Abstract: A system and method for reducing and/or eliminating the printed layer-over-layer registration error.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing and/or eliminating the printed layer-over-layer registration error.

Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. Other features include an autofocus routine to facilitate the auto-focus procedure. Also, image processing is further enhanced by gap filling, discontinuity removal, and light calibration methods which may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with the automatic focus system and/or automatic shoe system.

Abstract: An engraver having an engraving signal generating system for engraving a workpiece. The engraver includes a setup circuit enabling direct dimensional control of the cavities engraved by the engraver. Controls are provided for setting at least one of a plurality of parameters, such as a black cell width. These parameters are fed to the setup circuit which translates them into multiplication factors for an AC signal and a videosignal. The multiplied signals are combined with an offset signal to produce an engraving signal.

Abstract: This invention provides an engraving method and apparatus for engraving a plurality of cells which define a pattern defining at least one edge on a surface of a cylinder. The method and apparatus generate an edge signal corresponding to at least edge cell situated in a pattern defining at least one edge on the surface. The system and method may utilize a tabulator for tabulating a table of data corresponding to an image and a locator for locating the edge using the data. The system and method provide a signal generator which can cause the engraving location of an engraved area to be shifted to facilitate defining the at least one edge. Moreover, the signal generator may also cause the area to be reduced in order to change a predetermined characteristic of the area in order to better define the at least one edge.

Abstract: An engraving system and method having a non-volatile memory loaded with error coefficients. The error coefficients represent previously experienced differences between computed cell configuration values and corresponding configuration values for cells actually engraved. Sets of error coefficients are tabulated and stored in the memory along with associated setup parameters. Setup of the engraving system for a new job is swiftly accomplished by using values of the setup parameters to retrieve sets of approximate error coefficients, from which interpolated values are obtained. The interpolated values of the error coefficients then are used for calculating configuration control parameters such as AC gain, video gain and white offset.

Abstract: An engraver having an engraving signal generating system for engraving a workpiece. The engraver includes a setup circuit enabling direct dimensional control of the cavities engraved by the engraver. Controls are provided for setting at least one of a plurality of parameters, such as a black cell width, a black channel width and a highlight cell width. These parameters are fed to the setup circuit which translates them into multiplication factors for an AC signal and a video signal. The multiplied signals are combined with an offset signal to produce an engraving signal.

Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. Other features include an autofocus routine to facilitate the auto-focus procedure. Also, image processing is further enhanced by gap filling, discontinuity removal, and light calibration methods which may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with the automatic focus system and/or automatic shoe system.

Abstract: An engraving system for engraving printing cells in a gravure printing cylinder uses a video camera for feedback control of printing cell width. A setup procedure for the engraving system involves engraving an isolated test cell and a series of adjacent test cells, the latter being engraved under steady state engraving conditions. The isolated test cell is located through a search sequence which establishes a strobe control count for a strobe trigger unit. The strobe control count then is adjusted for steady state engraving by acquiring and centering a steady state test cell. Cell width is measured by creating video runtable sets for a plurality of overlapping video boxes and finding a maximum connected run length which meets predetermined acceptance criteria.

Abstract: The engraving method and apparatus provides a method and apparatus for engraving a plurality of cells in a surface of a cylinder. The engraving method and apparatus involves, among other things, processing a plurality of image data; modifying at least a portion of the image data and generating a signal corresponding thereto; and then exciting an engraving device in response to the signal in order to engrave a pattern of engraved areas. The engraving method and apparatus facilitate adjusting a characteristic of at least one of said plurality of engraved areas in order to change a spatial relationship between said at least one of said plurality of engraved areas and another of said plurality of engraved areas to provide, for example, a non-regular or non-periodic spacing of engraved areas.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling the engraving head and the response of the engraving head in response to a plurality of engraving setup parameters which may be input into a computer associated with the engraving head and automatically generating a response signal for energizing the engraving head in response to the plurality of engraving setup parameters which were input in real units. The method further provides that adjusting one or more of the engraving setup parameters in real units may be performed. Further, the method provides for multiplying either an AC input signal or a video signal by a multiplication factor which is generated by the setup circuit to produce the driving signal.

Abstract: A computer controlled engraving system having a non-volatile memory loaded with error coefficients. The error coefficients represent previously experienced differences between computed cell configuration values and corresponding configuration values for cells actually engraved. Sets of error coefficients are tabulated and stored in the memory along with associated setup parameters. Setup of the engraving system for a new job is swiftly accomplished by using values of the setup parameters to retrieve sets of approximate error coefficients, from which interpolated values are obtained. The interpolated values of the error coefficients then are used for calculating configuration control parameters such as AC gain, video gain and white offset.

Abstract: Apparatus for engraving a gravure printing cylinder includes a setup circuit enabling direct dimensional control of the cavities engraved by a stylus. Controls are provided for setting a black cell width, a black channel width and a highlight cell width. These parameters are fed to the setup circuit which translates them into multiplication factors for an AC signal and a video signal. The multiplied signals are combined with an offset signal to produce a driving signal for the stylus.