CA1137597A - Press make ready and control system - Google Patents
Press make ready and control systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1137597A CA1137597A CA000329245A CA329245A CA1137597A CA 1137597 A CA1137597 A CA 1137597A CA 000329245 A CA000329245 A CA 000329245A CA 329245 A CA329245 A CA 329245A CA 1137597 A CA1137597 A CA 1137597A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- data
- ink
- press
- settings
- dependent
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
- B41F33/00—Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
- B41F33/16—Programming systems for automatic control of sequence of operations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
- B41F33/00—Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
- B41F33/0009—Central control units
Landscapes
- Inking, Control Or Cleaning Of Printing Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A system is disclosed for making ready and otherwise controlling a printing press. Data is gathered relating to the configuration of the press being controlled and also to certain other parameters required for presett-ing and otherwise controlling the various mechanical settings on the press.
A number of dedicated microprocessors, each associated with one type of mechanical setting (i.e., ink fountains, water fountains, registration ele-ments, etc.), process this data in order to derive control information there-from. These processors then cause an associated control circuit to preset the corresponding mechanical settings as determined by this processing.
Facilities are also provided for an operator to view the various presets and to make changes therein.
A number of dedicated microprocessors, each associated with one type of mechanical setting (i.e., ink fountains, water fountains, registration ele-ments, etc.), process this data in order to derive control information there-from. These processors then cause an associated control circuit to preset the corresponding mechanical settings as determined by this processing.
Facilities are also provided for an operator to view the various presets and to make changes therein.
Description
~13~5~7 PE~ESS M~ ~EADY P~D CaNTP~L SYSTEM
Backgr~und and Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the art of printing, and more particularly to a system for automatically making ready a press for a print-ing run by presetting a number of mechanical adjustments thereon, and for otherwise controlling the press.
I~rge printing presses, whether commercial, newspaper, or other-wise include a large numker of mechanical elements which must be adjusted be-fore proceeding with any given printing run. mese elements include the water fountains, ink fountains, web infeed, registration ele~.ents, folder, etc. Conventionally, the press operator would adjust the majority of these settings manually, guessing at the appropriate settings in view of his past experienoe in working with that particular press. Refine~ents of the adjust-ments during run time were, of course, generally necessary since th.ese ad-justments were rarely oompletely correct.
The problem of adjusting these various elements is complicated by the fact that the various adjustments are dependent not only upon the part-icular press being employed, but also upon a number of other factors which will vary from run to run.
The settings of the ink fauntains, for example, will depend upon the actual printing plate being used in conjunction with that ink fountain.
In the past, systems have been used which scan the image to be printed, and then use the resulting signals in order to preset the ink fountains. Even when the ink keys were thus adjusted, however, it was found that significant adjustments in the settings would be required by the oFerator.
Summary of the Invention It has been found that the proper presetting of these mechanical adjustments is a function of a large number of factors, including press dependent factors, and product dependent factors. m e manner in which these factors influence the proper setting of the various mechanical elements of 1~3'^~9~
the press can, however, be characterized in well defined relationships. A
system is therefore disclosed herein whlch utilizes these well defined rela-tionships to establish appropriate presetting signals and run control signals for use in operation of a printing press.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for automatically presetting and otherwise controlling various mechanical ele-ments of a printing press.
It is an additional object of the present inven~ion to provide a specific system utilizing dedicated processors for control of the various mechanical elements in the system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an ink control system for presetting a plurality of ink control devices associated with various ink fountains on a printing press.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system for presetting the various mechanical elements of the system in accordance with a plurality of factors, including at least prcduct dependent factors and press dependent factors, so as to provide accurate presetting adjustments of the mechanical elements, thereby eliminating undue waste of time and material.
According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided in combination, a printing press having a plurality of adjust-able mechanical settings at various locations thereof including ink key sett-ings and compensator roll settings, all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given product, with the adjustments being depend-ent up~n press dep~ndent factors, process depPndent factors, and product de-pendent factors, and apparatus for making said press ready prior to press run operations, including:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent, process dependent, and product dependent factors to produce the desired product on said press;
~137S97 means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings deFendent upon said data; and, means for adjusting at least one of said mec~.anical settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
Aceording to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided in combination, a printing press having a plurality of ink eon-trol deviees to control the amount of ink supplied to resFective ink columns on at least one prmting cylinder of said printing press, and app æatus for presetting said ink control deviees prior to press run operations, ineluding:
first means for providing first data ineluding a plurality of sereen values, indieating the percentage of printed area in at least part of a eorresponding ink eolumn by seanning an image eorresponding to an image to be printed, seeond means for providing second data indieative of a plurality of faetors whieh affeet the required settings of said ink eontrol devices in order to properly print said image, third means for reeeiving and prceessing said first and second data for determining the amount of ink whieh must be supplied to eaeh ink eolumn in order to properly print said image, and for determining the re-quired settings of said ink control deviees in order to supply the am~unt of ink per ink eolumn as thus determined, and fourth means for adjusting said ink eontrol deviees to the settings determined by said third means and prior to said press run operations so as to thus eause said deviees to supply the proper amount of ink to said print-ing eylinder for printing said image.
Acoording to a third broad aspeet of the present invention, there i8 provided apparatus for making ready a printing press prior to press run operations having a plurality of types of adjustable meehanieal settings all Sg7 of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given product, with the adjustments being dependent upon press dependent factors, process dependent factors, and product dependent factors, oomprising:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependentr pro-oess dependent, and product dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produce the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and pro oessing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordan oe with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for making ready a printing press prior to press run operations and having a plurality of types of adjustable mechanical settLngs : all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given pro-duct, with the adjustments being dependent upon press dependent factors and process dependent factors, comprising:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent and pro-oe ss dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produoe the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermming the corresponding value of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings prior to press run operations.
Brief ~escription of the Drawings T&e foregoing and okher objects and advantages of the present invention will beoo.me more readily apparent from the following description "
113~5g7 of preferred embodiments, as taken in conjunction with the aco~mpanying drawings, wherein:
Figures LA-lC are schematic illustrations of a newspaper printing press and the ink fountains associated with this printing press;
Figure 2 is a broad bloc~ diagram of a preset control system in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a press control system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a more detailed block diagram of one of the processors of the press control system of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a more detailed block diagram of the ink control block of the system of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a more detailed block diagram of a portion of another embodlment of the ink controls broadly illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a re detailed block diagram of the film scanner shown broadly in Figure 3;
Figure 8 is a flow chart representing the operation of the scanner processor PIM of Figure 3;
Figure 9 illustrates the format in which data will be stored as a result of the operation of the scanner prooessor PIM of Figure 3;
Figure 10 is a overall flow chart illustrating the operation of the ink processor RIM of Figure 3;
Figure ll is a flcw chart detailing the operation of the block identified by referen oe numeral 2000 in Figure 10;
Figures 12A-12G are flow charts detailing the operation of the block identified by reference numeral 3000 in Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the block identified by reference numeral 4000 in Figure lO;
Figure 14 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the block identified by reference numeral 5000 in Figure lO;
~137~
Eigure 15A-15E are flow charts detailing the operation of the block identified by referen oe numeral 6000 in Figure 10;
Figure 16 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the block identified by referenoe numeral 7000 in Figure 10; and Figure 17 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the key driver prooe dure.
~ETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referenoe is now made to the drawings wherein the showings are pro-vided for the sole purpose of illust~ating preferred embcdiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. mus, although the invention will be described in the environment of a conventional news-paper press, the invention has broader application to printing presses in general.
Figure lA is a schematic illustration of a newspaper press of con-ventional design. This press includes seven printing units 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. In addition, a folder (not shown) will be located at the position indicated at 24 in the drawing. Webs on press units 10 through 16 move to the right from the press units to the folder, while the webs on units 18, 20, and 22 move toward the left to the folder. In ccmmon terminol-ogy, the units are designated as right hand or left hand, depending upon thedirection of movement of the web to the folder. Accordingly then, units 10 through 16 are tenmed right hand units and units 18 through 22 are ter~ed left hand units.
All of the units 10 through 22 include the plate and blanket cylinder6 generally shown with respect to unit 10. m us, each of units 10 through 22 will mclude tw~ plate cylinders 30 and 32 upon which printing plates will be clamped, and blanket cylinders 34 and 36. In addition, half decks 40, 42, and 44 æe c æried on printing units 12, 16, and 20, respect-ively. Each of these half decks includes a plate ~ylinder 46 and an impres-sion cylinder 48.
~13'~5g~
Inker and da~pener mechanisms (not shcwn in Fig. LA) will be associated with each plate cylinder in the press. m ese mechanisms apply ink and dampening solution to the printing plates as in conventional litho-graphic printing presses.
me ink fountain of a conventional inker mechanism is shown in Figures l(B) and l(C). m is fountain generally includes an ink fountain roll 41 having a fountain blade 43 resting against it so as to form a ink reservoir in which ink 45 is placed. The fountain roll receives a layer of ink from the reservoir and transfers it to a ductor roll 47. m e amount of ink applied to ductor roll 47 is adjustable by varying the speed of the foun-tain roll, and also by means of a number of ink keys 49 spaced along the blade. These ink keys control the flow of ink by controlling the separation between the edge of the blade 43 and the fountain roll 41. me various ink keys 49 are, in turn, positioned by electrically controlled actuators 51 associated with each ink key. The position of each actuator will control the supply on ink to a corresponding portion (indicated in dotted lines in Fig. l(C)) of the fountain roll.
Other rolls, not shcwn, will take the ink from the ductor roll and apply it to the printing plates. Again, however, the amount of ink supplied to each portion of the printing plates will depend u~on the position of a corresponding ink key 49. In the description which follows, the particular printing plate area æ rviced by a single ink key will be referred to as an ink column. The ink, thus applied to the printing plates, will then ~e transferred to the blanket cylinders, and thus to a web passing between the blanket cylinders 34 and 36 of the unit.
In the illustrated press arrangement, six webs Wl through W6 are threaded through the press. A large number of alternative webbing arrange-ments are, however, also available, and the selection of a particular webbing arrangement will de~end upon the particular product to be printed.
Preparing a press of this type for a printing run involves the pre-d-~.
~3~S~7 setting of a large number of mechanical adjustments thereon. The ink keys of the inking mechanisms associated with each of the plate cylinders, for example, must be adjusted in accordan oe with the amount of ink required at the various positions (ink columns) along the transverse dimension of the plate cylinder. Gther settings include registration control, dampener (water fountain) setting, compensator roll settings, folder settings, unit tension or infeed settings, reel tension settings, etc. Conventionally, a press operator would adjust the majority of these settings manually, guess-ing at the appropriate settings upon the basis of his past experienoe wlth working with that particular press. Since these settings would rarely be oompletely correct, further adjustments were necessary during the run of the press. Although eventually accurate adjustments could be achieved in this manner, substantial wastes of time and materials took place during the interum.
The problem is complicated by the fact that these various adjust-ments are dependent not only upon the particular press employed, but also upon a number of other factors. m e settings of the ink keys, for example, is markedly sensitive to the amount of printed material in the ink column represented by that particular ink key. The appropriate ink key setting will also dep~nd upon the color of the ink being supplied by that ink foun-tain, as well as upon such prooess parameters as paper-type, water-type, and ink-type.
In accordan oe with one aspect of the pres nt invention, all of the æ mechanical adjustments are pre æt prior to press run operations in a manner which is functionally depicted in Figure 2. In this figure, a preset control PC is shown as responding to a variety of data which is inputted thereto. mis data includes data representative of the particul æ press beirlg employed, product description information (such as color, etc.), pro-oess factors, as well as factors indicating the peroent of printed area per ink column. miS preset oontrol determines from this data the correct pre-1~3~5g7 set~s for the various mechanical settings.
This preset system may be constructed in hardware terms in any of a variety of ways. Preferably data processing is employed to facilitate the calculation of the various presets from the inputted data. Architecturally it is preferred that the system take a form such as that shown in Figure 3 which may be termed as a distributed processing system since dedicated pro-oessors are employed for each oE the various mechanical press controls. For example, as shown in Figure 3, such dedicated control processors may include a remote ink processor RIM, a registration processor ~P, a water fountain processor ~P, and a compensator processor CP. As will be brought out in greater detail hereinafter these pro oessors respectively serve to provide control signals for operating the ink controls 50, the registration controls 52, the water controls 54 and the compensator controls 56.
me dedicated processors are all coupled by way of a serial bus 58 with a series of intelligent processor driven video display termlnals. mese terminals are all operator controlled for ent~ring data into the system and"
for viewing data by way of the video display. Each terminal includes a pro-oessor together with such input and output peripherals as a keyboæ ds and video displays.
For preset operations the data is entered into the system by two of the terminals including a scanner pro oessor PIM and a remote entry pro-cessor REP. One of the primary purposes of the scanner pro oessor PIM is to provide data indicating the percent of printed area per ink column. m is data will be used by the remote ink processor RIM to calculate the appropri-ate ink key settings. me primary purpose of the ramote entry processor ÆM, on the other hand, is to provide data indicating the manners in which the webs and the printing plates must be applied to the press in order to pro-duce a particular product.
Both of these processors oommunicate with the other dedicated pro-cessors by way of the serial bus 58. As will be described in greater detail ~1375~7 hereinafter, the scanner processor receives inputs fronl such input peri-pherals as a film scanner 60 and a keyboar~ 62. This data may be displayed for the operators inspection by way of a video display 64. The remote entry processor REP also re oeives data from an operator actuated keyboard 66 and provides operator viewable displays as with a video display 68.
The data entered into the scanner processor PIM and remote entry processor REP from their respective input peripherals will include data representing the description (configuration~ of the press to ke controlled, a description of the product to be printed, data respecting the printed area per ink column, and process parameters. The nature of this data will be dis-cussed in greater detail hereinafter.
This data is processed by the various processors in accordance with instructions pr~grammed therein. At various times, processed data may be stored in memories located at the processors PIM and ~. Dependlng upon the memory capacity within these processors, the data may also be stored in a mass storage device, such as a floppy disc or the like. A conventional mass storage device is illustrated as the system store 70, and co~municates interactively with the processors by way of the serial bus 58. This permits a large number of jobs to be stored for subsequent retrieval.
It may be desirable to provide print outs of some of the processed data. This capability is provided by a conventional printer 72, which again communicates with the processors by way of the serial bus.
The system shc~n in Figure 3 also includes two intelligent run con-trol termlnals. One of these terminals includes a run control pro oessor RCl together with a keyboard 74 for inputting data and a video display 76 for prcviding operator viewable displays. The other run control termunal is similar to the first and includes a run control pro oessor RC2 together with a keyboard 78 and a video display 80. The number of run control terminals may vary depending upon the press configuration. It will be recalled the system pre~ently being described includes (see Fig. 1) seven press units with ~.,,' ~13~S9q four being located on one side of the folder 24 and three being located on the other side of the folder. It is contemplated in this embodinent that one of the run control terminals will be assigned to the press units on one side of the folder and the other run control term m al will be assigned to the press units located on the other side of the folder.
During preset operation, to be described in greater detail herein-after, an operator will employ the keyboard 74 to cause a preset operation to take plaoe whereupon the various mechanical settings will be preset.
Each of the preset funct~ions such as ink control, registration c3ntrol and the like is individually controllable. For example, the operator may call for an ink preset and by way of the video display be provided with a graphical depiction of the preset values of the ink key settings. By way of the keybcard the OeeratGr may then change the preset values as he deems necessary in view of his knowledge of the press units to which his processor is assigned.
It is contemplated that one main control terminal will be employed for each folder of a press system. Thus, one such terminal would be employed for a press configuration such as that shown in Figure 1. This terminal is shcwn in Figure 3 as a main control processor MCP together with an cperator actuatable keyboard 82 and a video display 84. m e main press operator will be stationed at this terminal and will employ it to oversee the operation of the system. Data respecting the various presets may be called up by the operator actuating the proper keys on the keyboard to addres~ the memory having the presets involved. mese would then be dis-pL~yed graphically by the video display 84.
m us far, a somewhat general description has been given of the variou5 a5pects of the system and the components employed. The system will now be described in greater detail.
~E~CESSOP~
As illustrated in Figure 3, various processors are employed, some 113~5~7 being configured as intelligent video display terminals and others being used without keyboard or video displays but serving to control other peri-pherals. In each case, hcwever, the architecture of the processor may take the same form. Although referred to generally herein as processors, these system components will, in fact, each comprise a camplete microcamputer system, including a central processing unit, some amount of memDry, and various input/output devices. It is prese~tly preferred that they be based upon single-chip central processing units commanly known as microprooessors.
mese processors may thus, for example, each comprise an SBC-80 micro-computer, manufactured and sold by Intel Corp. of Santa Clara California.
For a better understanding of such a microccmputer, referen oe maynow be made to Figure 4. The central pro oessing unit CPU together with suit-able interfacing circuitry is connected to a comman bus, as illustrated.
mis co~mDn bus structure includes an address bus AB, a data bus DB, and a control bus CB. lhe address bus may, for example, be a sixteen bit bus whereas the data bus may be an eight bit bus. I'he control bus CB has a variable number of control lines dependent upon the number of control com-mands and the like being employed. Whereas only single lines are illustrated Jeading to the various busses, it will be appreciated that these various lines are generally as "wide" as the bus to which they are connected, at least insofar as the data and address buses are concerned.
As is conventional, the program instructions or OP codes are stored in an external read-only memory (R~M) or in an external programmable read-only memory (P~oM). Such a memory is illustrated as mem~ry M-l on the bus structure. Data to be manipulated in accordanoe with the programmed instructions is stored in a read-write random acoess memory M-2 also located on the bus structure. Data may be entered into the memory ~-2 from the key-board or other data souroe such as the film scanner 60 by way of a conven-tional input-output cont~ol 10. The input-output control 10 also serves to provide communications (generally in a p æallel format) with output peri-1:13'~S97 pherals such as various video displays or the ma~hine controls 50 through 56illustrated in Figure 3.
The control bus conventionally carries various control signals for enabling various operations. For example, when the CPU addresses memory ~1 to fetch an ins~ruction code (or aP code) a MEM~RY READ signal is supplied to the control bus CB and a sixteen bit address is placed on the address bus AB. Consequently the data (in this case an instruction byte) at the particular address in memory ~-1 is read and placed on the data bus DB.
The instruction is decoded within the CPU, which then carries out the de-signated operation. It may require, for example, that data located in a oe r-tain location in memory M-2 be fetched and plaoe d on the d~ta bus. The CPU
would then plaoe an address on the address bus identifying that address in memory M-2 and would raise the MEM~RY XEAD control line on the control bus once again. mis would cause the data at that address to be read from memory M-2 and plaoed on the data bus. Similarly if data obtained from some so~rce and located on the data bus is to be written into the address in memory M-2 the CPU would raise a MEM~RY WFITE line in the control bus~ Dur-ing video display of operational information, data fetched from memory M~2 would be supplied by way of the data bus to the video display, such as dis-play 64, as by way of the input-output control 10. This is all conventional in the art.
Data entered into the system as by the inputs to processor PIM or to pro oessor ~EP may be stored locally within that processor in memory M-2 or, if that memory capacity is not sufficient, then the data may be stored on a mass storage device such as a floppy disc or the like. It is contem-plated that job data and the like may be stored at the system store 70, frcm where the data may be retrieved by one of the other video display terminals or by one of the press functicn processors. As has been stated previously, communications between the prooessors and the system store is by way of the serial bus 58. Preferably data flcw within a processor itself, as shcwn in ~13~ 7 Figure 4, is in a parallel format. mis data, however, is converted to a serial format by way of a universal synchronous-asynchronous receiver/trans-mitter USAKr. This device is also conventional in the art and, as shown in Figure 4, it will also be connected to the common bus structure. The serial output of the USART is connected, of course, to serial bus 58.
The job stored in the system store 70 may thus be called up by a CPU in one of the processors by addressing the system store through the USART. An operator at one of the video display texminals, for example, may call up a job from the system store and have it displayed on his video dis-play. Each of the video display terminals is provided with editing capa-bility (not shown) so that data respecting a particular job may be edited - and revised with both the original text and the edit text then being re-turned to the system store for later retrieval.
OUTPUT PERIPHER~LS
The dedicated processors RIM, FP, WP, and CP all operate with what may be termed as output peripherals. These peripherals include the ink con-trols 50, the registration controls 52, the water controls 54 and the ccm-pensator oontrols 56. Each receives position control information fr~m its respective processor and in turn also provide some feedback information indicating the positions of the controlled elements.
More specifically, each processor may provide address information, direction information, and distance information to the associated mechanical controls. The address information serves to select which of the mechanical elements within the group is to be operated. With respect to Figure l, for example, there is illustrated a seven unit press with the various units hav-ing upper units and lower units and with printing units 12, 16, and 20 hav-ing upper decks. Consequently, in the case of ink flow control, there is a need to identify (i.e., provide the address of) the printing unit to be con-trolled, and also to indicate whether control information is to be provided for the ink fountain serving the upper portion, the lower portion, or the ~13~597 halfdeck. Furthermore, each ink fountain may includa, for example, thirty-two keys to be adjusted. In n~wspaper presses these thirty-two keys will generally be divided into four gxoups of eight keys each with each group be-ing referred to as a page pack A, s, C, or D. Consequ2ntly, then, additional information is required to select which page pack is to be selected as well as the particular key within the page pack. With this information being out-putted by the ink processor RIM a given key to be adjusted may be selected.
Additional commands for that key includes the direction of move-ment as well as the amount of movement. This information is all provided by the ink processor in order to either preset the ink key or to adjust a pre-viously positioned ink key.
Some feedback is required from the ink keys to the ink processor so that an operator at one of the run control term mal may view the settings and also to provide accurate positioning of the keys by the preset operation of the ink processor. m is type of information, namely address, direction, and amount, together with a feedback indication is used at each of the pro-cessors. A typical illustration of these mechanical controls is illustrated in Figure 5 with respect to the ink flow controls 50.
As discussed above, the ink processor provides address information for selecting keys to be adjusted either for preset purposes or for readjust-ing a previously preset condition. This may be done in various ways and Figure 5 provides a schematic illustration of one embodiment in accordanoe with the present invention. Here the ink processor RIM outputs digital data to an ink key selection circuit 52 as well as a fountain roll selection cir-cuit 54. A portion of the data is address information including the print-ing unit address 56 and data 58 indicating whether the selected fountain is at the upper, lower, or halfdeck location.
~ hree fountain rollers 60, 62, and 64 are illustrated in Figure 5.
These rollers æe intended to be representative of a plurality of fountain rollers regardless of which printing unit is involved. Upon the basis of J
' ~13~S97 the address data 56 and 58 provided by the ink processor RDM, the fountain roll select deo-der 54 will determine which fountain roll is to be adjusted.
The fountain roll select decoder 54 will thus enable one of a num~er of a conventional analog gating circuit 66, 68, or 70 in accordance with this address. A particular gating circuit will thus be enabled to pass motor con-trol signals from a motor control circuit 72, of conventional design. This then will energize one of the motors 74; 76 or 78 so as to respectively drive its associated fountain roll 60, 62, or 64 at a commanded speed, thus con-trolling the ink transfer flow rate. In this case, the direction command may indicate whether the fountain roller is to be increased in speed or de-creased in speed. The magnitude of the speed variation may be supplied as a digital signal to a digital-to-analog converter 82, with the resulting analog signal then being applied to the motor control 72.
In order that position feedback information be provided for view-ing by an operator at a video display terminal, suitable potentiometers 84, 86, and 88 will be associated with the various fountain motor controls. m e particular potentiometer selected to provide a feedback signal will depend upon the fountain roller which has been selected. me analog speed signal provided by this potenticmeter will be converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter 90 so that a digital signal is supplied to the ink processor RDM. It is to be understood that there are times when the operator may want to obtain position feedback infor~lation relative to a foun-tain roll without causing the fountain roller to be adjusted. This, of course, w~uld be aocomplished by supplying the address information to the fountain roll select circuit 54 to select a particular fountain roller, with-out supplying actuating signals thereto. me associated potentiometer would therefore supply a speed feedback signal to the ink processor. This data will then be employed within the processor in a known manner to provide a video display of the position of the fountain roller.
Whereas the ~ountain roll control has been described above in oon-~3~597 junction with a newspaper press such as that illustrated in Figure 1 it is to be appreciated that the invention may also be employed to control the ink fountains in a commercial press. As is well known in the art an ink foun-tain in a commercial press is typically controlled by an ink ratchet mechanism wherein the selected fountain roll to be adjusted i9 indexed in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction by a ratchet mechanism. In such case the direction comn~nd would indicate direction of adjustment and the amount oormand would indicate the extent of adjustmlnt re-quired.
In a press such as that illustrated in Figure 1 there are a number of ink keys associated with each ink fountain~ me data provided by outputs 56 and 58 of the ink processor will select a fountam but not an ink key.
In the particular e~bodiment being described, there are thirty-two ink keys per fountain. me ink keys of each ink fountain are divided into four page packs A, B, C, and D, each of which include eight ink keys. An additional output of the processor, designated by character 92, carries the page pack adlress information for the selection of one of the page packs. Another out-put 94 may be used to designate the particular ink key to be selected within a page pack. With this information, the ink key select circuit 52 selects one of the ink keys for adjustment, or for the operator to be provided with a video display of the ink key position. Only four ink keys 100, 102, 104, and 106 have been illustrated in Figure 5 for purposes of simplification.
These may be considered as being spread am~ng various press units or ink fountains. With the ink key select 52 having selected the ir~ key to be ad-justed, one of a plurality of analog gating circuits 108, 110, 112, and 114, each associated with one of the ink keys, will be enabled thereby. Depend-ing upon the enabled gate, an associated ink key motor 116, 118, 120, or 122 will receive motor control signals by way of the gate from a oonventional motor control circuit 124. The direction command is provided by the pro-cessor in order to determune the direction of rnotor rnove~ent and henoe of ~1375~7 ink key move~ent. The magnitude of the commanded movement is supplied as a digital signal and is converted to an analog signal by a digital-to-analog convertor 128, and then supplied to the motor control 124. The ink key posi-tion information is obtained in a known manner by, for example, one of the associated potentiometers 130, 132, 134, and 136, each of which may serve, when its associated ink key is selected, to provide an analog signal. mis analog signal is converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital con-vertor 140 so that digital position ~eedback information may be supplied to the ink prooessor. The pro oessor will then use this data in a known manner to supply a video representation on the operators display screen to show the ink key position.
Referenoe is now made to Figure 6 which schematicall~ illustrates the form that the mk controls 50 may take in order to control a pawl and ratchet drive such as typically employed on the fountain rolls in a ccmmer-cial press (as opposed to the newspaper press fountain control depicted in Figure 5). The extent of rotation of a fountain roll while in engagement with the ductor roll determines, for a given film thickness on the fountaLn roll, the amount of ink transferred from the fountain roll to the duct roll and, in turn, the amount of ink transferred to the plate cylinder. The duct-ing mechanism and the adjustable pawl and ratchet mechanism are well known to tho æ skilled in the art and will not be described herein in further de-tail. As shown in Figure 6, a fountain roll select circuit 140 (similar to that of circuit 54 in Figure 5) may be employed to select the fountain to be adjusted and thereby dictate which pawl and ratchet mechanism 142 or 144 is to be controlled. A motor cantrol circuit 146 of conventional design will be employed to receive a direction command, and an analog magnitude signal by way of digital-to-analog converter 150. Fountain roll select circuit 140 will enable one of the gate circuits 156 or 158 in order to permit energiza-tion of the associated ratchet drive motor. Motor control 146 will thus con-trol ratchet motors 152 and 154 respectively associated with ratchet and ~, ~13`-~S~7 pawl mechanisms 142 and 144 in a known manner. Again, suitable potentio-meters 160, 162 are employed with each ratchet motor so as to provide feed-back. These potentiometers 160 and 162 provide the position feedback informa-tion to the ink processor RIM by way of the analog to digital oonvertor 166.
DATA ENTRY
Having ncw generally described the system, attention is more part-icularly directed to the manner in which presetting of the ink keys and ink fountain rolls is accomplished.
Data will be entered into the scanner processor PIM in order to permit it to accumulate a block of data consisting of a sequence of Si's (sometimes referred to hereinafter as screen values) together with informa-tion identifying the data block, and certain other print aata. Each OI
these Si's represents a corrected indication of the percentage of ink in each ink column of the actual printing plate served by that ink key.
mus, data will be entered into scanner processor PIM from the film scanner 60. Preferably, film scanner 60 includes a light table employing a sensor used to scan the film transparency which will be employed to expcse a particular printing plate. Such scanners are well known and are, for example, described in the United States patents to Murray 3,958,509, Gaillochet 3,853,409, and Norton 3,185,088. This film scanner 60 will scan the trans-parency and provide, for each ink column, the average transmission value (percentage of light transmitted through the film) of the film in that COlD.
Such a scanner is schematically illustrated iIl Fig~re 6, and is representative of the film scanner 60 shown in Figure 3. A transparency or film 200 is placed on a table (not shcwn) and a light bar 202 is placed beneath the film so as to transmit light through the film to a sensor head 204 containing a linear array of light sensors. m e light bar 202 and scann-ing head 204 are moved together, as indicated by arrcw 206, such that a read-ing is t~ken for each column of type of film 200. m e light transmission ('~ ~
'1137S~7 measurements are averaged over each ink column by a suitable averaging cir-cuit 208, and are then each converted to a corresponding digital word by an analog-to-digital converter 210. Digital transmission values Ti are thus provided to the scanner processor PIM, where i equals 1, 2,...N ink keys.
This data is converted into a corresponding block of Si values in a manner described hereinafter.
Additional data will be entered into the scanner processor PIM by way of the keyboard 62. Certain elements of this data identify particular parameters of the film being scanned by scanner 60. mis film rela~ed data includes the screen rulings R (in lines per inch), a transparency factor Kf (having a value between zero and one, with zero indicating co~,plete opacity and one indicating ccmplete transparency), and an indication P specifying whether the film being scanned is a film negative or a film positive.
Further information will be entered into keyboard 62 in order to identify the data block being generated. This identification data, including a job identification number, a form number, and a plate ID, will be stored in memory along with the data block of Si's so as to permit that data block to be recalled by reference to this identification data.
Still further data will be entered into the scanner processor PIM
by means of the keyboard to indicate oth~r factors. This data will include a oolor index Fc, an ink in~ex Fi, a paper index F and a dampening solution index Fs. The color index Fc indicates the actual color in which the image contained on the printing plate is to be printed. The ink index Fi, on the other hand, is depandent upon the particular ink being used, and is repre-sentative of the various proEerties of that ink. Similarly, the paper index Fp and the solution index Fs are specific to the type of paper and damFening solution being employed, and represent oe rtain properties of these elements.
In addition to these index factors, which are independent of the particul æ press configuration, certain press dependent information will also be entered. This includes a starting press water setting Wc and a starting i.
1~37597 press or make-ready speed Ps. This data may also be entered into the scanner processor PIM by means of the keyboard 62.
Alternatively to entering data in the above m~nner, data may also be derived in a nu~ber of other manners. In Figure 7, the film 200 is shcwn as including a bar code which may contain oe rtain portions of the information outlined above, such as product identification, color, etc. This information can be read into the system from the scanner 60, rather than being inputted through the keyboard 62. Also, of course, all of the foregoing information could alternatively be entered into the scanner pro oe ssor PIM from an external mass storage device. In any event, the data entered into the scanner processor PIM (whether through its input output control 10 or the serial input device USART) will be recorded in the pro oe ssor read/write memory M-2, under programmed control. Other indices useful in determ m ing the proper ink key and fountain roll settings will be c~lculated by scanner processor PIM on the basis of the other data entered. These indices will also be stored in the processor memory M-2.
Thus, all of the factors necessary to determine the proper ink key æ ttings will have been stored in a single block of data in memory M-2 of scanner processor PIM, together with appropriate data block identification information, Referen oe is now made to the flow diagram of Figure 8 which illus-trates the manner in which the processor is programmed to determine the scr = value Si for each transparency value Ti as well as to provide the print factors and indi oe s discussed above. To facilitate an understanding of the procedure referenoe is now made to Table I belcw which provides a summary definition of terms u æ d in the procedure.
TABLE I
T : i light transmission measurement in per oe nt 1 i = 1, 2, ..... , N keys R : screen ruling used in lines per inch G
~13~59~7 rAsLE I (o~nt.) Kf : fi~m transparency factor: O~Kf<l Kf = O film opaque Kf = 1 film transparent P : film type: P = O for negative film or P = 1 for positive film Si : ith screen value in percent Fc : color index FI : ink index F : paper index F : solution index n : Yule-Nielsen factor given the 4 indioe s Fc, FI, Fp, and Fs with Si ~ 50.00 assumed RF : rate factor for optical density of solid vs~ thickness given the 4 indi oes Fc, FI, Fp, and F
Do : maximum optiGal density of solid obtainable given the 4 indices c I p s Ds : optical density of solid desired given Fc Wc : water setting Ps : press speed me prooedure may be described as follcws:
Procedure Description 1000 m is invokes a pro oedure to determ me the ink area of coverage per ~ey width (ink column) and the press independent factors required to set the fountain in accordan oe with the following rules.
1. The screen values (Si's) represent the peroentage of ink area per key width covered with ink (printed image).
It does not dis oe m how the area is distributed. Thus a 50% screen (gray) over the entire area will result in an Si which is equal t~ that Si for a solid screen (black) over half the area.
., ,i,~ .~ .
~13~5g7
Backgr~und and Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the art of printing, and more particularly to a system for automatically making ready a press for a print-ing run by presetting a number of mechanical adjustments thereon, and for otherwise controlling the press.
I~rge printing presses, whether commercial, newspaper, or other-wise include a large numker of mechanical elements which must be adjusted be-fore proceeding with any given printing run. mese elements include the water fountains, ink fountains, web infeed, registration ele~.ents, folder, etc. Conventionally, the press operator would adjust the majority of these settings manually, guessing at the appropriate settings in view of his past experienoe in working with that particular press. Refine~ents of the adjust-ments during run time were, of course, generally necessary since th.ese ad-justments were rarely oompletely correct.
The problem of adjusting these various elements is complicated by the fact that the various adjustments are dependent not only upon the part-icular press being employed, but also upon a number of other factors which will vary from run to run.
The settings of the ink fauntains, for example, will depend upon the actual printing plate being used in conjunction with that ink fountain.
In the past, systems have been used which scan the image to be printed, and then use the resulting signals in order to preset the ink fountains. Even when the ink keys were thus adjusted, however, it was found that significant adjustments in the settings would be required by the oFerator.
Summary of the Invention It has been found that the proper presetting of these mechanical adjustments is a function of a large number of factors, including press dependent factors, and product dependent factors. m e manner in which these factors influence the proper setting of the various mechanical elements of 1~3'^~9~
the press can, however, be characterized in well defined relationships. A
system is therefore disclosed herein whlch utilizes these well defined rela-tionships to establish appropriate presetting signals and run control signals for use in operation of a printing press.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for automatically presetting and otherwise controlling various mechanical ele-ments of a printing press.
It is an additional object of the present inven~ion to provide a specific system utilizing dedicated processors for control of the various mechanical elements in the system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an ink control system for presetting a plurality of ink control devices associated with various ink fountains on a printing press.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system for presetting the various mechanical elements of the system in accordance with a plurality of factors, including at least prcduct dependent factors and press dependent factors, so as to provide accurate presetting adjustments of the mechanical elements, thereby eliminating undue waste of time and material.
According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided in combination, a printing press having a plurality of adjust-able mechanical settings at various locations thereof including ink key sett-ings and compensator roll settings, all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given product, with the adjustments being depend-ent up~n press dep~ndent factors, process depPndent factors, and product de-pendent factors, and apparatus for making said press ready prior to press run operations, including:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent, process dependent, and product dependent factors to produce the desired product on said press;
~137S97 means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings deFendent upon said data; and, means for adjusting at least one of said mec~.anical settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
Aceording to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided in combination, a printing press having a plurality of ink eon-trol deviees to control the amount of ink supplied to resFective ink columns on at least one prmting cylinder of said printing press, and app æatus for presetting said ink control deviees prior to press run operations, ineluding:
first means for providing first data ineluding a plurality of sereen values, indieating the percentage of printed area in at least part of a eorresponding ink eolumn by seanning an image eorresponding to an image to be printed, seeond means for providing second data indieative of a plurality of faetors whieh affeet the required settings of said ink eontrol devices in order to properly print said image, third means for reeeiving and prceessing said first and second data for determining the amount of ink whieh must be supplied to eaeh ink eolumn in order to properly print said image, and for determining the re-quired settings of said ink control deviees in order to supply the am~unt of ink per ink eolumn as thus determined, and fourth means for adjusting said ink eontrol deviees to the settings determined by said third means and prior to said press run operations so as to thus eause said deviees to supply the proper amount of ink to said print-ing eylinder for printing said image.
Acoording to a third broad aspeet of the present invention, there i8 provided apparatus for making ready a printing press prior to press run operations having a plurality of types of adjustable meehanieal settings all Sg7 of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given product, with the adjustments being dependent upon press dependent factors, process dependent factors, and product dependent factors, oomprising:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependentr pro-oess dependent, and product dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produce the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and pro oessing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordan oe with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
According to a fourth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for making ready a printing press prior to press run operations and having a plurality of types of adjustable mechanical settLngs : all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given pro-duct, with the adjustments being dependent upon press dependent factors and process dependent factors, comprising:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent and pro-oe ss dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produoe the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermming the corresponding value of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings prior to press run operations.
Brief ~escription of the Drawings T&e foregoing and okher objects and advantages of the present invention will beoo.me more readily apparent from the following description "
113~5g7 of preferred embodiments, as taken in conjunction with the aco~mpanying drawings, wherein:
Figures LA-lC are schematic illustrations of a newspaper printing press and the ink fountains associated with this printing press;
Figure 2 is a broad bloc~ diagram of a preset control system in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a press control system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a more detailed block diagram of one of the processors of the press control system of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a more detailed block diagram of the ink control block of the system of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a more detailed block diagram of a portion of another embodlment of the ink controls broadly illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a re detailed block diagram of the film scanner shown broadly in Figure 3;
Figure 8 is a flow chart representing the operation of the scanner processor PIM of Figure 3;
Figure 9 illustrates the format in which data will be stored as a result of the operation of the scanner prooessor PIM of Figure 3;
Figure 10 is a overall flow chart illustrating the operation of the ink processor RIM of Figure 3;
Figure ll is a flcw chart detailing the operation of the block identified by referen oe numeral 2000 in Figure 10;
Figures 12A-12G are flow charts detailing the operation of the block identified by reference numeral 3000 in Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the block identified by reference numeral 4000 in Figure lO;
Figure 14 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the block identified by reference numeral 5000 in Figure lO;
~137~
Eigure 15A-15E are flow charts detailing the operation of the block identified by referen oe numeral 6000 in Figure 10;
Figure 16 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the block identified by referenoe numeral 7000 in Figure 10; and Figure 17 is a flow chart detailing the operation of the key driver prooe dure.
~ETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referenoe is now made to the drawings wherein the showings are pro-vided for the sole purpose of illust~ating preferred embcdiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. mus, although the invention will be described in the environment of a conventional news-paper press, the invention has broader application to printing presses in general.
Figure lA is a schematic illustration of a newspaper press of con-ventional design. This press includes seven printing units 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. In addition, a folder (not shown) will be located at the position indicated at 24 in the drawing. Webs on press units 10 through 16 move to the right from the press units to the folder, while the webs on units 18, 20, and 22 move toward the left to the folder. In ccmmon terminol-ogy, the units are designated as right hand or left hand, depending upon thedirection of movement of the web to the folder. Accordingly then, units 10 through 16 are tenmed right hand units and units 18 through 22 are ter~ed left hand units.
All of the units 10 through 22 include the plate and blanket cylinder6 generally shown with respect to unit 10. m us, each of units 10 through 22 will mclude tw~ plate cylinders 30 and 32 upon which printing plates will be clamped, and blanket cylinders 34 and 36. In addition, half decks 40, 42, and 44 æe c æried on printing units 12, 16, and 20, respect-ively. Each of these half decks includes a plate ~ylinder 46 and an impres-sion cylinder 48.
~13'~5g~
Inker and da~pener mechanisms (not shcwn in Fig. LA) will be associated with each plate cylinder in the press. m ese mechanisms apply ink and dampening solution to the printing plates as in conventional litho-graphic printing presses.
me ink fountain of a conventional inker mechanism is shown in Figures l(B) and l(C). m is fountain generally includes an ink fountain roll 41 having a fountain blade 43 resting against it so as to form a ink reservoir in which ink 45 is placed. The fountain roll receives a layer of ink from the reservoir and transfers it to a ductor roll 47. m e amount of ink applied to ductor roll 47 is adjustable by varying the speed of the foun-tain roll, and also by means of a number of ink keys 49 spaced along the blade. These ink keys control the flow of ink by controlling the separation between the edge of the blade 43 and the fountain roll 41. me various ink keys 49 are, in turn, positioned by electrically controlled actuators 51 associated with each ink key. The position of each actuator will control the supply on ink to a corresponding portion (indicated in dotted lines in Fig. l(C)) of the fountain roll.
Other rolls, not shcwn, will take the ink from the ductor roll and apply it to the printing plates. Again, however, the amount of ink supplied to each portion of the printing plates will depend u~on the position of a corresponding ink key 49. In the description which follows, the particular printing plate area æ rviced by a single ink key will be referred to as an ink column. The ink, thus applied to the printing plates, will then ~e transferred to the blanket cylinders, and thus to a web passing between the blanket cylinders 34 and 36 of the unit.
In the illustrated press arrangement, six webs Wl through W6 are threaded through the press. A large number of alternative webbing arrange-ments are, however, also available, and the selection of a particular webbing arrangement will de~end upon the particular product to be printed.
Preparing a press of this type for a printing run involves the pre-d-~.
~3~S~7 setting of a large number of mechanical adjustments thereon. The ink keys of the inking mechanisms associated with each of the plate cylinders, for example, must be adjusted in accordan oe with the amount of ink required at the various positions (ink columns) along the transverse dimension of the plate cylinder. Gther settings include registration control, dampener (water fountain) setting, compensator roll settings, folder settings, unit tension or infeed settings, reel tension settings, etc. Conventionally, a press operator would adjust the majority of these settings manually, guess-ing at the appropriate settings upon the basis of his past experienoe wlth working with that particular press. Since these settings would rarely be oompletely correct, further adjustments were necessary during the run of the press. Although eventually accurate adjustments could be achieved in this manner, substantial wastes of time and materials took place during the interum.
The problem is complicated by the fact that these various adjust-ments are dependent not only upon the particular press employed, but also upon a number of other factors. m e settings of the ink keys, for example, is markedly sensitive to the amount of printed material in the ink column represented by that particular ink key. The appropriate ink key setting will also dep~nd upon the color of the ink being supplied by that ink foun-tain, as well as upon such prooess parameters as paper-type, water-type, and ink-type.
In accordan oe with one aspect of the pres nt invention, all of the æ mechanical adjustments are pre æt prior to press run operations in a manner which is functionally depicted in Figure 2. In this figure, a preset control PC is shown as responding to a variety of data which is inputted thereto. mis data includes data representative of the particul æ press beirlg employed, product description information (such as color, etc.), pro-oess factors, as well as factors indicating the peroent of printed area per ink column. miS preset oontrol determines from this data the correct pre-1~3~5g7 set~s for the various mechanical settings.
This preset system may be constructed in hardware terms in any of a variety of ways. Preferably data processing is employed to facilitate the calculation of the various presets from the inputted data. Architecturally it is preferred that the system take a form such as that shown in Figure 3 which may be termed as a distributed processing system since dedicated pro-oessors are employed for each oE the various mechanical press controls. For example, as shown in Figure 3, such dedicated control processors may include a remote ink processor RIM, a registration processor ~P, a water fountain processor ~P, and a compensator processor CP. As will be brought out in greater detail hereinafter these pro oessors respectively serve to provide control signals for operating the ink controls 50, the registration controls 52, the water controls 54 and the compensator controls 56.
me dedicated processors are all coupled by way of a serial bus 58 with a series of intelligent processor driven video display termlnals. mese terminals are all operator controlled for ent~ring data into the system and"
for viewing data by way of the video display. Each terminal includes a pro-oessor together with such input and output peripherals as a keyboæ ds and video displays.
For preset operations the data is entered into the system by two of the terminals including a scanner pro oessor PIM and a remote entry pro-cessor REP. One of the primary purposes of the scanner pro oessor PIM is to provide data indicating the percent of printed area per ink column. m is data will be used by the remote ink processor RIM to calculate the appropri-ate ink key settings. me primary purpose of the ramote entry processor ÆM, on the other hand, is to provide data indicating the manners in which the webs and the printing plates must be applied to the press in order to pro-duce a particular product.
Both of these processors oommunicate with the other dedicated pro-cessors by way of the serial bus 58. As will be described in greater detail ~1375~7 hereinafter, the scanner processor receives inputs fronl such input peri-pherals as a film scanner 60 and a keyboar~ 62. This data may be displayed for the operators inspection by way of a video display 64. The remote entry processor REP also re oeives data from an operator actuated keyboard 66 and provides operator viewable displays as with a video display 68.
The data entered into the scanner processor PIM and remote entry processor REP from their respective input peripherals will include data representing the description (configuration~ of the press to ke controlled, a description of the product to be printed, data respecting the printed area per ink column, and process parameters. The nature of this data will be dis-cussed in greater detail hereinafter.
This data is processed by the various processors in accordance with instructions pr~grammed therein. At various times, processed data may be stored in memories located at the processors PIM and ~. Dependlng upon the memory capacity within these processors, the data may also be stored in a mass storage device, such as a floppy disc or the like. A conventional mass storage device is illustrated as the system store 70, and co~municates interactively with the processors by way of the serial bus 58. This permits a large number of jobs to be stored for subsequent retrieval.
It may be desirable to provide print outs of some of the processed data. This capability is provided by a conventional printer 72, which again communicates with the processors by way of the serial bus.
The system shc~n in Figure 3 also includes two intelligent run con-trol termlnals. One of these terminals includes a run control pro oessor RCl together with a keyboard 74 for inputting data and a video display 76 for prcviding operator viewable displays. The other run control termunal is similar to the first and includes a run control pro oessor RC2 together with a keyboard 78 and a video display 80. The number of run control terminals may vary depending upon the press configuration. It will be recalled the system pre~ently being described includes (see Fig. 1) seven press units with ~.,,' ~13~S9q four being located on one side of the folder 24 and three being located on the other side of the folder. It is contemplated in this embodinent that one of the run control terminals will be assigned to the press units on one side of the folder and the other run control term m al will be assigned to the press units located on the other side of the folder.
During preset operation, to be described in greater detail herein-after, an operator will employ the keyboard 74 to cause a preset operation to take plaoe whereupon the various mechanical settings will be preset.
Each of the preset funct~ions such as ink control, registration c3ntrol and the like is individually controllable. For example, the operator may call for an ink preset and by way of the video display be provided with a graphical depiction of the preset values of the ink key settings. By way of the keybcard the OeeratGr may then change the preset values as he deems necessary in view of his knowledge of the press units to which his processor is assigned.
It is contemplated that one main control terminal will be employed for each folder of a press system. Thus, one such terminal would be employed for a press configuration such as that shown in Figure 1. This terminal is shcwn in Figure 3 as a main control processor MCP together with an cperator actuatable keyboard 82 and a video display 84. m e main press operator will be stationed at this terminal and will employ it to oversee the operation of the system. Data respecting the various presets may be called up by the operator actuating the proper keys on the keyboard to addres~ the memory having the presets involved. mese would then be dis-pL~yed graphically by the video display 84.
m us far, a somewhat general description has been given of the variou5 a5pects of the system and the components employed. The system will now be described in greater detail.
~E~CESSOP~
As illustrated in Figure 3, various processors are employed, some 113~5~7 being configured as intelligent video display terminals and others being used without keyboard or video displays but serving to control other peri-pherals. In each case, hcwever, the architecture of the processor may take the same form. Although referred to generally herein as processors, these system components will, in fact, each comprise a camplete microcamputer system, including a central processing unit, some amount of memDry, and various input/output devices. It is prese~tly preferred that they be based upon single-chip central processing units commanly known as microprooessors.
mese processors may thus, for example, each comprise an SBC-80 micro-computer, manufactured and sold by Intel Corp. of Santa Clara California.
For a better understanding of such a microccmputer, referen oe maynow be made to Figure 4. The central pro oessing unit CPU together with suit-able interfacing circuitry is connected to a comman bus, as illustrated.
mis co~mDn bus structure includes an address bus AB, a data bus DB, and a control bus CB. lhe address bus may, for example, be a sixteen bit bus whereas the data bus may be an eight bit bus. I'he control bus CB has a variable number of control lines dependent upon the number of control com-mands and the like being employed. Whereas only single lines are illustrated Jeading to the various busses, it will be appreciated that these various lines are generally as "wide" as the bus to which they are connected, at least insofar as the data and address buses are concerned.
As is conventional, the program instructions or OP codes are stored in an external read-only memory (R~M) or in an external programmable read-only memory (P~oM). Such a memory is illustrated as mem~ry M-l on the bus structure. Data to be manipulated in accordanoe with the programmed instructions is stored in a read-write random acoess memory M-2 also located on the bus structure. Data may be entered into the memory ~-2 from the key-board or other data souroe such as the film scanner 60 by way of a conven-tional input-output cont~ol 10. The input-output control 10 also serves to provide communications (generally in a p æallel format) with output peri-1:13'~S97 pherals such as various video displays or the ma~hine controls 50 through 56illustrated in Figure 3.
The control bus conventionally carries various control signals for enabling various operations. For example, when the CPU addresses memory ~1 to fetch an ins~ruction code (or aP code) a MEM~RY READ signal is supplied to the control bus CB and a sixteen bit address is placed on the address bus AB. Consequently the data (in this case an instruction byte) at the particular address in memory ~-1 is read and placed on the data bus DB.
The instruction is decoded within the CPU, which then carries out the de-signated operation. It may require, for example, that data located in a oe r-tain location in memory M-2 be fetched and plaoe d on the d~ta bus. The CPU
would then plaoe an address on the address bus identifying that address in memory M-2 and would raise the MEM~RY XEAD control line on the control bus once again. mis would cause the data at that address to be read from memory M-2 and plaoed on the data bus. Similarly if data obtained from some so~rce and located on the data bus is to be written into the address in memory M-2 the CPU would raise a MEM~RY WFITE line in the control bus~ Dur-ing video display of operational information, data fetched from memory M~2 would be supplied by way of the data bus to the video display, such as dis-play 64, as by way of the input-output control 10. This is all conventional in the art.
Data entered into the system as by the inputs to processor PIM or to pro oessor ~EP may be stored locally within that processor in memory M-2 or, if that memory capacity is not sufficient, then the data may be stored on a mass storage device such as a floppy disc or the like. It is contem-plated that job data and the like may be stored at the system store 70, frcm where the data may be retrieved by one of the other video display terminals or by one of the press functicn processors. As has been stated previously, communications between the prooessors and the system store is by way of the serial bus 58. Preferably data flcw within a processor itself, as shcwn in ~13~ 7 Figure 4, is in a parallel format. mis data, however, is converted to a serial format by way of a universal synchronous-asynchronous receiver/trans-mitter USAKr. This device is also conventional in the art and, as shown in Figure 4, it will also be connected to the common bus structure. The serial output of the USART is connected, of course, to serial bus 58.
The job stored in the system store 70 may thus be called up by a CPU in one of the processors by addressing the system store through the USART. An operator at one of the video display texminals, for example, may call up a job from the system store and have it displayed on his video dis-play. Each of the video display terminals is provided with editing capa-bility (not shown) so that data respecting a particular job may be edited - and revised with both the original text and the edit text then being re-turned to the system store for later retrieval.
OUTPUT PERIPHER~LS
The dedicated processors RIM, FP, WP, and CP all operate with what may be termed as output peripherals. These peripherals include the ink con-trols 50, the registration controls 52, the water controls 54 and the ccm-pensator oontrols 56. Each receives position control information fr~m its respective processor and in turn also provide some feedback information indicating the positions of the controlled elements.
More specifically, each processor may provide address information, direction information, and distance information to the associated mechanical controls. The address information serves to select which of the mechanical elements within the group is to be operated. With respect to Figure l, for example, there is illustrated a seven unit press with the various units hav-ing upper units and lower units and with printing units 12, 16, and 20 hav-ing upper decks. Consequently, in the case of ink flow control, there is a need to identify (i.e., provide the address of) the printing unit to be con-trolled, and also to indicate whether control information is to be provided for the ink fountain serving the upper portion, the lower portion, or the ~13~597 halfdeck. Furthermore, each ink fountain may includa, for example, thirty-two keys to be adjusted. In n~wspaper presses these thirty-two keys will generally be divided into four gxoups of eight keys each with each group be-ing referred to as a page pack A, s, C, or D. Consequ2ntly, then, additional information is required to select which page pack is to be selected as well as the particular key within the page pack. With this information being out-putted by the ink processor RIM a given key to be adjusted may be selected.
Additional commands for that key includes the direction of move-ment as well as the amount of movement. This information is all provided by the ink processor in order to either preset the ink key or to adjust a pre-viously positioned ink key.
Some feedback is required from the ink keys to the ink processor so that an operator at one of the run control term mal may view the settings and also to provide accurate positioning of the keys by the preset operation of the ink processor. m is type of information, namely address, direction, and amount, together with a feedback indication is used at each of the pro-cessors. A typical illustration of these mechanical controls is illustrated in Figure 5 with respect to the ink flow controls 50.
As discussed above, the ink processor provides address information for selecting keys to be adjusted either for preset purposes or for readjust-ing a previously preset condition. This may be done in various ways and Figure 5 provides a schematic illustration of one embodiment in accordanoe with the present invention. Here the ink processor RIM outputs digital data to an ink key selection circuit 52 as well as a fountain roll selection cir-cuit 54. A portion of the data is address information including the print-ing unit address 56 and data 58 indicating whether the selected fountain is at the upper, lower, or halfdeck location.
~ hree fountain rollers 60, 62, and 64 are illustrated in Figure 5.
These rollers æe intended to be representative of a plurality of fountain rollers regardless of which printing unit is involved. Upon the basis of J
' ~13~S97 the address data 56 and 58 provided by the ink processor RDM, the fountain roll select deo-der 54 will determine which fountain roll is to be adjusted.
The fountain roll select decoder 54 will thus enable one of a num~er of a conventional analog gating circuit 66, 68, or 70 in accordance with this address. A particular gating circuit will thus be enabled to pass motor con-trol signals from a motor control circuit 72, of conventional design. This then will energize one of the motors 74; 76 or 78 so as to respectively drive its associated fountain roll 60, 62, or 64 at a commanded speed, thus con-trolling the ink transfer flow rate. In this case, the direction command may indicate whether the fountain roller is to be increased in speed or de-creased in speed. The magnitude of the speed variation may be supplied as a digital signal to a digital-to-analog converter 82, with the resulting analog signal then being applied to the motor control 72.
In order that position feedback information be provided for view-ing by an operator at a video display terminal, suitable potentiometers 84, 86, and 88 will be associated with the various fountain motor controls. m e particular potentiometer selected to provide a feedback signal will depend upon the fountain roller which has been selected. me analog speed signal provided by this potenticmeter will be converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter 90 so that a digital signal is supplied to the ink processor RDM. It is to be understood that there are times when the operator may want to obtain position feedback infor~lation relative to a foun-tain roll without causing the fountain roller to be adjusted. This, of course, w~uld be aocomplished by supplying the address information to the fountain roll select circuit 54 to select a particular fountain roller, with-out supplying actuating signals thereto. me associated potentiometer would therefore supply a speed feedback signal to the ink processor. This data will then be employed within the processor in a known manner to provide a video display of the position of the fountain roller.
Whereas the ~ountain roll control has been described above in oon-~3~597 junction with a newspaper press such as that illustrated in Figure 1 it is to be appreciated that the invention may also be employed to control the ink fountains in a commercial press. As is well known in the art an ink foun-tain in a commercial press is typically controlled by an ink ratchet mechanism wherein the selected fountain roll to be adjusted i9 indexed in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction by a ratchet mechanism. In such case the direction comn~nd would indicate direction of adjustment and the amount oormand would indicate the extent of adjustmlnt re-quired.
In a press such as that illustrated in Figure 1 there are a number of ink keys associated with each ink fountain~ me data provided by outputs 56 and 58 of the ink processor will select a fountam but not an ink key.
In the particular e~bodiment being described, there are thirty-two ink keys per fountain. me ink keys of each ink fountain are divided into four page packs A, B, C, and D, each of which include eight ink keys. An additional output of the processor, designated by character 92, carries the page pack adlress information for the selection of one of the page packs. Another out-put 94 may be used to designate the particular ink key to be selected within a page pack. With this information, the ink key select circuit 52 selects one of the ink keys for adjustment, or for the operator to be provided with a video display of the ink key position. Only four ink keys 100, 102, 104, and 106 have been illustrated in Figure 5 for purposes of simplification.
These may be considered as being spread am~ng various press units or ink fountains. With the ink key select 52 having selected the ir~ key to be ad-justed, one of a plurality of analog gating circuits 108, 110, 112, and 114, each associated with one of the ink keys, will be enabled thereby. Depend-ing upon the enabled gate, an associated ink key motor 116, 118, 120, or 122 will receive motor control signals by way of the gate from a oonventional motor control circuit 124. The direction command is provided by the pro-cessor in order to determune the direction of rnotor rnove~ent and henoe of ~1375~7 ink key move~ent. The magnitude of the commanded movement is supplied as a digital signal and is converted to an analog signal by a digital-to-analog convertor 128, and then supplied to the motor control 124. The ink key posi-tion information is obtained in a known manner by, for example, one of the associated potentiometers 130, 132, 134, and 136, each of which may serve, when its associated ink key is selected, to provide an analog signal. mis analog signal is converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital con-vertor 140 so that digital position ~eedback information may be supplied to the ink prooessor. The pro oessor will then use this data in a known manner to supply a video representation on the operators display screen to show the ink key position.
Referenoe is now made to Figure 6 which schematicall~ illustrates the form that the mk controls 50 may take in order to control a pawl and ratchet drive such as typically employed on the fountain rolls in a ccmmer-cial press (as opposed to the newspaper press fountain control depicted in Figure 5). The extent of rotation of a fountain roll while in engagement with the ductor roll determines, for a given film thickness on the fountaLn roll, the amount of ink transferred from the fountain roll to the duct roll and, in turn, the amount of ink transferred to the plate cylinder. The duct-ing mechanism and the adjustable pawl and ratchet mechanism are well known to tho æ skilled in the art and will not be described herein in further de-tail. As shown in Figure 6, a fountain roll select circuit 140 (similar to that of circuit 54 in Figure 5) may be employed to select the fountain to be adjusted and thereby dictate which pawl and ratchet mechanism 142 or 144 is to be controlled. A motor cantrol circuit 146 of conventional design will be employed to receive a direction command, and an analog magnitude signal by way of digital-to-analog converter 150. Fountain roll select circuit 140 will enable one of the gate circuits 156 or 158 in order to permit energiza-tion of the associated ratchet drive motor. Motor control 146 will thus con-trol ratchet motors 152 and 154 respectively associated with ratchet and ~, ~13`-~S~7 pawl mechanisms 142 and 144 in a known manner. Again, suitable potentio-meters 160, 162 are employed with each ratchet motor so as to provide feed-back. These potentiometers 160 and 162 provide the position feedback informa-tion to the ink processor RIM by way of the analog to digital oonvertor 166.
DATA ENTRY
Having ncw generally described the system, attention is more part-icularly directed to the manner in which presetting of the ink keys and ink fountain rolls is accomplished.
Data will be entered into the scanner processor PIM in order to permit it to accumulate a block of data consisting of a sequence of Si's (sometimes referred to hereinafter as screen values) together with informa-tion identifying the data block, and certain other print aata. Each OI
these Si's represents a corrected indication of the percentage of ink in each ink column of the actual printing plate served by that ink key.
mus, data will be entered into scanner processor PIM from the film scanner 60. Preferably, film scanner 60 includes a light table employing a sensor used to scan the film transparency which will be employed to expcse a particular printing plate. Such scanners are well known and are, for example, described in the United States patents to Murray 3,958,509, Gaillochet 3,853,409, and Norton 3,185,088. This film scanner 60 will scan the trans-parency and provide, for each ink column, the average transmission value (percentage of light transmitted through the film) of the film in that COlD.
Such a scanner is schematically illustrated iIl Fig~re 6, and is representative of the film scanner 60 shown in Figure 3. A transparency or film 200 is placed on a table (not shcwn) and a light bar 202 is placed beneath the film so as to transmit light through the film to a sensor head 204 containing a linear array of light sensors. m e light bar 202 and scann-ing head 204 are moved together, as indicated by arrcw 206, such that a read-ing is t~ken for each column of type of film 200. m e light transmission ('~ ~
'1137S~7 measurements are averaged over each ink column by a suitable averaging cir-cuit 208, and are then each converted to a corresponding digital word by an analog-to-digital converter 210. Digital transmission values Ti are thus provided to the scanner processor PIM, where i equals 1, 2,...N ink keys.
This data is converted into a corresponding block of Si values in a manner described hereinafter.
Additional data will be entered into the scanner processor PIM by way of the keyboard 62. Certain elements of this data identify particular parameters of the film being scanned by scanner 60. mis film rela~ed data includes the screen rulings R (in lines per inch), a transparency factor Kf (having a value between zero and one, with zero indicating co~,plete opacity and one indicating ccmplete transparency), and an indication P specifying whether the film being scanned is a film negative or a film positive.
Further information will be entered into keyboard 62 in order to identify the data block being generated. This identification data, including a job identification number, a form number, and a plate ID, will be stored in memory along with the data block of Si's so as to permit that data block to be recalled by reference to this identification data.
Still further data will be entered into the scanner processor PIM
by means of the keyboard to indicate oth~r factors. This data will include a oolor index Fc, an ink in~ex Fi, a paper index F and a dampening solution index Fs. The color index Fc indicates the actual color in which the image contained on the printing plate is to be printed. The ink index Fi, on the other hand, is depandent upon the particular ink being used, and is repre-sentative of the various proEerties of that ink. Similarly, the paper index Fp and the solution index Fs are specific to the type of paper and damFening solution being employed, and represent oe rtain properties of these elements.
In addition to these index factors, which are independent of the particul æ press configuration, certain press dependent information will also be entered. This includes a starting press water setting Wc and a starting i.
1~37597 press or make-ready speed Ps. This data may also be entered into the scanner processor PIM by means of the keyboard 62.
Alternatively to entering data in the above m~nner, data may also be derived in a nu~ber of other manners. In Figure 7, the film 200 is shcwn as including a bar code which may contain oe rtain portions of the information outlined above, such as product identification, color, etc. This information can be read into the system from the scanner 60, rather than being inputted through the keyboard 62. Also, of course, all of the foregoing information could alternatively be entered into the scanner pro oe ssor PIM from an external mass storage device. In any event, the data entered into the scanner processor PIM (whether through its input output control 10 or the serial input device USART) will be recorded in the pro oe ssor read/write memory M-2, under programmed control. Other indices useful in determ m ing the proper ink key and fountain roll settings will be c~lculated by scanner processor PIM on the basis of the other data entered. These indices will also be stored in the processor memory M-2.
Thus, all of the factors necessary to determine the proper ink key æ ttings will have been stored in a single block of data in memory M-2 of scanner processor PIM, together with appropriate data block identification information, Referen oe is now made to the flow diagram of Figure 8 which illus-trates the manner in which the processor is programmed to determine the scr = value Si for each transparency value Ti as well as to provide the print factors and indi oe s discussed above. To facilitate an understanding of the procedure referenoe is now made to Table I belcw which provides a summary definition of terms u æ d in the procedure.
TABLE I
T : i light transmission measurement in per oe nt 1 i = 1, 2, ..... , N keys R : screen ruling used in lines per inch G
~13~59~7 rAsLE I (o~nt.) Kf : fi~m transparency factor: O~Kf<l Kf = O film opaque Kf = 1 film transparent P : film type: P = O for negative film or P = 1 for positive film Si : ith screen value in percent Fc : color index FI : ink index F : paper index F : solution index n : Yule-Nielsen factor given the 4 indioe s Fc, FI, Fp, and Fs with Si ~ 50.00 assumed RF : rate factor for optical density of solid vs~ thickness given the 4 indi oes Fc, FI, Fp, and F
Do : maximum optiGal density of solid obtainable given the 4 indices c I p s Ds : optical density of solid desired given Fc Wc : water setting Ps : press speed me prooedure may be described as follcws:
Procedure Description 1000 m is invokes a pro oedure to determ me the ink area of coverage per ~ey width (ink column) and the press independent factors required to set the fountain in accordan oe with the following rules.
1. The screen values (Si's) represent the peroentage of ink area per key width covered with ink (printed image).
It does not dis oe m how the area is distributed. Thus a 50% screen (gray) over the entire area will result in an Si which is equal t~ that Si for a solid screen (black) over half the area.
., ,i,~ .~ .
~13~5g7
2. Given xule 1, the system assumes that the Si's represent screens exclu-sively with ruling R.
3. The film in~ormation: Ti's, R, Xf, and P and the print factors and in-dices Fc, FI, Fp, Fs, n, RF, Do, and Ds represent a set of information which is complete and press independ-ent. This information, when combined with press dependent m formation such as water setting Wc and press speed Ps, form the necessary information for ad-justing the fountain keys to correctly configure the blade.
1001 If P equals zero (representative of a negative film) go to 1002 otherwise go to 1003.
1002 For each value of Ti determines Si as a function of the film transparency factor Kf where:
S. = T /Kf 1003 For each value of Ti for a positive film determines the screen value Si as a function of Ti and Kf where:
Si = 100 - (Ti/Kf ) 1004 This instruction invokes a procedure whereby the inputs Fc, FI, Fp, Fs, Ds, R, Wc, and Ps are called.
1005 This instruction invokes a sequen oe wherein indices n, RF, Do, and Ds are determined as a function of Fc, FI, Fp, and Fs. This is done as with a lookup table 1005b which has empirical data relationships between these factors.
As brou~ht out in Table I n, RF, and Do vary in dependenoe upon the values of Fc, FI, Fp, and Fs whereas the optical density of solid desired Ds varies as a function of the color index Fc.
~3'-~g7 The data provlded as indicated at 1006 is preferably stored for subsequent use in determining ink key settings in the manner to be described hereinafter. As stated previously, the data is preferably stored in memory M~2 in the scanner processor PIM along with job identification data. The format of this data block will be such as shown in Figure 9. Here it will be noted that the data includes digital information identifying the job number 220, the form number 222, plate identification 224, the print factors 226, and the screen values Si's 228. me print factors 226 represents all of the data shown with refer~nce to statement 1006 in Figure 8, with the exception of the screen values.
For each job there may be several form numbers (representing/ for example, different editions of a newspaper) and for each form number there may be different plate identifications together, of course, with a different set of print factors Si's. This data is all stored in memory M-2 so that it may be read on com~and by one of the other processors and particularly by the ink processor RIM, in response to an cperator entering a P~SET command (having also entered, along with that command, the appropriate job nurnber, form n~nber, and plate ID information). It is contemplated that several jobs of the nature indicated by the format in Figure 9 will be stored iII
m~mory M~2 within the storage capacity thereof. If additional jobs are to be stored it is contemplated that they may be stored in the system store 70 as desired.
DATA PROCESSING
The data entered into the system, as represented by the data block shown in Figure 9, is used along with press dependent geometry data to pre-set the ink keys and ink fountain. As will be brought out hereinafter the press geometry data may be entered by way of a keyboard or previously stored, and is used in determining the fountain blade gap, in determining blade pro-file as effected by hydrostatic loading, and in providing continuous blade corrections. With respect to presetting ink keys and ink fountains this ,, , 113Y~5~7 data is stored either in the read/write memory M-2 within the processor PIM
or within the system store 70. ~liS data is then used by the ink processor RIM under program control to control the ink controls 50, including the ink keys and the ink fountain rolls.
me stored data may be called up and entered into the read/write memory of the ink processor RIM in various ways. Preferably a video display terminal is associated with the ink processor and this terminal is operator controlled. mis terminal may, for example, be the terminal including run control processor RC-l. As stated previously, this processor ~-1 communi-cates with the ink processor RIM and the system store 70 by way of theserial bus 58. An operator using this run control processor will enter identification data (via the keyboard 74) representative of a job nu~ber and a form number as well as plate identification. This then is sufficient information to provide an address to acoess the data block including the print factors and screen values Si associated with the ink keys to be preset (see Fig. 9). Once this identification data has been entered the operator will then enter a ca ~ nd PRESET by using the keyboard 74. If desired, a separate command key may be employed for this command at the keyboard. In response to entering the PRESET command the addressed data block, whether stored in the PIM processor or in the system storer, will be acoessed and will be entered into the read/write memory of the ink processor RIM. me ink processor will ncw operate to determine from the inputted data as well as from press geometry data (to be discussed hereinafter) the correct ink key settings to be employed.
Thereafter, the ink processor RIM will output data representative of these settings to the ink control 50 for controlling the ink keys and ink fountains in the manner discussed previously with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Since feedback is provided for the ink key and fountain roll positioning the operator will be provided with a visual display at the video display 76.
Although this may take various forms, the video displa~ will preferably be 113~597 in the form of a bar graph having a bar for each ink key such that each bar will continuously indicate ~lat present position of the corresponding key.
~ nce the preset cperations have been completed the operator may be dissatisfied with the settings becau~se of his peculiar knowledge of the operation or variations of the press fr~m the assumed standardized press geometry and other factors. In such a case the operator may use the key-boar~ 74 to enter variations in the key positioning or fountain roll adjust-mont and this data entered from the keyboard will include the address informa-tion as well as the direction and amount of actuator movement as discussed previously with reference to Figures 5 and 6.
Once the operator is satisfied with his revised adjustments or the preset adjustments he may enter a command R~CORD by using the keyboar~ 74.
This will cause the key and fountain roll settings to be entered in storage along with the appropriate job, form, and plate identification for future use in the event that a second job is required on the same press using the same data. This data may be stored the read/write memory of the ink pro-cessor RIM, or in the event that this memory capacity is not sufficient, may be stored in the mass storage facilities at the system storer 70. This feature permits an operator to call up actual ink key and fountain roll sett-ings if they have been previously used. If not, then data must be processedby the ink processor RIM to obtain the correct ink key settings and fountain roll adjustments.
Reference is now made to Figure 10 which represents an overall flow diagram of the procedure carried out by the processor RIM. As shcwn, six procedures 2000, 3000, 4000, S000, 6000, and 7000 are involved. Each will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter with respect to more detailed dia-grams.
In general, procedure 2000 is involved with determuning dot gain dgi for each screen value Si as a function of the paper index Fp and the solution index Fs. The screen values Si and the values of the dot gain dgi f ~
'~ .;
1~75g7 for ~ach screen value are then used in procedure 3000 to determine the effective screen value that will be printed as a function of the screen rul-ing R in lines per inch. If there is no dot gain then the effective screen value Si* will be equal to the screen values Si. The screen value Si and the effective screen values Si* are used in procedure 4000 to determine the ink film thickness Ti for each screen value as a function of indices Dol Ds, n, and RF.
Prooe dure 5000 serves to determine the fountain blade gap (ignor-ing bending and deflection of the rolls) as a function of ~ndices F , Fi, Fs with the ink film thickness Ti and effective screen value Si*, water setting W, press speed PS, and press geometry data PGl. The press geometry data PGl includes data representing the plate cylin~r radius rp in inches, the foun-tain roll radius rf in inches, the number of ductor deliveries Kl per plate cylinder revolution and the ratio of plate image area to plate cylinder sur-face area K2. Data representing the press geom~etry PGl may be previously entered into the read/write memory M-2 of the RIM processor, may be entered by way of keyboard 74, or by any other suitable input means such as reading a tape having data representing the press geometry factors associabed with the particular press employed.
Procedure 6000 utilizes the fountain blade gap Hi to determine for each screen value the blade profile Pi adjustment considerm g the bending effects or hydrostatic loading on the fountain roll. This procedure utilizes indices Fi and Fc as well as press gecmetxy PG2. Data representing the press geometry PG2 will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to procedure 6000 and all of this data may be entered in the same manner ag that with respect to press geometry PGl.
Procedure 7000 serves to determine the fountain key displacements Ki inches with respect to the non-deflected fountain body referen oe as well as the key actuator outputs Vi in terms of volts due to the displacement Ki.
This pro oedure utilizes information indicative of the number of ink keys N
~,, ~137Sg7 together with press gecmetry PG3. The press geo.metry PG3 is defined at a later point herein in co~junction with the discussion of procedure 7000 and this press geometry may be entered in the same manner as that discussed here and before with respect to press geometry PGl. Prooe dures 2000 through 7000 will now be described in greater detail with referen oe to more detailed flow diagrams.
PR~CEDU~E 2000 Before describing the details involved in Procedure 2000 reference should be made to the flow diagram of Figure 11 as ~ell as to Table II, be-lcw, for a definition of the terms employed.
TABLE II
Si : ith screen value in percent from PIM
W : water setting characterized by the pan roll speed in revolu-tions per minute Wn : nominal water setting dgi : ith dot gain value in inches at water setting W
dgi : ith dot gain value in inches at water setting W = Wn Kw : dot gain multiplication factor due to water setting W
Fp : paper index from PIM
Fs : solution index from PIM
Pr~oedLre escription 2000 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determine the dot gain associated with each screen value Si as a func-tion of the water setting W, and in-dioes Fp and Fs. ConsecIuently the pro-cedure calls these variables and deter-mines the dot gain dgi in accordanoe with the follcwing rules:
1. a particu]ar press unit has been set up under a desired and repeatable pro oe dure (standard press conditions such as blanket type, packing heights), ~3'^~59~7 2. given rule number 1, a nominal water setting Wn, the paper index Fp and the solution index FS, the ncminal dot gain versus screen value enpirical data can b? obtained.
3, if the water ætting is varied from the nomm al setting, the effect can be characterized by the product of a gain factor and the screen values nominal d,ot gain.
2001 This instruction invokes a procedure to determine which table of dot gains versus screen valuas should be employed as a lookup, and is deter-mined as a function of Fp and Fs based on e~pirical data.
2002 ~ependent upon the selection made in 2001 a particular lookup table of dot gain values with respect to screen values is chosen to obtain the dot gain dgi as a function of the screen value Si (with the assu~,ption that the water setting is equal to the naminal water setting Wn).
2003 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determLne frcm a lookup tabla a dot multiplication factor Kw due to the actual water setting W.
2004 This instruction invokes a procedure to determine the product of the gain factor obtained from 2003 and the dot gain of 2002 so that the effect of variations in water settings may be accounted for. If the water setting is equal to the nominal setting than the gain fa~tor will be unity.
Before describing this procedure in detail with referenoe to the flow dia~ram~ of Figures lla through llg referen oe shauld be made to the defmition of terms employed in Table III, belcw.
TABLE III
dgi : ith dot gain value in inches (either positive or negative) Si : i screen value in Feroent from PIM
. .
....
113~59if R : screen ruling used to make the film in lines per inch from PIM
si* : ith effective screen value printed in percent (Si* is s corrected for dot gain) The prooedure to be described below i5 given with referenoe to Figures lla through llg. These figures may all ke connected together as a single flow chart and are described separately for purposes of simplifica-tion.
Procedure Description 3000 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determine the effective screen value Si* that will be printed using the following rules: -1. the effective screen value that will be printed can be determined given the original desired screen value, the associa~ed dot gain and the ruling size used to produce the film, 2. for screen values equal to or less than 39.27%, the dots are filled circles. The effect of dot gain is to extend the radius of the circle, 3. for screen values equal to or less than 50.00% but greater than 39.27%, the dots are the filled oommon area be-tween a circle and a square. The effect of dot gain is to extend the radius of the circle and the side of the square to thus define a new larger common area,
1001 If P equals zero (representative of a negative film) go to 1002 otherwise go to 1003.
1002 For each value of Ti determines Si as a function of the film transparency factor Kf where:
S. = T /Kf 1003 For each value of Ti for a positive film determines the screen value Si as a function of Ti and Kf where:
Si = 100 - (Ti/Kf ) 1004 This instruction invokes a procedure whereby the inputs Fc, FI, Fp, Fs, Ds, R, Wc, and Ps are called.
1005 This instruction invokes a sequen oe wherein indices n, RF, Do, and Ds are determined as a function of Fc, FI, Fp, and Fs. This is done as with a lookup table 1005b which has empirical data relationships between these factors.
As brou~ht out in Table I n, RF, and Do vary in dependenoe upon the values of Fc, FI, Fp, and Fs whereas the optical density of solid desired Ds varies as a function of the color index Fc.
~3'-~g7 The data provlded as indicated at 1006 is preferably stored for subsequent use in determining ink key settings in the manner to be described hereinafter. As stated previously, the data is preferably stored in memory M~2 in the scanner processor PIM along with job identification data. The format of this data block will be such as shown in Figure 9. Here it will be noted that the data includes digital information identifying the job number 220, the form number 222, plate identification 224, the print factors 226, and the screen values Si's 228. me print factors 226 represents all of the data shown with refer~nce to statement 1006 in Figure 8, with the exception of the screen values.
For each job there may be several form numbers (representing/ for example, different editions of a newspaper) and for each form number there may be different plate identifications together, of course, with a different set of print factors Si's. This data is all stored in memory M-2 so that it may be read on com~and by one of the other processors and particularly by the ink processor RIM, in response to an cperator entering a P~SET command (having also entered, along with that command, the appropriate job nurnber, form n~nber, and plate ID information). It is contemplated that several jobs of the nature indicated by the format in Figure 9 will be stored iII
m~mory M~2 within the storage capacity thereof. If additional jobs are to be stored it is contemplated that they may be stored in the system store 70 as desired.
DATA PROCESSING
The data entered into the system, as represented by the data block shown in Figure 9, is used along with press dependent geometry data to pre-set the ink keys and ink fountain. As will be brought out hereinafter the press geometry data may be entered by way of a keyboard or previously stored, and is used in determining the fountain blade gap, in determining blade pro-file as effected by hydrostatic loading, and in providing continuous blade corrections. With respect to presetting ink keys and ink fountains this ,, , 113Y~5~7 data is stored either in the read/write memory M-2 within the processor PIM
or within the system store 70. ~liS data is then used by the ink processor RIM under program control to control the ink controls 50, including the ink keys and the ink fountain rolls.
me stored data may be called up and entered into the read/write memory of the ink processor RIM in various ways. Preferably a video display terminal is associated with the ink processor and this terminal is operator controlled. mis terminal may, for example, be the terminal including run control processor RC-l. As stated previously, this processor ~-1 communi-cates with the ink processor RIM and the system store 70 by way of theserial bus 58. An operator using this run control processor will enter identification data (via the keyboard 74) representative of a job nu~ber and a form number as well as plate identification. This then is sufficient information to provide an address to acoess the data block including the print factors and screen values Si associated with the ink keys to be preset (see Fig. 9). Once this identification data has been entered the operator will then enter a ca ~ nd PRESET by using the keyboard 74. If desired, a separate command key may be employed for this command at the keyboard. In response to entering the PRESET command the addressed data block, whether stored in the PIM processor or in the system storer, will be acoessed and will be entered into the read/write memory of the ink processor RIM. me ink processor will ncw operate to determine from the inputted data as well as from press geometry data (to be discussed hereinafter) the correct ink key settings to be employed.
Thereafter, the ink processor RIM will output data representative of these settings to the ink control 50 for controlling the ink keys and ink fountains in the manner discussed previously with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Since feedback is provided for the ink key and fountain roll positioning the operator will be provided with a visual display at the video display 76.
Although this may take various forms, the video displa~ will preferably be 113~597 in the form of a bar graph having a bar for each ink key such that each bar will continuously indicate ~lat present position of the corresponding key.
~ nce the preset cperations have been completed the operator may be dissatisfied with the settings becau~se of his peculiar knowledge of the operation or variations of the press fr~m the assumed standardized press geometry and other factors. In such a case the operator may use the key-boar~ 74 to enter variations in the key positioning or fountain roll adjust-mont and this data entered from the keyboard will include the address informa-tion as well as the direction and amount of actuator movement as discussed previously with reference to Figures 5 and 6.
Once the operator is satisfied with his revised adjustments or the preset adjustments he may enter a command R~CORD by using the keyboar~ 74.
This will cause the key and fountain roll settings to be entered in storage along with the appropriate job, form, and plate identification for future use in the event that a second job is required on the same press using the same data. This data may be stored the read/write memory of the ink pro-cessor RIM, or in the event that this memory capacity is not sufficient, may be stored in the mass storage facilities at the system storer 70. This feature permits an operator to call up actual ink key and fountain roll sett-ings if they have been previously used. If not, then data must be processedby the ink processor RIM to obtain the correct ink key settings and fountain roll adjustments.
Reference is now made to Figure 10 which represents an overall flow diagram of the procedure carried out by the processor RIM. As shcwn, six procedures 2000, 3000, 4000, S000, 6000, and 7000 are involved. Each will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter with respect to more detailed dia-grams.
In general, procedure 2000 is involved with determuning dot gain dgi for each screen value Si as a function of the paper index Fp and the solution index Fs. The screen values Si and the values of the dot gain dgi f ~
'~ .;
1~75g7 for ~ach screen value are then used in procedure 3000 to determine the effective screen value that will be printed as a function of the screen rul-ing R in lines per inch. If there is no dot gain then the effective screen value Si* will be equal to the screen values Si. The screen value Si and the effective screen values Si* are used in procedure 4000 to determine the ink film thickness Ti for each screen value as a function of indices Dol Ds, n, and RF.
Prooe dure 5000 serves to determine the fountain blade gap (ignor-ing bending and deflection of the rolls) as a function of ~ndices F , Fi, Fs with the ink film thickness Ti and effective screen value Si*, water setting W, press speed PS, and press geometry data PGl. The press geometry data PGl includes data representing the plate cylin~r radius rp in inches, the foun-tain roll radius rf in inches, the number of ductor deliveries Kl per plate cylinder revolution and the ratio of plate image area to plate cylinder sur-face area K2. Data representing the press geom~etry PGl may be previously entered into the read/write memory M-2 of the RIM processor, may be entered by way of keyboard 74, or by any other suitable input means such as reading a tape having data representing the press geometry factors associabed with the particular press employed.
Procedure 6000 utilizes the fountain blade gap Hi to determine for each screen value the blade profile Pi adjustment considerm g the bending effects or hydrostatic loading on the fountain roll. This procedure utilizes indices Fi and Fc as well as press gecmetxy PG2. Data representing the press geometry PG2 will be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to procedure 6000 and all of this data may be entered in the same manner ag that with respect to press geometry PGl.
Procedure 7000 serves to determine the fountain key displacements Ki inches with respect to the non-deflected fountain body referen oe as well as the key actuator outputs Vi in terms of volts due to the displacement Ki.
This pro oedure utilizes information indicative of the number of ink keys N
~,, ~137Sg7 together with press gecmetry PG3. The press geo.metry PG3 is defined at a later point herein in co~junction with the discussion of procedure 7000 and this press geometry may be entered in the same manner as that discussed here and before with respect to press geometry PGl. Prooe dures 2000 through 7000 will now be described in greater detail with referen oe to more detailed flow diagrams.
PR~CEDU~E 2000 Before describing the details involved in Procedure 2000 reference should be made to the flow diagram of Figure 11 as ~ell as to Table II, be-lcw, for a definition of the terms employed.
TABLE II
Si : ith screen value in percent from PIM
W : water setting characterized by the pan roll speed in revolu-tions per minute Wn : nominal water setting dgi : ith dot gain value in inches at water setting W
dgi : ith dot gain value in inches at water setting W = Wn Kw : dot gain multiplication factor due to water setting W
Fp : paper index from PIM
Fs : solution index from PIM
Pr~oedLre escription 2000 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determine the dot gain associated with each screen value Si as a func-tion of the water setting W, and in-dioes Fp and Fs. ConsecIuently the pro-cedure calls these variables and deter-mines the dot gain dgi in accordanoe with the follcwing rules:
1. a particu]ar press unit has been set up under a desired and repeatable pro oe dure (standard press conditions such as blanket type, packing heights), ~3'^~59~7 2. given rule number 1, a nominal water setting Wn, the paper index Fp and the solution index FS, the ncminal dot gain versus screen value enpirical data can b? obtained.
3, if the water ætting is varied from the nomm al setting, the effect can be characterized by the product of a gain factor and the screen values nominal d,ot gain.
2001 This instruction invokes a procedure to determine which table of dot gains versus screen valuas should be employed as a lookup, and is deter-mined as a function of Fp and Fs based on e~pirical data.
2002 ~ependent upon the selection made in 2001 a particular lookup table of dot gain values with respect to screen values is chosen to obtain the dot gain dgi as a function of the screen value Si (with the assu~,ption that the water setting is equal to the naminal water setting Wn).
2003 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determLne frcm a lookup tabla a dot multiplication factor Kw due to the actual water setting W.
2004 This instruction invokes a procedure to determine the product of the gain factor obtained from 2003 and the dot gain of 2002 so that the effect of variations in water settings may be accounted for. If the water setting is equal to the nominal setting than the gain fa~tor will be unity.
Before describing this procedure in detail with referenoe to the flow dia~ram~ of Figures lla through llg referen oe shauld be made to the defmition of terms employed in Table III, belcw.
TABLE III
dgi : ith dot gain value in inches (either positive or negative) Si : i screen value in Feroent from PIM
. .
....
113~59if R : screen ruling used to make the film in lines per inch from PIM
si* : ith effective screen value printed in percent (Si* is s corrected for dot gain) The prooedure to be described below i5 given with referenoe to Figures lla through llg. These figures may all ke connected together as a single flow chart and are described separately for purposes of simplifica-tion.
Procedure Description 3000 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determine the effective screen value Si* that will be printed using the following rules: -1. the effective screen value that will be printed can be determined given the original desired screen value, the associa~ed dot gain and the ruling size used to produce the film, 2. for screen values equal to or less than 39.27%, the dots are filled circles. The effect of dot gain is to extend the radius of the circle, 3. for screen values equal to or less than 50.00% but greater than 39.27%, the dots are the filled oommon area be-tween a circle and a square. The effect of dot gain is to extend the radius of the circle and the side of the square to thus define a new larger common area,
4. for screen values less than 60.73%
but greater than 50.00%, the dots are the empty common area between a circle and a square. The effect of dot gain is to reduoe the radius of the circle and the side of the square to thus de-fine a new smaller common area,
but greater than 50.00%, the dots are the empty common area between a circle and a square. The effect of dot gain is to reduoe the radius of the circle and the side of the square to thus de-fine a new smaller common area,
5. for screen values less than or equal to 100~ but greater than or equal to 60.73~, the dots are empty circles. The effect of dot gain is to reduce the radius of the circle,
6. negative dot gain can be accounted for by replacing the input screen value Si by Si' = 100 - Si and the absolute value of the dot gain. The output Si" is replaced by the quantity Si* = 100 - Si".
~375~7 3001 mis instruction invokes a pro oedure wherein the dot gain dgi is compared to determine whether it is equal to or greater than zero or whether it is less than zero.
3002 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein, if the dot gain dgi is equal to or greater than zero (indicative that the dot gain level is positive representative of a negative film), then dgi' equals dgi. Si' is then equal to Si.
3003 This instruction invakes a procedure when the dot gain is less than zero so that dgi' equals the absolute value of dgi and that Si' is equal to 100 - Si.
3004 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein Si' is ccmpared with 50% to determane whether it has a value equal or less than 50~ or a value greater than 50%. If less than 50% then go to - 3005 otherwise go to 3006.
3005 This instruction invokes a sequence to compare each screen value Si' with 39.27%. If Si' is equal to or less than this value then go to 3007 other-wise go to B2 (3020: see Figure 12D).
3006 This instruction invokes a sequenoe in which the effective screen value Si' is compared with 60.73%. If the value is equal to or greater than that then go to 3008 otherwise go to B3 (3033: see Figure 12E).
3007 m is instruction invokes a prooedure in which the effective screen value Si' is compared with zero. If less than that value go to 3009 otherwise go to Bl (3011: see Figure 12C).
3008 mis instruction invokes a sequence for comparing Si' with 100% and if , greater than that value go to 3010 otherwise go to B4 (3042: see Figure 12F).
3009 This instruction invokes a sequence for - setting the value of Si' to zero if the determ m ation at 3007 was that Si is less than zero.
1137S~7 3010 This instruction invokes a sequence to set Si' to 100~ if at 3008 the deter-mination was made that Si' was greater than 100%.
3011 sl: This instruction invokes a s0quen oe for calculating the value of a term ai as a function of Si' as indicated in Figure 12C, wherein Si' is greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to 39.27~. Term ai for each screen value refers to the radius be-fore dot gain.
3012 This instruction invokes a seqwence in which a term bi is calculated in terms of the screen ruling R, the dot gain dgi' and ai as indicated in Yig~re 12C.
Term bi refers to the radius with dot gain.
3013 m is instruc*ion invokes a procedure wherein bi is compæed with a value of .707. If bi is less than or equal to that value then go to 3014 otherwise go to 3015.
3014 This instruction invokes a sequenoe wherein bi is compared with zero. If less than that value go 'co 3016 other-wise go to 3017.
3015 This instruction invokes a sequenoe wherein bi is ccmpared with one and if greater than that value go to 3018 otherwise go to 3019.
3016 If bi is less than zero then set the value of bi to zero and go to 3017.
3017 m is instruction invokes a sequence wherein the screen value is now deter-mined as a m~dified value Si" as a function of bi, as shown in Figure 12C.
3018 miS instruction invokes a sequenoe wherein if bi is greater than one then bi is set to a value of one. Go to 3019.
~13~597 3019 m is instruction invokes a sequen oe to set a mcdified value of the screen value Si" in terms of bi and A. A is a function (see Fig. 12C) dependent upon tw~ variables X and Y, and in this step is evaluated with X = bi and Y = .707.
3020 B2: This instruction invokes a sequen oe wherein the function A, evaluated with X,= ai and Y = V2 is set equal to a value dependent upon S; (from 3005).
3021 m is instruction invokes a sequence to determ me each value of ai from a look-up table given the value of A as a function of ai (as shown at 3020 in Figure 12D).
3022 This instruction invokes a sequen oe for calculating the term bi in terms of ai (from 3021) and in terms of the screen ruling R and the dot gain dgi' (as shcwn by the equation at 3022 in Figure 12D).
3023 m is instruction invokes a procedure for calculating value a ci as a func-tion of the screen ruling R and the dot gain dgi'.
3024 This instruction invokes a sequen oe in which ci is ccmpared with unity (1).
If greater than that value go to 3025.
3025 This instruction invokes a sequen oe to set ci to unity (1) if ci at 3024 was greater than. one.
3026 This instruction invokes a se~uence to compare bi with the number shown in drawing 12D at 3026. If less than or equal to that value go to 3027 other-wise go to 3028.
3027 mis instruction invokes a sequen oe to compare bi with 0.5. If less than that value go to 3029 otherwise go to 3030.
3028 T.his instruction invokes a sequen oe to compare bi with unity (1) and if greater than that value go to 3031, otherwise go to 3032.
. ~, ~37597 3029 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe when bi is less than 0.5 from 3027 and sets the value of bi to 0.50. Go to 3030.
3030 This instruction invokes a sequence to determine the value Si" as a function of bi obtained fr~m 3027 or 3029 and Ci obtained from 3024 or 3025.
3031 This instruction invokes a sequen oe to set bi to a value of unit (l) if bi from 3028 is greater than one. Go to 3032.
3032 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe to determine the value of Si" as a func-tio.n of bi from 3028 or 3031 and c frcm 3024 or 3025~
3033 B3: This instruction invokes a sequence to set the function, evaluated with X = A
and Y = .5, equal to a value dependent upon the value of Si taken from 3006.
3034 ~his instruction invokes a sequenoe to determine the values of ai from lookup table, given that A is a function ai and 0.50, and has the value show.n in 3033.
3035 m is instruction invokes a sequence to calculate the value of a term ei in terms of ai, the screen ruling R, and dot gain dgi' in accordance with the formula show.n in Figure 12E at 3035.
3036 This instruction mvokes a sequence to calculate the value of a term di as a function of R (screen ruling) and dot gain dgi' in accordanoe with the equa-tion shown in Figure 12E at 3036.
3037 This instruction invokes a sequence to compare ei with zero. If less than that value go to 3038 otherwiæ go to 3041.
3038 m is instruction invokes a sequence to æ t the value of ei to zero if ei from 3037 was less than zero. Go to 3041.
~13~597 3039 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to ocmpare di from 3036 with zero. If less than that value go to 3040 other-wise go to 3041.
3040 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to set di to zero if di frcm 3039 was less than zero. Go to 3041.
3041 This instruction invokes a sequence to dçtermine the value of Si" in accord-ance with the equation indicated at 3041 in Figure lZE.
3042 B4: m is instruction invokes a sequen oe to define a tenm ai' from 3008.
3043 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to call for the screen ruling value R and the dot gain dgi', and then to calcu-late the value of a term ei as a func-tion of those terms as well ai from 3042, in accordance with the equation shcwn in Figure 12F at 3043.
3044 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to oompare the tenm ei with zero. If less than that go to 3045 otherwise go to 3046.
3045 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to set ei to an a value of zero if ei from 3044 was less than zero. Go to 3046.
3046 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe to determine the value of Si" from the values of ei from 3044 or 3045.
3047 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to co~pare a dot gain dgi with zero. If greater than or equal to zero go to 3048 otherwise go to 3049.
3048 This instruction invokes a sequen oe to set the effective screen value Si*
equal to Si" when the dot gain dgi is equal to or greater than zero.
3049 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to set the screen value Si* equal to (100 - Si"~ when the dot gain dgi is less than zero.
~13~597 sefore describing this procedure in detail refer~nce should be made to the detailed diagram of Figure 13 a~s well as the definition of terms employed as set forth in Table IV belcw.
TABLE IV
Si : ith screen value, in percen~, from PIM
si* : ith effective screen value printed, in percent (Si* is S
corrected for dot gain) ti : ith required print ink film thickness in inches Ds : optical density of solid desired from PIM
Do : maxlmum optical density of solid obtainable given the indices c I p s RF : rate factor for optical density of solid vs. thickness given the indi oes Fc, FI, Fp, Fs from PIM
n : Yule-Nielsen factor given the indices Fc, FI, F , F and also R, the screen ruling size, in lines per inch. mis factor value assumes S = 50.00%
Kn : gain factor for n due to S
Dti : (referenoe definition) ith optical tone density due to an S
print with Ds Dsi* : ith optical density of solid required to print Si* and yield Dti.
Procedure Description 4000 This instruc~ion inv~kes a sequence to determine the print ink film thickness for a screen value corrected for dot gain such that the optical tone density is conserved as if the original screen value without dot gain ~ere printed.
This procedure is based on the follow-ing rules:
1. The Yule-Nielsen equation is valid:
ti ni loglo {1 - 1OO (1 - 10 s/ni)}
s ,, I
113~5~7 2. The Y-N paper factor n assuming Si = 50.00% may be specified given the paper type, the ink, and the screen ruling.
3. A given Si value specifies a gain factor ~ni. The product of Kni and n yields ni which can be used in the Y-N
equation to predict Dti.
4. TWD equations may be defined and equated.
S -D /n' Dti = -ni log10 {1 - loo (1 - 10 S 1~}
S.* -D */n' ti ni log10 {1 - ~ (1 - 10 si i)}
We may then solve for D i* in terms of Si, Si*, Ds and ni. Hence if we print Si* with solid density DSi*, Dti is con-served as if we print Si with solid density Ds 5. me density of solid equation is valid:
DSi* = Do (1 - e Hence given D * = D and RF we can predict the required ti.
6. The rate factor RF is a function of ink, paper and solution type only.
4001 This instru~tion invokes a procedure in which the gain factor Kni is deter-mined frcm a lookup table as a func-tion of the screen values Si.
4002 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein the gain factor Kni obtained from 4001 is m~ltiplied by the Yule-Nielsen factor n to obtain the value ni~ ~
4003 This instruction invokes a prooedure in which Si, Si*, Ds, and Ni' are called and the ith optical density of solid DSi* is determ1ned from the equation shown in the box at 4003.
~13~S97 4004 This instruction inv~kes a procedure calling for the rate f~ctor RF, the n~c mlm optical density of solid D , and the ith optical density of solid Dsi* from 4003, and provides as an out-put the ith required print m k film thickness ti in inches in dependence upon the equation shcwn in the block at 4004-PR~R~ 5000 Before describing this procedure in detail reference is now made to the detailed flow diagra~ of Figure 14 together with the definition of terms employed as found below in Table V.
TABLE V
F : color index from PrM
FI : ink index from PIM
Fs : solution index from PIM
W : water setting characterized by the pan roll speed in revolu-tions per minute PS : press speed in feet per minute A : angul æ measurement of the fountain roll rotation per ratchet in radians RS : ratchet setting given A
rp : plate cylinder radius in inches rf : fountain roll radius in inches Kl : the number of ductor deliveries per plate cylinder revolution K2 : the ratio of plate image area to plate cylinder surfa oe area toi : ith required ink thickness at the fountain roll in inches hi : ith required fountain blade opening in inches si* : ith effective screen value corrected for dot gain Kil : ith ratio between the volume of ink entering through the foun-tain blade and the volume of ink being returned to the reservoir at the ith key width location . ~
1~37S~7 TABLE V (cont.) Ci : i quantity equal to toi (1 - Ki') [ Y 11 Procedure Description 5000 mis instruction invokes a procedure to determine the thickness of ink re-quired on the fountain roll for the ith key with such that ink film thick-ness ti is printed. This is done in accordance with the following rules:
e following equations are valid for an inker in steady state:
A. i Volume of ink In =
Plate Revolution i h Volume of ink Out Plate Revolution B. i Volume of ink In =
(1 - K' ) X
ith Volume of ink at the fountain roll C. i Volume of ink In =
Plate Revolution Kl(rfA Sk(l~K i))toi D. ith Volume of ink Out =
Plate Rev~lutio~
2 p k i 2. The factor Ki' and the required fountain roll angle per ratchet are a function of ink, solution, water sett-ing and press speed only.
3. The ith fountain blade gap re-quired is equal to the ith ink thick-ness required at the fountain roll.
4. The influence of vibrators on the equations is negligible.
.~r'Y
~3"~5~1q 5001 This instruction invokes a prooe dure calling for Fc, Fi, Fs, and w. From these inputs the selection is made as to which rule is to be used in a look up table comparing angular measurement A of the fountain roll rotation per ratchet (in radians) relative to the starting press speed ps (in feet per : :
minute).
5002 mis instruction invokes a procedure to use the rule from 5001 to lookup a value of A frcm the starting press speed ps.
5003 m is instruction invokes a se~uenoe calling for A and then determaning from a lookup table the ratchet sett-ing RS as a function of A.
5004 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determane the value of Ci in accord-ance with the equation shown in the block 5004 and in which the values called for are A, Si*, Ti together with press geametry factors PG-l.
The æ press geometry factors, which have been previously inputted ~o the memory, include the plate cylinder radius rp in inches, the fountain roll radius rf in inches, the number Kl of ductor deliveries per plate cylinder revolution and the ratio of plate image area to plate cylinder surface area K2-5005 This instruction invokes a procedure to select the proper rule of To versus C based on the inputs Fc, Fi, Fs, W, and PS.
5006 This instruction invokes a sequence calling for the selection from 5005 to-gether with an input Ci frcm 5004 to go through a lookup table to obtain the value toi.
5007 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe to set the value Hi as being equal to the value t P~DCEDURE 6000 9efore describing this prooedure in detail reference should now be tc ~137~9~
made to Figures 15A through 15E which illustrate more detailed flow diagrams as well as to the definition of terms employed in Table VI below.
AS in the case of Procedu~e 5000 oertain press geometry factors PG2 have been previously inputted to the system and in this case are used to determune the effects of hydrostatic loading. mese inputs, which are de-fined in Table VI are LR, rR, ~, A2~ B2' ~' R' R
B~ B~ IB' ho~ WE~ Ll~ L2, EF, IF, Yo~ t .
TABLE VI
FR : the resultant hydrostatic load on the fountain roll, in pounds Bl : the angle, in radians, that FR makes with the horizontal datum B2 : the angle, in radians, that the line through the fountain roll center and the fountain blade tip m~kes with the horizontal datum FRl : the total hydrostatic load on the fountain roll along the B2 line B3 : the angle, in r~;ans, that the fountain body referen oe makes with the horizontal datum pg : weight per unit volume of the ink, in pounds per inch LR : length of the fountain roll, in inches rR : radius of the fountain roll, in inches : the angle, in radians, between the horizontal datum line through the fountain roll center and the point where the sur-faoe level of the ink touches the roll A2 : the angle, in radians, between the horizontal datum line through the fountain roll oenter and the lower most roll con-tact point with the ink reservoir E : the mDdulus of elasticity of the fountain r~ll material, in R pounds per inch2 IR : the moment of intertia of the fountain roll, in inches : the stiffness coefficient of the fountain roll bearings, in pounds per inch YRi : ith fountain roll deflection, in inches Xi : ith lateral ink key location C
1~3~59~7 TPBLE VI (cont.) i : ink key location index LF : the length of the fountain blade, in inches N : the numker of keys per fountain S : the spacing between ink keys, in inches VR : the volume of ink that the reservoir contains, in inches3 WI : the weight of ink in the reservoir, in pounds FB : the load, in pounds, perpendicular to the reference ~cdy which acts on it YBi : ith fountain body deflection, in inches LB : length of the fountain body, in inches : the modulus of elasticity of the fountain body material, in pounds per inch2 IB : the moment of intertia of the fountain body, in inches ho : the vertical distance from the clamped end of the fountain blade to the surface of the ink WF : the width of the fountain blade, in inches fF : the foroe per unit length acting on the fountain blade, in pounds per inch Ll : the distance from the clamped end of the fountain blade to the keys, m inches L2 : the distance from the end of the fountain blade to the keys, in inches EF : the mcdulus of elasticity of the fountain blade material, in pounds per inch2 IF : ~he mament of intertia of the fountain blade, in inches ~F : the deflection of the f.ountain blade end due to ink hydrostatic load hi : ith fountain blade opening required, in inches, with no foun-tain member deflections Yi : ith fountain blade height, in inches, required at the blade end exclusive of blade thickness Pi : ith blade profile location with respect to the non-deflected fountain members, in inc~s, at the key location -~2-,, .
~13759~7 Proce~lre escription . ~
6000 This instruction invokes a procedure to determine the deflections due to hydrostatic loading of the fountain roll, fountain body, and the fountain blade. A discrete blade profile func-tion at the keys is defined given the required fountain blade to roll gap and the fountain member deflections.
This is acoomplished in acoordanoe w~th the following rules:
1. The hydrostatic load on the foun-tain blade at each point is a functian of the weight per unit volume of the ink and the height of ink above the point. A uniform load has been assumed which conserves the integral of the hydrostatic load distribution on the blade.
2. A uniform load on the fountain body has been assumed whose integral is the weight of the ink in the reservolr.
6001 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for indioes Fc and Fi. Fram these, the value of the weight per unit volume pg of the ink (in pounds per cubic inch3) is obtained fram a lookup table.
6002 This instruction invokes a sequence calling for the values of pg, ~, rR, Al, and A2 fram which the resultant hydrostatic load FR on the fountain roll, in pounds, is determined in accordance with the followqng equation:
El.
FR = Pg Lr [(A2-~)sin ~ + (cosA2 - cosAl)]
6003 This instruction invokes a sequenoe, calling for Al and A2, fram which Bi (i.e., the angle, in radians, that FR
m~kes with the horizontal datum) is determined in accordance with the follcwing equation:
E2.
B = cos 1~ [sin ~ -SinA2]2 (A---A )sinA + oosA cosA ]~
"
~ ,' ~13~5~
6004 m is instruction invokes a procedure call.ing for B2, FR, and B1, to deter~
mlne therefrom FR' in accordan oe with the follo~ing equation:
E3.
FR' = FR cos (B2-Bl) 6005 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for LF, N, and S frGm which the term xl is determined in accord-an oe with the equation shown in Figure 15c at 6005.
6006 This instruction invDkes a sequenoe calling for xl from 6005 as well as the ink key location index i, f mm which xi is determ med in accordance with the formula as indicated in Figure 15c at 6006.
6007 This instruction invakes a sequen oe calling for ~, ERI IR, KB, FR and x and determining therefrom YRi (xi) in accordanoe with the following equation:
E4. : -y (x ) = FR' Xi (LR - 2 ~xi ~xi ) + FR' 6008 mis instruction invDkes a procedure calling for pg and VR and determining therefrom the weight of ink WI in the re æ rvoir, in pounds, in accordanoe with the e~lation as shown in Figure 15d at 6008.
6009 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for B3 and WI and deteLmining therefrom the load (FB in pounds) perpendicular to the referenoe body which acts on it in accordance with the equation as shown in Figure 15d at 6009.
6010 This instruction invokes a prooe dure calling for B3, FD, xi, LD, ED, D
and computing therefrom the ith foun-tain body deflection Ybi (~i)' in inches, in accordance with the follcw-iny equation:
f~
~13'^~$9q E5.
Bi i 2B4LiB 1 (Xi ~ 2 ~xi +LB xi) cos (2- -B2-B3) 6011 This instruction LnvDkes a procedure ~alling for pg, ho, LF, B3, and WF and computing therefrcm the force per unit length fF acting on the ~ountain blade, in pounds per inch, in accordance with the follow m g equation:
E6.
F Pg (ho + LF sLn B3) WE
6012 This instruction invokes a sequenoe calling for fF, Ll, L2, EF, and IF/
and ccmputing therefrom ~E in accord-an oe with the follcwing equation:
E7.
48EFIF 2E ~F F F F F
6013 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for hi, YRi~ YBi' B2~ B3~ and YO and cQmpUting therefrom Yi in accord-ance with the following e~uation:
E8.
y = (Y + YRi ~ hi) cos (2 ~ B2 B3) + F YBi 6014 This instruc~ion invakes a sequen oe calling for Yi, Ll~ LFthand td n puting therefrom the i blade profile location Pi with respect to the non-deflected fountain members, in inches, at the key location in accordance with the following formula:
E9.
P = 2Ll Yi ~ tb ::' ., ,~
1~37597 Before describing this prooedure .in detail, reference should now be made to the detailed flow diagrams of Figure 16a, 16b, and 16c as well as to a definition of terms employed as shown in Table VI kelcw.
Procedure 7000 press geo~.etry factors PG3 are inputted in the manner as discussed here and before with press geometry factors PGl (Proce-dure 5000) and PG2 (Procedure 6000). These press geometry factors include the following: a, r, tb~ Ym~ Vm, and Vk all of which are defined in Table VII.
TABLE VII
P. : ith blade profile location with respect -to the non-deflected 1 fountain bo~y reference i : ink key location : i = 1,2,.... , N keys X : independent location variable : x = i - l N : the number of total keys L : a variable equal to N-l P : the period of the extended periodic function y(x): P-2L
y(x) : the continuous function of x which collocates with Pi data K : an index which varies as follcws : K=O, 1,.... , L
ak : the Kth coefficient of the y(x) function yT(x) : the continu~us function of x which can be set and represents the best fit to y(x) considering blade limitations yT'(x) : the 1st derivative of yT(x) Ai : the absolute value of the angle in radians that the blade makes with respect to the non-deflected fountain body reference at the ith key location yTi : ith blade height where yT(i=x+l) = yT (x=l) (in inches) ~ : the thickness of the fountain blade in inches Cli : 1th key location correction due to the blade thlckness and angle at the key in inches a : the shortest distance in inches from the key cap inside cavity Æ face ~o the cap top 1~375g7 TAsLE VII (cont.) r : the radius in inches of the key cap cavity C2i : it key location correction due to the key cap and angle at the key in inches Ki : ith key displacement in inches with respect to the non-deflected fountain body reference Vk : the nu~ber of v~lts per inch of displacement of a key actuator Vm : the maximum potential that all actuators can attain in volts Vi : the key actuator output in volts due to displaoement Ki y : the maxLmum blade profile height with respect to the non-deflected fountain body reference in inches that the blade pro-file can be set Procedure escription 7000 This instruction invokes a prooedure to determine the fountain key displace-ments and respective actuator set point voltages required to best set the fountain blade given the discrete desired profile. This is done in accordan oe with the following rules:
1. m e criteria used to best set the fountain blade is a least squares fit of the discrete desired profile which satisfies fountain blade constraints on blade slope and concavity.
2. Each actuator mechanical zero has been set as follows: Set the key such that the voltage output Vm is the highest that all actuators can attain.
Set the key mechanical zero so that the n~c mlm height ym of the blade sur-face with respect to the reference body surface is attained. Repeat for all keys individually until ccmpleted.
7001 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for Pi and n to determine there-from the continuous function of x in terms of y(x) which collocates with Pi data in accordance with the formula indicated in Figure 16A at 7001.
7002 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for y(x) and to determine there-from the value of ak in dependen oe upon the following equation:
Fl.
K p [Y(O) + y(L)cosK~] + 4 ~ y(x) 005 2~Kx x=l K = 0,l,...,L
7003 mis procedure calls for the ak from 7002 and to compute therefrcm the value of yt(x) in dependence upon the follow-ing equation:
F2.
T 2 0 + al cos L + a2cos 2 x +
+aL_l eos L ~ x + 2 aLcos~x x = 0,l,...,L
7004 This instruction invokes a procedure to eompute differences ~1 and ~2 respect-ively in accordance with the following equations F3 and F4:
F3.
YT(X) YT(x+l) ~ YT(x) x = 0,l,...,L-l F4.
: ~ YT (X) = yT(x+2) - 2yT(x+l) + yT(x) x = O, 1, . . . ,11-2 7005 This instruction invokes a prooedure to compare the differenoes oamputed at 7004 with a lookup table providing empirical data relative to constraint values on blade slope and concavity.
7006 I'his instruction invokes a proeedure to determine whether any eonstraints obtained from 7005 have been violated.
If so go to 7007 otherwise go to 7009 as well as 7010.
7007 This instruction invokes a procedure, when eonstraints have been violated at 7006, to discard the highest remaining frequency, set ak' to zero, and go to 7008.
G~ -48-1~3~59~
7008 m is mstruetion invokes a pro oe dure to replace K~ with K' - 1 and go to 7003.
7009 m is instruction invvkes a pro oe dure to determ m e yt'(x) in aeeordanee with the following e~uation:
F5.
~a YT (X~ L sin L ~ L a25in L ~ --~(~ 1) a sin (L-l) ~ x ~ ~ sin x x = 0,l,...,L
7010 miS instruction invokes a procedNre to deter~ine Yti in acoordan oe with the equation ~ndieated in the box of Figure 16E at 7010.
7011 m is instruetion invokes a procedure to compute Ai in aecordanee with the follcwing equation:
[YT ( ~¦ J I
and go to 7012 and 7013.
7012 This instruction invokes a pro oe dure to eompute Cli from the Ai and tb in aeeordanee with the following equation:
F7.
Cli = tb see Ai and then go to a negative input of the summation at 7014.
7013 T,his instruetion invokes a pro oe dure ealling for a, r, and the ai and to eompute therefrcm C2i in aecordan oe with the following equation:
F8.
C2i = (a~r) see Ai ~
. ~.
~13~97 7014 This instruction invokes a procedure to determme the value of the term ki by subtracting from Yti the values of Cli and C2i.
7015 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for Ym, tbr a, and obtains therefrcm Km by subtractiny the values of a and tb from Ym~
7016 m is instruction invakes a procedure to determine Vi from Ri, Rm, Vm and Vk in accordanoe with the equation shown in the box of Figure 16C at 7016.
KEY DRIVER P~LCEDURE
The output of Procedure 7000 will thus be a series of t~rns Vi representing the outputs of the respective key actuators, in volts, when the keys are positioned at the proper plaoe s. Description will now be provided of the key driver procedure utilized to position the ink key actuators in accordance with these terms Vi.
Before describing the details involved in the key driver procedure, referenoe should ~e made to the flow diagram of Figure 17, as well as to Table VIII, below, for a definition of the terms employed.
TABLE VIII
Dir : The direction in which ink key i must move to reach the posi-1 tion identified by term Vi M : The m~gnitude of the movement which ink key i must make to 1 reach the position identified by term Vi.
As : The actual voltage output of the position potentiometer of ink 1 key i-Tol : I'he closest an ink key actuator can be expected to be set to the desired position.
V : The voltage output of the p,osition potentiometer of ink key i when it is at its desired position.
11375~7 Procedure Description 8000 mis procedure functions to control the positions of the ink key actuators such that the outputs of the potentio-meters associated with the respective actuators are within a fixed limit of the vDltage levels determined by the output of Procedure 7000.
8001 This instruction invokes a procedure to address the ink keys which are to be positioned so as to get from the respective feedb2ck potentiometers terms Asi indicating the present posi-tion of the ~nk key a~tuators to be positioned.
8002 m is instruction calls up the terms Vi indicating the desired position of the ink keys, and the terms Asi indicating the present position of the actuators.
The direction and magnitude of movement necessary to position the ink key actuators are then determined, based upon the relationships shcwn in this block of Figure 17.
8003 This instruction invokes a procedure to aompare the magnitudes of the adjustments ne oe ssary to the ink key actuators with a tolerance level, in order to determine if any ink key actuators are at positions which differ from the desired position by an amount which is greater than this toleranoe.
8004 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein, if all of the magnitude terms Mi derived in 8002 are less ~han or equal to the tolerance limit, the pre-æt pro oedure ends, sin oe the ink key actuators need not be positioned.
8005 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein, if at least one of the ink key actuators is out of position by an extent which is greater than the tolerance, the ink keys are reposi-tioned by providing address, magnitude (Mi) and direction (Diri) signals on the output lines of the ink processor RIM (see Figure 5 and associated dis-cussion).
~137S9~
Following the positioning of the ink keys, the prooessor returns to state-ment 8001, and thus reads the teLms Asi indicating the position of the ink keys, following the repositioning thereof. me processor continues through the steps 8001, 8002, 8003, etc. until all the ink keys are posi-tioned at the proper place, in which event the preset pro oedNre ends through Pro oedure 8004.
Although the invention has been described with respect to p~e-ferred entodlme~t it will be appreciated that various rearrangements and alterations of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the following claims.
~375~7 3001 mis instruction invokes a pro oedure wherein the dot gain dgi is compared to determine whether it is equal to or greater than zero or whether it is less than zero.
3002 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein, if the dot gain dgi is equal to or greater than zero (indicative that the dot gain level is positive representative of a negative film), then dgi' equals dgi. Si' is then equal to Si.
3003 This instruction invakes a procedure when the dot gain is less than zero so that dgi' equals the absolute value of dgi and that Si' is equal to 100 - Si.
3004 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein Si' is ccmpared with 50% to determane whether it has a value equal or less than 50~ or a value greater than 50%. If less than 50% then go to - 3005 otherwise go to 3006.
3005 This instruction invokes a sequence to compare each screen value Si' with 39.27%. If Si' is equal to or less than this value then go to 3007 other-wise go to B2 (3020: see Figure 12D).
3006 This instruction invokes a sequenoe in which the effective screen value Si' is compared with 60.73%. If the value is equal to or greater than that then go to 3008 otherwise go to B3 (3033: see Figure 12E).
3007 m is instruction invokes a prooedure in which the effective screen value Si' is compared with zero. If less than that value go to 3009 otherwise go to Bl (3011: see Figure 12C).
3008 mis instruction invokes a sequence for comparing Si' with 100% and if , greater than that value go to 3010 otherwise go to B4 (3042: see Figure 12F).
3009 This instruction invokes a sequence for - setting the value of Si' to zero if the determ m ation at 3007 was that Si is less than zero.
1137S~7 3010 This instruction invokes a sequence to set Si' to 100~ if at 3008 the deter-mination was made that Si' was greater than 100%.
3011 sl: This instruction invokes a s0quen oe for calculating the value of a term ai as a function of Si' as indicated in Figure 12C, wherein Si' is greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to 39.27~. Term ai for each screen value refers to the radius be-fore dot gain.
3012 This instruction invokes a seqwence in which a term bi is calculated in terms of the screen ruling R, the dot gain dgi' and ai as indicated in Yig~re 12C.
Term bi refers to the radius with dot gain.
3013 m is instruc*ion invokes a procedure wherein bi is compæed with a value of .707. If bi is less than or equal to that value then go to 3014 otherwise go to 3015.
3014 This instruction invokes a sequenoe wherein bi is compared with zero. If less than that value go 'co 3016 other-wise go to 3017.
3015 This instruction invokes a sequenoe wherein bi is ccmpared with one and if greater than that value go to 3018 otherwise go to 3019.
3016 If bi is less than zero then set the value of bi to zero and go to 3017.
3017 m is instruction invokes a sequence wherein the screen value is now deter-mined as a m~dified value Si" as a function of bi, as shown in Figure 12C.
3018 miS instruction invokes a sequenoe wherein if bi is greater than one then bi is set to a value of one. Go to 3019.
~13~597 3019 m is instruction invokes a sequen oe to set a mcdified value of the screen value Si" in terms of bi and A. A is a function (see Fig. 12C) dependent upon tw~ variables X and Y, and in this step is evaluated with X = bi and Y = .707.
3020 B2: This instruction invokes a sequen oe wherein the function A, evaluated with X,= ai and Y = V2 is set equal to a value dependent upon S; (from 3005).
3021 m is instruction invokes a sequence to determ me each value of ai from a look-up table given the value of A as a function of ai (as shown at 3020 in Figure 12D).
3022 This instruction invokes a sequen oe for calculating the term bi in terms of ai (from 3021) and in terms of the screen ruling R and the dot gain dgi' (as shcwn by the equation at 3022 in Figure 12D).
3023 m is instruction invokes a procedure for calculating value a ci as a func-tion of the screen ruling R and the dot gain dgi'.
3024 This instruction invokes a sequen oe in which ci is ccmpared with unity (1).
If greater than that value go to 3025.
3025 This instruction invokes a sequen oe to set ci to unity (1) if ci at 3024 was greater than. one.
3026 This instruction invokes a se~uence to compare bi with the number shown in drawing 12D at 3026. If less than or equal to that value go to 3027 other-wise go to 3028.
3027 mis instruction invokes a sequen oe to compare bi with 0.5. If less than that value go to 3029 otherwise go to 3030.
3028 T.his instruction invokes a sequen oe to compare bi with unity (1) and if greater than that value go to 3031, otherwise go to 3032.
. ~, ~37597 3029 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe when bi is less than 0.5 from 3027 and sets the value of bi to 0.50. Go to 3030.
3030 This instruction invokes a sequence to determine the value Si" as a function of bi obtained fr~m 3027 or 3029 and Ci obtained from 3024 or 3025.
3031 This instruction invokes a sequen oe to set bi to a value of unit (l) if bi from 3028 is greater than one. Go to 3032.
3032 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe to determine the value of Si" as a func-tio.n of bi from 3028 or 3031 and c frcm 3024 or 3025~
3033 B3: This instruction invokes a sequence to set the function, evaluated with X = A
and Y = .5, equal to a value dependent upon the value of Si taken from 3006.
3034 ~his instruction invokes a sequenoe to determine the values of ai from lookup table, given that A is a function ai and 0.50, and has the value show.n in 3033.
3035 m is instruction invokes a sequence to calculate the value of a term ei in terms of ai, the screen ruling R, and dot gain dgi' in accordance with the formula show.n in Figure 12E at 3035.
3036 This instruction mvokes a sequence to calculate the value of a term di as a function of R (screen ruling) and dot gain dgi' in accordanoe with the equa-tion shown in Figure 12E at 3036.
3037 This instruction invokes a sequence to compare ei with zero. If less than that value go to 3038 otherwiæ go to 3041.
3038 m is instruction invokes a sequence to æ t the value of ei to zero if ei from 3037 was less than zero. Go to 3041.
~13~597 3039 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to ocmpare di from 3036 with zero. If less than that value go to 3040 other-wise go to 3041.
3040 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to set di to zero if di frcm 3039 was less than zero. Go to 3041.
3041 This instruction invokes a sequence to dçtermine the value of Si" in accord-ance with the equation indicated at 3041 in Figure lZE.
3042 B4: m is instruction invokes a sequen oe to define a tenm ai' from 3008.
3043 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to call for the screen ruling value R and the dot gain dgi', and then to calcu-late the value of a term ei as a func-tion of those terms as well ai from 3042, in accordance with the equation shcwn in Figure 12F at 3043.
3044 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to oompare the tenm ei with zero. If less than that go to 3045 otherwise go to 3046.
3045 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to set ei to an a value of zero if ei from 3044 was less than zero. Go to 3046.
3046 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe to determine the value of Si" from the values of ei from 3044 or 3045.
3047 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to co~pare a dot gain dgi with zero. If greater than or equal to zero go to 3048 otherwise go to 3049.
3048 This instruction invokes a sequen oe to set the effective screen value Si*
equal to Si" when the dot gain dgi is equal to or greater than zero.
3049 This instruction invokes a sequenoe to set the screen value Si* equal to (100 - Si"~ when the dot gain dgi is less than zero.
~13~597 sefore describing this procedure in detail refer~nce should be made to the detailed diagram of Figure 13 a~s well as the definition of terms employed as set forth in Table IV belcw.
TABLE IV
Si : ith screen value, in percen~, from PIM
si* : ith effective screen value printed, in percent (Si* is S
corrected for dot gain) ti : ith required print ink film thickness in inches Ds : optical density of solid desired from PIM
Do : maxlmum optical density of solid obtainable given the indices c I p s RF : rate factor for optical density of solid vs. thickness given the indi oes Fc, FI, Fp, Fs from PIM
n : Yule-Nielsen factor given the indices Fc, FI, F , F and also R, the screen ruling size, in lines per inch. mis factor value assumes S = 50.00%
Kn : gain factor for n due to S
Dti : (referenoe definition) ith optical tone density due to an S
print with Ds Dsi* : ith optical density of solid required to print Si* and yield Dti.
Procedure Description 4000 This instruc~ion inv~kes a sequence to determine the print ink film thickness for a screen value corrected for dot gain such that the optical tone density is conserved as if the original screen value without dot gain ~ere printed.
This procedure is based on the follow-ing rules:
1. The Yule-Nielsen equation is valid:
ti ni loglo {1 - 1OO (1 - 10 s/ni)}
s ,, I
113~5~7 2. The Y-N paper factor n assuming Si = 50.00% may be specified given the paper type, the ink, and the screen ruling.
3. A given Si value specifies a gain factor ~ni. The product of Kni and n yields ni which can be used in the Y-N
equation to predict Dti.
4. TWD equations may be defined and equated.
S -D /n' Dti = -ni log10 {1 - loo (1 - 10 S 1~}
S.* -D */n' ti ni log10 {1 - ~ (1 - 10 si i)}
We may then solve for D i* in terms of Si, Si*, Ds and ni. Hence if we print Si* with solid density DSi*, Dti is con-served as if we print Si with solid density Ds 5. me density of solid equation is valid:
DSi* = Do (1 - e Hence given D * = D and RF we can predict the required ti.
6. The rate factor RF is a function of ink, paper and solution type only.
4001 This instru~tion invokes a procedure in which the gain factor Kni is deter-mined frcm a lookup table as a func-tion of the screen values Si.
4002 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein the gain factor Kni obtained from 4001 is m~ltiplied by the Yule-Nielsen factor n to obtain the value ni~ ~
4003 This instruction invokes a prooedure in which Si, Si*, Ds, and Ni' are called and the ith optical density of solid DSi* is determ1ned from the equation shown in the box at 4003.
~13~S97 4004 This instruction inv~kes a procedure calling for the rate f~ctor RF, the n~c mlm optical density of solid D , and the ith optical density of solid Dsi* from 4003, and provides as an out-put the ith required print m k film thickness ti in inches in dependence upon the equation shcwn in the block at 4004-PR~R~ 5000 Before describing this procedure in detail reference is now made to the detailed flow diagra~ of Figure 14 together with the definition of terms employed as found below in Table V.
TABLE V
F : color index from PrM
FI : ink index from PIM
Fs : solution index from PIM
W : water setting characterized by the pan roll speed in revolu-tions per minute PS : press speed in feet per minute A : angul æ measurement of the fountain roll rotation per ratchet in radians RS : ratchet setting given A
rp : plate cylinder radius in inches rf : fountain roll radius in inches Kl : the number of ductor deliveries per plate cylinder revolution K2 : the ratio of plate image area to plate cylinder surfa oe area toi : ith required ink thickness at the fountain roll in inches hi : ith required fountain blade opening in inches si* : ith effective screen value corrected for dot gain Kil : ith ratio between the volume of ink entering through the foun-tain blade and the volume of ink being returned to the reservoir at the ith key width location . ~
1~37S~7 TABLE V (cont.) Ci : i quantity equal to toi (1 - Ki') [ Y 11 Procedure Description 5000 mis instruction invokes a procedure to determine the thickness of ink re-quired on the fountain roll for the ith key with such that ink film thick-ness ti is printed. This is done in accordance with the following rules:
e following equations are valid for an inker in steady state:
A. i Volume of ink In =
Plate Revolution i h Volume of ink Out Plate Revolution B. i Volume of ink In =
(1 - K' ) X
ith Volume of ink at the fountain roll C. i Volume of ink In =
Plate Revolution Kl(rfA Sk(l~K i))toi D. ith Volume of ink Out =
Plate Rev~lutio~
2 p k i 2. The factor Ki' and the required fountain roll angle per ratchet are a function of ink, solution, water sett-ing and press speed only.
3. The ith fountain blade gap re-quired is equal to the ith ink thick-ness required at the fountain roll.
4. The influence of vibrators on the equations is negligible.
.~r'Y
~3"~5~1q 5001 This instruction invokes a prooe dure calling for Fc, Fi, Fs, and w. From these inputs the selection is made as to which rule is to be used in a look up table comparing angular measurement A of the fountain roll rotation per ratchet (in radians) relative to the starting press speed ps (in feet per : :
minute).
5002 mis instruction invokes a procedure to use the rule from 5001 to lookup a value of A frcm the starting press speed ps.
5003 m is instruction invokes a se~uenoe calling for A and then determaning from a lookup table the ratchet sett-ing RS as a function of A.
5004 m is instruction invokes a procedure to determane the value of Ci in accord-ance with the equation shown in the block 5004 and in which the values called for are A, Si*, Ti together with press geametry factors PG-l.
The æ press geometry factors, which have been previously inputted ~o the memory, include the plate cylinder radius rp in inches, the fountain roll radius rf in inches, the number Kl of ductor deliveries per plate cylinder revolution and the ratio of plate image area to plate cylinder surface area K2-5005 This instruction invokes a procedure to select the proper rule of To versus C based on the inputs Fc, Fi, Fs, W, and PS.
5006 This instruction invokes a sequence calling for the selection from 5005 to-gether with an input Ci frcm 5004 to go through a lookup table to obtain the value toi.
5007 m is instruction invokes a sequenoe to set the value Hi as being equal to the value t P~DCEDURE 6000 9efore describing this prooedure in detail reference should now be tc ~137~9~
made to Figures 15A through 15E which illustrate more detailed flow diagrams as well as to the definition of terms employed in Table VI below.
AS in the case of Procedu~e 5000 oertain press geometry factors PG2 have been previously inputted to the system and in this case are used to determune the effects of hydrostatic loading. mese inputs, which are de-fined in Table VI are LR, rR, ~, A2~ B2' ~' R' R
B~ B~ IB' ho~ WE~ Ll~ L2, EF, IF, Yo~ t .
TABLE VI
FR : the resultant hydrostatic load on the fountain roll, in pounds Bl : the angle, in radians, that FR makes with the horizontal datum B2 : the angle, in radians, that the line through the fountain roll center and the fountain blade tip m~kes with the horizontal datum FRl : the total hydrostatic load on the fountain roll along the B2 line B3 : the angle, in r~;ans, that the fountain body referen oe makes with the horizontal datum pg : weight per unit volume of the ink, in pounds per inch LR : length of the fountain roll, in inches rR : radius of the fountain roll, in inches : the angle, in radians, between the horizontal datum line through the fountain roll center and the point where the sur-faoe level of the ink touches the roll A2 : the angle, in radians, between the horizontal datum line through the fountain roll oenter and the lower most roll con-tact point with the ink reservoir E : the mDdulus of elasticity of the fountain r~ll material, in R pounds per inch2 IR : the moment of intertia of the fountain roll, in inches : the stiffness coefficient of the fountain roll bearings, in pounds per inch YRi : ith fountain roll deflection, in inches Xi : ith lateral ink key location C
1~3~59~7 TPBLE VI (cont.) i : ink key location index LF : the length of the fountain blade, in inches N : the numker of keys per fountain S : the spacing between ink keys, in inches VR : the volume of ink that the reservoir contains, in inches3 WI : the weight of ink in the reservoir, in pounds FB : the load, in pounds, perpendicular to the reference ~cdy which acts on it YBi : ith fountain body deflection, in inches LB : length of the fountain body, in inches : the modulus of elasticity of the fountain body material, in pounds per inch2 IB : the moment of intertia of the fountain body, in inches ho : the vertical distance from the clamped end of the fountain blade to the surface of the ink WF : the width of the fountain blade, in inches fF : the foroe per unit length acting on the fountain blade, in pounds per inch Ll : the distance from the clamped end of the fountain blade to the keys, m inches L2 : the distance from the end of the fountain blade to the keys, in inches EF : the mcdulus of elasticity of the fountain blade material, in pounds per inch2 IF : ~he mament of intertia of the fountain blade, in inches ~F : the deflection of the f.ountain blade end due to ink hydrostatic load hi : ith fountain blade opening required, in inches, with no foun-tain member deflections Yi : ith fountain blade height, in inches, required at the blade end exclusive of blade thickness Pi : ith blade profile location with respect to the non-deflected fountain members, in inc~s, at the key location -~2-,, .
~13759~7 Proce~lre escription . ~
6000 This instruction invokes a procedure to determine the deflections due to hydrostatic loading of the fountain roll, fountain body, and the fountain blade. A discrete blade profile func-tion at the keys is defined given the required fountain blade to roll gap and the fountain member deflections.
This is acoomplished in acoordanoe w~th the following rules:
1. The hydrostatic load on the foun-tain blade at each point is a functian of the weight per unit volume of the ink and the height of ink above the point. A uniform load has been assumed which conserves the integral of the hydrostatic load distribution on the blade.
2. A uniform load on the fountain body has been assumed whose integral is the weight of the ink in the reservolr.
6001 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for indioes Fc and Fi. Fram these, the value of the weight per unit volume pg of the ink (in pounds per cubic inch3) is obtained fram a lookup table.
6002 This instruction invokes a sequence calling for the values of pg, ~, rR, Al, and A2 fram which the resultant hydrostatic load FR on the fountain roll, in pounds, is determined in accordance with the followqng equation:
El.
FR = Pg Lr [(A2-~)sin ~ + (cosA2 - cosAl)]
6003 This instruction invokes a sequenoe, calling for Al and A2, fram which Bi (i.e., the angle, in radians, that FR
m~kes with the horizontal datum) is determined in accordance with the follcwing equation:
E2.
B = cos 1~ [sin ~ -SinA2]2 (A---A )sinA + oosA cosA ]~
"
~ ,' ~13~5~
6004 m is instruction invokes a procedure call.ing for B2, FR, and B1, to deter~
mlne therefrom FR' in accordan oe with the follo~ing equation:
E3.
FR' = FR cos (B2-Bl) 6005 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for LF, N, and S frGm which the term xl is determined in accord-an oe with the equation shown in Figure 15c at 6005.
6006 This instruction invDkes a sequenoe calling for xl from 6005 as well as the ink key location index i, f mm which xi is determ med in accordance with the formula as indicated in Figure 15c at 6006.
6007 This instruction invakes a sequen oe calling for ~, ERI IR, KB, FR and x and determining therefrom YRi (xi) in accordanoe with the following equation:
E4. : -y (x ) = FR' Xi (LR - 2 ~xi ~xi ) + FR' 6008 mis instruction invDkes a procedure calling for pg and VR and determining therefrom the weight of ink WI in the re æ rvoir, in pounds, in accordanoe with the e~lation as shown in Figure 15d at 6008.
6009 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for B3 and WI and deteLmining therefrom the load (FB in pounds) perpendicular to the referenoe body which acts on it in accordance with the equation as shown in Figure 15d at 6009.
6010 This instruction invokes a prooe dure calling for B3, FD, xi, LD, ED, D
and computing therefrom the ith foun-tain body deflection Ybi (~i)' in inches, in accordance with the follcw-iny equation:
f~
~13'^~$9q E5.
Bi i 2B4LiB 1 (Xi ~ 2 ~xi +LB xi) cos (2- -B2-B3) 6011 This instruction LnvDkes a procedure ~alling for pg, ho, LF, B3, and WF and computing therefrcm the force per unit length fF acting on the ~ountain blade, in pounds per inch, in accordance with the follow m g equation:
E6.
F Pg (ho + LF sLn B3) WE
6012 This instruction invokes a sequenoe calling for fF, Ll, L2, EF, and IF/
and ccmputing therefrom ~E in accord-an oe with the follcwing equation:
E7.
48EFIF 2E ~F F F F F
6013 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for hi, YRi~ YBi' B2~ B3~ and YO and cQmpUting therefrom Yi in accord-ance with the following e~uation:
E8.
y = (Y + YRi ~ hi) cos (2 ~ B2 B3) + F YBi 6014 This instruc~ion invakes a sequen oe calling for Yi, Ll~ LFthand td n puting therefrom the i blade profile location Pi with respect to the non-deflected fountain members, in inches, at the key location in accordance with the following formula:
E9.
P = 2Ll Yi ~ tb ::' ., ,~
1~37597 Before describing this prooedure .in detail, reference should now be made to the detailed flow diagrams of Figure 16a, 16b, and 16c as well as to a definition of terms employed as shown in Table VI kelcw.
Procedure 7000 press geo~.etry factors PG3 are inputted in the manner as discussed here and before with press geometry factors PGl (Proce-dure 5000) and PG2 (Procedure 6000). These press geometry factors include the following: a, r, tb~ Ym~ Vm, and Vk all of which are defined in Table VII.
TABLE VII
P. : ith blade profile location with respect -to the non-deflected 1 fountain bo~y reference i : ink key location : i = 1,2,.... , N keys X : independent location variable : x = i - l N : the number of total keys L : a variable equal to N-l P : the period of the extended periodic function y(x): P-2L
y(x) : the continuous function of x which collocates with Pi data K : an index which varies as follcws : K=O, 1,.... , L
ak : the Kth coefficient of the y(x) function yT(x) : the continu~us function of x which can be set and represents the best fit to y(x) considering blade limitations yT'(x) : the 1st derivative of yT(x) Ai : the absolute value of the angle in radians that the blade makes with respect to the non-deflected fountain body reference at the ith key location yTi : ith blade height where yT(i=x+l) = yT (x=l) (in inches) ~ : the thickness of the fountain blade in inches Cli : 1th key location correction due to the blade thlckness and angle at the key in inches a : the shortest distance in inches from the key cap inside cavity Æ face ~o the cap top 1~375g7 TAsLE VII (cont.) r : the radius in inches of the key cap cavity C2i : it key location correction due to the key cap and angle at the key in inches Ki : ith key displacement in inches with respect to the non-deflected fountain body reference Vk : the nu~ber of v~lts per inch of displacement of a key actuator Vm : the maximum potential that all actuators can attain in volts Vi : the key actuator output in volts due to displaoement Ki y : the maxLmum blade profile height with respect to the non-deflected fountain body reference in inches that the blade pro-file can be set Procedure escription 7000 This instruction invokes a prooedure to determine the fountain key displace-ments and respective actuator set point voltages required to best set the fountain blade given the discrete desired profile. This is done in accordan oe with the following rules:
1. m e criteria used to best set the fountain blade is a least squares fit of the discrete desired profile which satisfies fountain blade constraints on blade slope and concavity.
2. Each actuator mechanical zero has been set as follows: Set the key such that the voltage output Vm is the highest that all actuators can attain.
Set the key mechanical zero so that the n~c mlm height ym of the blade sur-face with respect to the reference body surface is attained. Repeat for all keys individually until ccmpleted.
7001 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for Pi and n to determine there-from the continuous function of x in terms of y(x) which collocates with Pi data in accordance with the formula indicated in Figure 16A at 7001.
7002 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for y(x) and to determine there-from the value of ak in dependen oe upon the following equation:
Fl.
K p [Y(O) + y(L)cosK~] + 4 ~ y(x) 005 2~Kx x=l K = 0,l,...,L
7003 mis procedure calls for the ak from 7002 and to compute therefrcm the value of yt(x) in dependence upon the follow-ing equation:
F2.
T 2 0 + al cos L + a2cos 2 x +
+aL_l eos L ~ x + 2 aLcos~x x = 0,l,...,L
7004 This instruction invokes a procedure to eompute differences ~1 and ~2 respect-ively in accordance with the following equations F3 and F4:
F3.
YT(X) YT(x+l) ~ YT(x) x = 0,l,...,L-l F4.
: ~ YT (X) = yT(x+2) - 2yT(x+l) + yT(x) x = O, 1, . . . ,11-2 7005 This instruction invokes a prooedure to compare the differenoes oamputed at 7004 with a lookup table providing empirical data relative to constraint values on blade slope and concavity.
7006 I'his instruction invokes a proeedure to determine whether any eonstraints obtained from 7005 have been violated.
If so go to 7007 otherwise go to 7009 as well as 7010.
7007 This instruction invokes a procedure, when eonstraints have been violated at 7006, to discard the highest remaining frequency, set ak' to zero, and go to 7008.
G~ -48-1~3~59~
7008 m is mstruetion invokes a pro oe dure to replace K~ with K' - 1 and go to 7003.
7009 m is instruction invvkes a pro oe dure to determ m e yt'(x) in aeeordanee with the following e~uation:
F5.
~a YT (X~ L sin L ~ L a25in L ~ --~(~ 1) a sin (L-l) ~ x ~ ~ sin x x = 0,l,...,L
7010 miS instruction invokes a procedNre to deter~ine Yti in acoordan oe with the equation ~ndieated in the box of Figure 16E at 7010.
7011 m is instruetion invokes a procedure to compute Ai in aecordanee with the follcwing equation:
[YT ( ~¦ J I
and go to 7012 and 7013.
7012 This instruction invokes a pro oe dure to eompute Cli from the Ai and tb in aeeordanee with the following equation:
F7.
Cli = tb see Ai and then go to a negative input of the summation at 7014.
7013 T,his instruetion invokes a pro oe dure ealling for a, r, and the ai and to eompute therefrcm C2i in aecordan oe with the following equation:
F8.
C2i = (a~r) see Ai ~
. ~.
~13~97 7014 This instruction invokes a procedure to determme the value of the term ki by subtracting from Yti the values of Cli and C2i.
7015 This instruction invokes a procedure calling for Ym, tbr a, and obtains therefrcm Km by subtractiny the values of a and tb from Ym~
7016 m is instruction invakes a procedure to determine Vi from Ri, Rm, Vm and Vk in accordanoe with the equation shown in the box of Figure 16C at 7016.
KEY DRIVER P~LCEDURE
The output of Procedure 7000 will thus be a series of t~rns Vi representing the outputs of the respective key actuators, in volts, when the keys are positioned at the proper plaoe s. Description will now be provided of the key driver procedure utilized to position the ink key actuators in accordance with these terms Vi.
Before describing the details involved in the key driver procedure, referenoe should ~e made to the flow diagram of Figure 17, as well as to Table VIII, below, for a definition of the terms employed.
TABLE VIII
Dir : The direction in which ink key i must move to reach the posi-1 tion identified by term Vi M : The m~gnitude of the movement which ink key i must make to 1 reach the position identified by term Vi.
As : The actual voltage output of the position potentiometer of ink 1 key i-Tol : I'he closest an ink key actuator can be expected to be set to the desired position.
V : The voltage output of the p,osition potentiometer of ink key i when it is at its desired position.
11375~7 Procedure Description 8000 mis procedure functions to control the positions of the ink key actuators such that the outputs of the potentio-meters associated with the respective actuators are within a fixed limit of the vDltage levels determined by the output of Procedure 7000.
8001 This instruction invokes a procedure to address the ink keys which are to be positioned so as to get from the respective feedb2ck potentiometers terms Asi indicating the present posi-tion of the ~nk key a~tuators to be positioned.
8002 m is instruction calls up the terms Vi indicating the desired position of the ink keys, and the terms Asi indicating the present position of the actuators.
The direction and magnitude of movement necessary to position the ink key actuators are then determined, based upon the relationships shcwn in this block of Figure 17.
8003 This instruction invokes a procedure to aompare the magnitudes of the adjustments ne oe ssary to the ink key actuators with a tolerance level, in order to determine if any ink key actuators are at positions which differ from the desired position by an amount which is greater than this toleranoe.
8004 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein, if all of the magnitude terms Mi derived in 8002 are less ~han or equal to the tolerance limit, the pre-æt pro oedure ends, sin oe the ink key actuators need not be positioned.
8005 This instruction invokes a procedure wherein, if at least one of the ink key actuators is out of position by an extent which is greater than the tolerance, the ink keys are reposi-tioned by providing address, magnitude (Mi) and direction (Diri) signals on the output lines of the ink processor RIM (see Figure 5 and associated dis-cussion).
~137S9~
Following the positioning of the ink keys, the prooessor returns to state-ment 8001, and thus reads the teLms Asi indicating the position of the ink keys, following the repositioning thereof. me processor continues through the steps 8001, 8002, 8003, etc. until all the ink keys are posi-tioned at the proper place, in which event the preset pro oedNre ends through Pro oedure 8004.
Although the invention has been described with respect to p~e-ferred entodlme~t it will be appreciated that various rearrangements and alterations of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the following claims.
Claims (28)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In combination, a printing press having a plurality of adjustable mechanical settings at various locations thereof including ink key settings and compensator roll settings, all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given product, with the adjustments being dependent upon press dependent factors, process dependent factors, and product dependent factors, and apparatus for making said press ready prior to press run opera-tions, including:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent, process dependent, and product dependent factors to produce the desired product on said press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting at least one of said mechanical settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent, process dependent, and product dependent factors to produce the desired product on said press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting at least one of said mechanical settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
2. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein said processing means includes a plurality of data processing means each associated with one of said types of said mechanical settings.
3. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said pro-cessing means is an ink control processor for presetting ink keys on said press.
4 In combination, a printing press having a plurality of ink control devices to control the amount of ink supplied to respective ink columns on at least one printing cylinder of said printing press, and apparatus for presetting said ink control devices prior to press run operations, including:
first means for providing first data including a plurality of screen values, indicating the percentage of printed area in at least part of a corresponding ink column by scanning an image corresponding to an image to be printed, second means for providing second data indicative of a plurality of factors which affect the required settings of said ink control devices in order to properly print said image, third means for receiving and processing said first and second data for determining the amount of ink which must be supplied to each ink column in order to properly print said image, and for determining the required settings of said ink control devices in order to supply the amount of ink per ink column as thus determined, and fourth means for adjusting said ink control devices to the settings determined by said third means and prior to said press run operations so as to thus cause said devices to supply the proper amount of ink to said printing cylinder for printing said image.
first means for providing first data including a plurality of screen values, indicating the percentage of printed area in at least part of a corresponding ink column by scanning an image corresponding to an image to be printed, second means for providing second data indicative of a plurality of factors which affect the required settings of said ink control devices in order to properly print said image, third means for receiving and processing said first and second data for determining the amount of ink which must be supplied to each ink column in order to properly print said image, and for determining the required settings of said ink control devices in order to supply the amount of ink per ink column as thus determined, and fourth means for adjusting said ink control devices to the settings determined by said third means and prior to said press run operations so as to thus cause said devices to supply the proper amount of ink to said printing cylinder for printing said image.
5. The combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for providing said data including said screen values includes means for providing first values which are dependent not only upon the percentage of printed area in said ink column, but also upon at least one factor which will vary from image to image, and means for correcting said first values in accordance with said at least one factor so as to thereby de-rive said screen values from said first values.
6. The combination as as set forth in claim 5, where-in said third means includes means for correcting each of said screen values in accordance with a dot gain factor so as to provide a modified said screen value, and for utilizing the modified screen values in order to determine the amount of ink which must be supplied to each ink column in order to properly print said image.
7. The combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for correcting each of said screen values in accor-dance with a dot gain factor comprises means for correcting said screen values for dot gain such that the optical tone density is conserved as if said screen value without dot gain were printed.
8. The combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein said ink control devices comprise a plurality of means, each for controlling the size of a gap between a fountain blade and a fountain roll at an associated location along said roll.
9. The combination as set forth in claim 8, wherein said ink control devices further comprise means for controlling the speed of said fountain roll.
10. The combination as set forth in claim 8, wherein said third means includes means for at least determining the deflections due to hydrostatic loading of said fountain roll and said fountain blade in order to determine said required setting of said ink control devices.
11. The combination as set forth in claim 10, wherein said third means includes means for determining a discrete desired profile of said fountain which satisfies specific mechanical fountain blade constraints, and for then determining the proper settings of said ink control devices in order to produce said desired blade profile.
12. The combination as set forth in claim 11, wherein said specific fountain blade constraints include at least blade slope and concavity constraints.
13. Apparatus for making ready a printing press prior to press run operations having a plurality of types of adjust-able mechanical settings all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given product, with the adjust-ments being dependent upon press dependent factors, process dependent factors, and product dependent factors, comprising:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent, process dependent, and product dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produce the de-sired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for pre-determining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent, process dependent, and product dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produce the de-sired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for pre-determining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings and prior to press run operations.
14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said processing means includes a plurality of data processing means each associated with one of said types of said mechanical settings.
15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said data providing means includes a data entry terminal having data processing means together with data entry means for entering data representative of said press, process and product depen-dent factors.
16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein each of said processing means is coupled to the data entry terminal processing means permitting data communication therebetween.
17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein said data communication coupling is a serial bus for transmission of said data in bit serial fashion.
18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 17, wherein each said data processing means includes circuit means for multi-bit data byte parallel operation and includes conversion means for converting said data bytes for bit serial transmission over said serial bus as well as converting received bit serial data for data byte parallel operation internally of said processing means.
19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14, including a run control video display terminal having data processing means together with data entry means and video display means, said processing means being coupled to said processing means permitting data communication therebetween.
20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 19, wherein said run control data entry means includes keyboard means for enter-ing data as well as commands, said data including address information for addressing one of said data processing means and said commands including operational commands for the addres-sed processing means.
21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein one of said commands is a preset command which commands the addres-sed dedicated processing means to perform the predetermining of the values of the mechanical settings for the associated type of mechanical settings.
22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21 wherein said addressed processing means includes means for controlling the associated adjusting means to preset the associated type of setting.
23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 22, including position feedback means for providing position data to said addressed processing means as to the positioning of said asso-ciated adjusting means.
24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said run control video display terminal is provided with said position data for providing a video display of the positioning of said associated adjusting means.
25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 24, wherein said run control data entry means includes keyboard means for enter-ing a record command to enter the present adjustments made.
26. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said run control data entry means includes means for entering com-mands and data for causing modification of the positioning of said associated positioning means from the predetermined preset positioning thereof.
27. Apparatus for making ready a printing press prior to press run operations and having a plurality of adjustable mechanical settings such as ink key settings, compensator roll settings, and fountain blade settings, all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given product, with the adjustments being dependent upon press dependent factors and process dependent factors, comprising:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent and pro-cess dependent factors to produce the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting each of said mechanical settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings prior to press run opera-tions.
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent and pro-cess dependent factors to produce the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding values of said mechanical settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting each of said mechanical settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings prior to press run opera-tions.
28. Apparatus for making ready a printing press prior to press run operations and having a plurality of types of adjustable mechanical settings all of which may require adjustment in order to properly print a given pro-duct, with the adjustments being dependent upon press dependent factors and process dependent factors, comprising:
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent and pro-cess dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produce the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding value of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings prior to press run operations.
means for providing data indicative of the press dependent and pro-cess dependent factors for at least one of said types of settings to produce the desired product on a particular press;
means for receiving and processing said data for predetermining the corresponding value of said mechanical settings for at least one of said types of settings dependent upon said data; and, means for adjusting said at least one of said types of settings in accordance with said predetermined values of said settings prior to press run operations.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US91346478A | 1978-06-07 | 1978-06-07 | |
| US913,464 | 1978-07-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1137597A true CA1137597A (en) | 1982-12-14 |
Family
ID=25433292
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000329245A Expired CA1137597A (en) | 1978-06-07 | 1979-06-07 | Press make ready and control system |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5527295A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1137597A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH650451A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2922964A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2427912A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2024457B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7904461A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7904923L (en) |
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| US4660470A (en) * | 1983-10-20 | 1987-04-28 | M.A.N.-Roland Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft | Inking unit pre-adjustment method |
| US6453812B1 (en) | 1999-03-10 | 2002-09-24 | Ryobi, Ltd. | Ink supply control device for printing machines and a method therefor |
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| DE2935489C2 (en) * | 1979-09-03 | 1982-12-09 | M.A.N. Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg AG, 8000 München | Ink knife setting device for printing machines, in particular rotary printing machines |
| DE2950650A1 (en) * | 1979-12-15 | 1981-06-19 | M.A.N.- Roland Druckmaschinen AG, 6050 Offenbach | DEVICE FOR OPTO-ELECTRONIC MEASURING OF THE SURFACE COVERAGE OF AN OFFSET PRINT PLATE OR OF A PRINT TEMPLATE serving to manufacture OFFSET PRINT PLATES |
| US4472736A (en) * | 1980-03-11 | 1984-09-18 | Dainippon Ink And Chemicals Incorporated | Lithographic reproduction original classification and color separation tone curve adjustment |
| US4346446A (en) * | 1980-03-25 | 1982-08-24 | Harris Corporation | Management and analysis system for web machines and the like |
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| DD159254A3 (en) * | 1980-04-10 | 1983-03-02 | Foerster Karl Heinz | CONTROL DEVICE FOR COLOR ZONE ADJUSTMENT ON PRINTING MACHINES |
| DD157959A3 (en) * | 1980-04-10 | 1982-12-22 | Foerster Karl Heinz | CONTROL DEVICE FOR COLOR ZONE ADJUSTMENT ON PRINTING MACHINES |
| DD150026A1 (en) * | 1980-04-10 | 1981-08-12 | Max Janicki | CONTROL DEVICE FOR SETPOINT AND / OR ACTUAL VALUES FOR COLOR PRESETTING |
| DE3028025C2 (en) * | 1980-07-24 | 1983-04-14 | Miller-Johannisberg Druckmaschinen Gmbh, 6200 Wiesbaden | Process for changing the flow of ink by differently adjusting individual width zones of an ink knife or individual ink metering elements in printing press inking units |
| DE3034417A1 (en) * | 1980-09-12 | 1982-04-22 | Koenig & Bauer AG, 8700 Würzburg | CONTROL FOR SWITCHING OFF DRIVEN INKING ELEMENTS IN ROTARY PRINTING MACHINES |
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| DD154088A1 (en) * | 1980-12-12 | 1982-02-24 | Foerster Karl Heinz | MULTIPLIKATIVE ZUSTELLEINICHTICHT ON A COLOR ZONE FARMING DEVICE |
| DD156239A1 (en) * | 1981-01-07 | 1982-08-11 | Eva Luebbe | METHOD FOR CORRECTING DEVIATIONS FROM INSERTION AND HEATING ON OFFSET PRINTING MACHINES |
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| DE3112189A1 (en) * | 1981-03-27 | 1982-10-14 | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag, 6900 Heidelberg | PRINTING MACHINE WITH ACTUATORS |
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| US3185088A (en) * | 1961-12-01 | 1965-05-25 | Harris Intertype Corp | Method and apparatus for predetermining settings for ink fountain keys |
| FR2148820A5 (en) * | 1971-08-04 | 1973-03-23 | Marinoni | |
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| US3958509A (en) * | 1974-06-13 | 1976-05-25 | Harris Corporation | Image scan and ink control system |
| DE2728738B2 (en) * | 1977-06-25 | 1979-05-10 | Roland Offsetmaschinenfabrik Faber & Schleicher Ag, 6050 Offenbach | Eulrichtung for checking and regulating the coloring on printing machines |
| DE2754941A1 (en) * | 1977-12-09 | 1979-06-13 | Harris Corp | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING A PRINTING MACHINE |
-
1979
- 1979-06-01 GB GB7919136A patent/GB2024457B/en not_active Expired
- 1979-06-06 FR FR7914493A patent/FR2427912A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1979-06-06 NL NL7904461A patent/NL7904461A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1979-06-06 DE DE19792922964 patent/DE2922964A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1979-06-06 SE SE7904923A patent/SE7904923L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1979-06-07 CA CA000329245A patent/CA1137597A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-06-07 CH CH532279A patent/CH650451A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1979-06-07 JP JP7181379A patent/JPS5527295A/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4660470A (en) * | 1983-10-20 | 1987-04-28 | M.A.N.-Roland Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft | Inking unit pre-adjustment method |
| US6453812B1 (en) | 1999-03-10 | 2002-09-24 | Ryobi, Ltd. | Ink supply control device for printing machines and a method therefor |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2922964A1 (en) | 1979-12-20 |
| CH650451A5 (en) | 1985-07-31 |
| GB2024457B (en) | 1983-01-06 |
| FR2427912A1 (en) | 1980-01-04 |
| SE7904923L (en) | 1979-12-08 |
| JPS5527295A (en) | 1980-02-27 |
| NL7904461A (en) | 1979-12-11 |
| GB2024457A (en) | 1980-01-09 |
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