Printing Press Cylinder Surface Capture With Dual-Angle Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring rotation bodies in printing presses are unable to achieve rapid and precise measurements, particularly when multiple types of measurements need to be conducted simultaneously or with the same equipment, which hinders the production of high-quality printed products efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize two partial beams of optical light, one tangentially and one radially, to simultaneously capture different points on the surface of a rotating body using a single optical camera, eliminating the need for physical movement of the camera and focus adjustments, and allowing for a compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used to measure the surface of a rotating body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and speed are insufficient for simultaneous multi-type measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical apparatus segments the illumination into two distinct partial beams: a first partial beam for tangential illumination and a second partial beam for radial illumination. This segmentation allows a single camera to capture multiple measurement types simultaneously by receiving light from different illumination angles, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving high measurement precision for multiple surface characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is moved or focus adjustments are made to capture different surface points, then measurement versatility is improved, but the measurement time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds the dimension of illumination angle by using two partial beams striking the surface at different angles (tangential and radial) while keeping the camera stationary. This dimensional approach allows the single camera to capture multiple surface characteristics simultaneously without movement or focus adjustments, achieving high versatility with minimal measurement time.
3Productivity
If multiple cameras or complex optical systems are used to achieve simultaneous measurements, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, using a single camera that can receive both tangentially and radially illuminated light through the optical system. This universal design enables the camera to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously without requiring multiple cameras or complex optical systems, thereby maintaining high productivity while minimizing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and precise simultaneous measurement of rotation bodies, reducing measurement time and equipment movement, thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of printed product production.
Implementation Method 1
an optical apparatus which guides the light of two partial beams, i.e. of a first partial beam and a second partial beam, to an image sensor of the camera, the first partial beam tangentially strikes or touches the surface at a first point and then reaches the camera, and the second partial beam strikes the surface radially at a second point—different from the first point—and then reaches the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for capturing the surface of a rotation body for a printing press, being a cylinder, a roller, a sleeve for a cylinder or roller, or a sleeve for a cylinder or roller having a printing form, include a motor rotating the body around an axial axis, a light source illuminating an area of the surface using optical light, and an optical camera capturing the illuminated area. An optical apparatus guides the light of first and second partial beams to an image sensor of the camera. The first partial beam tangentially strikes or touches the surface at a first point, then reaches the camera, and the second partial beam radially strikes the surface at a different second point, then reaches the camera. Rapid and precise measurements or types of measurements are performed simultaneously or using the same measures, for example in mounters for flexographic printing plates.