US20050259251A1 - Auto-tracking spectrophotometer - Google Patents
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- US20050259251A1 US20050259251A1 US11/122,721 US12272105A US2005259251A1 US 20050259251 A1 US20050259251 A1 US 20050259251A1 US 12272105 A US12272105 A US 12272105A US 2005259251 A1 US2005259251 A1 US 2005259251A1
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- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 abstract description 22
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 abstract 2
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003595 spectral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005267 amalgamation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0264—Electrical interface; User interface
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0267—Sample holders for colorimetry
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0289—Field-of-view determination; Aiming or pointing of a spectrometer; Adjusting alignment; Encoding angular position; Size of measurement area; Position tracking
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/02—Details
- G01J3/0291—Housings; Spectrometer accessories; Spatial arrangement of elements, e.g. folded path arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
- G01J3/46—Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters
- G01J3/50—Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters using electric radiation detectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/251—Colorimeters; Construction thereof
Definitions
- An auto-tracking spectrophotometer measures and analyzes spectral data. Since spectral data provides the most complete and accurate description of color, an ATS is the ideal control system for both process and special color print jobs.
- An ATS has a table for holding a color composition, a head for performing a scan of the color matrix, and a station, located at one end of the table.
- a vacuum pump is then energized so as to hold the composition onto the table.
- the ATS head then scans the entire color target first to locate the beginning and ending points of the color target. After the beginning and ending of the color target are located, the ATS assumes that the color bar proceeds linearly between the beginning and ending of the color bar. Based upon this assumption, the ATS positions its data acquisition optics over what should be the color target, and then scans the area. After the head returns to the station, the measurement is then transmitted to a computer. Software on the computer displays an overview of the color data. The computer or an operator may then adjust the controls of a press used to more accurately reproduce the graphic composition.
- ATS have proven invaluable in modem printing plants. However, they have limitations. Care must be taken by the operator of the ATS to align composition in the ATS. If not, the color target may be slightly curved when placed on the table. Further, if the composition is contained on a folded sheet of paper, additional care must be taken to compensate for the fold in the color target. If the color target is not properly aligned, the color target may not be accurately read.
- the ATS At least two scans are required by the ATS.
- the multiple scans may cause significant time delays.
- the alignment of the color target may not be acceptable, resulting in faulty color information.
- the scan information is not transmitted to the computer until the head is returned to the station. This delays the time before the data is analyzed, resulting in delays in completing the print job.
- An improved ATS is provided with a look-ahead visual sensor.
- the look-ahead sensor retrieves an image and a tracking controller finds the location of a color matrix.
- the color matrix could be a color target, a color profile target, a color bar code, a color picture, or any other amalgamation of colors.
- a controller moves the data acquisition optics in response to output from the look-ahead sensor. In this way, the data acquisition optics maintains a proper orientation with respect to the color matrix.
- a stepper motor for controlling movement of the ATS head in an X-direction is controlled directly by the head.
- all components for accurately tracking the color bar are located in the head.
- the vacuum pump is provided with a solenoid controlling the coupling of vacuum holes located in the paper table with the vacuum pump.
- information from the data acquisition optics is continually transmitted to a remote computer by way of a communication channel between the head and the computer.
- the computer can immediately begin analyzing the data.
- the communication channel is established by way of a communication interface, which could be an Ethernet connection.
- the head communicates to the by way of an Ethernet connection.
- FIG. 1 shows several auto-tracking spectrophotometers connected to computers by way of a network.
- FIG. 2 shows an auto-tracking spectrophotometer.
- FIG. 3 shows the contents of the head of an auto-tracking spectrophotometer.
- FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an auto-tracking spectrophotometer.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of an auto-tracking spectrophotometer.
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart indicating shows how the color information is collected from color matrix by an auto-tracking spectrophotometer.
- FIG. 1 shows a printing plant with several ATS.
- Computers 10 , 12 are connected by way of network 14 to a plurality of ATS systems 16 , 18 , 20 .
- ATS systems 16 , 18 , 20 may communicate with computers 10 , 12 by way of a standard protocol such as TCP/IP, or, if necessary, by a proprietary communication protocol.
- FIG. 2 shows an ATS 20 .
- ATS 20 consists of table 22 , head 24 , and station 26 .
- Table 22 includes platen 23 and track 25 .
- Table 22 is sample holding surface. In some applications, table 22 could be a curved surface.
- Vacuum pump 28 is attached to station 26 by way of tube 30 and vacuum inlet 33 .
- Table 22 has vacuum holes 32 .
- vacuum pump 28 is energized, thus creating a means to hold the graphic composition to table 22 .
- the graphic composition is generally on a substrate, such as paper.
- Station 26 includes communication interface 34 and RS232 interface 36 .
- ATS 20 can be connected to a network by way of network interface 34 .
- Network interface 34 could be a standard RJ-45 connection.
- ATS 20 could be directly connected to a computer by way of RS232 interface 36 or network interface 34 .
- head 24 moves across the color chart and reads the color chart on the graphic composition, and transmits the information to a computer.
- FIG. 3 shows the contents of head 24 .
- Head 24 serves as an enclosure for various components. Various circuit boards required to operate head 24 are not shown.
- Arrow 41 shows the movement of the head 24 in the direction of the scan, which is referred to hereinafter as the X-direction.
- Head 24 includes a NCIS (non-contact image system) 40 , data acquisition optics 42 , and Y-step motor 44 .
- Y-step motor 44 is connected to data acquisition optics 42 by way of y-drive mechanism 46 .
- Information regarding the location of the color matrix is acquired by non-contact image system 40 and is used to control Y-step motor 44 in order to accurately position data acquisition optics 42 over the color matrix.
- NCIS 40 is spaced approximately 21 ⁇ 2 inches from the data acquisition optics 42 .
- Y-step motor 44 and Y-drive mechanism 46 form a positioning system.
- FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of ATS 20 .
- Station 26 includes x-home sensor 52 , vacuum control 54 , track store 56 , communication interface 58 , and x-stepper motor 60 .
- X-home sensor 52 detects the x-position of head 24 whenever head 24 is docked with station 26 .
- Vacuum control 54 is connected to vacuum pump 28 .
- Vacuum control 54 controls vacuum inlet solenoid 62 . When vacuum control 54 energizes vacuum inlet solenoid 62 , a vacuum is applied to table 22 .
- Track store 56 contains information regarding the track such as the length of the track.
- Communication interface 58 provides bidrectional communication between ATS 20 and a computer or computers by way of a network.
- Communication interface 58 includes an Ethernet connection as well as an RS232 interface.
- X-stepper motor 60 controls the x-position of head 24 .
- Station 26 is connection to head 24 by way of interface 63 which could be an RS232 serial interface or an LVDS (Low Voltage Digital Signaling) interface.
- Head 24 includes tracking board 64 , y-stepper motor 66 , NCIS module 68 , DAS (Digital Acquisition System) board 70 and lamp board 72 .
- Tracking board 64 is connected to NCIS module 68 and DAS board 70 .
- Station 26 could be a system for processing or storage of information from head 24 . Alternatively, systems other than head station 26 could provided for the processing and storage of information.
- Tracking board 64 receives information from NCIS module 68 to control the x-position of head 24 and the y-position of DAS board 70 and lamp board 72 .
- Tracking board 64 is connected to X-stepper motor 60 .
- Tracking board 64 provides commands to X-stepper motor 60 to move head 24 .
- Tracking board 64 is also connected to NCIS module 68 .
- Tracking board 64 uses the information received from NCIS module 68 to correctly position DAS board 70 and lamp board 72 in the y-direction.
- DAS board 70 is connected to tracking board 64 .
- DAS board 70 provides the color information to tracking board 64 .
- Tracking board 64 then relays the information by way of interface 63 to station 26 and ultimately to a network or a computer.
- Lamp board 72 is a known device for acquiring color information from a target.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of ATS 20 .
- a color calibration application starts on a computer connected to ATS 20 .
- Step 100 When ATS 20 receives a signal from the computer that an application has started, ATS 20 energizes vacuum pump 28 .
- Step 102 In this way, a vacuum will be immediately accessible at table 22 .
- the job information is sent to station 26 .
- Step 106 The job information could include data regarding the size of the color matrix such as height, width of individual color patches within the color matrix, number of colors.
- station 26 calculates the optimal speed for movement of head 24 in the x-direction. Step 108 .
- the PC then sends a command to station 26 to start the color measurement.
- Step 110 station 26 then sends a command to DAS board 70 to begin measurement.
- Step 112 DAS board 70 then initializes itself by performing such tasks as spinning the color wheels, energizing the lamp, and energizing the sensors.
- Step 114 DAS board 70 then begins sending information to the computer.
- Step 116 When communication between the DAS board 70 and the computer is confirmed, station 26 sends a command to tracking board 64 to begin scanning in the x-direction.
- Step 118 Tracking board 64 then sends a command to x-stepper motor 60 to move head 24 in the x-direction.
- Step 120 .
- Tracking board 64 by way of NCIS module 68 , then begins to look for the paper edge. Step 122 .
- tracking board 64 sends a message to the computer that a paper edge has been found and also sends to the computer the X/Y-location of the paper edges.
- Step 124 After the edge is found, tracking board 64 by way of NCIS module 68 begins to search for the color matrix.
- Step 126 When the color matrix is found (step 128 ) the tracking board 64 stores the X/Y-location of the start of the color matrix in memory. Step 130 .
- Tracking board 64 controls x-stepper motor 60 and maintains a counter indicative of the x-position of head 24 .
- DAS board 70 then collects color information from the color matrix. Step 132 .
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart indicating shows how the color information is collected from color matrix 132 .
- Tracking board 64 sends a command to X-stepper motor 60 to move head 24 in the x-direction. Step 200 .
- Tracking board 64 stores the x-location of the head 24 in memory 65 .
- Tracking board 64 by way of the NCIS module 68 detects the Y-location of the color matrix.
- Step 202 It stores the Y-location in memory 65 .
- Step 204 Because NCIS module 68 is located approximately 2 1 ⁇ 2 inches in advance of lamp board 72 , tracking board 64 uses previously stored data regarding location of the color matrix to control the y-position of lamp board 72 with stepper motor 66 .
- Tracking board 64 retrieves the y-position of the color matrix for the current x-position of the lamp board 72 from memory 65 . Step 206 . Tracking board 64 then moves lamp board 72 to the current y-position. Step 208 . Color information is then read from the color matrix. Step 210 . The color information is then sent to the computer. Step 212 .
- NCIS module 68 is searching for the edge of the paper. Step 214 . If the edge is detected, then the reading of the color matrix ends. Otherwise, the process repeats.
- Step 134 When head 24 is docked with station 26 , ATS 20 sends a message to the computer that head 24 is docked. Step 136 . The solenoid is de-energized. Step 138 . The color reading is then completed. Step 140 .
Abstract
Description
- This patent application claims the benefit of to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/568,356, filed May 5, 2004, and entitled AUTO-TRACKING SPECTROPHOTOMETER.
- An auto-tracking spectrophotometer (ATS) measures and analyzes spectral data. Since spectral data provides the most complete and accurate description of color, an ATS is the ideal control system for both process and special color print jobs.
- An ATS has a table for holding a color composition, a head for performing a scan of the color matrix, and a station, located at one end of the table. In order to use the ATS, an operator places a color graphic composition have a color target on the ATS platen. A vacuum pump is then energized so as to hold the composition onto the table.
- The ATS head then scans the entire color target first to locate the beginning and ending points of the color target. After the beginning and ending of the color target are located, the ATS assumes that the color bar proceeds linearly between the beginning and ending of the color bar. Based upon this assumption, the ATS positions its data acquisition optics over what should be the color target, and then scans the area. After the head returns to the station, the measurement is then transmitted to a computer. Software on the computer displays an overview of the color data. The computer or an operator may then adjust the controls of a press used to more accurately reproduce the graphic composition.
- ATS have proven invaluable in modem printing plants. However, they have limitations. Care must be taken by the operator of the ATS to align composition in the ATS. If not, the color target may be slightly curved when placed on the table. Further, if the composition is contained on a folded sheet of paper, additional care must be taken to compensate for the fold in the color target. If the color target is not properly aligned, the color target may not be accurately read.
- Additionally, at least two scans are required by the ATS. The multiple scans may cause significant time delays. Finally, even with the multiple scans, the alignment of the color target may not be acceptable, resulting in faulty color information.
- Further, the scan information is not transmitted to the computer until the head is returned to the station. This delays the time before the data is analyzed, resulting in delays in completing the print job.
- An improved ATS which overcomes these problems is thus highly desirable.
- An improved ATS is provided with a look-ahead visual sensor. The look-ahead sensor retrieves an image and a tracking controller finds the location of a color matrix. The color matrix could be a color target, a color profile target, a color bar code, a color picture, or any other amalgamation of colors. A controller moves the data acquisition optics in response to output from the look-ahead sensor. In this way, the data acquisition optics maintains a proper orientation with respect to the color matrix.
- Additionally, a stepper motor for controlling movement of the ATS head in an X-direction is controlled directly by the head. Thus, all components for accurately tracking the color bar are located in the head.
- In order to improve the efficiency of the ATS, the vacuum pump is provided with a solenoid controlling the coupling of vacuum holes located in the paper table with the vacuum pump.
- During the scan, information from the data acquisition optics is continually transmitted to a remote computer by way of a communication channel between the head and the computer. Thus, the computer can immediately begin analyzing the data.
- The communication channel is established by way of a communication interface, which could be an Ethernet connection. The head communicates to the by way of an Ethernet connection.
- These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 shows several auto-tracking spectrophotometers connected to computers by way of a network. -
FIG. 2 shows an auto-tracking spectrophotometer. -
FIG. 3 shows the contents of the head of an auto-tracking spectrophotometer. -
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an auto-tracking spectrophotometer. -
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of an auto-tracking spectrophotometer. -
FIG. 6 is a flow chart indicating shows how the color information is collected from color matrix by an auto-tracking spectrophotometer. -
FIG. 1 shows a printing plant with several ATS.Computers network 14 to a plurality ofATS systems systems computers -
FIG. 2 shows an ATS 20. ATS 20 consists of table 22,head 24, andstation 26. Table 22 includesplaten 23 andtrack 25. Table 22 is sample holding surface. In some applications, table 22 could be a curved surface. -
Vacuum pump 28 is attached tostation 26 by way oftube 30 andvacuum inlet 33. Table 22 hasvacuum holes 32. When a graphic composition is placed on table 22,vacuum pump 28 is energized, thus creating a means to hold the graphic composition to table 22. The graphic composition is generally on a substrate, such as paper. -
Station 26 includescommunication interface 34 andRS232 interface 36. ATS 20 can be connected to a network by way ofnetwork interface 34.Network interface 34 could be a standard RJ-45 connection. ATS 20 could be directly connected to a computer by way ofRS232 interface 36 ornetwork interface 34. - After a graphic composition is placed on
platen 23,head 24 moves across the color chart and reads the color chart on the graphic composition, and transmits the information to a computer. -
FIG. 3 shows the contents ofhead 24.Head 24 serves as an enclosure for various components. Various circuit boards required to operatehead 24 are not shown.Arrow 41 shows the movement of thehead 24 in the direction of the scan, which is referred to hereinafter as the X-direction.Head 24 includes a NCIS (non-contact image system) 40,data acquisition optics 42, and Y-step motor 44. Y-step motor 44 is connected todata acquisition optics 42 by way of y-drive mechanism 46. Information regarding the location of the color matrix is acquired bynon-contact image system 40 and is used to control Y-step motor 44 in order to accurately positiondata acquisition optics 42 over the color matrix.NCIS 40 is spaced approximately 2½ inches from thedata acquisition optics 42. Y-step motor 44 and Y-drive mechanism 46 form a positioning system. -
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram ofATS 20.Station 26 includesx-home sensor 52,vacuum control 54,track store 56, communication interface 58, andx-stepper motor 60.X-home sensor 52 detects the x-position ofhead 24 wheneverhead 24 is docked withstation 26.Vacuum control 54 is connected tovacuum pump 28.Vacuum control 54 controlsvacuum inlet solenoid 62. Whenvacuum control 54 energizesvacuum inlet solenoid 62, a vacuum is applied to table 22.Track store 56 contains information regarding the track such as the length of the track. - Communication interface 58 provides bidrectional communication between
ATS 20 and a computer or computers by way of a network. Communication interface 58 includes an Ethernet connection as well as an RS232 interface.X-stepper motor 60 controls the x-position ofhead 24. -
Station 26 is connection to head 24 by way ofinterface 63 which could be an RS232 serial interface or an LVDS (Low Voltage Digital Signaling) interface.Head 24 includes trackingboard 64, y-stepper motor 66,NCIS module 68, DAS (Digital Acquisition System)board 70 andlamp board 72. Trackingboard 64 is connected toNCIS module 68 andDAS board 70.Station 26 could be a system for processing or storage of information fromhead 24. Alternatively, systems other thanhead station 26 could provided for the processing and storage of information. - Tracking
board 64 receives information fromNCIS module 68 to control the x-position ofhead 24 and the y-position ofDAS board 70 andlamp board 72. Trackingboard 64 is connected toX-stepper motor 60. Trackingboard 64 provides commands toX-stepper motor 60 to movehead 24. Trackingboard 64 is also connected toNCIS module 68. Trackingboard 64 uses the information received fromNCIS module 68 to correctly positionDAS board 70 andlamp board 72 in the y-direction. -
DAS board 70 is connected to trackingboard 64.DAS board 70 provides the color information to trackingboard 64. Trackingboard 64 then relays the information by way ofinterface 63 tostation 26 and ultimately to a network or a computer.Lamp board 72 is a known device for acquiring color information from a target. -
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation ofATS 20. A color calibration application starts on a computer connected toATS 20.Step 100. WhenATS 20 receives a signal from the computer that an application has started,ATS 20 energizesvacuum pump 28.Step 102. In this way, a vacuum will be immediately accessible at table 22. After a job is selected on the computer (Step 104), the job information is sent tostation 26.Step 106. The job information could include data regarding the size of the color matrix such as height, width of individual color patches within the color matrix, number of colors. - From the job information,
station 26 calculates the optimal speed for movement ofhead 24 in the x-direction.Step 108. The PC then sends a command to station 26 to start the color measurement.Step 110.Station 26 then sends a command toDAS board 70 to begin measurement.Step 112.DAS board 70 then initializes itself by performing such tasks as spinning the color wheels, energizing the lamp, and energizing the sensors.Step 114.DAS board 70 then begins sending information to the computer.Step 116. When communication between theDAS board 70 and the computer is confirmed,station 26 sends a command to trackingboard 64 to begin scanning in the x-direction.Step 118. Trackingboard 64 then sends a command tox-stepper motor 60 to movehead 24 in the x-direction.Step 120. - Tracking
board 64, by way ofNCIS module 68, then begins to look for the paper edge.Step 122. When a paper edge is detected by trackingboard 64, trackingboard 64 sends a message to the computer that a paper edge has been found and also sends to the computer the X/Y-location of the paper edges.Step 124. After the edge is found, trackingboard 64 by way ofNCIS module 68 begins to search for the color matrix.Step 126. When the color matrix is found (step 128) the trackingboard 64 stores the X/Y-location of the start of the color matrix in memory.Step 130. - Tracking
board 64 controlsx-stepper motor 60 and maintains a counter indicative of the x-position ofhead 24.DAS board 70 then collects color information from the color matrix.Step 132. -
FIG. 6 is a flow chart indicating shows how the color information is collected fromcolor matrix 132. Trackingboard 64 sends a command toX-stepper motor 60 to movehead 24 in the x-direction.Step 200. Trackingboard 64 stores the x-location of thehead 24 inmemory 65. Trackingboard 64 by way of theNCIS module 68 detects the Y-location of the color matrix.Step 202. It stores the Y-location inmemory 65.Step 204. BecauseNCIS module 68 is located approximately 2 ½ inches in advance oflamp board 72, trackingboard 64 uses previously stored data regarding location of the color matrix to control the y-position oflamp board 72 withstepper motor 66. - Tracking
board 64 retrieves the y-position of the color matrix for the current x-position of thelamp board 72 frommemory 65.Step 206. Trackingboard 64 then moveslamp board 72 to the current y-position.Step 208. Color information is then read from the color matrix.Step 210. The color information is then sent to the computer.Step 212. - At the same
time NCIS module 68, is searching for the edge of the paper.Step 214. If the edge is detected, then the reading of the color matrix ends. Otherwise, the process repeats. - Returning to
FIG. 5 , after all color information has been collected, 24 head is returned to its original position.Step 134. Whenhead 24 is docked withstation 26,ATS 20 sends a message to the computer that head 24 is docked.Step 136. The solenoid is de-energized.Step 138. The color reading is then completed.Step 140. - The above description is of the preferred embodiment. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any references to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
Claims (72)
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JP5751952B2 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2015-07-22 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus control method |
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US4565450A (en) * | 1982-05-28 | 1986-01-21 | Grapho Metronic Mess- Und Regeltechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Arrangement for and method of determining the amount of dampening agent on a printing-image carrier |
US4907036A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1990-03-06 | Minoru Morita | Densitometer for photography |
US4990793A (en) * | 1988-04-30 | 1991-02-05 | Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft | Measurement of degree of intermingling and measuring apparatus therefor |
US5073028A (en) * | 1990-04-23 | 1991-12-17 | X-Rite, Incorporated | Scanning densitometer |
US5446559A (en) * | 1992-10-05 | 1995-08-29 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Method and apparatus for scanning and printing |
US5701175A (en) * | 1996-08-02 | 1997-12-23 | Kostizak; David A. | Spectrophotometer mouse |
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US6690471B2 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2004-02-10 | Xerox Corporation | Color imager bar based spectrophotometer for color printer color control system |
US6697106B1 (en) * | 1999-03-26 | 2004-02-24 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Apparatus for processing image signals representative of a still picture and moving pictures picked up |
US6765674B2 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2004-07-20 | Gretag-Macbeth Ag | Process and apparatus for the colorimetric measurement of a two-dimensional original |
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DE3113674A1 (en) | 1981-04-04 | 1982-10-14 | Grapho-Metronic Meß- und Regeltechnik GmbH & Co, KG, 8000 München | DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE AMOUNT OF MOISTANT ON THE PRINT PLATE OF AN OFFSET PRINTING MACHINE |
DE3144643C2 (en) | 1981-11-10 | 1983-11-10 | Grapho Metronic Meß- und Regeltechnik GmbH & Co KG, 8000 München | Device for displaying an axial displacement of clamping rails for clamping printing plates on the plate cylinder of printing machines |
DE3220300C1 (en) | 1982-05-28 | 1983-08-11 | Grapho-Metronic Meß- und Regeltechnik GmbH & Co KG, 8000 München | Coordinating table with a device for scanning a colour control strip printed along a sheet edge |
DE3238704A1 (en) | 1982-10-19 | 1984-04-19 | Grapho Metronic Meß- und Regeltechnik GmbH & Co KG, 8000 München | DEVICE FOR OBTAINING A MEASUREMENT FOR THE MOISTURIZER LAYER THICKNESS ON OFFSET PRINTING PLATES |
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2005
- 2005-05-05 EP EP05733779A patent/EP1743148B1/en active Active
- 2005-05-05 DE DE602005019709T patent/DE602005019709D1/en active Active
- 2005-05-05 WO PCT/IB2005/051480 patent/WO2005106412A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-05-05 AT AT05733779T patent/ATE459865T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-05-05 WO PCT/IB2005/051481 patent/WO2005106413A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-05-05 US US11/122,638 patent/US7626724B2/en active Active
- 2005-05-05 EP EP05733778A patent/EP1743147A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-05-05 US US11/122,721 patent/US20050259251A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US4565450A (en) * | 1982-05-28 | 1986-01-21 | Grapho Metronic Mess- Und Regeltechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Arrangement for and method of determining the amount of dampening agent on a printing-image carrier |
US4907036A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1990-03-06 | Minoru Morita | Densitometer for photography |
US4990793A (en) * | 1988-04-30 | 1991-02-05 | Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft | Measurement of degree of intermingling and measuring apparatus therefor |
US5073028A (en) * | 1990-04-23 | 1991-12-17 | X-Rite, Incorporated | Scanning densitometer |
US6100982A (en) * | 1991-12-24 | 2000-08-08 | Tobias Associates, Inc. | Method and apparatus for determining a scanning track for a narrow color bar |
US5446559A (en) * | 1992-10-05 | 1995-08-29 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Method and apparatus for scanning and printing |
US6215552B1 (en) * | 1994-07-18 | 2001-04-10 | Xerox Corporation | Electrostatic process control based upon both the roughness and the thickness of a substrate |
US6031617A (en) * | 1994-09-14 | 2000-02-29 | X-Rite, Incorporated | Scanning colorimeter with x-y drive |
US5701175A (en) * | 1996-08-02 | 1997-12-23 | Kostizak; David A. | Spectrophotometer mouse |
US6697106B1 (en) * | 1999-03-26 | 2004-02-24 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Apparatus for processing image signals representative of a still picture and moving pictures picked up |
US6765674B2 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2004-07-20 | Gretag-Macbeth Ag | Process and apparatus for the colorimetric measurement of a two-dimensional original |
US6690471B2 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2004-02-10 | Xerox Corporation | Color imager bar based spectrophotometer for color printer color control system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US7626724B2 (en) | 2009-12-01 |
DE602005019709D1 (en) | 2010-04-15 |
EP1743148B1 (en) | 2010-03-03 |
ATE459865T1 (en) | 2010-03-15 |
WO2005106412A1 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
WO2005106413A1 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
EP1743148A1 (en) | 2007-01-17 |
EP1743147A1 (en) | 2007-01-17 |
US20050254074A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
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