Registration control unit for print manufacturing process

Abstract

The present invention provides a alignment control unit for a printing manufacturing process that corrects the printing manufacturing state based on an imposition placement map and die path data in a printing manufacturing process, comprising: a position data receiving unit that receives manufacturing data including the imposition placement map and die path data; a vision sensing unit that captures the printing manufacturing state in real time during the printing manufacturing process to acquire image data; an alignment analysis unit that analyzes the image data to calculate actual coordinates for the current printing manufacturing state and calculates a position alignment error by comparing the actual coordinates with the target coordinates of the manufacturing data; a correction value generating unit that generates a correction control value for manufacturing equipment so that the position alignment error becomes less than or equal to a preset reference value; and a correction signal transmission unit that transmits the correction control value in real time in a closed-loop feedback manner to an equipment control unit that controls the manufacturing equipment to perform a correction operation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment control unit for a printed material manufacturing process. More specifically, it relates to an alignment control unit capable of detecting positional errors and color errors occurring during the actual printing process in real time and automatically correcting them based on an imposition layout map and die-cut path data generated in the printing manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] In typical printing manufacturing processes, imposition layouts and cutting paths are generated in advance based on order data, and digital printing and cutting equipment perform operations based on this manufacturing data. However, during the actual printing process, problems arise where the planned positional relationship between the print shape and the cutting line is misaligned due to various factors, such as minute vibrations during material transport, temperature fluctuations in the equipment, variations in roller tension, and repeatability errors in the head drive system. Since these errors occur and accumulate in real-time during the process, it is difficult to maintain stable product quality through post-production inspection alone.

[0003] In particular, for high-resolution printed materials, packaging boxes, and labels, the precision of alignment between the print shape and the die-cut path is a critical factor in determining product quality; therefore, even minute errors can lead to a rapid increase in the defect rate. Traditionally, methods have involved operators manually checking reference marks or performing offline corrections via the equipment's front panel; however, these approaches suffer from slow response times and limited correction accuracy. Furthermore, in recent high-speed, high-volume printing environments, printing and cutting equipment operates at extremely high speeds, making it difficult to perform real-time quality control using manual verification methods.

[0004] As such, existing printing manufacturing processes faced a problem where print quality control was difficult due to a lack of functionality to immediately detect and correct discrepancies between manufacturing data-based alignment standards and the actual print state. Prior art literature

[0005] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0951195 The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention was developed to solve the problems of the prior art. The objective of the present invention is to provide a alignment control unit capable of detecting positional and color errors occurring during the actual printing process in real time and automatically correcting them, based on imposition layout maps and die-cut path data generated in the printing manufacturing process. means of solving the problem

[0007] The present invention provides a alignment control unit for a printing manufacturing process that corrects the alignment of a printing manufacturing state based on an imposition placement map and die path data in a printing manufacturing process, comprising: a position data receiving unit that receives manufacturing data including the imposition placement map and die path data; a vision sensing unit that captures the printing manufacturing state in real time during the printing manufacturing process to acquire image data; an alignment analysis unit that analyzes the image data to calculate actual coordinates for the current printing manufacturing state and calculates a position alignment error by comparing the actual coordinates with the target coordinates of the manufacturing data; a correction value generating unit that generates a correction control value for manufacturing equipment so that the position alignment error becomes less than or equal to a preset reference value; and a correction signal transmission unit that transmits the correction control value in real time in a closed-loop feedback manner to an equipment control unit that controls the manufacturing equipment to perform a correction operation.

[0008] At this time, the vision sensing unit captures the reference mark and the outline of the printed shape printed on the printed material during the printing manufacturing process, and the alignment analysis unit analyzes the image data to calculate the actual coordinates for the reference mark and the outline of the printed shape, and can compare the actual coordinates with the target coordinates.

[0009] In addition, the above correction value generation unit can generate a combination of correction control values ​​for the cutting head, the print head, and the print material transfer device.

[0010] In addition, the correction value generation unit can generate a correction control value to adjust the printing fabric transfer speed or tension of the printing fabric transfer device based on the positional alignment error between the actual coordinates and the target coordinates for the reference mark.

[0011] In addition, the correction value generation unit can generate a correction control value to adjust the movement path of the cutting head based on the position alignment error between the actual coordinates and the target coordinates for the outline of the printed shape.

[0012] In addition, the correction value generation unit can generate a correction control value to adjust the ink ejection timing of the print head based on the positional alignment error between the actual coordinates and target coordinates for the reference mark and the positional alignment error between the actual coordinates and target coordinates for the printed shape outline.

[0013] In addition, the correction value generation unit can dynamically adjust the magnitude of the correction control value based on the magnitude of the position alignment error or the rate of change over time so as to prevent excessive correction operation of the manufacturing equipment according to the correction control value.

[0014] In addition, the matching analysis unit analyzes the image data to further calculate actual color information regarding the current printing manufacturing state, compares the actual color information with the target color information of the manufacturing data to calculate a color matching error, and the correction value generation unit can generate a correction control value for the manufacturing equipment so that the color matching error becomes less than or equal to a preset reference value. Effects of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention, by detecting the difference between target coordinates based on manufacturing data and the actual printing state in real time and automatically correcting it, the alignment precision between the printing shape and the cutting path can be improved, thereby ensuring stable printing quality.

[0016] In addition, by applying vision sensing-based real-time coordinate analysis technology, quality changes such as reference marks, outlines, and color patches can be automatically monitored without operator intervention, which has the effect of immediately correcting errors occurring during the production process and minimizing the defect rate.

[0017] In addition, by dynamically adjusting the correction amount by considering the magnitude and trend of the matching error, it is possible to prevent over-correction of the equipment, thereby protecting the equipment and maintaining a stable operating state. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an integrated package automation system for a printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional classification of the server configuration of an integrated package automation system for a custom-made printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional classification of the configuration of the imposition and die-cut optimization unit of a printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional classification of the configuration of a matching control unit of a printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] First, it should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions could obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0021] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is 'connected,' 'supported,' 'connected,' 'supplied,' 'transmitted,' or 'contacted' with another component, it should be understood that while the connection, support, connection, supply, transmission, or contact may be direct to that other component, there may also be other components present in between.

[0022] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] Furthermore, it should be noted in advance that expressions such as "upper side," "lower side," and "side" in this specification are described based on the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the orientation of the object changes. For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size.

[0024] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0025] The meaning of "comprising" as used in the specification is to specify certain characteristics, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, and does not exclude the existence or addition of other specific characteristics, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an integrated package automation system for a custom-made printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally classifying and illustrating the server configuration of an integrated package automation system for a custom-made printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally classifying and illustrating the configuration of an imposition and die-cut optimization unit for a printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention relates to a alignment control unit that precisely aligns and corrects the print manufacturing state based on an imposition placement map and die line path data in a print manufacturing process.

[0028] The alignment control unit of the present invention may be composed of a single automation engine applied to a custom-made integrated package automation system for a printed material manufacturing process. Of course, the present invention may be applied to a separate printing manufacturing process rather than to a custom-made integrated package automation system; however, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the following description is based on its application to a custom-made integrated package automation system.

[0029] First, let us briefly look at the custom-made integrated package automation system for the printing process. This system is a system that integrates and automates a series of processes from the customer order stage to the manufacturing stage. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it includes a server (20) that communicates with a customer terminal (10). Inside the server (20), there are an order receiving unit (110), a manufacturing data generating unit (120), an estimate calculation unit (130), a work group generating unit (140), a production order generating unit (150), and a schedule generating unit (160).

[0030] To briefly examine the configuration of the customer terminal (10) and the server (20), the customer terminal (10) is connected to the server (20) via a communication network. When an information request signal is transmitted to the server (20) through the customer terminal (10), the server (20) can transmit visualization information corresponding to the information request signal to the customer terminal (10). The customer terminal (10) can output the visualization information transmitted from the server (20) through an output device.

[0031] The customer terminal (20) may be a computer device, but is not limited thereto, and may include a smartphone, mobile phone, navigation device, laptop, digital broadcasting terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), tablet PC, etc. For example, the customer terminal (20) may communicate with the server (20) through a communication network using a wireless or wired communication method.

[0032] The communication network is not limited to any communication method and may include, for example, communication methods utilizing mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, and broadcasting networks, as well as short-range wireless communication between devices. For example, the communication network may include any one or more networks such as PAN (personal area network), LAN (local area network), CAN (campus area network), MAN (metropolitan area network), WAN (wide area network), BBN (broadband network), and the Internet. Additionally, the communication network may include any one or more network topologies such as bus networks, star networks, ring networks, mesh networks, star-bus networks, tree or hierarchical networks, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a customer terminal (10) can input and transmit information request signals through a web-based program provided by a server (20) or output received visualization information on a screen. For example, the server (10) can variably utilize resources for a large number of user services based on a Micro Service Architecture (MSA). Through this, the same user environment can be provided on various platforms such as PCs, tablets, and mobile phones without a separate dedicated app. However, it is not limited thereto, and the customer terminal (10) can input and transmit information request signals or output received visualization information on a screen through a dedicated app provided separately by the server (20). Here, the dedicated app may be provided through an app market of a known smartphone operating system, such as an Android store or an app store, or may be provided directly by the server (20).

[0034] The server (20) has the same hardware configuration as a conventional web server and, in terms of software, can include program modules that perform various functions by being implemented through various forms of languages ​​such as C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, Visual C, etc. Additionally, it can be implemented on general server hardware using web server programs provided according to operating systems such as DOS, Windows, Linux, Unix, Macintosh, Android, and iOS.

[0035] The customer can select the desired product type through the customer terminal (10), check the template screen corresponding to the selected product, and then input order parameters including product dimensions, material, color options, printing method, coating method, whether variable data is included, etc.

[0036] The template displayed on the customer terminal (10) is not a simple UI form, but a data model designed based on the unfolded structure used in the actual printing manufacturing process, and may be provided in a predefined state including the product outline, the relative position of the fold surface, the arrangement of the adhesive surface, the directionality of the adhesive tab, and the arrangement pattern of the cutting line and the fold line. This template may be stored in a combined form of dimensional constraints and shape constraints so that the overall structural balance is maintained even if the user changes the product size or modifies specific options.

[0037] When the order receiving unit (110) of the server (20) receives template identification information and order parameters transmitted from the customer terminal (10), it converts them into an internal data structure for generating manufacturing data and stores them. At this time, the data stored may include not only simple dimensional information but also the relative position of each element included in the template, folding order, bonding method, distribution of printable areas, and coordinate information of safe areas and prohibited areas.

[0038] The template includes predefined template rules based on the product type, and these rules hierarchically store the product's dimensional tolerances, cut line placement rules, folding methods, and adhesive structures. The dimensional rules include minimum and maximum allowable values ​​for width, length, and height, and when a customer enters dimensions, they are automatically validated to ensure that the values ​​are set only within these tolerances.

[0039] Cutting line rules enforce that the cutting line maintains a certain minimum distance from the fold line, and by limiting the angle and length of the point where the cutting line intersects the outline according to specific standards, they can prevent cutting breakage during post-processing. Folding rules define the folding direction, folding angle, and folding sequence based on the unfolded structure, and can ensure that printed objects on both sides of the fold line are spaced apart by a specific distance to prevent interference between the fold surface and the printed surface. Adhesion rules define not only the shape and location of the adhesive tab but also the positional relationship of the opposing surface to which the adhesive surface contacts, allowing the design to consider whether the product tilts or opens after bonding.

[0040] In addition, the template clearly distinguishes between printable and non-printable areas, ensuring that key printable objects, such as logos or text, do not overlap with fold or cut lines. For example, the safe zone is an area where printing is prohibited within a certain distance to prevent damage to printed elements even if errors occur during the cutting process, and the manufacturing rule engine can automatically adjust objects that encroach upon this zone or provide warnings to the user during the order entry stage.

[0041] The manufacturing data generation unit (120) applies order parameters received through the order receiving unit (110) to the manufacturing rule engine to verify combinations that cannot be manufactured according to constraints and generates manufacturing data for manufacturing a product.

[0042] The manufacturing rule engine verifies whether order parameters meet manufacturability requirements by applying dimension, cut, fold, and bonding rules defined for each template. Dimension rules automatically detect inputs outside the template's tolerances and adjust dimensions or return errors if necessary. Cut rules apply cutting gap and minimum margin conditions to ensure that cutting lines do not interfere with fold lines or printed elements, and automatically reposition printed objects if they encroach upon the cutting risk zone. Folding rules automatically set no-print zones around fold lines to prevent print damage during finished product assembly, while bonding rules adjust shapes and areas to ensure that bonding tabs and bonding surfaces interlock precisely.

[0043] After the template rules are applied in this manner, the manufacturing data generation unit (120) constructs the entire unfolded shape and generates a manufacturing data package that integrates the die line data and the printing data. The die line data includes outer cutting lines, inner cutting lines, fold lines, perforation lines, etc., and the printing data includes the position of the printing object, color information, placement layer, transparency information, etc. Each data is stored in an integrated structure so that it can be directly referenced in the printing process and the post-processing process, and is configured in a form where the printing layer and the die line layer are clearly separated.

[0044] Meanwhile, the manufacturing data generation unit (120) may include a preflight verification engine that automatically verifies whether there are errors in the product specifications based on resolution conditions, whether there is cut line interference, and margin conditions.

[0045] The preflight verification engine is a component that verifies in advance whether generated manufacturing data can be processed without issues on actual printing and post-processing equipment. Preflight verification is a quality verification step performed from the perspective of manufacturing process output; it is distinct from the design-based structural constraint verification applied by the manufacturing rule engine and is performed based on technical constraints from an equipment perspective, such as the resolution of printing equipment, minimum stroke width, RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing conditions, and cutting equipment pass processing conditions. In the digital printing process, RIP refers to an engine or processing step that converts vector, text, and image data into pixel units (raster data) that can be output by an actual printer.

[0046] When manufacturing data is validly configured through the manufacturing data generation unit (120), the quotation calculation unit (130) calculates a real-time quotation based on various elements included in the manufacturing data. The quotation calculation process goes beyond simple unit price calculation and is carried out by comprehensively evaluating the working method of the printing equipment, the RIP processing load, the characteristics of the materials used, the working time per process, and the manufacturing difficulty. The quotation calculation unit (130) analyzes various manufacturing parameters within the manufacturing data, such as printing color information, printing shape size, whether variable data is used, coating method, post-processing method, and material usage area, to quantitatively calculate the resources and time consumption required for actual production and reflect this in the quotation calculation. The quotation generated by the quotation calculation unit (130) is transmitted to the customer terminal (10) and output in real time, thereby contributing to the confirmation of the order.

[0047] When an order is confirmed, the work group creation unit (140) groups multiple orders into a single manufacturing unit to create a single work group. The work group creation unit (140) creates a single work group by clustering multiple orders into a single manufacturing unit based on the confirmed order data obtained through the manufacturing data creation unit (120) and the estimate calculation unit (130).

[0048] Since the printing manufacturing process requires a significant amount of time for the setup of printing equipment, coating equipment, cutting equipment, etc., due to the nature of the equipment, the method of processing different orders independently not only reduces equipment efficiency but also causes problems such as increasing the amount of waste and extending the overall lead time. Accordingly, the work group creation unit (140) groups orders with high setup similarity and similar process conditions based on the main manufacturing conditions included in the manufacturing data so that they can be integrated and processed as a single work unit.

[0049] The work group creation unit (140) can first extract key attributes such as the type of printing material, color count, coating method, printing equipment setting information, and post-processing method from the manufacturing data, and create a work group based on the similarity of the manufacturing equipment setup.

[0050] The work group generation unit (140) calculates setup similarity by synthesizing these manufacturing conditions and groups orders with similarity above a certain standard. Setup similarity may be composed of a weight-based indicator calculated by combining multiple parameters of manufacturing data, rather than simply comparing a few attributes. For example, printing materials and color counts are set with a high weight as key factors determining group composition, while coating methods or whether variable data is used may be assigned an intermediate level of weight depending on the situation. This weight-based group generation method can contribute to forming more accurate work groups in an actual printing manufacturing environment where various manufacturing conditions interact in a complex manner.

[0051] In addition, delivery information may also be an important consideration in the process of creating work groups. Since orders with the same manufacturing conditions cannot be grouped into the same group if their delivery schedules differ significantly, the work group creation unit (140) can adjust the order of work for each group based on the delivery information included in the manufacturing data or create a separate group for compliance with the delivery date.

[0052] The work group creation unit (140) automatically creates one or more work groups based on these criteria, and the created work groups are directly utilized in subsequent steps such as imposition placement, optimization of fabric placement efficiency, creation of production instructions, and scheduling.

[0053] When multiple orders are organized into a single work group unit by the work group generation unit (140), the production order generation unit (150) generates a detailed production order to perform actual manufacturing work for the corresponding work group. That is, the production order generation unit generates a production order including a process route, material information, and work sequence based on manufacturing data for each work group unit.

[0054] A production order is a document or digital command set provided in a form that can be directly utilized at the manufacturing site by structuring the entire manufacturing route, including the sequence of printing, coating, and post-processing processes, as well as the materials, equipment settings, work procedures, and quality standards required for each process. The production order generation unit (150) analyzes all manufacturing elements required for each order based on manufacturing data and work group information, and then automatically generates a production order by optimizing the process flow of the entire group.

[0055] Additionally, the production instruction generation unit (150) can set the process order to minimize the work switching time occurring in the entire manufacturing process when creating manufacturing instructions for work groups. Work in a work group unit performs multiple processes sequentially, such as printing, coating, cutting, folding, and bonding. When different work groups are processed consecutively, productivity may decrease if equipment settings, such as the color setup of the printing equipment, the coating conditions of the coating equipment, and the pass settings of the cutting equipment, are changed excessively. Accordingly, the production instruction generation unit (150) can minimize the switching time between work groups by comparing the manufacturing conditions of each work group and arranging the work groups in the order in which the range of equipment setting changes is minimized.

[0056] In addition, since multiple orders are included within the same work group, if the work conditions between orders differ even within the group, repeated setup of equipment or process switching may occur. The production order generation unit (150) can arrange the process order so that the time for switching between orders is minimized by analyzing manufacturing data for each order within the group and arranging orders with similar process conditions, such as color intensity, coating method, and cutting pattern, in adjacent order. Such optimization of the process order can reduce the problem of repeated equipment setup time at the manufacturing site and shorten the production lead time by streamlining the overall process flow.

[0057] The schedule generation unit (160) is configured to determine the execution order and time distribution of the entire manufacturing process based on the production order of the work group unit generated by the production order generation unit (150), and generates a production schedule corresponding to the production order of the work group unit by considering delivery information and process constraints.

[0058] The production instructions and production schedules generated in this manner are transmitted to the equipment control unit that controls the operation of the printing manufacturing equipment, and the printing manufacturing equipment operates in accordance with the production instructions and production schedules through the control of the equipment control unit.

[0059] This custom manufacturing integrated package automation system can automate the entire process, from the order reception stage to manufacturing data generation, quotation calculation, work group clustering, production order creation, and schedule generation, by connecting them into a single integrated flow.

[0060] Meanwhile, the custom production integrated package automation system may be equipped with an imposition and die-line optimization unit that calculates a layout and die-line path for printing and cutting processing for a plurality of custom products, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] The imposition and die-cut optimization unit may be configured to include: a group data receiving unit (210) that receives work group data including manufacturing data for a single work group that integrates multiple orders; a placement condition setting unit that sets work group data, printing material characteristics, and process constraints as placement constraints for imposition; an imposition placement unit (230) that places multiple printing shapes included in the work group data within a single printing material area according to the placement constraints and generates an imposition placement map in which the waste rate of the printing material has a minimum value; and a die-cut path generating unit (240) that generates a cutting head movement path for processing multiple die-cuts based on the imposition placement map as a die-cut graph and generates die-cut path data in which the total movement cost for the cutting head movement path has a minimum value.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional classification of the configuration of a matching control unit of a printed material manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The alignment control unit of the present invention may be composed of a single automation engine applied to the custom-made integrated package automation system of the printed material manufacturing process described above.

[0064] A alignment control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to correct the alignment of the printing manufacturing state based on the imposition placement map and die line path data transmitted from the aforementioned custom manufacturing integrated package automation system, and may be configured to include a position data receiving unit (510), a vision sensing unit (520), an alignment analysis unit (530), a correction value generating unit (540), and a correction signal transmitting unit (550) as shown in FIG. 4.

[0065] In general digital printing processes, the spacing between the printed shape and the cutting line may differ from the plan due to minute errors in printing equipment, deformation occurring during material transport, and accumulated deviations during cutting head movement. If these errors are not corrected, problems such as the printed shape being misaligned with the cutting line or changes in color ejection timing may occur, potentially degrading product quality. The present invention provides a alignment control technology capable of automatically correcting equipment errors in a closed-loop manner by comparing manufacturing data with the actual printing state in real time.

[0066] The position data receiving unit (510) is configured to receive reference information for performing alignment analysis and correction control in the printing manufacturing process, and receives a manufacturing data set generated from the aforementioned custom manufacturing integrated package automation system. The manufacturing data set may include an imposition placement map and die line path data generated by the imposition and die line optimization unit. Additionally, the drafting data set may include various coordinate information defined for each product. For example, the placement coordinates of each printing shape calculated in the imposition placement step, the outline point data of the printing shape, the fold line die line path data, etc., can all be collected through the position data receiving unit (510) as reference coordinates required for alignment analysis.

[0067] In addition, the position data receiving unit (510) receives not only coordinate data but also a composite coordinate model that includes a reference path to be followed by the printing equipment and cutting equipment, arrangement information of reference marks, a reference line for the direction of the fabric, scale information, and rotation correction reference values. The composite coordinate model received in this way can provide a reference frame for the alignment analysis unit (530) to compare and interpret actual coordinates, and can also be used as a correction standard for each printing equipment and cutting equipment.

[0068] The location data receiving unit (510) may include a manufacturing data format conversion function. Manufacturing data provided by the upper system may be in various forms, such as a vector-based CAD format, a PDF format, an XML-based manufacturing specification, or an internal process format, and the location data receiving unit (510) can convert this into a standardized coordinate data structure suitable for processing by the alignment analysis unit (530). In the coordinate conversion process, the coordinate system reference point, unit scale, rotation reference, and the mapping relationship between page coordinates and equipment coordinates may be reflected in detail.

[0069] Additionally, the position data receiving unit (510) can receive data while maintaining the relationship between the imposition placement map and the cutting path data. That is, for a single print shape, the data can be received in a structured form so that the placement coordinates, image coordinates, outline coordinates, and cutting path coordinates can be accurately matched to each other, and through this, the alignment analysis unit (530) can accurately track errors for a specific print shape. This structure is not only useful for detecting individual errors that may occur for each print shape, but can also be utilized to analyze cumulative errors at the level of the entire print sheet.

[0070] In this way, the position data receiving unit (510) can integrally receive various reference coordinate data generated throughout the printing manufacturing process and provide them as a reference model for alignment analysis.

[0071] The vision sensing unit (520) captures the actual printing state formed on the printing material in real time during the printing manufacturing process and acquires image data that can be analyzed. The vision sensing unit (520) may be fixedly installed on the upper part of the printing equipment or post-processing equipment, or may be installed as a separate vision module on the material transfer line, and may include an industrial camera capable of high-speed shooting or a line-scan type scanner to correspond to the printing speed and material movement speed.

[0072] The vision sensing unit (520) can continuously capture reference marks, outlines of printed shapes, alignment dot patterns, and other reference features printed on the printed material during the printing manufacturing process. The reference marks are elements that provide coordinate reference points in the printing process, and can provide basic information that allows the alignment analysis unit (530) to calculate accurate correction values ​​even when the position is deformed due to slight tilting or stretching of the material. Capturing the outlines of printed shapes can be used to precisely determine the position, size, tilt, etc., of the actual printed graphic.

[0073] Additionally, the vision sensing unit (520) may include a trigger control function synchronized with the fabric transport speed. It may operate to automatically take a picture whenever the printed fabric moves a certain distance, thereby ensuring stable picture quality even with vibrations or speed changes occurring during fabric movement. When a line scan method is applied, continuous scanning is performed according to the fabric movement speed, and a two-dimensional image can be reconstructed by accumulating the scanned line data.

[0074] The vision sensing unit (520) may include a region of interest (ROI) setting function for intensively capturing a specific area within an image. Since the location of a specific printed shape in the imposition layout map is predefined, the vision sensing unit can prioritize capturing that area to efficiently secure data for analysis. This ROI-based capturing can reduce unnecessary image analysis time even in high-speed printing environments and increase the accuracy of alignment analysis.

[0075] Through this vision sensing unit (520), the difference between the target coordinates based on manufacturing data and the actual printing state can be continuously captured during the printing process, and the actual coordinate information required in the position alignment error calculation step of the alignment analysis unit (530) can be reliably provided, thereby enabling real-time error correction.

[0076] The alignment analysis unit (530) is configured to analyze whether there is positional alignment between the actual printing manufacturing state and the manufacturing data based on image data obtained through the vision sensing unit (520), and can calculate various types of alignment errors by comparing the actual coordinates extracted from the image with the target coordinates provided in the manufacturing data, which includes the imposition placement map and the cutting line path data.

[0077] The alignment analysis unit (530) can first perform a preprocessing process on image data continuously input from the vision sensing unit (520). For example, it may include functions such as histogram equalization to correct brightness deviations due to changes in lighting, lens distortion removal, and filtering of unnecessary noise. For the preprocessed image, a reference mark detection algorithm, an outline extraction algorithm, a pattern matching algorithm, etc., can be applied to calculate actual coordinates.

[0078] In the case of reference mark detection, various types of reference marks, such as cross marks and square marks placed on the printed material, can be recognized, and the coordinates of the center point of each reference mark or a specific reference point can be accurately extracted. These reference marks can serve as a reference connecting the overall coordinate system of the material with the actual operating coordinate system of the printing equipment.

[0079] When applying the contour analysis function, the alignment analysis unit (530) can reconstruct the contour of the printed shape into a vector form and compare it with the contour points provided in the manufacturing data. In the contour analysis process, edge detection algorithms such as Canny and Sobel or vector-based contour fitting algorithms may be applied, thereby allowing for the numerical calculation of how much the printed shape deviates from the planned position. Through this, in addition to simple XY offset, information regarding tilt errors and proportional scale changes (axial elongation or contraction) can also be calculated.

[0080] The alignment analysis unit (530) can also perform an error analysis based on the cutting line. Since the cutting line path data includes reference points and reference paths to which the cutting head must move, the alignment analysis unit (530) can calculate the relative error between the cutting path and the printing boundary by comparing it with the outline or alignment pattern printed on the printing material. This function can be utilized in subsequent cutting head correction and can prevent problems where the cutting line deviates from the printed shape in advance.

[0081] The matching analysis unit (530) may also perform a color analysis function if necessary. Through this function, the main color of the color patch or printed shape can be measured in the form of color coordinates from the image acquired by the vision sensing unit (520), and the color matching error can be calculated by comparing it with the target color coordinates defined in the manufacturing data.

[0082] The alignment analysis unit (530) can generate a comprehensive correction standard value by integrating and analyzing various types of calculated alignment errors. For example, reference mark-based offset values, outline-based deformation values, color-based deviation values, etc., can be analyzed simultaneously, and through this information, the correction value generation unit (540) can generate a complex correction control value.

[0083] The correction value generation unit (540) generates a correction control value to correct the actual operating state of the printing equipment and cutting equipment based on the position alignment error and color alignment error calculated by the alignment analysis unit (530). The correction value generation unit (540) can determine an appropriate correction control strategy by comprehensively considering the magnitude of the error, the shape of the deformation, and the trend over time, rather than simply reflecting the alignment analysis results directly to the equipment.

[0084] The correction value generation unit (540) can first receive various error data, such as reference mark-based error, print shape outline-based error, cutting reference point-based error, and color patch-based error, transmitted from the alignment analysis unit (530). Errors may exist in various forms, such as X-axis / Y-axis offset, rotational deviation, scale deformation, and elongation displacement in the full-length or lateral direction, and the correction value generation unit (540) can classify these errors by type and analyze their patterns. For example, if the error of the entire sheet gradually increases in a certain direction, it may be cumulative deformation caused by changes in fabric tension, and if a sudden error is detected only in a specific section, it may be instantaneous vibration of the equipment or a transfer roller slip phenomenon.

[0085] The correction value generation unit (540) can automatically select equipment items to be corrected based on the relationship between each error type and equipment components. That is, the correction value generation unit (540) can generate a combination of correction control values ​​for the cutting head, the print head, and the print fabric transfer device.

[0086] For example, the correction value generation unit (540) can generate a correction control value to adjust the printing material transport speed or tension of the printing material transport device based on the positional alignment error between the actual coordinates and target coordinates for the reference mark. Additionally, the correction value generation unit (540) can generate a correction control value to adjust the movement path of the cutting head based on the positional alignment error between the actual coordinates and target coordinates for the printing shape outline. Furthermore, the correction value generation unit (540) can generate a correction control value to adjust the ink ejection timing of the printing head based on the positional alignment error between the actual coordinates and target coordinates for the reference mark and the positional alignment error between the actual coordinates and target coordinates for the printing shape outline.

[0087] In addition, the correction value generation unit (540) can apply a complex correction strategy that considers not only simple proportional correction but also the rate of change of error or temporary cumulative change. For example, if continuous deviation accumulates, an immediate correction strategy to minimize the cumulative correction value may be required rather than gradual correction, and if the magnitude of the position alignment error or the rate of change over time is excessively large, the amount of correction can be reduced to allow for gradual correction, thereby controlling the equipment so that it does not change its operation excessively. This dynamic correction strategy can increase the stability of the equipment and prevent excessive correction that impairs equipment performance.

[0088] The correction value generation unit (540) can generate a composite correction value that considers multiple correction items simultaneously if necessary. When the printing material transport device, the print head, and the cutting head need to be corrected simultaneously, instead of simply summing each correction value, an optimization-based correction value generation method that considers mutual influence relationships can be applied. For example, since the amount of correction for the cutting head may decrease after the material tension correction, an integrated correction value that considers the correction interaction of the entire equipment can be generated.

[0089] Additionally, the correction value generation unit (540) may include a time-based pattern learning function. When equipment error data is accumulated over a certain period, the correction value generation unit can learn patterns in which repetitive errors occur in specific time periods or specific types of operations and apply correction values ​​in advance. For example, if a pattern is detected in which tension becomes unstable as the remaining amount of the fabric supply roll decreases, a tension correction value can be generated preemptively according to the change in the remaining amount.

[0090] The correction value generation unit (540) can also apply different correction strategies depending on the characteristics of the manufacturing data. For packaging box printed materials requiring high-precision cutting, cutting head correction may be applied first, and for large-area graphic printed materials, color matching error correction may have a higher priority. Additionally, if the misalignment between the printed shape and the cutting line is severe, cutting head correction may be applied first, and if the color matching error is large, a print head correction signal may be applied first. These priorities can be dynamically adjusted by comprehensively considering the product type, process settings, equipment status, etc. Through such a situation-adaptive correction strategy, optimal quality for each product type can be secured.

[0091] In this way, the correction value generation unit (540) can generate correction control values ​​suitable for various equipment configurations in real time based on the alignment analysis results, and the correction signal transmission unit (550) transmits this to the equipment control unit, thereby stably maintaining the alignment state at all stages of the printing manufacturing process.

[0092] The correction signal transmission unit (550) can function in a configuration that transmits the correction control value calculated by the correction value generation unit (540) to the equipment control unit of the manufacturing equipment, thereby enabling real-time correction of the printing process and the cutting process. The correction signal transmission unit (550) can communicate with various manufacturing equipment, such as printing equipment, cutting equipment, and a material transfer device, and can convert and transmit the correction signal according to the communication protocol or control command format required by each piece of equipment.

[0093] The correction signal transmission unit (550) can operate based on a closed-loop feedback structure. That is, even after the correction value is applied to the equipment, the image captured through the vision sensing unit (520) and the analysis result of the alignment analysis unit (530) can be continuously monitored, and the correction signal transmission unit (550) can transmit a correction signal in real time so that this repetitive correction loop is maintained without interruption. This prevents excessive equipment correction and allows the next correction signal to be transmitted immediately if residual error or a new error occurs after correction.

[0094] As described above, the alignment control unit of the present invention can calculate positional alignment errors and color alignment errors by comparing reference coordinates based on manufacturing data with actual coordinates obtained through vision sensing in real time. By automatically generating correction control values ​​for the cutting head, print head, and material transfer device based on the calculated errors and transmitting them to the manufacturing equipment, the alignment state can be stably maintained at all stages of the printing manufacturing process. Furthermore, the system of the present invention can precisely identify the causes of errors by utilizing a coordinate-based analysis structure linked with an imposition layout map and cutting line path data, and can rapidly respond to various deviations occurring during the process by applying a closed-loop feedback method.

[0095] The configuration of the imposition and die-cut optimization unit of the printmaking process described herein may be realized by digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments may include being implemented by one or more computer programs executable on a programmable system. A programmable system comprises a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one programmable processor (which may be a special-purpose processor or a general-purpose processor) coupled to receive data and instructions from at least one output device and to transmit data and instructions to them. Computer programs (which are also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) include instructions for the programmable processor and are stored on a "computer-readable recording medium."

[0096] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Such computer-readable recording media may further include non-volatile or non-transitory media such as ROM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, memory card, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, and storage device, or transitory media such as data transmission media. Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be distributed across networked computer systems, and computer-readable code may be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0097] Various embodiments of the methods described herein may be implemented by a programmable computer. Here, the computer includes a programmable processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or other types of storage systems, or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface. For example, the programmable computer may be one of a server, a network device, a set-top box, an embedded device, a computer expansion module, a personal computer, a laptop, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a cloud computing system, or a mobile device.

[0098] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0099] 10: Customer terminal 20: Server 110: Order receiving unit 120: Manufacturing Data Generation Unit 130: Estimate Calculation Section 140: Workgroup creation section 150: Production Order Generation Section 160: Schedule generation section 210: Group data receiver 220: Placement Condition Setting Section 230: Imposition Placement Section 240: Cutting line path generation section 510: Location data receiver 520: Vision Sensing Unit 530: Matching Analysis Unit 540: Correction value generation unit 550: Correction signal transmission unit

Claims

Claim 1 A alignment control unit of a printing manufacturing process that aligns and corrects the printing manufacturing state based on an imposition placement map and die path data in a printing manufacturing process, comprising: a position data receiving unit that receives manufacturing data including the imposition placement map and die path data; a vision sensing unit that captures the printing manufacturing state in real time during the printing manufacturing process to acquire image data; an alignment analysis unit that analyzes the image data to calculate actual coordinates for the current printing manufacturing state and calculates a position alignment error by comparing the actual coordinates with the target coordinates of the manufacturing data; and a correction value generating unit that generates a correction control value for the manufacturing equipment so that the position alignment error becomes less than or equal to a preset reference value.The system includes a correction signal transmission unit that transmits the correction control value in real-time via a closed-loop feedback method to an equipment control unit that controls the manufacturing equipment to perform a correction operation, and the vision sensing unit captures a reference mark and the outline of the printed shape printed on the printing material during the printing manufacturing process, the alignment analysis unit analyzes the image data to calculate the actual coordinates for the reference mark and the outline of the printed shape, and compares the actual coordinates with the target coordinates, and the correction value generation unit classifies the position alignment error transmitted from the alignment analysis unit by type and analyzes the pattern, and selects the manufacturing equipment to be corrected based on the correlation between each error type and the manufacturing equipment, and complexly generates correction control values ​​for the cutting head, the printing head, and the printing material transfer device, and the correction value generation unit generates correction control values ​​so that the printing material transfer speed or tension of the printing material transfer device is adjusted based on the position alignment error between the actual coordinates of the reference mark and the target coordinates, and generates correction control values ​​so that the movement path of the cutting head is adjusted based on the position alignment error between the actual coordinates of the printed shape outline and the target coordinates, and the actual coordinates of the reference mark and the target A alignment control unit of a printed material manufacturing process that generates a correction control value to adjust the ink ejection timing of the print head based on a position alignment error between coordinates and a position alignment error between the actual coordinates and target coordinates for the outline of the printed shape, wherein the correction value generation unit learns an error pattern that repeatedly occurs in a specific type of operation from equipment error data accumulated over a certain period and generates a correction control value in advance based on the learned error pattern. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 In claim 1, the correction value generating unit dynamically adjusts the size of the correction control value based on the size of the position alignment error or the rate of change over time so as to prevent excessive correction operation of the manufacturing equipment according to the correction control value, a alignment control unit of a printed material manufacturing process. Claim 8 A matching control unit of a printing manufacturing process, wherein the matching analysis unit analyzes the image data to further calculate actual color information regarding the current printing manufacturing state, compares the actual color information with the target color information of the manufacturing data to calculate a color matching error, and the correction value generation unit generates a correction control value for the manufacturing equipment so that the color matching error becomes less than or equal to a preset reference value.

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