Registration of sheet materials using statistical targets and method

Abstract

Method and apparatus operates on recognizable target images disposed on upper and lower layers of master photographic images, and on apertures formed in an intermediate layer to resolve positional misalignments and requisite correctional movements of the layers to align upper and lower layers with the intermediate layer within tolerances that are improved by multiple samples of position data pertaining to the apertures formed in the intermediate layer. Inspection cameras produce output data signals representative of target images and aperture patterns detected by inspection cameras that are positioned to establish fields of view encompassing aperture patterns on an intermediate layer and distinguishable target images on upper and lower layers. A computer responsive to the output data signals from the inspection cameras segregate the recognizable target images and aperture patterns and produce output control signals to mechanical translators coupled to the intermediate panel and to one of the upper and lower layers for selectively positioning the movable layers along orthogonal and skew axes to align the positions of the three layers with improved accuracy.