Abstract: A system, method, and process that determine and automatically correct registration errors between printed objects and mechanically produced objects using advanced image processing techniques is disclosed. Means are also presented for maintaining all registered functions to within very close tolerances during normal running, with other means for rapidly obtaining initial registration with substantial savings in material waste. The disclosed system and method/process are compatible with the printing and converting industry in which rolls of material are processed by printing a number of colors that require close registration especially in pictorial representation. These roll-fed printing machines are quite versatile and in addition to the printing of any number of colors on both front and back can perform any number of additional operations on the printed web at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting distortions that occur in image capture systems is disclosed. The present invention in some preferred embodiments includes provisions to correct or change magnification differences for all causes including position errors in zoom lens positioning mechanisms as well as those caused by chromatic aberration, CCD alignment errors, lens distortion off center variations, pincushion/barrel lens distortion, magnification distortions, camera and lens misalignment errors, and lighting variations (including flash-to-flash illumination variations). A significant feature of the present invention in contrast with the prior art is that with the use of a movable calibration plate in the present invention it is possible to image capture both the calibration plate and the input object image in a single image capture, thus permitting simultaneous compensation for a variety of lighting and illumination variations not possible with the prior art.

Abstract: Using marks of known dimensions and size, and spacing, a zoom lens may be calibrated in either or both the X and Y spatial directions. A system comprising an image capture device, positioning means, position encoder means, operator interface, and processing unit permits this method to be advantageously applied to a wide variety of web inspection/control functions, including but not limited to initial web registration, multiple color ink registration, lateral web positioning, repeat length calculations, image capture synchronization, thermal/mechanical differential compensation, and accurate registration of objects within an image to other objects within an image or to a mechanical reference on a machine.

Abstract: A web is conducted through various equipments for printing, cutting, creasing etc. It is important to make certain positional adjustments of the web as it travels through such equipment. For example, a web supplied from a roll has a natural but deleterious tendency to curl. A web decurler cancels this tendency by inducing a reverse curl. A web decurler or other such web handling equipment is adjusted through a control signal from a control signal generator. The control signal generator includes a metering device for producing a web signal signifying the longitudinal displacement of the web. Also included is a sensor for producing an adjust signal, signifying the extent of adjustment of the web. A manually operable device can vary the control signal and thus adjust the decurler or other such web handling equipment. A memory is used to store at least one contemporaneous pair of values of the web and adjust signals during an initial interindex interval.