Abstract: A color measurement system includes a measurement patch utilizable on a continuous sample of color printed matter. The patch has a first predefined shape with a color reference area centrally located on the patch and a high contrast feature located proximate to an edge of the patch. A camera scans the sample and generates a location signal upon detection of the high contrast feature which permits accurate positioning of a measurement sensor.

Abstract: A system for measuring the color quality of rounded objects is disclosed. A stand has a mandrel for holding the object in a fixed position. Preferably, the mandrel includes an expandable bladder mounted for rotation on an axle. The stand has a reflectometer coupled thereto in such a way as to permit angular movement of the densitometer in a fixed plane. The can is clamped in a fixed position between the holding means and the densitometer such that the densitometer is in a fixed radial orientation relative to the surface of the object. Different points on the surface of the object may be measured by rotating and translating the object and/or the reflectometer. Rotational and translation control of positioning can be performed automatically.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically establishing the position of a printed sample relative to a densitometer. The sample is placed on a measurement table. A target incorporated with the sample causes a step change in the densitometer output signal when the target is scanned by the densitometer. By analyzing the step change, the location of the target relative to the measurement table is determined. The location of all points on the sample are known relative to the target, thus the location of all points on the sample relative to the measurement table can be determined.

Abstract: For use with a printing apparatus that has a plurality of printing rollers, at least one ink fountain, and at least one inking blade that is positioned adjacent to one of the inking rollers, the inking blade having a plurality of adjusting keys thereon, an ink control system connected to the inking blade for controlling the adjustment the adjusting keys. The ink control system comprises a system unit for controlling the overall operation of the ink control system, an operator console for inputting commands which control the adjustment of the adjusting keys, a servo power unit for controlling the adjustment of the adjusting keys, and a plurality of servo modules each of which performs the adjustment of one of the adjusting keys by actuating the one adjusting key.