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, 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: Utilizing optical and signal processing techniques a system permitting the continuous monitoring and quality control of pattern and overall coatings applied to web materials is disclosed. Rather than using manual feedback control means to accomplish a uniform and consistent application of pattern or overall material to roll web material, the disclosed system incorporates optical sensing means along with software methodologies that enable the web material to be sampled and characterized over a number of different points. This characterization of the manufacturing process can be used with the disclosed algorithms to implement a quality control feedback mechanism which in turn can automatically correct for changes in manufacturing conditions in realtime. This permits patterns and coatings to be applied consistently without the use of human intervention and with a great reduction in overall material waste and a corresponding increase in overall coating reliability.