System for dynamically monitoring and controlling a web printing press

Abstract

A system for use with a web printing press for providing overall control of the operations of multiple systems, including a system for measuring the reflective density of printed ink in real time during high speed operation and for controlling the color density and registration of the press. The system digitizes images of targets located in the test print area within an impression and analyzes the images to determine a multiplicity of print characteristics of multiple colors and also determines and controls registration among the various print stations. The system is adapted for use with modern presses having extremely small gap size and extremely small test print area size by initially searching for and locating a registration target pattern and after any necessary adjustment then analyzes digitized images of targets located across the web. The system measures and controls inking and registration of the web up to a key-by-key incremental basis and also includes a process manager for presetting jobs, efficiently carrying out press make-readies, building a database by gathering all necessary operating data on the press and its systems, monitoring press systems and equipment such as the color density and registration control system, web guides, ribbon slicing and convergence systems and the like.