Using marks of known dimensions and size, and spacing, a
zoom lens may be calibrated in either or both the X and Y spatial directions. A
system comprising an
image capture device, positioning means, position
encoder means,
operator interface, and
processing unit permits this method to be advantageously applied to a wide variety of web inspection / control functions, including but not limited to initial web registration, multiple color ink registration, lateral web positioning, repeat length calculations,
image capture synchronization, thermal / mechanical differential compensation, and accurate registration of objects within an image to other objects within an image or to a mechanical reference on a
machine. Since the
Zoom Calibration method permits a
system to be constructed with both wide / variable
field of view and accurate
distance measurement positioning and calibration, all of the web inspection / control functions traditionally used in the web printing industry may be implemented with a single inspection /
control system using a multitasking approach with the same inspection / control hardware. This permits rapid implementation of old and new web inspection / control functions at a greatly reduced cost as compared to traditional fixed lens systems, as well as permitting a degree of
automation, remote access, diagnostic control,
quality assurance, and product
quality control heretofore not possible with conventional web inspection / control systems.