Automated Mark Detection for Printing Register Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inflexible and time-consuming manual processes for determining the order of characteristic images or marks on printing rollers in printers, especially when their order is not fixed or when marks are superposed, hinder efficient register and pressure adjustments in printing operations.
Innovation Solution
A method using automatic detection systems to identify and determine the relative positions of characteristic images on printing rollers, allowing for sequential printing and positional discrepancy analysis to associate marks with their respective rollers, enabling automated register and pressure adjustments without visual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used to determine the order of characteristic images on printing rollers, then the operator can identify and assign marks to printing groups, but the process is time-consuming and delays register and pressure adjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated optical detection system. The system uses sensors or cameras to automatically detect and read characteristic images printed on the material, eliminating the need for operator visual inspection and manual data entry. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated detection equipment directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining accurate mark identification while dramatically reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the printing press to automatically determine the order of characteristic images and assign marks to printing groups without human intervention. The automatic detection system captures images, processes the data, and configures the printing parameters autonomously, making the system serve itself rather than requiring operator input for mark identification and assignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If characteristic images are used for mounting and pre-mounting tasks, then they can serve multiple functions, but when printed they appear superposed making determination of their belonging to specific rollers impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the detection process into distinct stages: first detecting the position and characteristics of each characteristic image individually, then using processing logic to assign each detected image to its corresponding printing group. This segmentation of the detection and identification process allows the system to handle superposed images by analyzing them separately and systematically determining their origins despite the visual overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer between the printed characteristic images and the final determination of roller assignment. This intermediary includes image processing algorithms and control logic that analyze the detected images, compare them against known patterns, and deduce the correct assignment even when images appear superposed. The intermediary processing resolves the ambiguity created by superposition while preserving the multi-functionality of the characteristic images.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
This comprises performing a movement of the transverse and/or longitudinal register of printing rollers (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5), or withdrawing same from printing status, printing marks, detecting them, comparing the detected positions with at least one positional reference, and performing at least one subsequent operation. A first aspect comprises using marks that, if printed, would appear superposed, using an area of the material (2) as positional reference, and performing, as subsequent operation, an operation of associating marks with respect to printing rollers and/or register adjustment and/or pressure adjustment. A second aspect comprises performing preliminary printing and detection of the marks before said register movements, using the pre-detected positions as positional references, and performing, as subsequent operation, an operation of determining marks with respect to printing groups.