Abstract: A stamping system using a portable communication device is provided. In a preferred form, the stamping system has a server and a portable communication device, the server has a computer program for generating a file code and a log file, the portable communication device has a central processor, a communication unit, and a seal, the seal is used for generating a seal impression, when receiving a file code generation request, the server generates a file code and sends the file code to the portable communication device, the central processor sends a control signal to the seal in response to the file code, the seal generates a seal impression corresponding with the file code, the communication unit sends a log file generation request to the server, and the server generates a log file in response to the log file generation request.

Abstract: An optical imaging head for direct engraving of flexographic printing plates, comprising at least two laser diodes (10, 12) emitting radiation in one or more wavelengths; and means for imaging the one or more wavelengths of radiation at different depths relative to a surface of the plate.

Abstract: A ridged surface structure includes a plurality of parallelly arrayed and regularly spaced rectangular-sectioned ridges, each of the ridges may be cut at one or both lengthwise upper edges thereof to produce bevel surfaces at different positions, so that the bevel surfaces on the lengthwise upper edges at the same side of the ridges together produce at least one engraved pattern, and multiple overlapped engraved patterns may therefore be produced on the ridged surface and observed at the same time from different viewing angles. The ridged surface structure may be produced with many different materials, including plastics, reflective materials, and low-reflective materials, and may be widely applied to mass-produced products on which multiple marks or designs are to be displayed at the same time without increasing the manufacturing cost of the products.

Abstract: A method for providing a self-designed image on a clock surface includes the steps necessary to form the image on the clock surface. The user chooses any kind of image he/she likes to be printed on the clock surface. After the image is chosen, the image is digitized and processed to have a dimension the same as that of the clock surface. A piece of paper having seams formed on a top side and adhesive on the other side is prepared. Then the processed image is printed on top of the piece of paper. The piece of paper is processed to remove or cut-off the additional parts at the seams to leave only the image-printed portion. Due to the adhesive on the back of the paper, the user is able to attach the piece of paper on the clock surface to complete the method.

Abstract: In the disclosed invention, when watermark print is set during printing, the printer driver makes a secret operation setting for holding the secret of print data accordingly, and transmits this print data to the stencil printing machine. Therefore, even if the printing of the stencil printing machine is remotely operated, it is possible to prevent an inadvertent failure to set a secret operation and to keep the secret of print data.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and an image forming system of the invention have: a discriminating section which discriminates necessity of a security pattern for suppressing illegal use of image creation data on the basis of a security level; a security pattern forming section which forms security pattern data on the basis of attribute data when it is determined that the security pattern is necessary; and an image forming section which forms the security pattern onto a record medium together with an image on the basis of the formed security pattern data. A consumption amount of a coloring agent which is consumed when the security pattern to suppress the illegal use of the image creation data is formed can be reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a corresponding lenticular image comprising: providing an output device in communication with a computer having a memory; receiving into the computer memory an interlaced image file; converting the interlaced image file into an output having an output resolution; varying the resolution of the output to define a varied output resolution; and creating a corresponding lenticular image using the output at the varied output resolution. In a preferred embodiment, the output device is a plate setter and the output is a plate. As such, in at least one embodiment, the method is suitable for use with a Computer-to-Plate (“CTP”) system.

Abstract: A method of producing a printing plate on a cylindrical printing-plate carrier includes subdividing the printing-plate carrier by computation in terms of its width and axial length into at least two circumferential subareas. Then an actual transfer characteristic curve for each subarea is determined and compared by computation with a predetermined desired printing characteristic curve for each subarea to find a deviation. The method further includes calculating a correction to compensate for each deviation; receiving a digital image data in a first data format using a raster image processor; converting the digital image data into machine-specific image data including the position and the tonal value in the form of a bitmap; applying the correction for a predetermined desired printing characteristic curve for the edition print to the machine-specific image data using the raster image processor; and supplying the corrected machine-specific image data to an imagesetting unit.

Abstract: A method of transferring a representation of an image to a surface (12) of a building (14). The method comprising receiving the image as an image file, converting the image file to a raster file comprising a series of dots, scaling the raster file to the surface and dividing the raster file into a plurality of sub-components, associating the dots with markings (26), and transferring the markings (26) onto a plurality of metal sheets (24). The markings (26) may be indentations, holes, and/or bumps. The dots may be manipulated to accommodate features (20) of the surface (12), such as windows, doors, indicia (22), and edges of the sheets (24). The markings (26) are preferably transferred to the sheets (24) by a metal working machine (28). Thus, the method may include generating one or more control files that may be used by the machine (28).

Abstract: A method of calibrating a gravure engraving machine includes the steps of providing an engraving signal to the engraving machine to cause production of a cell, measuring the volume of the cell, comparing the measured cell value to a predetermined cell volume and adjusting the engraving cell in accordance with the comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a corresponding lenticular image comprising: providing an output device in communication with a computer having a memory; receiving into the computer memory an interlaced image file; converting the interlaced image file into an output having an output resolution; varying the resolution of the output to define a varied output resolution; and creating a corresponding lenticular image using the output at the varied output resolution. In a preferred embodiment, the output device is a plate setter and the output is a plate. As such, in at least one embodiment, the method is suitable for use with a Computer-to-Plate (“CTP”) system.

Abstract: An image processing scheme that applies engraving-style effects to an image is described. In one embodiment, an initial line pattern is warped to produce a warped line pattern, and an original image is mapped onto the warped line pattern to produce an engraving-style halftone image. In accordance with this image processing scheme, halftone line pattern effects are applied to an image in a manner that preserves sufficient contrast information from the original image that a true engraving-style image may be produced. The result is an image that has a digital engraving effect that simulates a classic old world engraving.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for engraving printing cylinders in an electronic engraving machine, an engraving control signal is formed from an image signal that represents tonal values of cups to be engraved and from a periodic raster signal for generating a printing raster. An engraving stylus of an engraving element controlled by the engraving control signal engraves a printing form in the form of cups arranged in the printing raster in a rotating printing cylinder. For checking of the functionability of the engraving stylus, test cups are engraved simultaneously when engraving the printing form. A respective measurement interval is defined for selected test cups. The raster signal is respectively eliminated from the engraving control signal for the duration of the measurement interval, and the remaining engraving control signal is investigated for harmonics characteristic of damage to the engraving stylus.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for engraving printing cylinders in an electronic engraving machine, an engraving control signal is formed from an image signal, which represents the tonal values of the cups to be engraved, and from a raster signal for generating a printing raster. An engraving stylus of an engraving element controlled by the engraving control signal engraves a printing form engraving line by engraving line in the form of cups arranged in the printing raster in a rotating printing cylinder. Functionability of the engraving stylus is continuously checked during engraving of the printing cylinder by a digital filtering of the engraving control signal in an engraving stylus monitoring device. When damage is found, a control signal is generated that aborts the engraving, or acoustically or optically signals the identified damage to the engraving stylus.

Abstract: In a method for engraving printing cylinders in an electronic engraving machine, printing densities are matched in individual engraving lanes by engraving cups in the printing lanes with which the prescribed characteristic rated printing densities are to be achieved. The actual printing densities are identified by measurement after the printing. A corrected lane calibration is derived for the respective engraving lane from deviations between the rated printing densities and the actual printing densities. The allocated corrected lane calibration is applied in the engraving lanes.

Abstract: An idle distance of an engraving stylus for engraving a rotogravure printing cylinder is set from the cylinder surface of the rotogravure printing cylinder by use of a sliding element that is provided for the guidance of the engraving stylus connected to the sliding element along the cylinder surface during engraving. The setting of the idle distance is undertaken relative to a reference surface that is indicative of the cylinder surface.

Abstract: In a method for calibrating an engraving amplifier in an electronic engraving machine, whereby a vibration signal is used to control the engraving of an engraving element by using engraving tone values representing desired tone values ranging from “light” to “dark”, small cup shapes are engraved. The dimensions of the cup shapes define the real tone values. Transmission functions are initially determined, reproducing correlations between signal values that are adjusted in the engraving amplifier and the resulting changes in the real dimensions of the cup shapes. Sample cup shapes are engraved for predetermined desired tone values using the adjusted signal values for at least one of the parameters such as “vibration”, “light”, “dark” or “mid tone”. Differential values are obtained from real measured dimensions and the predetermined desired dimensions of the sample cup shapes, taking into account the transmission functions, whereby the differential values are used to correct the adjusted signal values.

Abstract: An external drum laser imagesetter providing one or more imaging beams. The drum is rotated in a fast scan direction and the one or more beams are modulated while the beams are moved in a slow scan direction. In one embodiment, the imaging beams are deflected in a slow scan direction to compensate for the spiral advance.

Abstract: Full-format screened data is processed in a computer-implemented method to identify zones that contain printable information. The zones are packed, imaged and made into flexo plates, and elements cut out from the plates for each zone of printable information. The plates use less flexo material than the full-format screened data. The cut elements are accurately placed on a flexo plate carrier to form a set of plates on a carrier for printing the full format screened data.

Abstract: In a method for making and evaluating a sample cut in an engraving machine, an engraving control signal for guiding a stylus is formed from engraving data. The stylus cuts a series of cups. During a trial engraving trial cups are engraved and a video image is made. In accordance with screen parameters, measuring points are fixed in the video image as distances to a selected reference point. Geometric parameters of the trail cups are measured in the video image and are compared to corresponding geometric parameters of the cups representing predetermined tone values. Adjustment values are deduced from this comparison which are used to calibrate the engraving control signal.

Abstract: An engraving element of an electronic engraving machine for engraving printing forms is formed of a shaft oscillating around a longitudinal axis with small rotational angles. A drive system is provided for the shaft with a lever attached to one end of the shaft. An engraving stylus is provided for engraving the printing form, along with a restoring element for the shaft, a bearing for the shaft, and a damping mechanism for the shaft having a damping element secured to the shaft and a stationary damping chamber. The damping element comprises at least one damping disk that is designed circularly at least in regions and extends perpendicular to the shaft. The damping chamber is designed at least as a hollow-cylindrical segment around the shaft into which the damping disk projects and extends at least over the circular region of the damping disk. The damping chamber is filled with a ferro-fluidic fluid as a damping agent.

Abstract: Method of printer color error correction employing the rapid alternate viewing of a scanned original color image file and an image file formed by scanning an image printed by the printer whose error is to be corrected. Color errors appear as a blinking or flickering feature in the viewing monitor. Adjustments are made to the original color image file to eliminate or minimize flicker. The adjusted color file is then employed in printing a color corrected image. Another embodiment provides the method of the invention for real time color correction in images printed on conventional or digital printing presses.

Abstract: The present invention is to disclose a method of hidden patterns and characters, which comprises the following steps of: 1. finishing an original document after a printing design is formed; 2. transforming the original document into a digital document; and 3. performing an anti-counterfeiting treatment to the digital document; 3-1. single-selecting a color plate from a design pattern file of the digital document; 3-2. forming a filter file of the digital document; 3-3. performing a graphic arts lining treatment, which comprises: aligning and overlapping the filter file and the selected color plate and transforming a pattern of the color plate with a darkness/lightness ratio into a linear filling pattern with a corresponding thickness/thinness ratio; and 3-4.

Abstract: A method for characterizing exposure levels in a platesetter comprises exposing regions of a plate at different exposure levels by modulating the power of an exposure beam and then analyzing the plate after development to determine a desired exposure level for plates on the platesetter by reference to the regions receiving the different exposure levels. The plates are preferably exposed in an area outside of a printing area. In this way, the exposure test can be performed as part of the normal plate printing process. The plate is not consumed. Moreover, the plate exposure setting can be constantly monitored throughout production in one implementation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a computer supported plate making method includes: a coordinate layout numbering step, based on an original document or an instruction received from a client, of allocating for a page creation area screen the location and the size of character data and/or image data, which are represented by specific blocks using absolute coordinates, and of adding layout numbers to corresponding character data and/or image data; a character data input step of entering the character data to which the layout number has been added, and of creating, for each of the blocks represented by the absolute values, a file that includes information for a font type, a printing color and a size (Q's); and an image data input step of reading the image data to which the layout number has been added and defining the image data as files corresponding to the layout numbers, whereby, based on proofread letters, a correction is performed for each of the files.

Abstract: In a method for processing signals in an electronic engraving machine for engraving printing forms, in particular printing cylinders used for rotogravure, an engraving control signal is obtained by superimposing engraving data, representing tone values between “white” and “black” which are to be engraved, with a periodic screen signal for generating a gravure screen. The engraving control signal guides the lifting movement of the stylus of an engraving element. As a result of the lifting movement of the stylus, a series of cups arranged in the gravure screen is engraved on the printing form. To compensate an incorrect lifting movement of the stylus (rebound effect, lag effect), the engraving data undergo digital filtering before superposition of the gravure screen.

Abstract: To generate engraving data (6), especially for an engraving cylinder, based on a vectorized printer's copy (1) and a screen stipulation (2), depending on the geometry of the elements contained in the printer's copy, within predefined variation range for the engraving data (6) at least one working screen (4) is chosen which deviates from the screen stipulation (2). In the printer's copy (1) first at least one line element is chosen. Afterwards within the variation range a working screen is determined which is matched to the periodicity of the determined line element with respect to density and/or angle. Then in the printer's copy (1) font elements are chosen and they are matched to the working screen using font hinting data. If necessary also the screen geometries which belong to the different process colors are stretched or flattened in the line direction and/or in the advance direction in order to be aligned to the chosen line element.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a media is able to accommodate, in an imaging position, a drum for loading flat sheets of media or a mandrel for loading sleeve media. The apparatus includes a storage position for locating the drum or mandrel when not in use and provides mechanisms for safe transport of the drum or mandrel between the storage and imaging positions.

Abstract: In a method for operating an engraving member in an electronic engraving machine to engrave printing forms, especially printing cylinders for intaglio printing, a stylus of the engraving member is controlled by an engraving signal and engraves a sequence of cups arranged in a gravure screen in the rotating printing cylinder. The engraving signal is formed by superimposing the image signal representing the tone gradations to be engraved. In order to obtain good quality engraving, the engraving member is heated to a temperature that is close to operating temperature before engraving starts and/or during an interruption of engraving. For this purpose, the engraving member is driven with a periodic signal whose frequency is preferably located inside the ultrasonic range in order to avoid noise disturbances.

Abstract: A semi-digital printer includes a print head assembly that prints an image on a sheet of paper that has been mounted onto a turntable, and a rotating means which rotates the turntable so that the print head assembly ejects ink or toner onto the sheet of paper at one or more predetermined angles. The printing may be halftone or color. If the print head assembly includes more than one print head, the rotating means rotates the turntable to a different angle for each print head. By rotating the turntable in this manner, the printer records an image at any angle (0° to 360°) precisely (i.e., without having to perform the angular approximations required by conventional digital printers). As a result, a printed image of improved quality is produced. Alternatively, the semi-digital printer may be configured so that the print head assembly rotates relative to the paper.

Abstract: In a method for processing signals in an electronic engraving machine for engraving printing forms, engraving control signals for guiding the stylus of an engraving element are obtained from engraving data representing predetermined tone values between “light” (white) and “dark” (black). The stylus engraves a series of cups in the printing form. The cup depths determine the tone values actually engraved. Before engraving, the engraving control signals corresponding to “light” and “dark” are calibrated by adjustment variables so that the engraved “light” and “dark” tone values correspond to the predetermined “light” and “dark” tone values. So that the “light” engraved tone value remains constant when the “dark” tone value changes, the difference between the old “dark” adjustment variable and a new “dark” adjustment variable is formed before engraving.

Abstract: Patterns such as micro-patterns can be created on a surface using a resonant microcavity phosphor display, such as may be used with a cathode ray tube (RMP-CRT). An image can be processed by an image processor as a series of signals and provided to the resonant microcavity phosphor display or RMP-CRT, such as through a control box or control panel. The RMP-CRT scans an electron beam over a photo-sensitive material according to the series of signals. This electron beam can expose any photosensitive material on the surface so as to create a pattern or representation of the image in the photo-sensitive material. This process can be used in applications such as offset printing, as well as printing circuit board components, photoresist-covered substrates, photosensitive biological molecules, photosensitive chemical compounds, bioanalysis chips, and ink-sensitive plates.

Abstract: A method of calculating engraving parameters for a gravure cylinder at a desired raster, cell shape and stylus angle given an estimate of the engraving parameters. The method includes inputting a set of initial parameters including an initial raster, an initial cell shape, an initial stylus angle, an initial highlight width, an initial shadow width, an initial channel width and an initial space. The method proceeds by calculating an initial value of a cell volume from the initial parameters. Next, a set of new parameters are inputted including a desired raster, an estimate of a desired highlight width, an estimate of a desired shadow width, an estimate of a desired channel width and an estimate of a desired space. Then, a new value of the cell volume is calculated from the new parameters.

Abstract: Ablation data of a region other than an image region, which ablation data is required for a positive-type printing plate, is added at a printing plate automatic exposure device side. Thus, a disadvantage of a time duration for transmission of job data from a PC being slowed because of the ablation data is solved. As a result, image recording operations can be made more efficient. Furthermore, the ablation data includes non-exposure portions at regions corresponding to peripheral edge portions of the printing plate. Consequently, light does not impinge on a leading end chuck, a trailing end chuck and the like, and the ablation data can be made suitable for interlaced scanning.

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: The method in general enables an individual to verify personal attendance at an event and to simultaneously record an event for permanent transfer onto a souvenir acquired at the event. In general, the method will transfer the image of an individual's ticket and/or ticket stub along with personalized information which may further include an event summary onto a souvenir available for purchase at the event.

Abstract: A printing and publishing system providing prepress, content management, infrastructure, and workflow services to system subscribers using computers equipped with the AppleTalk communication protocol in real time using a communication network is disclosed herein. The printing and publishing system includes a central service facility and an end-user facility and/or a printing company facility. The end user facility provides page building operations using computers equipped with the AppleTalk communication protocol. The page building operations include the design and construction of pages from images, text, and data available via said communication network. The central service facility provides storage, file processing, remote access, and content management operations. The file processing operations include generating a plate-ready file from pages designed at said end user facility, said plate-ready file having a file format capable of high resolution and ready for creation of a printing plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printing color management system and a printing color management method, wherein a plurality of machine plates, which is associated with a plurality of monochromatic images wherein a color image is color-separated, is created in accordance with image data, and an color image is created in such a manner that the plurality of machine plates is used to sequentially print a plurality of monochromatic images on an overlapping basis. The printing color management system and the printing color management method are capable of creating a printed image closely similar in color to a target printed matter, while an image quality of the printed image is guaranteed.

Abstract: A method of calculating engraving parameters for a gravure cylinder at a desired raster, cell shape and stylus angle given an estimate of the engraving parameters. The method includes inputting a set of initial parameters including an initial raster, an initial cell shape, an initial stylus angle, an initial highlight width, an initial shadow width, an initial channel width and an initial space. The method proceeds by calculating an initial value of a cell volume from the initial parameters. Next, a set of new parameters are inputted including a desired raster, an estimate of a desired highlight width, an estimate of a desired shadow width, an estimate of a desired channel width and an estimate of a desired space. Then, a new value of the cell volume is calculated from the new parameters.

Abstract: In to a method and apparatus for positioning engraving elements in an electronic engraving machine for engraving printing cylinders for rotogravure, at least two engraving lanes of predetermined lane widths lying side-by-side in the axial direction of the printing cylinder are engraved in the form of cups with a respectively allocated engraving element. Before engraving, the axial spacings of the engraving elements from one another must be set to the required lane widths. In order to save time, a manual rough adjustment of the axial spacings of the engraving elements is implemented first. Axial reference position marks whose axial spacings from one another correspond to the lane widths are generated in an apparatus. The engraving elements comprise axial position marks. In the rough positioning, the engraving elements are manually displaced until the position marks are in coincidence with the respectively allocated reference position marks.

Abstract: A method for determining dimensions of an engraved cell formed by an electronic engraving machine, is described. During a test engraving period, test cells are engraved with desired dimensions defining predefined desired tonal values. An engraving element controlled by an engraving control signal is used for engraving a sequence of cells into a rotating printing cylinder resulting in engraved cells. Actual dimensions of the engraved cells represent actual tonal values. A measuring apparatus constructed as a mobile cell measuring instrument is placed on the printing cylinder to be measured. The actual dimensions of the engraved cells are measured and the actual dimensions are compared with the desired dimensions to obtain setting values for calibrating the engraving control signal such that the actual tonal values correspond to the desired tonal values. The actual dimensions of the engraved cells are transmitted wirelessly to a measured value receiver for further processing.

Abstract: Full-format screened data is processed in a computer-implemented method to identify zones that contain printable information. The zones are packed, imaged and made into flexo plates, and elements cut out from the plates for each zone of printable information. The plates use less flexo material than the full-format screened data. The cut elements are accurately placed on a flexo plate carrier to form a set of plates on a carrier for printing the full format screened data.

Abstract: In a method for measuring cups given the engraving of printing cylinders in an electronic engraving machine, an engraver of an engraving member engraves cups into a printing cylinder. The geometric dimensions of the cups represent actual hue values. A video image of the cups is picked up. The contour of a cup is determined in the video image and the geometric dimensions of the cup are determined in that the cup contour is measured. For this purpose, the cup contour in the picked up video image is smoothed by a simulation with a spline function or a general polynomial function, and the geometric dimensions of the cup are determined on the basis of the smoothed cup contour. The determined geometric dimensions are the transverse diagonal, the longitudinal diagonal, the through-cut, the web width, the cup surface or the cup volume.

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: A system that is a central controller for the delivery of content for the purpose of promoting custom imprint/indication services. The system will deliver content on a predetermined, periodic time map to a plurality of users on a multi-tier basis through messaging and other networked delivery means. These users will receive said content via their respective information delivery systems and in turn display said content via their own networked information display platform(s) through multiple paths, all related to the ultimate goal of selling custom imprint/indication services.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the optimal adjustment of imaging systems used to prepare lithographic printing surfaces for a printing press are described. A series of test patterns are imaged while varying a particular imaging parameter. This is followed, if necessary, by processing the plate in processing line. The plate is then returned to the digital imaging system where the reflectivity of the imaged test patterns is measured using a radiation source and detector, to determine the optimal setting for the parameter.

Abstract: A method is described for printing coded marks on identification plates for cables and electrical equipment, such as switches, remote control switches, terminals and the like. The print operation is executed by hot transfer or sublimation of ink from a support ribbon (6) to a printable surface (3b) of a card (3) bearing the plates (2), individually connected to moulding blanks (4) by means of frangible portions (2a, 2b). The printing operation can be executed by means of a peripheral printing unit (7) of the type commonly used for printing credit cards and the like. Alternatively, the coded marks are reproduced on a ribbon shaped support (6) by means of an inkjet or laser peripheral printing unit, and then transferred onto the plates (2) by means of a hot pressing or calendering unit.

Abstract: A method of calculating engraving parameters for a gravure cylinder at a desired raster, cell shape and stylus angle given an estimate of the engraving parameters. The method includes inputting a set of initial parameters including an initial raster, an initial cell shape, an initial stylus angle, an initial highlight width, an initial shadow width, an initial channel width and an initial space. The method proceeds by calculating an initial value of a cell volume from the initial parameters. Next, a set of new parameters are inputted including a desired raster, an estimate of a desired highlight width, an estimate of a desired shadow width, an estimate of a desired channel width and an estimate of a desired space. Then, a new value of the cell volume is calculated from the new parameters.

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. The 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for intelligently placing in a periodic and/or random manner a plurality of whetting areas which facilitate lubricating and/or cooling a doctor blade in a printing press when the cylinder is placed therein. The system and method includes one or more routines which analyzes engraving/etching data and any associated white-span length. One or more whetting areas are placed in a periodic or random pattern in response thereto. The whetting areas facilitate lubricating and/or cooling the doctor blade so that it does not heat beyond a predetermined level, thereby avoiding scoring of the cylinder and problems associated with deterioration of print quality or length of cylinder life resulting from thermo-dynamic expansion and/or undesired evaporation of ink associated with areas which make up the image.