Mdc Max Daetwyler Ag

Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc.

David L Flannery

David R Seitz

Eric J Serenius

Wei Zhao

Michael Duane Christopher

David R Setiz

Thomas P Staub

Kenneth William Jackson

Eric Serenius

Matthew A Thomas

Eric R Auberry

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.

Engraver and method for focusing and measuring areas on a workpiece engraved by the engraver

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. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of engraving ink receptive cells in the surface of a rotating gravure printing cylinder consisting of the steps of generating a cell width command signal comprising a series of cell width commands, engraving the cells by using the cell width command signal to urge an engraving stylus into periodic engraving contact with the surface, measuring actual widths of cells which have been engraved as aforesaid, and adjusting the cell width command signal in correspondence with differences between the actual widths and the cell width commands.

Error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers

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. Other embodiments of the invention illustrate the use of a polarizing element to polarize reflected light, as well as light directed to a surface of the cylinder prior to reflection, and the use of a light emitting diode (LED) for illuminating the surface of the cylinder. The features of the improved optic system facilitate reducing or eliminating image noise, such as glare, &ldquo;blooming&rdquo;, inconsistent illumination, and enhances the quality of the image captured by a CCD array associated with the camera used in the imager or imaging system.

Engraving system and method comprising improved imaging

System and method for focusing, imaging and measuring areas on a

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.

Error tolerant method and system for measuring features of engraved areas

Growing community of inventors

Englewood, OH, United States of America

David L Flannery