Registration system for phasing simultaneously advancing webs of material having variable pitch lengths

A registration method for phasing simultaneously advancing webs of material having variable pitch lengths, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a continuous target web containing consecutively spaced target objects along a path at a first velocity, the target web having a target web pitch length between consecutive target objects;
• b. providing a continuous controlled web of material preprinted with consecutively spaced preprinted objects along a path at a second velocity, the controlled web having a controlled web pitch length between consecutive preprinted objects;
• c. detecting the preprinted objects of the controlled web by sensing by an optic that electronically strobes a resolver providing actual position data;
• d. generating an error signal based upon the detection of the preprinted objects of the controlled web and comparing to a fixed target position constant;
• e. adjusting the controlled web pitch length such that the controlled web pitch length is approximately equal to the target web pitch length to maintain registration due to pitch mismatch;
• and
• f. adjusting the second velocity such that the preprinted objects are shifted toward the target objects on the target web.