Error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers
AssigneeOhio Electronic Engravers, Inc.
InventorsPaul L. Holowko, David R. Seitz, Curtis Woods
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver.
Claims53
A method for measuring a portion of an engraved area on a cylinder in an engraver, said method comprising the steps of:
- videoing said portion of said engraved area and generating a video image corresponding thereto;
- using said video image to locate a transition between said engraved area and a non-engraved area and generate transition data corresponding thereto;
- generating at least one actual dimension value using said transition data.
A system for measuring a portion of an engraved area on a cylinder in an engraver, said system comprising:
- an imager for capturing an image including said portion during rotation of said cylinder;
- and
- a video processor coupled to said imager for generating a plurality of actual dimension values corresponding to said portion.
A method for adjusting an engraver to engrave a cylinder with an actual cut according to at least one predetermined setup parameter, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining an error value during real time operation of the engraver, said error value corresponding to a difference between said predetermined setup parameter and a measurement of said actual cut;
- and
- (b) using said error value to adjust said engraver to engrave in accordance with said at least one predetermined setup parameter.
An error correction system for use in an engraver suitable for engraving a cylinder with an actual cut in accordance with predetermined setup parameters, said error correction system comprising:
- determining means for determining an error value corresponding to a difference between at least one predetermined setup parameter and a measurement of said actual cut;
- said measurement being generated by locating a plurality of transition points corresponding to said actual cut;
- and
- a system coupled to said determining means for adjusting said engraver to account for any error value while engraving in accordance with said predetermined setup parameters.
An engraver for engraving a cylinder with an actual cut in accordance with predetermined setup parameters, said engraving apparatus comprising:
- a cylinder rotatably mounted on a rotary support;
- an engraving head having a stylus;
- a first driver for causing said stylus to move towards and away from said cylinder;
- a second driver coupled to said engraving head for driving the engraving head radially across said cylinder;
- a third driver coupled to said cylinder for rotatably driving said cylinder;
- a computer coupled to said first, second and third drivers;
- said computer receiving a plurality of input signals corresponding to said predetermined setup parameters and also generating a plurality of energizing signals for energizing said first, second, and third drivers to cause said engraver to engrave said actual cut having dimensions corresponding to said predetermined setup parameters;
- and
- an error detector for determining an error value corresponding to a difference between a dimension corresponding to at least one of said predetermined setup parameters and a measurement of at least one actual dimension of a portion of an engraved area on said cylinder;
- said computer being programmed to receive said error value during a real time operation of the engraver and to adjust said plurality of energizing signals such that said engraver engraves in a manner which reduces said error value.
An engraving control for use in a gravure engraver having a stylus driver for driving a stylus towards and away from a cylinder, comprising:
- input means for generating parameter signals indicating desired dimensions for cavities to be engraved by the stylus;
- setup means for receiving said parameter signals and for generating an AC multiplication signal and a video multiplication signal;
- multiplication means responsive to said AC multiplication signal and video multiplication signal for adjusting said AC multiplication signal and said video multiplication signal prior to application thereof to the stylus driver;
- error detection means coupled to said setup means for generating an error signal during a real-time operation of the engraver corresponding to a difference between a characteristic corresponding to said desired dimensions and an actual characteristic of a portion of an engraved area on said cylinder;
- and
- said setup means adjusting at least one of said AC multiplication signal and said video multiplication signal in a manner which thereafter reduces said difference.
A method for measuring a portion of an engraved area on a cylinder in an engraver, said method comprising the steps of:
- videoing said portion of said engraved area as the cylinder rotates and generating a video image corresponding thereto;
- using said video image to locate a transition between said engraved area and a non-engraved area and generate transition data corresponding thereto;
- generating at least one actual dimension value using said transition data;
- wherein said video processor comprises means for analyzing said image and for locating at least one transition point between said engraved area and a non-engraved area on said cylinder.
A method for measuring a portion of an engraved area on a cylinder in an engraver, said method comprising the steps of:
- videoing said portion of said engraved area and generating a video image corresponding thereto;
- using said video image to locate a transition between said engraved area and a non-engraved area and generate transition data corresponding thereto;
- generating at least one actual dimension value using said transition data;
- wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
- comparing said at least one actual dimension value to a predetermined setup parameter and generating an error value in response thereto.
A method for measuring a portion of an engraved area on a cylinder in an engraver, said method comprising the steps of:
- videoing said portion of said engraved area and generating a video image corresponding thereto;
- using said video image to locate a transition between said engraved area and a non-engraved area and generate transition data corresponding thereto;
- generating at least one actual dimension value using said transition data;
- and
- using said error value to calibrate the engraver.
A method for measuring a portion of an engraved area on a cylinder in an engraver, said method comprising the steps of:
- videoing said portion of said engraved area and generating a video image corresponding thereto;
- using said video image to locate a transition between said engraved area and a non-engraved area and generate transition data corresponding thereto;
- generating at least one actual dimension value using said transition data;
- and
- performing the method while rotating the cylinder.
A method for measuring a portion of an engraved area on a cylinder in an engraver, said method comprising the steps of:
- videoing said portion of said engraved area and generating a video image corresponding thereto;
- using said video image to locate a transition between said engraved area and a non-engraved area and generate transition data corresponding thereto;
- generating at least one actual dimension value using said transition data;
- and
- strobing said portion of said engraved area.
A method for adjusting an engraver to engrave a cylinder with an actual cut according to at least one predetermined setup parameter, said method comprising the steps of:
- determining an error value corresponding to a difference between said predetermined setup parameter and a measurement of said actual cut;
- using said error value to adjust said engraver to engrave in accordance with said at least one predetermined setup parameter;
- and
- engraving said cylinder while performing said using step.
A method for adjusting an engraver to engrave a cylinder with an actual cut according to at least one predetermined setup parameter, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining an error value corresponding to a difference between said predetermined setup parameter and a measurement of said actual cut;
- (b) using said error value to adjust said engraver to engrave in accordance with said at least one predetermined setup parameter;
- and
- wherein said steps (a) and (b) are continuously conducted during real-time operation of the engraver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.