Method and system for aligning images printed by a digital printer and an analog cylinder.

Abstract

A technique for aligning images printed by a digital printer and a rotating cylinder includes measuring the position of the substrate on the belt, capturing a digital image of the substrate with a camera, sending the digital image with the camera to a processing device, performing digital image processing on the digital image to identify two shapes, determining the positions of each of the two shapes using the measured positions of the substrate, measuring the distance between the determined positions of each of the two shapes, calculating an error (the error is the difference between the measured distance and the predetermined distance of the two shapes), and adjusting either the speed of the digital printer, the speed of the rotating cylinder, or the speed of the belt based on the error.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Application) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 933,031, filed on September 16, 2022, which is co-pending and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the fields of digital printers and analog cylinders. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for aligning images printed by a digital printer and an analog cylinder.

Background Art

[0003] A printer is a device that enables the transfer of an image onto a printing substrate using various technologies. In digital printing technology, a printing device is an array of piezo nozzles or thermal nozzles each capable of ejecting ink droplets. An image is created by the droplets adhering to the substrate. By having multiple arrays of print heads, it becomes possible to create multi-color images.

[0004] In conventional rotary printing (e.g., silk screen printing), compared to digital printing, one color is imaged through a cylinder with holes corresponding to the points where the ink adheres to the substrate. The ink flowing inside the cylinder is squeezed out through those holes and adheres to the substrate. By having multiple cylinders, it becomes possible to create multi-color images.

[0005] Both digital and analog systems are registered so that printing is performed almost exactly as intended to obtain high-quality results.

[0006] Digital printer alignment is typically achieved and maintained by signals from encoders that measure the movement of the workpiece. In rotary printing presses, the movement of the workpiece is measured by encoders, but due to the large tolerances of the cylinder structure, misalignment between cylinders and other cylinders or digital printers tends to occur.

[0007] An image acquisition alignment method and system is taught in Patent Document 1 by S. Sheng and G. Ji. Specifically, this method provides an imaging device having an image acquisition device and a carrier platform directly opposite the image acquisition device, wherein the carrier platform is movable along the X-axis and / or Y-axis from a reset point; a sample is placed on the carrier platform and the carrier platform is moved so that the image acquisition device scans the sample step by step to determine a rectangular imaging area within the sample area; the rectangular imaging area is divided into a plurality of sub-regions arranged in a matrix; and the carrier platform is moved and the pre-set sub-regions are photographed twice, and the movement errors of the carrier platform during alignment of the image acquisition device with respect to each sub-region are corrected according to the results of the photographs. Such an image acquisition alignment method and system can eliminate movement errors of the carrier platform during image acquisition. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 019143 (Image Acquisition Alignment Method and System), published January 2, 2018. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0009] A technique for aligning images printed by a digital printer and a rotary cylinder includes measuring the position of a substrate on a belt, capturing a digital image of the substrate with a camera, transmitting the digital image to a processing device with the camera, performing digital image processing on the digital image to identify two shapes, determining the position of each of the two shapes using the measured position of the substrate, measuring the distance between the determined positions of the two shapes, measuring the distance between the predetermined positions of the two shapes, calculating an error which is the distance between the predetermined positions of the two shapes, and adjusting the speed of the digital printer, the rotary cylinder, or the belt based on the error. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a measurement system 100 according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a hybrid printing system for aligning images printed by a digital printer and an analog cylinder, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a schematic diagram of a digital printing pattern of a digital marker according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic diagram of an analog printing pattern of an analog marker according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart for aligning images printed by a digital printer and an analog cylinder, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary form of a computer system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In one embodiment, one or more cameras are positioned on the edge of the substrate facing the edge of the substrate. These cameras have a frame rate and resolution sufficient to manage the speed of the machine. With respect to the digital part of the machine, the markers are digital patterns printed on the substrate and recognizable by a software algorithm. With respect to the analog part of the machine, another marker is an analog pattern printed on the substrate and recognizable by a software algorithm. The difference in position between these two markers (for example, whether the two markers fit together or overlap) is calculated each time the cylinder rotates, i.e., for each image. This difference (also referred to in this application as an error) is measured and stored in computer memory in post-processing.

[0012] By collecting such a sequence of measurements, the system determines the following parameter values ​​each time the cylinder rotates: - Error in the belt direction (also called the X-axis); - Error in the belt crossing direction (also called the Y-axis); - The difference in size between a digital image and an analog cylinder; - If there are two cameras, the difference between the images printed on the left and right edges. It is configured to calculate [something].

[0013] In one embodiment, the error parameters are then sent to the digital printing software and the analog cylinder motor driver to correct the misalignment. If the left and right edges of the image are of different sizes, the system is configured to allow the image to be recalculated by software or hardware that can scale the image down or up.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hybrid system 100 according to one embodiment. As an image marker 106 placed on a substrate 104 moves along the printer belt 110 (the movement of the substrate 108 is indicated by an arrow), a camera 102 is positioned to scan and measure the image of the image marker 106. The image marker 106 is shown as a cross in this figure. In one embodiment, there are at least two image markers 106, one for the digital side of the system and the other for the mechanical side of the system. The marks can be placed in any of the predefined shapes, sizes, orientations, and dimensions. In one example, this innovative printer measures whether a first cross of the digital image fits or aligns with a second cross of the mechanical image (or vice versa).

[0015] According to embodiments of this application, this innovative process can be applied to digital single-pass machines and analog rotary machines, as well as to mixed technologies (e.g., digital and rotary, digital).

[0016] Aligning images during the printing process has proven to be difficult, especially given the high speed involved. Therefore, this innovative system and method enables unattended color alignment in prints.

[0017] This innovative system and method is a general system and method that can measure a substrate, whether it is cloth, paper, film, continuous or individual.

[0018] In one embodiment, camera 102 measures the distance between the digital and analog arrangements by capturing the placement of each marker for the digital and mechanical sides of the system and measuring the distance between the two markers. It should be understood that the camera either embeds an algorithm for measuring the distance between the two captured distances or is communicatively connected to this algorithm via a network. Next, this innovative system configured appropriately corrects the specific discrepancies found in the calculated distances.

[0019] In one embodiment, the markers are imprinted on a printed body such as a fabric, like other parts of the image. For example, when a designer programs a design, the designer programs the instructions to place the markers within the design at the edge of the fabric for measurement.

[0020] Exemplary Embodiments One embodiment can be understood by referring to the figures. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a hybrid printing system for aligning images printed by a digital printer and an analog cylinder. As an example, this figure shows where the printing system 200 is printing on a printing substrate 202 which is a fabric. This particular printing table or bed 201 is considered a large printer as it is about 30 feet in length. In this particular figure, the fabric 202 is fed to one end of the machine. The fabric is mechanically placed on an adhesive moving belt 204 to help maintain alignment of the printing substrate 202 as it passes through the printing system 200. As the printing substrate 202 moves along the belt 204, it moves under the printing bar 206. In this figure, eight bars or modules are shown. It should be understood that the number of printing bars is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to this. For example, there could be six or ten printing bars. As the printing substrate 202 moves under the printing bar 206, the printing bar 206 jets ink onto the fabric 202. In this particular example, there are eight bars printing eight colors. In one embodiment, these bars print digitally. Thus, such a bar 206 functions as an inkjet printer (e.g., one color per bar).

[0021] Next, after passing under eight bars, the fabric reaches cylinder 208. In one embodiment, cylinder 208 is a mechanically printing rotary cylinder. It should be understood that the printing system 200 can be configured to have one or more (e.g., two) cylinders, and one cylinder 208 is for illustrative purposes only. In one embodiment, a specific image is engraved on cylinder 208. Ink is transferred from the cylinder to the fabric, and then the image engraved on the cylinder is printed, for example, by standard rotary screen printing techniques. For example, a cylindrical mesh is used to transfer the ink (or dye) to the print body, except for areas where the ink does not penetrate due to a blocking screen. While the rotary screen rotates, the color is applied from the inside. A separate screen is required for each color of the design to be printed. The screen rotates in contact with the print body, and printing paste is supplied from the inside of the screen. The paste is pushed out from the inside of the screen by a metal squeegee blade or magnetic rod. In rotary screen printing, the fabric and substrate move continuously within the machine, but the fabric is attached to a continuous, washable rubber belt. The printed substrate is removed from the end of the machine and dried.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the cylinder is manufactured, the process also engraves an image onto the cylinder by a technique including, but not limited to, ultraviolet (UV) printing or laser technology. As for the mechanical parts, the cylinder has an image that, once engraved, is not altered.

[0023] Therefore, the printing press 200 is configured to perform both digital printing and mechanical or analog printing.

[0024] In one embodiment, the belt 204 moves at a high speed of approximately 90 meters per minute. The machine's speed can be, for example, close to zero, or from 1 meter per minute to several hundred meters per minute.

[0025] In one embodiment, after the substrate or fabric has passed under the cylinder, such substrate is typically subjected to further processing (such as, but not limited to, a dryer or other system).

[0026] In one embodiment, the printing system 200 includes a bridge 210. Above the bridge 210 is a carriage element 212 on which a camera 213 moves. In one embodiment, the camera 213 is positioned to oversee or focus on a substrate, fabric 202, moving along a belt 204. The camera 213 is used in a process to check the quality of alignment between a digital printing process or element and an analog printing process or element (206 and 208).

[0027] In one embodiment, the camera 213 is positioned relative to the edge of the substrate. The substrate can be wide or narrow. The camera 213 can move to the edge of the substrate. Therefore, the carriage 212 can be used to slide or move the camera to a desired position on the bridge 210.

[0028] Reasons for using both digital and analog methods In one embodiment, it is desirable to have both digital and analog printing capabilities. It has been found that using digital printing without analog printing can have several limitations. For example, digital printing configurations may not be able to print inks containing metals such as gold, silver, and copper. In the fashion industry, it has been found that printing T-shirts with certain metallic inks is desirable. Inks containing metals are dangerous to the printheads of digital printers. These types of metallic inks have been found to clog printheads (e.g., 206). Therefore, it is desirable to use an analog printing mechanism for printing metallic inks. This innovative hybrid printer 200 provides an improved, more robust printing system.

[0029] Marker In one embodiment, a digital designer prints a marker (e.g., 106) onto a substrate (e.g., fabric or 104). Marker designs include, but are not limited to, circles, crosses, or circles with crosses. An example of a digital print pattern for a digital marker is shown in Figure 3A, and an example of an analog print pattern for an analog marker is shown in Figure 3B. The substrate is pre-printed with a marker for the analog aspect of this innovation and another marker for the digital aspect of this innovation, for example, as shown by 106 in Figures 3A and 3B, respectively.

[0030] A camera pointed downwards at the substrate captures images of both markers and calculates or measures the distance between the two markers. Based on this distance, the innovation will then perform a correction. Specifically, the moving position of the substrate is measured by a digital measuring system such as a rotary or linear encoder. The camera continuously captures digital images taken from the substrate. The image data is transferred to a processing device (e.g., a personal computer, electronic board, etc.). This processing device continuously searches for specific patterns on the substrate (e.g., shown in Figures 3A and 3B). There are two different shapes, one for digital and one for analog. If the image contains a specific shape, the processing device identifies that shape and calculates its position obtained from the encoder on the substrate. If the two patterns must have a predefined distance (specified by the designer and stored in the processing device), the processing device can calculate the difference (or error) in the actual positions. If the error is greater than a pre-set tolerance, a correction is performed, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0031] Examples of correction processes include, but are not limited to, delaying or postponing digital printing so that the distance between two markers is appropriate. Since the desired result is to create a single design, coordination between the analog and digital printing processes is crucial. For example, a designer might want to print gold ink within digitally printed flowers. In this case, random printing of the gold ink would be undesirable.

[0032] Two directions In one embodiment, measurements are taken in two directions (e.g., x and y directions), as indicated by the cross 106 in Figure 1. That is, one direction is the direction in which the substrate moves forward, as indicated by the arrow 108 in Figure 1. In one embodiment, this direction, i.e., the forward movement of the substrate, is considered the primary direction. However, in another embodiment, another direction to consider is the direction perpendicular to the cross 108, i.e., the y direction across the width of the substrate.

[0033] Therefore, in one embodiment, one way to compensate for an unacceptable difference between analog and digital measurements is to slow down or speed up (for example, increase) the movement of the substrate 104 in the direction of arrow 108.

[0034] In one embodiment, the system is configured to correct a second direction (e.g., a direction along the width of the printout) by electronically moving the digital printer. For example, the system can be configured to transmit or shift print data or image data in a new way. That is, the system can be configured to shift image data up or down in the direction of the width of the printout, or to shift it perpendicular to arrow 108.

[0035] Therefore, this system can be configured to be adjusted or corrected electronically rather than mechanically.

[0036] In another embodiment, the rotating cylinder (e.g., 208), which is a mechanical part of the system, can also be adjusted (for example, moved to correct an undesirable alignment). In one embodiment, the cylinder (e.g., 208) is moved in the y-direction (i.e., along an axis perpendicular to the movement of the workpiece (e.g., 202)). up Below ) It can be moved. In one embodiment, the system consists of a motor attached to a cylinder that enables movement of the cylinder in the y-direction.

[0037] It has been found that moving or adjusting a digital printer is considered easier because, compared to moving a rotating cylinder, the object being adjusted is electronic data.

[0038] Therefore, this innovation provides alignment for hybrid machines that print both digitally and mechanically, and for such hybrid systems.

[0039] Textiles Furthermore, this innovation provides alignment for hybrid machines that print both digitally and mechanically, and for such hybrid systems that print textiles and fabrics.

[0040] Textiles have proven to be difficult to print on. For example, textiles contain mesh that is visible to the human eye if viewed carefully. This mesh consists of intersecting wires or threads, which are difficult to capture with a camera. It has also been found that problems such as fabric shrinkage can occur. Furthermore, when an image is printed onto the material, the surface absorbs a large amount of ink. The final dimensions may differ from what the user or printing operator expects. For example, if a machine is configured to print a value of 1 centimeter in diameter, depending on the fabric, the actual value may be several percent less or more. Therefore, this innovation employs or processes an image analysis algorithm suitable for capturing the dimensions of the mesh as described above.

[0041] Camera - Frame rate and resolution In one embodiment, a camera (e.g., 102 or 213) has a frame rate and resolution sufficient to control the speed of the machine to capture markers (e.g., 106) on the workpiece (e.g., 104 or 202) passing under the camera along a belt (e.g., 110 or 204). The resolution and frame rate can be varied depending on the belt speed and the size of the markers. Typical values ​​are 20 frames per second and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. An example of machine speed (e.g., speed of the workpiece passing under the printhead and camera) is 90 meters per minute.

[0042] Calculation of the difference between markers In one embodiment, the difference between two markers is calculated for each image, each time the cylinder rotates. It should be understood that one copy of the image is printed for each rotation of the cylinder. Each rotation of the cylinder becomes one photograph or image. A sensor attached to a fixed part of the machine can detect each rotation of the cylinder and cause a camera to capture an image. In one embodiment, the camera captures images of the two markers and calculates, or has calculated, the error or distance between the two markers. The measured error is stored in computer memory.

[0043] In one embodiment, digital printing server technology is employed and processed to perform digital printing operations (e.g., operation of print head 206). Thus, such digital printing server technology can be adapted to calculate and store errors between markers. In another embodiment, one or more cameras are configured to capture each image of a marker, calculate the difference between markers, and store that difference (also referred to in this application as “error”) in local memory or remote memory.

[0044] An example of measurement is as follows: Digital pattern position: 13.023 microns Analog pattern position: 10,500 microns Nominal distance of the two patterns: 3,000 microns Measurement distance = 13.023 - 10.500 = 2.523 microns Error = 2.523 - 3.000 = -477 microns

[0045] Size calculation and alignment In one embodiment, the processor calculates the difference between the size of the digital image and the size of the image produced by the analog cylinder. In other words, this system performs another type of error correction. The printer (e.g., 200 or 100) or the application running the printer prints a mechanically printed image on top of a digitally printed image, or vice versa, depending on the desired configuration of the printer. However, the mechanical cylinder may produce a slightly different size compared to the digital, or vice versa. Typically, the measured size difference is on the order of 1 / 10 of a millimeter for a 1-meter image. A common size error is on the order of 10-20% of the size. With a typical analog printer, the size is less than 1,500 millimeters, so the error is less than 300 millimeters. A camera with a field of view of about 300 millimeters and sufficient resolution to manage the desired error is sufficient.

[0046] For example, this system can detect a size difference of 1 meter in digital printing and 1 meter and 1 / 10th of a millimeter in mechanical printing. According to embodiments of this application, the system is configured to stretch a mechanical image or enlarge a digital image to match the two images as designed and intended. In other words, this innovative system ensures that the digital size matches the mechanical size (or vice versa).

[0047] How to change the size According to embodiments of this application, there are two methods for resizing. The first implementation is to send a message to a digital processor or server containing a request to stretch or enlarge the size of an image. For example, an image can be stretched horizontally (X-axis), vertically (Y-axis), or in both directions. Similarly, it is also possible to request that the size of an image be reduced. The computer's response to a request to stretch or reduce a digital image may be delayed, for example, by several seconds. However, after the initial delay, the computer has already adjusted the digital printing to create the image at the new desired size.

[0048] A second implementation of resizing an image is to resize a mechanical image. More specifically, this system can resize a mechanical image by changing the speed of a cylinder.

[0049] Number of cameras In one embodiment, two cameras are employed to measure the difference between images printed on the left and right sides, or top and bottom, of the substrate. These cameras can be positioned on either side of the belt. It has been found that using a single camera makes it possible to align the positions of the images measured by the difference between their respective markers. However, at least two cameras are employed to also measure the alignment of the image sizes. It should be understood that multiple cameras can be integrated into the system and method.

[0050] In one embodiment, two cameras are present, one at the right edge of the design and one at the left edge, to compensate for width and Y-offset errors. The two cameras capture analog and digital markers on both the left and right sides. The relevant captured variables can be referred to as follows: [Table 1]

[0051] The offset errors for digital and analog images are as follows: Offset error = YRA - YRD On the other hand, the width errors for digital and analog images are as follows: The width of analog printing is = YRA - YLA The width of digital printing is = YRD - YLD The width error between the two images will look like this: Width error = YRA - YLA - (YRD - YLD)

[0052] Other embodiments for determining the error include using a subset of parameters in the error calculation, using three or more cameras to capture images of the material to be printed and using additional variables in the error calculation, and using other relationships between any of the aforementioned variables in the error calculation.

[0053] correction In one embodiment, the computer calculates a difference or error but does not send that difference or error directly to the correction processor. Sending the difference directly to the correction processor could cause the system to malfunction due to one anomaly that could cause some instability in the printing process, for example, a false positive. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the system generates a correction type calculation based on an average or other predefined alignment plan. For example, the system can be configured to calculate the average of the differences from any 5 to 10 rotations of the cylinder. In a more specific example, the difference of the image from 5 cylinder rotations is calculated and sent to a correction algorithm such as a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm. In another example, the captured YRA, YLA, YRD, and YLD values ​​are stored in an array of numbers. The length of the array can be freely large. Errors in width and offset can be calculated using the average error, but the outer values ​​are excluded.

[0054] Non-hybrid embodiment It should be understood that the machine (e.g., 200 or 100) can be configured to adjust only when operating the side of the digital printer (e.g., the print head) or only when operating the side of the printer's cylinder. For example, this innovative process can be carried out in a single pass, with a second set of print heads spraying ink onto the image immediately after it has been printed by a first set of print heads. In one example, the first digital color can be used as a reference, and other digital colors can be moved by this system. All colors can be printed in different patterns, and the camera can slow down or speed up the printing to print such patterns in the correct position.

[0055] Exemplary process An exemplary process for aligning images printed by a digital printer and an analog cylinder can be understood by referring to Figure 4. Method 400 includes measuring the position of the substrate (104 in Figure 1 and 202 in Figure 2) on a belt (110 in Figure 1 and 204 in Figure 2) using an encoder in step 410.

[0056] Method 400 includes, in step 420, having a first camera (102 in Figure 1 and 213 in Figure 2) capture at least one digital image of the substrate.

[0057] Method 400 includes, in step 430, having the processor of the first camera (501 in Figure 5) transmit at least one digital image to a processing device (511 in Figure 5).

[0058] Method 400 includes, in step 440, having a processing device perform digital image processing on at least one digital image to identify two shapes (e.g., Figure 3A and Figure 3B).

[0059] Method 400 includes, in step 450, in response to the identification of two shapes, the processing device using the measured position of the substrate to determine the respective positions of the two shapes (e.g., 106 in Figure 1).

[0060] Method 400 includes, in step 460, the processing device measuring the distance between the respective determined positions of the two shapes.

[0061] Method 400 includes, in step 470, the processing device calculating an error which is the difference between the measured distance and a predetermined distance between the two shapes.

[0062] Method 400 includes, in step 480, adjusting one of the following based on the error: the speed of the digital printer (e.g., 206 in Figure 2), the speed of the rotating cylinder (e.g., 208 in Figure 2), or the speed of the belt.

[0063] An example of a machine overview Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a portion of a device according to some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Device 511 may include processor electronics 501, such as a microprocessor, that implements one or more of the technologies presented in this document. Device 511 may include a network interface 503 for sending and / or receiving data via one or more communication interfaces 509 (e.g., Ethernet). Device 511 may include one or more memories 507 configured to store information such as data or instructions. Device 511 may further include an application manager 505. In some implementations, the processor electronics 501 may include at least one of the network interface 503 and / or the application manager 505. In some embodiments, at least one of the disclosed technologies, modules, or functions is implemented using device 511. For example, device 511 may be used to implement a processor that performs method 500. In such embodiments, device 511 may store portions of media files, encryption keys, and certificates in one or more memories 507.

[0064] Some of the embodiments described in this application are described in the general context of a method or process, but in one embodiment they may be implemented by a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions such as program code executed by a computer in a network environment. The computer-readable medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including (but not limited to) read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc. Thus, the computer-readable medium may include non-temporary storage media. Generally, a program module may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. Computer or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for performing steps of the method disclosed in this application. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding operation for implementing the functionality described in such steps or processes.

[0065] Some of the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as devices or modules using hardware circuits, software, or a combination thereof. For example, hardware circuit implementations may include, for instance, individual analog and / or digital components integrated as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively or in addition, the disclosed components or modules may be implemented as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and / or Field Gate Programmable Array (FGPA) devices. Some implementations may, alternatively or in addition, include a digital signal processor (DSP), which is a specialized microprocessor with an architecture optimized for the operational needs of digital signal processing related to the functions disclosed herein. Similarly, various components or subcomponents within each module may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware. Connectivity between modules and / or between components within modules may include communication over the Internet, wired, or wireless networks using appropriate protocols, but can be provided using any of the connection methods and media known in the art (but not limited to these).

[0066] Although the present invention is described in this application with respect to several embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other applications can be used instead of those described in this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be limited only by the claims included below.

Claims

1. A method for aligning images printed by a digital printer and an analog cylinder, wherein the method is The encoder measures the measured position of the substrate on the belt; The first camera captures at least one digital image of the printing substrate; The first camera processor transmits the at least one digital image to a processing device; The processing device performs digital image processing on the at least one digital image to identify two shapes; In response to the identification of the two shapes, the processing device determines the position of each of the two shapes using the measured position of the substrate; The processing device measures the measured distance between the determined positions of the two shapes; The processing device calculates an error which is the difference between the measured distance and a predetermined distance between the two shapes; The steps include adjusting the image data position of the digital printer, the speed of the analog cylinder, or the speed of the belt based on the aforementioned error. A method for providing this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one of the two shapes is a digital printing pattern and the other shape is an analog printing pattern.

3. A step of using a second camera, wherein the first camera is positioned at the right edge of the design on the substrate, and the second camera is positioned at the left edge of the design; Each camera captures the digital print pattern and the analog print pattern positioned at the right and left edges of the design; A step of setting four parameters based on the digital print pattern and the analog print pattern captured by the camera, wherein the four parameters include a left analog value (YLA), a right analog value (YRA), a left digital value (YLD), and a right digital value (YRD). Furthermore, it is equipped with, The step of calculating the aforementioned error is further, The offset error between the digital print pattern and the analog print pattern is Offset error = YRA - YRD The steps to calculate as follows: The error between the width of the digital print pattern and the width of the analog print pattern is Width of analog printing pattern = YRA - YLA Digital printing pattern width = YRD - YLD The steps to calculate as follows: and The sum of the width errors between the digital print pattern and the analog print pattern is: Width error = YRA - YLA - (YRD - YLD) The steps to calculate as follows: The method according to claim 2, comprising:

4. The process includes the step of storing multiple YRA, YLA, YRD, and YLD values ​​in an array, The length of the aforementioned array can be freely increased, and The step of calculating the aforementioned error further uses the mean error with the outer numbers excluded. The method according to claim 3.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the position of the image data in the digital printer comprises the step of shifting the digitally printed image data in the direction of the width of the substrate.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the analog cylinder comprises moving the analog cylinder along an axis perpendicular to the movement of the object to be printed.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the digital printer comprises enlarging or reducing the size of the digitally printed image.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the analog cylinder includes changing the speed of the analog cylinder to change the size of the mechanical image.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance between the two shapes is provided by the designer.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the camera is mounted on a movable carriage integrated into a bridge that straddles the belt along a lateral axis relative to the movement of the belt.

11. A system comprising a digital printer and an analog cylinder, for aligning images printed by the digital printer and the analog cylinder, wherein the system An encoder configured to measure the measured position of a printed object on a belt; A first camera configured to capture at least one digital image of the printing substrate; A processor for the first camera, configured to transmit the at least one digital image to a processing device, The processing device is configured to perform digital image processing on the at least one digital image to identify two shapes. The processing device is further configured to determine the position of each of the two shapes using the measured position of the substrate in response to the identification of the two shapes, The processing device is further configured to measure the measured distance between the determined positions of each of the two shapes, The processing device is further configured to calculate an error, which is the difference between the measured distance and a predetermined distance between the two shapes. The processor of the first camera; and An adjustment processor configured to either move the image data position of a digital printer or adjust the speed of an analog cylinder based on the aforementioned error. A system equipped with these features.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein one of the two shapes is a digital printing pattern and the other shape is an analog printing pattern.

13. A second camera, wherein the first camera is positioned at the right edge of the design on the substrate, and the second camera is positioned at the left edge of the design. Each camera is configured to capture the digital and analog print patterns positioned at the right and left edges of the design. Second camera; and A setting processor configured to set four parameters based on the digital print pattern and the analog print pattern captured by the camera, wherein the four parameters include a left analog value (YLA), a right analog value (YRA), a left digital value (YLD), and a right digital value (YRD). Equipped with, The processing device further, The offset error between the digital print pattern and the analog print pattern is Offset error = YRA - YRD Calculate as follows: The error between the width of the digital print pattern and the width of the analog print pattern is The width of the analog print pattern is = YRA - YLA The width of a digital print pattern is = YRD - YLD Calculate as follows; and The sum of the width errors of the digital print pattern and the analog print pattern is Width error = YRA - YLA - (YRD - YLD) Calculate as follows The system is configured to calculate the aforementioned error. The system according to claim 12.

14. It includes storage configured to store multiple YRA, YLA, YRD, and YLD values ​​in an array, The length of the aforementioned array can be freely increased, and The processing device is further configured to calculate the error using the mean error with the outer values ​​excluded. The system according to claim 13.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment processor is further configured to shift the digitally printed image data in the direction of the width of the substrate.

16. The system according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment processor is further configured to adjust the analog cylinder by moving the analog cylinder along an axis perpendicular to the movement of the object to be printed.

17. The system according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment processor is further configured to adjust the digital printer by enlarging or reducing the size of the digitally printed image.

18. The system according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment processor is further configured to adjust the analog cylinder by changing the speed of the analog cylinder and changing the size of the mechanical image.

19. The system according to claim 11, wherein a predetermined distance between the two shapes is provided by the designer.

20. The system according to claim 11, wherein the camera is mounted on a movable carriage integrated into a bridge that straddles the belt along a lateral axis relative to the movement of the belt.

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