for both an unambigious assignment of a substrate category and also to reflect state of the art coated and uncoated stock ranging from yellowish to bluish tints. The further discussion about the future of ISO revealed different assumptions about the intended audience. While some experts insist to address a process control centric printing according the numbers approach other want to address a closer proof to print match by also using modern colour management tools such as paper adaptation. Although there was no decision to make the majority favoured the first approach while adding the mentioned tools into another standard such as ISO/TS 101also 28 subject for a systematic revision. It remains to be seen if the action item experts deliver the requested paper categorisation data. Newspaper printing The newspaper industry is quite happy with the standard, but wants to improve it. The requested changes are concerning the tone value sum, grey balance and a new sampling method. Manfred Werfel (WAN-IFRA) also explained that a new (M1 based) ICC profile is needed for those changes. Flexo-printing (ISO ) The discussion of the CD ballot comments revealed some technical comments. Due to the lack of German experts, the discussion will only be observed by identifying obvious failures. The core of the revision is to define SCTV behaviour as the default tonality behaviour for process calibration. Validation Printing (ISO ) The standard is used successfully in the industry such as the popular FograCert Validation Printing System certification. In light of the on-going systematic revision, the group agreed to solicit and maintain a list of potential changes. This is to check on a regular basis if a revision is really needed. The main changes so far are the colour accuracy tolerances, which should be de00 instead of de76. Offset printing for metal decoration (ISO ) Based on an initiative of Sun Chemical a new project was started. The Working Draft has been distributed for commenting. The document focuses only on white printed metal substrates. It was agreed to send it to ISO/TC 130 for CD ballot. The concerns so far referring to the handling of the different process parameters, the variation of white precoating and the resulting effects on solid coloration. Multi primary printing (ISO 21328) The pros and cons of the extended gamut printing (ECG) were discuss in Berlin. The focus lied on 7C process independent printing (CMYKOGV). A list of issues has been discussed. This starts with the definition of an agreed upon 7C-testchart (grid), analogue to the established ECI2002 or IT.8/7-4 charts. This is part of an expert group outside WG3. Further needs have been identified by agreeing on a standardized nomenclature, requirements for ISO News 23 May

4 data exchange, process control and quality assurance. An expert group was founded that works on a helicopter perspective for multi colour workflows including the information on how a potential scope of ISO fits to that picture. Assessment and validation of the performance of spectrocolorimeters (ISO 23031) The discussion showed that some experts would like to see tolerances and performance categorizations such as inter instrument and inter model agreement. However the editor, Danny Rich, explained why no handheld devices in the industry meets the CIE criteria (as of 2004) to collect spectral data at least with 71 bands (5 nm bandwidth requirement, 380 nm : 5 : 730 nm). It was agreed to change the developing track from a technical specification (TS) into a technical report (TR), which is not allowed to have tolerances. The document will be edited to reflect these changes and will be discussed by WG3 experts soon. Modelling wet-dry print behaviour (dry back) Elie Khoury (Alwan) was also reporting about the findings of the performance of different models prediction the wet dry behaviour. Don Schroeder (FujiFilm) volunteered to compile the findings into a technical report (TR). This should be presented at the coming Tokyo meeting. Media and materials (WG 4) Ink set for four colour printing in lithography (ISO CD rev.) The APCO II/II test paper was used for many years to test the colour coordinates, transparency and film thickness ranges of process inks. It is no longer manufactured. There is only some remaining stock. IGT (Amsterdam) has developed and ordered the production of a successor paper which is now in stock. All colour aims for process inks developed for APCO II/II are still valid for the new substrate. The project was finished with the publication of the new standard in August Tack measurement (ISO DIS rev.) A new draft combining elements of the existing standard with elements of a new US testing method was discussed controversially and intensively. Proposals of the German ink industry were only marginally considered. This project also was finished with the publication of the revised standard in September Blankets (ISO CD rev.) This standard defines requirements and test methods for blankets. Its focus is on the producers. A new section on communication requirements for printers was added. The project is also finished. The publication date was January Sample preparation for decorative laminates (future ISO 22909) The European Rotogravure Association prepared a new project for the preparation of laminates from decorative prints. Colour matching of decorative prints uses simulated products. These are prepared from the prints by impregnating them with a resin and subsequent lamination onto substrates (e.g. chipboard) using heat and pressure. The process parameters influence colour and therefore requires standardization. The draft document has been accepted as a Working Draft without comments but received intense commenting during the CD-vote. A German printer requested a significant extension of the future Standard. A comprehensive checklist has been prepared to be the core of a future first part of a multiple part document as a Technical Report. The original draft will be transferred into the second part as International Standard. Communication of ink properties (future ISO 22934) This new project results from the extension of DIN into an International Standard and was proposed from Fogra. It was initiated by the occurrence of foreign sheet fed offset ink cans lacking property information typically given in Germany. Relevant ink properties should be given on the labels of ink containers in future. This includes among others usability, drying mechanism, light and chemicals fastness. The draft has been accepted as a Working Draft and will be improved for the next meeting since there are doubts that all information is needed for all kinds of ink. The US delegation however is comfortable with the current document. Rub tests (ISO rev.) This standard of the photographic industry aims on the permanence of photographic prints (conventional and ink-jet) and therefore may also be relevant for the graphic industry. Basing on a Fogra research project a revision proposal was prepared aiming to a broader and more practical application. In the future not just a single US device (besides two Japanese) but also English and a German device might be used. The experts of the photographic industry already agreed to a joint revision and Fogra has prepared an updated proposal for a general applicable future first part of a series of rub test documents. The original Document will be the future special use case for photographic prints. Ink opacity This new activity aims on a measurement method for ink opacity and was started with psychophysical experiments on test prints. An English expert proposed a draft to be voted as working draft until the next meeting. Resistance of prints and inks The test methods for the resistance of inks and prints against various chemicals (e.g. alkali and solvents) is defined in ISO The USA and The Netherlands suggested a revision of this Standard during the systematic review. This is also supported by Germany preparing a revision proposal for the next meeting. Preparation of test prints for lithography ISO is in use since several years. Now it turned out it is not only used for sample preparation for colour measurement and resistance testing but also for subsequent printability testing. This however requires additional specification for these applications. The Netherlands will lead the revision. ISO News 23 May

5 Printing plates Nowadays a wide variety of plate dimensions exists fitting the different printing systems. Therefore warehousing for plate manufacturers and vendors are challenging. In addition cutting to size results in large amounts of waste. To overcome these problems Fuji proposes a standardization of plate sizes for future developments. This proposal by nature was agreed by the plate manufacturers. On the other side it probably will raise investments for printers if besides a new press also new plate handling equipment has to be bought. Therefore both Heidelberger Druckmaschinen and KBA were sceptic on the proposal. There will be an investigation on plate dimensions of the market to be presented at the next meeting. Requirements on ink jet substrates UK and Japan wishes to support High speed ink jet printing by defining substrate requirements and its testing in a new standard. However knowledge in the industry seems not as elaborate as to start a project immediately. Therefore an expert meeting on this particular topic was held in parallel to the WG 4 meeting. Different research institutes, paper and press manufacturer presented their state of knowledge on the interaction of ink and paper. It turned out that even the combined knowledge of the experts present was insufficient to fully understand all aspects of interaction between ink, press and paper. Experts from the ink jet press manufacturers will continue discussing the topic in Tokyo. Environmental aspects of graphic technology (WG 11) Guideline for the measurement of energy efficiency of digital printing presses (ISO 20690) Based on the findings of the Fogra research project , the standard was finally published in January The procedure has been added to the FograCert programme and the first companies use it already. Energy consumption for office printers (ISO 21632) Based on the work completed for ISO 20690, it was agreed by a TC130 internal committee ballot to separate Total Energy Consumption (TEC) calculations out of the document. A new project covering all operational modes required to calculate TEC was started and is now complete. ISO is with ISO being readied for publication. Postpress (WG 12) Pull test method (ISO CD 19594) Fogra developed a draft for the Standardization of the pull test basing on the results of its research project It deals with upwards pulling devices only. The project was finished with the publication of the new standard in February Adhesive tape test Fogra has developed a test device for objective adhesive tape tests several years ago and sells these devices as LHT. The proposal to standardize both the device and the method was accepted by the experts and the first draft of the future ISO was accepted as a working draft. The desire to enlarge the testing area could not be accepted within this project. A CD-vote and a round robin will be performed until the next meeting. Additional future projects The Chinese convenor of the group will prepare a new draft on die cutting basing on Chinese standards for the next meeting. Deinking (JWG 12 mit ISO/TC 6) Deinking potential (future ISO 21331) This project was initiated within TC 130 and is now under joint development with the paper industry. The aim is to give guidance to print buyers with respect to the deinking potential of planned printed matter. There has been conflict between representatives of digital press manufacturers and the paper industry right from the beginning. This situation may possibly be resolved at meetings in Boulder, USA and Seoul, Korea. Plenary meeting During the meeting, new developments within the ISO-organization and changes of personnel within ISO/TC 130 were announced. The working groups reported on their activities and future plans. The committee released a new Scope of its work after thorough discussion. All convenors were reappointed. However, the situation in JWG 12 (see above) resulted in the rejection (for the very first time ever) of the English convenor of WG 11, also very active in JWG 12 by France. Germany and the Netherlands abstained during her reappointment. ISO News 23 May