Proof Standard Digital Module
Usage guide to set up and iteratively
optimize a simulation workflow
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Overview
This document is a step by step guide to setup a
simulation workflow using the Proof Standard
Digital Module and the iterative optimization
using the Device Link Profiler.
Using this type of workflow is not only restricted
to proofing according to ISO standards but also
becomes more and more important in daily
production as printer output synchronization, or
Campaign Printing, is necessary to accommodate
customer needs to achieve very close visual match
on all printed products.
The comprehensive profiling assistant will be a
guidance through the whole process and
determine recommended settings.
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Color Management Setup
The profile settings of the MIM combination used for the
simulation workflow needs to be carefully selected as basically
any incoherent setting will compromise the output quality.
To start the setup, you need to create a MIM combination for the
“Proof“ workflow. This can be done by using the “Linearization
and Profiling Assistant” to create a profile from scratch or you
can take a production MIM for the same media and printmode
settings and copy it to the proof workflow. This can also be done
if you want to create several MIM combinations to simulate
different printing conditions on the same media.
On the Profiles tab you will then find another instance canned
“Printing Condition”. This is the ICC profile used as the target.
The selected rendering intent defines the simulation method, in
a proof environment normally “Absolute Colorimetric” and
“Relative Colorimetric” are used. For Campaign Printing
ColorGATE offers a special rendering called “Minimum White
Compression”
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Settings in the UI – Proof to industry standard
Profile settings for proof workflow if the simulation is an
industry standard or another printing machine without ICC
color management
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
Input profiles
Simulation profile
Output profile of the proofer
Device Link used
The closed lock symbol will automatically synchronize the
input profile settings with the selected printing condition.
This is the standard setting and is used to create a
simulation of any non digital printer, e.g. offset or screen
presses.
The rendering intent of the printing condition needs to be
carefully selected. Use “colorimetric” for proof
applications and “Minimum White Compression” for closest
visual appearance.
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Settings in the UI – Campaign Printing
Profile settings for proof workflow / proof to a digital workflow,
e.g. another digital printer with ICC color management
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
Input profiles
Simulation profile
Output profile of the proofer
Device Link used
Simulating a digital workflow requires to set the input profiles
and rendering intents exactly as at the original printer. This is
mandatory as the input profiles define the target colors of the
input files. In this case the lock is disabled and the input
profiles can be changed.
Also select the usage of embedded profiles according to the
target printers setup.
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Optimizing the simulation
The overall simulation quality can be increased
by using a fixed device link.
Creation and optimiziation of the device link can
be performed in the Device Link Profiler that is
accessible through
Options –> Linearization Assistant
and select the DeviceLink Profiler.
As a first step you will have to name the device
link profile. It is recommended to have a naming
convention to help identify the profile, e.g.
printer name, media and simulation condition.
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Settings Tab - Initial Settings
On the initial Settings tab, choose the MIM
combination that you want to create a device
link profile for.
It is also possible to create MIMs using the
MIM Administration button.
Afterwards you choose the measurement
device you want to use and continue to the
next page.
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Profile Calculation and Optimization Target
Press the Calculate Profile button to create the
initial device link profile. It is now a fixed
component of the MIM combination.
Continue to the Optimization Target page. Print
and measure the target.
You have also the option to import and export
measurement data as well as changing settings of
the measurement device. Use the small down
arrow next to the Start button to access these
features.
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Evaluation
The Evaluation tab shows the results of the
measurements and compares them to the target
values from the simulation profile.
The evaluation shows Delta E values for the
standard proof evaluation criteria, e.g.
maximum, average and media.
Detailed analysis of single patches can be seen
by hovering the mouse over it. The patches will
also show the visible difference between target
(bottom right) and measured value (top left).
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Iterative Optimization
If the results are not satisfying you can
continue to optimize the simulation quality.
The steps are repeating, recalculate the device
link profile the print and measure the next
optimization target.
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Evaluation of optimized targets
Ongoing optimization evaluation will show the
current Delta E deviations as well as a quick
comparison between the new values and the
ones form the previous optimization target.
This makes it easier to determine if the
simulation quality is increased.
If necessary another iteration can be started.
Please note: If the result is accurate enough
stop at this page. On the next page you will
create another device link that has not been
evaluated. So each iteration is finished at the
evaluation tab.
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Practical Tipps
Check if the proofer profile is bigger than the simulation. Only then an
even low dE across all patches can be achieved.
Check if you rendering intent is valid for your target print. Especially the
paper color has a significant impact if the proofer media differs from the
simulation media.
The values on the evaluation page show the complete optimization target
(approx 500 patches). This is significantly more than the 72 of the FOGRA
Mediawedge V3 that is used for proofing. So a maximum of 8 or even 11 does
not necessarily point to a failing contract proof.
Printing process and measurement device have certain deviations.R eaching
a perfect 0.0 dE evaluation is physically impossible. Getting the Maximum
below 2 and the other values below 1 can be considered a near perfect
match.
Ballpark figure: As long as the number of improved patches is above 65%
another iteration will probably increase the quality further.
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