Scanning heads
AssigneeQuad/Tech, Inc.
InventorTrevor Montgomery
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A scanning head for use in a register mark detection apparatus for detecting register marks on a web during relative movement between the web and the scanning head. The scanning head comprises an optical sensor and a first optical mask spaced from the optical sensor and having an aperture therethrough to define the viewing footprint of the optical sensor. In some embodiments, the scanning head also includes a second optical mask in series with the first optical mask. The scanning head is versatile and capable of operating with high sensitivity and accuracy even with low contrast media, including with embossed or relief marks, or for fold-line registration or with translucent media.
Claims17
A scanning head suitable for use with a printing press in a print register mark detection apparatus for detecting print register marks on a web substrate, the scanning head comprising:
- a first light source for providing selective diffuse illumination of a web substrate;
- a second light source for providing selective direct reflection illumination of the web substrate;
- an optical mask having an aperture therethrough and passing light reflected from the web substrate;
- an optical sensor for receiving light passing through the aperture;
- and
- a means for selecting between operation of the first light source, the second light source, or both light sources;
- wherein in the selecting means, the selection of the light sources is dependent upon the type of web substrate.
A scanning head suitable for use with a printing press in a print register mark detection apparatus for detecting register marks on a web surface, the scanning head comprising:
- an optical sensor;
- a first optical mask spaced from the optical sensor, the first optical mask having an aperture therethrough;
- a second optical mask with an aperture in series with the first mask, the apertures of the first and second masks together defining the viewing footprint of the optical sensor;
- a first light source for providing selective diffuse illumination of a web substrate;
- a second light source for providing selective direct reflection illumination of the web substrate;
- and
- a means for selecting between operation of the first light source, the second light source, or both light sources;
- wherein in the selecting means, the selection of the light sources is dependent upon the type of web substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.