CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM - Hamillroad Software, a leading RIP and screening innovator, today announced that it has been granted its first two (US) patents on the technology that underpins their ground breaking Auraia DM Screening. Patent applications in the US (and elsewhere) have to prove that a technology is not just new, but also non-obvious (that is involves an inventive step) and are subject to rigorous examination by an independent patent officer. Hamillroad is therefore extremely pleased that following such examination, it has been granted the first two of its many patent applications covering its Digitally Modulated Screening (DMS).
 
Commenting on the grant of their first two patents, Andy Cave, Hamillroad CEO said “After 5 years of intense research and development into solving many of the problems faced by [lithographic] printers, we are delighted by the grant of these two patents. Not only does it provide independent confirmation of the unique technology that we have developed, but it also supports the many printers that are starting to reap the benefits of using this revolutionary technology”. Andy went on to say, “We expect the impact of DM Screening to be substantial as it radically changes the traditional print industry with its disruptive technology. As Auraia DMS establishes itself as the screening method of choice for quality and cost conscious printers who want to eliminate many of the problems associated with printing, we are re-assured that we have the right strategy in place to protect the significant investment in R&D it has required.”
 
US Patent 8,654,400 for Reduced Macro-dots
 
US Patent 8,654,400 for reduced macro-dots covers the technology that reduces / eliminates issues with dot gain (on plate and press), providing on plate / press stability and consistency. It also reduces / eliminates related problems with noise in dot structures as dots connect and allows for improved control of shadow dot size. Most noticeably, this covers the fundamental technology used in DM Screening on violet CtP, especially for newspapers, where attempts to use FM screening have either failed or proven notoriously difficult to control.
 
US Patent 8,654,401 for 2x1/1x2 Mega Dots
 
US Patent 8,654,401 for 2x1/1x2 mega dots covers the technology that allows us to eliminate the noise and bad transition areas traditionally experienced with FM screening, whilst also allowing for improved control of hilite and shadow dot size.
 
The two patents together cover a significant portion of the underlying technology that provides the foundation for DM Screening.