CN1169773A

CN1169773A - Intaglio engraving method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN1169773A
Application number: CN 96191560
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托尼·D·贝克特; 肯尼思·威廉姆·杰克森; 戴卫·R·塞茨
Original assignee: Ohio Electronic Engravers Inc
Current assignee: Ohio Electronic Engravers Inc
Priority date: 1995-01-23
Filing date: 1996-01-19
Publication date: 1998-01-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to an engraving method and apparatus for engraving a cylinder (10, 12) for printing an intaglio pattern on a web of material. The engraver comprises a driver for rotatably driving the cylinder and a computer (34) for controlling the operation of the engraver corresponding to the predetermined intaglio pattern. The stylus (58) having a generally flat cutting edge or surface. The engraving head also capable of engraving at response times of less than 200-300 microseconds, thereby enabling the engraving head to engrave the intaglio cylinder in response to the intaglio engraving signal (38). The apparatus and method also comprise a fine line boost routine for facilitating engraving fine areas or lines of the intaglio pattern. There is also provided apparatus and method for controlling ink flow (144, 145, 147) in large engraved areas or intaglio trenches (72a, 72b, 74, 76, 77a, 77b, 78). The apparatus and method facilitate engraving intaglio grooves or trenches which may be generally rectangular in cross section, and which were engraved in response to a pulse-width modulated intaglio engraving signal generated by the computer.

Description

The method and apparatus of recess engraving

The present invention is relevant with engraving technology, and is specifically, relevant with a kind of method and apparatus of strange recess engraving.

In some field of printing industry, the image that requirement prints is very clear.This image need print with one or more very meticulous lines with intaglio printing plate usually.For example, the cash of most countries and many security and other important certificates all print with intaglio printing plate.

In the past, intaglio printing is carried out with flat intaglio printing plate usually.A series of lines that are lower than the space of a whole page that carve or point are arranged on these intaglio printing plates.The manual usually carving system of intaglio printing plate, therefore engraving gets up very time-consuming.In addition,, just unusual difficulty of some identical versions that chromaticity printing uses be made, a large amount of time need be expended because intaglio printing plate carves by hand.

Past has been done some effort, makes the intaglio printing plate robotization by the intaglio plate image being engraved in make on the cylinder.For example, after deliberation use rotogravure engraving equipment the intaglio plate image is engraved on the cylinder.Have the bigger regional cylinder such as the recessed unit (cell) of the such viscous liquid of glue that holds though this rotogravure engraving equipment has been used for carving, engraving has the intaglio pattern of meticulous lines on the cylinder that is used to print yet the rotogravure engraving equipment in this past is not suitable for.This part is because the recessed unit that the rotogravure engraving equipment carves is and similar rhomboid shown in Fig. 6 A usually.In addition, the cross section of these recessed units is not near rectangle or square usually, but very approaching re-entrant angle shape shown in Fig. 6 B.Therefore, be difficult to reach contrast and printing gray scale clearly.These recessed units of expression engraving quarter head a characteristic be the rise time, promptly carve with the complete black required time of the degree of depth from the white degree of depth.For these engraving machines of prior art, the rise time is approximately 300 microsecond magnitudes.

The shape of recessed unit partly is to depend on the shape of the cutting stylus of carving recessed unit and the speed of the recessed unit of engraving.Fig. 5 shows the typical cutting stylus of recess engraving machine in the past.Use this cutting stylus quarter head the typical rise time be approximately 300-400 microsecond magnitude.Because the rise time of engraving machine in the past is very long, therefore be difficult to the thinner and dark horizontal line (promptly being basically parallel to the lines of cylinder axis) of engraving or the thin intaglio plate lines of any non-perpendicular (promptly not vertical) with cylinder axis.

Unfortunately, such rise time is not suitable for carrying out recess engraving, is subjected to response time of engraving machine and engraving machine enter the required corresponding time T (seeing Fig. 6 B) of the black region Y of the full degree of depth from a white area X restriction because carve the height of basic parallel with the rotation axis of the cylinder of a being carved part of a perpendicular character in other words of character.The height of single line is relevant with the rotating speed of speed of carving head and cylinder again conversely with time T like this.In order to increase the response time, must to slow down and rotate the speed of engraved roll.This that is to say, has increased total engraving time.

In addition, the intaglio pattern printing effect with some big zones that are engraved on the cylinder is also bad, controls because can not flow into and flow out these carved region printing ink well.

Therefore, these recess engraving machines in past all are inefficient on performance still structurally when the intaglio pattern of the meticulous lines of engraving.

So the needs exploitation is a kind of can be with acceptable carving speed carved intaglio method of patterning and equipment.

Fundamental purpose of the present invention provides a kind of engraving process and equipment that during cylinder rotates intaglio pattern is carved on the cylinder.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of recess engraving machine with device of the meticulous lines of engraving.

A further object of the present invention provides a kind of recess engraving machine with expanding unit (b00sting means), and expanding unit expands to the resolution that the engraving function carves with some or all intaglio plate source data, and can not upset the intaglio plate source images.

Another purpose of the present invention provides a kind of method and apparatus of controlling the China ink stream in the intaglio pattern that need carve.

Another purpose of the present invention provide that a kind of configuration response time can reach 100 microseconds or be not 100 microseconds, use a cutting stylus with predetermined or proprietary profile quarter head method and apparatus.

On the one hand, the present invention includes a kind ofly with the method for a predetermined intaglio pattern engraving on a cylinder that is used for printing this predetermined intaglio pattern in printing machine, this method comprises the following steps: to order about cylinder and rotates; Produce a common and corresponding intaglio engraving signal of predetermined intaglio pattern; And on cylinder, carve predetermined intaglio pattern according to intaglio engraving signal.

On the other hand, the present invention includes a kind ofly with the method for a predetermined intaglio pattern engraving on a cylinder that is used for printing machine, this method comprises the following steps: cylinder is installed in rotation on the engraving machine; And in rotary drum, on cylinder, carve and be scheduled to intaglio pattern.

Again on the one hand, the present invention includes the engraving machine of the cylinder of the predetermined intaglio pattern of a kind of engraving and printing, this engraving machine comprises: one is ordered about the driving mechanism that cylinder rotates; Control engraving machine operation and produce a computing machine with the corresponding intaglio engraving signal of predetermined intaglio pattern; And head at quarter of during cylinder rotates, on cylinder, carving predetermined intaglio pattern according to intaglio engraving signal.

These and other some aspects of the present invention, purpose and advantage will be seen clearlyer from the following drawings, detailed description of the present invention and claims and summary.

In the accompanying drawing of this explanation:

Fig. 1 is the overall perspective view of carving the recess engraving machine of head that has of one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 be shown in Fig. 1 quarter head partial sectional view, show the details of carrying out arm, cutting stylus pole and cutting stylus;

Fig. 3 is the partial sectional view that mutual alignment relation in operation between engraving guide block and cutting stylus and the cylinder is shown;

Fig. 4 is the fragmentary, perspective view that the details of cutting stylus arm and cutting stylus is shown;

Fig. 5 (being in on one page with Fig. 6) is the fragmentary, perspective view of the cutting stylus of prior art;

Fig. 6 A is the planimetric map of the recessed unit that carves of this prior art that several usefulness cutting stylus shown in Figure 5 carves;

Fig. 6 B is the partial sectional view along the line 6B-6B sectility among Fig. 6 A, shows the shape of the recessed unit that the prior art of allusion quotation carves;

Fig. 7 (being in on one page with Fig. 3) is the fragmentary, perspective view that the cutting stylus with cylindrical dihedral of one embodiment of the invention is shown;

Fig. 8 A is the partial plan layout that a series of intaglio plate grooves are shown;

Fig. 8 B is the partial sectional view of a groove in these intaglio plate grooves shown in Fig. 8 A, shows the steep angle and the corresponding rise time T that enter and withdraw from the intaglio plate groove ₂

Fig. 8 C is the image of the part of the pattern that carves, shows a series of intaglio plate grooves that carve;

Fig. 8 D is the image that changes the recessed first pattern of engraving with the wheel of identical patterns shown in Fig. 8 C;

Fig. 9 A is for by carve alphabetical L that many tracks form and the partial view of A in succession along with cylinder rotates towards direction shown in the arrow 81 on cylinder;

Fig. 9 B is the partial sectional view along the line 9B-9B sectility among Fig. 9 A, shows the details of these intaglio plate grooves that form alphabetical L;

Fig. 9 C is the partial sectional view along the line 9C-9C sectility among Fig. 9 A, shows the details of these intaglio plate grooves of a part that forms alphabetical A;

Figure 10 A is the partial sectional view according to the part of the cylinder of corresponding intaglio engraving signal engraving;

Figure 10 B is the partial plan layout of a pair of rectangular substantially recess engraving image that carves by intaglio engraving signal shown in Figure 10 A;

Figure 11 is the general principles figure that the method for one embodiment of the invention is shown;

Figure 12 is the General Principle figure that fine rule expansion or signal extension program are shown;

Figure 13 A-13B lumps together the General Principle figure for the black flow control part program that one embodiment of the invention is shown;

Figure 14 A is the planimetric map of recess engraving part pattern, shows a plurality of black flow control part or the control stake that are configured in the intaglio plate groove that carves;

Figure 14 B illustrates along with cylinder rotates the partial view of a series of intaglio plate grooves row carve towards direction shown in the arrow 107, wherein also shows the interconnected selectively a plurality of black flow control part in some intaglio plate grooves row;

Figure 14 C is the partial sectional view along the line 14C-14C sectility among Figure 14 B;

Figure 15 A is the image as an exemplary source word symbol " O ".

Figure 15 B is the image with the corresponding data file of character shown in Figure 15 A, shows the height H that can be analyzed by the fine rule extender;

Figure 15 C is the partial view of the elongated intaglio plate groove that connects for source images shown in Fig. 1 5A becomes one group after being carved on the cylinder basically;

Figure 16 A is one group of partial plan layout that does not adopt the intaglio plate groove that fine rule extender shown in Figure 12 carves;

Figure 16 B is that the source file image data are with the identical of Figure 16 A but adopted the partial plan layout of the one group of intaglio plate groove that carves behind the fine rule extender shown in Figure 12; And

Figure 17 is the General Principle figure that the interpolator of one embodiment of the invention is shown.

Fig. 1 shows the overall perspective schematic view of engraving machine 10.Engraving machine 10 is the recess engraving machines that will be used for printing the cylinder 12 of being scheduled to intaglio pattern after the engraving.Cylinder 12 has one and is covered with the surface 13 that one deck can be carved coating (as copper), is similar to the sort of type used in recess engraving.

Engraving machine 10 has a chassis 14, and headstock 16 and tailstock 18 are housed on the lathe 20 that is located on the chassis 14.Headstock 16 and tailstock 18 are installed on the lathe 20 by suitably bearing and kinematic train (not shown), can slide and are adjusted, and make that headstock 16 and tailstock 18 can clamping cylinders 12 and make it to rotate.Engraving machine 10 also have one quarter the headstock 22, also be to be slidably mounted on the lathe 20 by suitable bearing and kinematic train (not shown).Carving the headstock 22 can be activated on four-headed arrow 24 directions, so that carve, this will be illustrated below.Can also see that engraving machine 10 also has one to carve 26, is slidably mounted in and carves on the headstock 22, be activated can along direction shown in the four-headed arrow among Fig. 1 28 towards or recess cylinder 12.

Engraving machine 10 also comprises a plurality of topworkies, and drive unit or driving mechanism 30 can head roll 12 rotations.Driving mechanism 30 also comprises being fit to be used for drive selectively to be carved the headstock 22 and carves a motor and a gear train (not shown) of 26.If necessary, driving mechanism 30 can also comprise driving motor and the driving key (not shown) that at least one is suitable, is used for driving headstock 16 and tailstock 18 clampings or throws off cylinder 12, thereby needn't manually adjust.For example, driving mechanism 30 can make headstock 16 and tailstock 18 fall back on the position (not shown) of returning fully or enter the position of clamping cylinder shown in Figure 1.The controlling and driving driving mechanism 36 selectively, and headstock 16 and tailstock 18 are moved respectively or simultaneously.

Though not shown, can be only with the hand of spiral at two ends of a driving motor band to anti-leading screw (not shown), make headstock 16 and tailstock 18 when leading screw is activated, can move in opposite directions and dorsad simultaneously.Driving headstock 16 and tailstock 18 simultaneously can make the different cylinder of length 12 can use driving loading and unloading perpendicular to the turning axle landing of engraving machine 10.Yet, be appreciated that if cylinder charging crane (not shown) can load along roughly moving with the direction of the rotating shaft parallel of engraving machine 10 by making cylinder 12, so in headstock 16 and the afterbody 18 one can be static, and another is driven.

On this, driving mechanism 30 can also drive one with the leading screw (not shown) of carving headstock commissure, on the direction shown in the four-headed arrow 24, drive carving the headstock 22.Similar, driving mechanism 30 can also drive a driving-chain or leading screw, make to carve 26 carve direction shown in the four-headed arrow 28 of headstock upper edge towards or recess cylinder 12 motions.A motion conditions of carving 26, carving after the headstock 22 and they are driven can be referring to U.S. Patent application No.08/038, and 679, No.08/022,127, No.08/023,060 and No.08/057,327; And on May 22nd, 1 84 U.S. Patent No. 4 that is presented to the handler identical with the present invention, 450,586, be presented to the U.S. Patent No. 4 of the handler identical on March 20th, 1984 with the present invention, 438,460, be presented to the U.S. Patent No. 4 of the handler identical November 2 nineteen eighty-two with the present invention, 357,633 with the U.S. Patent No. 5,329,215 that was presented to the handler identical on July 12nd, 1994 with the present invention, these applications and patent are all classified reference of the present invention as, become a part of the present invention.

Engraving machine 10 comprises control device, and controller or computing machine 34 are used for controlling engraving machine 10 and carve an operation of 26, produce corresponding intaglio engraving signal 38 (Figure 10 A) according to the optional predetermined intaglio pattern of engraving that needs.Computing machine 34 is also controlled all driving motors in the engraving machine 10 selectively, as above-mentioned driving mechanism 30 and so on.

As Fig. 2 is shown specifically, carve 26 structurally still in operation all with the patent of listing above in one or several patent shown in similar.Carve 26 and comprise one 40, be rigidly fixed on the axle 42, be between relative two

ends

44 and 46 by two less torsion spring portions 48 of diameter.In the present embodiment, the diameter of axle 42 is about 0.625 inch, and the diameter of torsion spring portion all is about 0.060 inch.Be appreciated that the diameter of torsion spring portion 48 and axial region 42 and weight can select make the predetermined rise time less than 100 microseconds about.In the present embodiment, the predetermined response to time of engraving machine 10 carved intaglio patterns is about 75 to 20 microsecond magnitudes.

Have a recess 50 on the axial region 42, be used for carrying by one group of screw (not shown) and be rigidly fixed in execution arm 52 on the axial region 40.Carry out in the arm 52 and have cylindrical cross-drilled hole 54 (see figure 4)s, an elongated clavate pole 56 is housed in the hole 54.Integrated or the end that is bonded in pole 56 of cutting stylus of preferably making with adamas 58 with a flat surfaces 60.Surface 60 is screwed into to stretch out from axle 42 by one and passes the dog screw of carrying out in the hole 64 of arm 52 and hole 54 intersecting 62 and block.

Carry out arm 52 and be rigidly fixed on the axle 42, outwards protrude a pair of and be installed between the relative electromagnet (not shown) of carving in 26 the pedestal.When electromagnet is subjected to encouraging, carry out just vibration back and forth on the arc that is approximately 0.25 degree of arm 52.

As shown in Figure 2, the guide block of preferably making with adamas 66 has lip-deep surperficial 68 (see figure 3)s that are pressed against the cylinder 12 that needs engraving.Similar shown in one or several referenced patent in the structure of guide block 66 and operational circumstances and the referenced patent listed above.

It should be noted, different with quarter in past, have only seldom even do not have vibration-absorptive material round axle 42 (see figure 2)s,

end

44 and 46, torsion spring portion 48.This helps reducing carves response time of 26.

As Fig. 7 was more clearly shown, the pole 56 in the present embodiment had a cutting stylus 58 that integrally formed formula is fixed thereon, takes the shape of the letter U usually or the cylindrical dihedral, as shown in the figure.The relief angle θ 1 of the cutting stylus 58 of Fig. 7, in one embodiment greater than 5 degree, as required, can be at 0 degree between 60 degree.Have found that it is suitable that θ 1 gets 20 degree.

Note, figure 7 illustrates the roof-angle θ 2 of cutting stylus 58, greatly about 60 magnitudes of spending.Be also to be noted that the top straight line icking tool or the surperficial 58a that has determined engraved roll 12 of cutting stylus 58.In the present embodiment, width W is about 20 microns.Yet, have profile shown in Figure 7 though be appreciated that the cutting stylus of shown this embodiment of the present invention, yet the cross sectional shape of the intaglio plate groove that also can carve according to need is selected other suitable shapes for use.

Carve 26 and be slidably mounted in and carve on the headstock 22, be connected with computing machine 34 with driving mechanism 30.With with in the past engraving machine in the used similar mode of head at quarter, carve 26 and obtain the location, keep corresponding operating position relation with cylinder 12.Carve in due course and in the following manner, computing machine 34 excitations carve 26, carve out required predetermined intaglio pattern or part intaglio pattern, the parts of images of the actual intaglio pattern 70 shown in Fig. 8 C.As seen, recess engraving pattern 70 can provide shown in Fig. 8 C the intaglio plate character 73 or the part character of non-rectilinear by form continuously basic of a series of intaglio plate grooves 72.By seeing among Fig. 8 A, character or part character 77 can be made up of a series of dimpled grains or elongated intaglio plate groove 77a.These dimpled grains 77a can be engraved as continuous connection, also can be engraved as one or more carved region, has line wall 77b between each district.

Shown in Fig. 8 b, it is that flat bottom 79 and very steep forward position 81 and back are along 83 substantially that every dimpled grain 77a that carves has.Adopt response time (the double-head arrow T among Fig. 8 B in the present embodiment ₂Shown in) can carve such forward position 81 quarter about 100 microseconds 26.It should be noted that some (as dimpled grain 72a) is long for these intaglio plate grooves shown in Fig. 8 A and the 8C, some (as dimpled grain 72b) is then quite short.In the present embodiment, engraving machine 10 can be carved out the intaglio plate groove of cross sectional shape shown in Fig. 8 B, and length X (seeing Fig. 6 B) can be grown arbitrarily, and is short to about 1/500 inch when carving with about 500 of per inchs (carve 26 carve).

As a comparison, Fig. 8 D shows the character 89 that adopts the sort of traditional recess engraving machine engraving above-mentioned to go out.It should be noted that those gravure units 91 at the character top (arrow 93 indications) are very little and shallow.To be rendered as more discontinuous points with the actual image that prints off of these recessed units, resemble very much these recessed units that carve that occur among Fig. 8 D.

The intaglio plate that Fig. 9 A-9C carves according to one embodiment of the invention is carved another illustration figure of district or dimpled grain.In this illustration figure, show the situation of recess engraving letter L and A.Press among Fig. 9 A direction shown in the arrow 81 and rotate along with cylinder 12, cutting stylus 58 carves each bar dimpled grain in succession, as dimpled grain 74,76,78 etc.By this corresponding cut-open view of Fig. 9 B as seen, dimpled grain 74,76,78 has formed a common continuous intaglio plate groove 83, and it has determined the illustrated intaglio plate character of Fig. 9 A.For the purpose of obviously, understand every track that carves in succession in Fig. 9 A-9C acceptance of the bid, or separate with the line 80 of the imagination.As previously mentioned, computing machine 34 has the device that produces corresponding intaglio engraving signal according to predetermined intaglio pattern (being letter " L " and " A " in this example).When this signal is used for excitation when carving 26, just carve required predetermined intaglio pattern 70 as shown in Figure 8.The production of intaglio engraving signal will be illustrated after a while.

Figure 10 A and 10B show by carving an intaglio plate character that two cardinal principles that 26 many dimpled grains that carve by the rotation of direction shown in the arrow 82 along with cylinder 12 according to intaglio engraving signal 38 form are rectangular or the partial sectional view of part character 86 and 88.The signal of this waveform is a pulse width modulating signal, expression or usually corresponding to toward amended intaglio plate view data as following will the explanation.Figure 10 B is a corresponding partial top view, shows the

dimpled grain

86 and 88 that carves with signal 38 (seeing Figure 10 A) during cylinder 12 rotates.Once more as seen, the rising of double-head arrow indication or response time T among Figure 10 B ₂Be very short.In the present embodiment, the response time T of engraving ₂Be 200 microsecond left and right sides magnitudes, or greatly between 75 to 300 microseconds.

Illustrate that below in conjunction with Figure 11 computing machine 34 produces the basic process or the method for the intaglio engraving signal that is used for carving an intaglio pattern.At first, computing machine 34 need to obtain source file image data or one group of data (square frame 90) of a character of engraving.Computing machine 34 obtains this data from storer, and perhaps data are imported by workstation or other input media (not shown) by the user.For example, computing machine 34 produces or obtains the data of the character " O " among the presentation graphs 15A.

The printed resolution program (Figure 17) that below square frame 92 is carried out, will illustrate then., the source file image data are analyzed for this reason, determined the resolution of engraving machine 10 carved intaglio patterns.

Computing machine 34 provides the source file image data with the resolution higher than the engraving resolution of engraving machine 10 usually.Providing the source file image data with this higher resolution is in order to guarantee to obtain and source images distinct image the most accordingly.For example, computing machine 34 can provide the source images shown in Figure 15 A with 2000 of per inchs, and engraving machine 10 resolution in the present embodiment is approximately per inch 500 points.Therefore, the source file diagram data must be modified to 10 resolution that can reach of engraving machine, and in amended source image, keep maximum contrast.

After engraving resolution is determined, just may need the required or predetermined length of some or all source file image data expansions (boost) to a minimum.For example, shown in Figure 15 B, letter " O " has a minimum required engraving height H that is associated.In the present embodiment, if this height H less than a predetermined length, just may need to make the predetermined suitable height that resolution can reach of carving with expanding with the corresponding source file image data of this data height H or increasing to.Therefore, for example in the present embodiment, the predetermined engraving resolution of engraving machine 10 is approximately per inch 500 points.Like this, if a part of intaglio pattern has a height H that does not allow to reach 500 of per inchs, so just may expand this part source file image data according to a source file extender (square frame 94 among Figure 11).The source file extender will be illustrated after a while.

At square frame 98, in deciphering with traditional bilinear interpolation or image, the source file image data of expansion or not expansion are inserted into engraving resolution.A kind of method that is fit to this interpolation can be referring to 14.5 joint (" Digital Image Processing " John wiley ﹠amp of " Digital Image Processing " second edition of Willam K.Prattr; Sons, Inc., 1991).

Then, the further correct again of modified engraving source image data, or handled according to a predetermined threshold, so that adjust the contrast (square frame 100) of recess engraving pattern.In the present embodiment, expression density is set to zero or white less than 50% those data points or the pixel of black, and corresponding density is set to black greater than those pixels of 50% of black.Be appreciated that the threshold value that also can adopt other.

Original engraving source file data are being made amendment and threshold processing, after having adjusted contrast, determine in the intaglio pattern that need are carved on cylinder 12, whether need to be provided with one or more such as the such black flow control part (decision block 102) of the black flow control part among Figure 14 A 144.Thus, have found that printing ink flows during predetermined intaglio pattern zone is provided with one or more black flow control part and helps controlling printing.This helps reducing even eliminates not wishing China ink stream or capillary attraction problem when the printing gravure pattern.In addition, black flow control part also helps to the scraping blade (not shown) in the printing machine (not shown) and provides support.

Figure 14 A shows the image of the part of the intaglio pattern 142 that is provided with a plurality of black flow control part 144.Figure 14 B also shows a plurality of black flow control part 145 and 147 that is separately positioned in dimpled grain 149 and 151.Can see, in the dimpled grain 153 adjacent any black flow control part is not set with dimpled grain 149.It is interconnected to should also be noted that black flow control part program makes such as the so black flow control part of the black flow control part 145,147 of the black flow control part 144 of Figure 14 A and Figure 14 B.This makes a black flow control part (as the black flow control part 145 among Figure 14 B) be configured between two dimpled grains that carve (as dimpled grain 151 and 153).

After having carried out black flow control part program (square frame 104 among Figure 11), if or the result of determination of decision block is when being "No", computing machine 34 just produce one with the corresponding final intaglio engraving signal (square frame 106 among Figure 11) of the original engraving source file data of handling through expansion, thresholding and adjustment.

Then, 26 (square frame 108) at quarter of computing machine 34 excitation engraving machines 10 make and carve 20 and carve predetermined intaglio pattern (as the letter that carves " O " 191 among Figure 15 C) at square frame 108 according to final intaglio engraving signal, withdraw from after the end.

For the ease of determining the actual recess engraving resolution of engraving machine 10 carved intaglio patterns, used the resolution program.Show to Figure 17 principle the resolution program of one embodiment of the invention.At first, computing machine 34 is set to 0 at square frame 200 with an index (INDEX).At square frame 202, computing machine 34 is imported the most smart resolution of engraving machines 10 then.The most smart resolution is corresponding to the shortest black picture element length of stroke (as follows) of need engraving.Thereby this length depends on such as printing ink, carves factors such as 26 response characteristic, printing situation, stock.The resolution of printing off in the present embodiment, is about 500 magnitudes of per inch.Then, at square frame 204, final (FINAL) resolution is made as the source file image data resolution divided by index.In decision block 206, determine the printed resolution whether this final resolution determined at square frame 202 less than the front.If not, then index is increased a predetermined increment, for example behind 2 (square frames 208), loop back square frame 204, as shown in the figure.

If the court verdict at square frame 206 is a "Yes", then final resolution is less than printed resolution, so computing machine 34 just adopts this final resolution.Then, withdraw from this program, turn back to square frame 94 (Figure 11).

For the situation of source file extender (square frame 94 of Figure 11), Figure 16 A illustration a predetermined intaglio pattern that does not have application source file extent program to carve, and Figure 16 B illustration used the pattern that carves equally behind the source file extender.By Figure 16 A as seen, cutting stylus 58 is with being carved into the complete black degree of depth because height Y shown in situation under be shorter than and carve 10 resolution (1/500 inch).Like this, because the resolution height of the pattern that will carve requires the corresponding response time few thereby carve this pattern, so engraving machine 10 can only make cutting stylus be inserted into 50% the black degree of depth, as dotted line 59 indications.That is to say that the resolution of the intaglio pattern that will carve goes out possibly that the responding ability of engraving machine can reach.Like this, engraving machine 10 can not be carved into and withdraw from the surface 13 of cylinder 12 near the meticulous lines or the zone that are enough to carve such intaglio pattern.As mentioned above, engraving machine 10 can only be carved into about 50% of the complete black degree of depth.This just makes that intaglio plate groove 191 is more shallow, thin and short than desired in the example of being lifted.Therefore, this has hindered engraving machine 10 engravings to form the ability of the continuous dimpled grain of meticulous lines or intaglio pattern.

So, for guarantee engraving machine 10 carve have proper width, the intaglio plate groove of height and the degree of depth (such as the 100% represented black degree of depth of dotted line among Figure 16 B 61), can be expanded the source file image data.This helps guaranteeing that the resolution of source file image data is equal to or less than the resolution of engraving machine.

Illustrate that below in conjunction with Figure 12 source file promotes an embodiment of program.After the source file extender starts, at square frame 110, with the source file image data memory buffer of packing into.Then, program proceeds to square frame 114, and computing machine 34 is determined the data length relevant with the data stroke of one or more black picture elements.After computing machine 34 draws data length, just test, determine that whether it is less than predetermined length in decision block 116.If less than predetermined length, then program proceeds to square frame 118, calculates the center of these data.

At square frame 120, program retreats about half pixel in the predetermined length, and proceeding to then the source file image data modification is the black picture element stroke length of a minimum.In the present embodiment, minimum black picture element stroke length depends on various factors, comprises carving a response characteristic of 26, printing situation, printing ink, stock etc.

Be under the situation of "No" after this step or at the court verdict of decision block 116, program proceeds to decision block 124, determines whether all executeds of pixel to the whole row of intaglio plate image that will analyze.If not, program is just returned square frame 114, as shown in the figure.

When program loop finishes, just withdraw from circulation, proceed to square frame 126, deposit suitable storer through modification or unmodified data file in by computing machine 34.After this, withdraw from this program, proceed to the square frame 98 among Figure 11.

For the situation of black flow control part program (square frame 104 among Figure 11),, Figure 14 B and 14C be configured in the cut-open view that has been separated out sub-line 146a, 146b, 146c situation in the dimpled grain 146 that carves thereby showing a plurality of black flow control part 147a, 147b.Should be noted in the discussion above that such as the such black flow control part of the black flow control part 147b among Figure 14 C and can have the such height of formation white portion when intaglio pattern is scheduled in printing.Perhaps, black flow control part also can be the harmful turbulent flow when helping to control the printing gravure pattern and the stake or the control part with any suitable height, width or shape of China ink stream.In the present embodiment, be appreciated that the black flow control part shown in Figure 14 A-14C represents a pixel that is produced by following black flow control part program.Though do not illustrate, black flow control part program can produce the black flow control part 144 (Figure 14 A) with any preliminary dimension, height or width on demand.

One or more black flow control part 144 are arranged if desired, and computing machine 34 proceeds to the black flow control part program (square frame 104 among Figure 11) that principle is shown in Figure 13 A and 13B.Referring to Figure 13 A, computing machine 34 at first is provided with vertical offset in pixel count as offset (OFFSET) at square frame 128, and a bifurcation part is set to logical truth.Vertical area apart from and adjacent black flow control part between distance corresponding.In this example, the vertical area distance is constant between each black flow control part.Yet, should be appreciated that also and can adopt other algorithms, be configured to black flow control part asymmetric or symmetrical distribution shape pattern.

Computing machine 34 reads the first and second row pixels at square frame 130 then, proceeds to subroutine A (Figure 13 B) after square frame 132 reads the 3rd row pixel.First, second and the 3rd row pixel corresponding to the corresponding adjacent three row pixel datas of a part of the intaglio plate character of need engraving.For example, in Figure 14 B, first, second and the 3rd column data can be corresponding to by these carved region shown in adjacent carving area 141a, 141b and the 141c.Shown in square frame 142, if the bifurcation part is logical truth (passing through the state of this program first), (INDEX) is set to 1/2nd of offset with index; Otherwise index is set to zero.Then, program proceeds to decision block 144, and check is in the secondary series pixel of index position, determines that this pixel is white or black.If black, then program proceeds to decision block 146, and whether the first row pixel of determining to be in same index location is black.Be white if be in the first row pixel of index position, then program proceeds to decision block 148, determines that the 3rd is listed as whether the pixel that is in index position is black.If the pixel that is in index position at square frame 146 definite first row is a black, then program proceeds to decision block 150, determines that the 3rd is listed as whether the pixel that is in index position is black.If if for the court verdict of black or square frame 148 is a "No", the secondary series pixel that then will be in index position is changed to black.

If the judged result of square frame 148 is a "Yes", if perhaps decision block 144 or 150 court verdict are "No", then program proceeds to decision block 154, determine whether subroutine A finishes, if also do not finish, then index is increased an offset, return square frame 144 then, shown in Figure 13 B at square frame 156.If handled this part intaglio plate image of check or the pixel data array of pattern to some extent, then subroutine A finishes.

If the court verdict of square frame 154 is a "Yes", program just proceeds to square frame 134 (Figure 13 A), pixel is write or deposits in the storer (not shown) of computing machine 34.China ink flow control part program is treated to be withdrawed from after all data rows (decision block 136 among Figure 13 A).That is to say,, just finish at square frame 136 (Figure 13 A) if this program has been handled the intaglio plate image of a given need engraving or all data rows of pattern (letter shown in Figure 15 A " O ").If also do not finish, then proceed to square frame 140, the secondary series pixel data becomes first row, and the 3rd row become secondary series, read new the 3rd row pixel (square frame 132) of row again.

In case withdraw from black flow control part program, perhaps determine not need black flow control part in the decision block 102 of Figure 11, produce final relief printing plate engraving signal so just on square frame 106 resembles, being mentioned.Then, computing machine 34 utilizes the excitation of final intaglio engraving signal to carve 26, carves predetermined intaglio pattern on cylinder 12, handles thereby finish engraving.

The equipment of the predetermined intaglio pattern of engraving on the cylinder 12 that is used for printing predetermined intaglio pattern in the printing machine (not shown) and the example of method will be described below.At first, cylinder 12 is pivotally mounted on the engraving machine 10, is clipped between headstock 16 and the tailstock 18.Driving mechanism 30 orders about cylinder according to the signal that receives from computing machine 34 and rotates and order about the headstock 22 motions at quarter.Computing machine 34 also encourages driving mechanism 30, makes to carve 26 and move to the starting position, so that begin to carve predetermined intaglio pattern.

Usually produce in the above described manner with the corresponding intaglio engraving signal of predetermined intaglio pattern after, computing machine 34 excitations of engraving machine 10 carve 26, thereby make and carry out arm 52 according to being flapped toward or putting from cylinder 12 with the corresponding intaglio engraving signal 38 of predetermined intaglio pattern.Come on the surface of cylinder 12 along with carrying out arm 52 and cutting stylus 58 (Fig. 4), just carve at least one intaglio plate groove.Just as previously mentioned, can require to revise intaglio engraving signal, make and in intaglio pattern, dispose at least one black flow control part or stake 144 when under starting black flow control part program (

square frame

102 and 104 among Figure 11) situation, carving.Can also resemble and require expansion or whole source file image data noted before.

As mentioned above, source file image data (shown in Figure 15 B) are stored in the storer in the computing machine 34, perhaps for example by an entry terminal or workstation (not shown) input computing machine 34 independently.To the source file image data resemble analyze noted earlier after, determine engraving resolution (square frame 90 among Figure 11).The source file image data resemble again above-mentioned through modification and threshold processing after, just produce original intaglio engraving signal (square frame 94 among Figure 11).Then, can carve out such as the such intaglio pattern of the font among Figure 15 C " O " according to this intaglio engraving signal.

After cylinder 12 is rotatably installed on the engraving machine 10, just can begin to carry out recess engraving.So, on the surface 13 of cylinder 12, carve the one or more predetermined intaglio pattern that comprises one or more intaglio plate characters or the dimpled grain of this class pattern.Engraving can unload cylinder 12 from engraving machine 10 after finishing.

Then, cylinder 12 can be installed in rotation on the printing machine (not shown).Once volume material printing machine of can feeding such as paper, plastics, thereby predetermined pattern can be printed on this roll of material.

Advantageously, this method and apparatus can be used to carve on the cylinder that rotates and has the predetermined intaglio pattern of continuous groove.Be appreciated that this recess engraving can be used for cylinder type engraving machine or screw type engraving machine, the engraving machine of the sort of type of for example always continuing to use in recess engraving.And characteristic of the present invention also can be used for the engraving of other types, as laser engraving.

In addition, this equipment and method help to carve on cylinder with conventional recess engraving machine comparability or higher speed or evenly embossment intaglio pattern or image.And, this recess engraving can ratio such as artificial lithographic plate engraving faster.Compared precision with method also than higher with the recess engraving that equipment carries out with former engraving system according to the method.

At last, the present invention helps to adopt a kind of basic or totally continuous square engraving signal that did not adopt as yet in the past on the engraving machine of intaglio pattern being carved on the cylinder that is used for printing machine.

Though the apparatus-form of method described herein and this method of realization constitutes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, is appreciated that the present invention is not limited to regard to this method and apparatus form.For example, should see that equipment described herein and method can be used together in conjunction with the recess engraving technology of routine, thereby can only carve or form according to the method the intaglio plate groove that carves with equipment, used the sort of recessed unit before perhaps also having.Therefore, can in the scope of patent protection of claims defined, carry out various changes.

Claims

1. A kind of engraving machine of the cylinder of engraving printing gravure pattern, described engraving machine comprises:

a drive mechanism to drive the drum to rotate;

a computer for controlling the operation of said engraving machine and generating intaglio engraving signals corresponding to said intaglio pattern; and

An engraving head for engraving said intaglio pattern on said cylinder during rotation of said cylinder according to said intaglio engraving signal.

2. The engraving machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rise time of said engraving head is about 200 microseconds.

3. An engraver as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rise time of said engraving head is less than 200 microseconds.

4. An engraving machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said computer includes an ink control generator for modifying said intaglio engraving signal such that said intaglio pattern includes at least one ink control when engraved.

5. An engraver as set forth in claim 4, wherein said ink control portion includes a control post disposed in said intaglio pattern.

6. The engraving machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein said intaglio engraving signal generally corresponds to a first pixel data, a second pixel data and a third pixel data, said ink control section generator comprising a means for measuring said first, second and third pixel data, and generating said ink control portion when said first, second and third pixel data all indicate a black area.

7. The engraving machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intaglio source data file generally corresponds to at least one portion of said intaglio pattern, said computer including a line extension generator for modifying said intaglio source A data file, generating a modified gravure source data file based on the intaglio source data file.

8. An engraving machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said computer generates an intaglio engraving signal from said modified source data file.

9. The engraving machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said intaglio engraving signal is a pulse width modulated waveform signal.

10. The engraving machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein said engraving needle includes a generally U-shaped needle end.

11. The engraver as set forth in claim 1, wherein said stylus includes a relief angle greater than 5°.

12. The engraving machine as claimed in claim 11, wherein said relief angle is between about 10[deg.] and 20[deg.].

13. The engraver as set forth in claim 1, wherein said intaglio pattern includes at least one area having a size of less than 0.002 inches.

14. A method of engraving an intaglio pattern on a cylinder used in a printing press to print the intaglio pattern, said method comprising the steps of:

drive the drum to rotate;

generating an intaglio engraving signal generally corresponding to said intaglio pattern; and

The intaglio pattern is engraved on the cylinder according to the intaglio engraving signal.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said step of adjusting engraving further comprises the steps of:

The cylinder was engraved with an engraving head with a response time of approximately 200 microseconds.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said response time is less than 200 microseconds.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

The intaglio engraving signal is modified such that at least one ink control is disposed in the intaglio pattern when engraving the intaglio pattern.

18. The method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said at least one ink control portion comprises an engraved area.

19. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one ink control portion comprises a dimple having a depth less than the maximum depth.

20. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said intaglio signal generally corresponds to pixel data associated with columns of pixels, and said method further comprises the steps of:

Setting at least one pixel data in one column of the plurality of columns of pixels as a non-black pixel when at least one adjacent pixel is black.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein said plurality of columns of pixels comprises first, second and third columns of pixel data, and said step of generating non-black pixels comprises the steps of:

determining said first, second and third columns of pixel data;

Setting the second column of pixel data as a non-black pixel when the first and third columns of pixel data are black.

22. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

An ink control portion is arranged in the intaglio engraving pattern.

23. The method as set forth in claim 22, wherein said step of configuring an ink control portion further comprises the step of:

A plurality of ink control portions are arranged in the intaglio engraving pattern in a preselected staggered pattern.

24. The method as set forth in claim 22, wherein said ink control portion is a non-engraving area.

25. A method as set forth in claim 22, wherein said step of configuring an ink control portion comprises the step of:

An ink control portion having a depth smaller than the maximum depth is arranged in the intaglio pattern.

26. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

Expanding the source file data to a predetermined length.

27. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said step of generating an intaglio engraving signal comprises the steps of:

Generates a continuous pulse width modulated signal for driving the engraving head.

28. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

Engraves a continuous intaglio character consisting of multiple intaglio grooves.

29. A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein at least one of said plurality of intaglio grooves has a generally U-shaped cross-section.

30. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said engraving step comprises the steps of:

Use a stylus with a generally flat cutting surface.

31. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said engraving step comprises the steps of:

Use a stylus with a relief angle of at least 5°.

32. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein said engraving step comprises the steps of:

Use a stylus with a relief angle between 10° and 20°.

33. A method of engraving an intaglio pattern on a cylinder for a printing press, said method comprising the steps of:

rotatably mounting said cylinder on an engraving machine; and

While rotating the cylinder, the intaglio pattern is engraved on the cylinder.

34. The method as set forth in claim 33, wherein said engraving step further comprises the step of:

A substantially continuous dimple is engraved with a generally U-shaped cross-section.

35. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

generating an intaglio engraving signal corresponding to said intaglio pattern; and

An engraving head is excited with the intaglio signal.

36. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

The intaglio pattern was engraved using an engraving head with a response time of less than 200 microseconds.

37. A method as claimed in claim 33, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

Engraves an intaglio character that includes multiple intaglio grooves.

38. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said intaglio signal is a pulse width modulated signal.

39. The method as set forth in claim 33, wherein said engraver includes an engraving head having a stylus, and said engraving step further comprises the steps of:

Use a stylus with a generally flat cutting edge.

40. The method as set forth in claim 33, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

An intaglio pattern is engraved on the cylinder.

41. A method of printing an intaglio pattern using a cylinder engraved with the intaglio pattern, said method comprising the steps of:

An intaglio-engraved cylinder is rotatably mounted on a printing press;

feeding a roll of material into said printing press; and

The intaglio pattern is printed on the roll fed into the printing press.

42. A method as claimed in claim 41, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

A cylinder that was originally engraved with the intaglio pattern while rotating was used.

43. A method as claimed in claim 41, wherein said printing comprises at least one doctor blade, and said method further comprises the steps of:

One or more doctor blade supports are arranged in the intaglio pattern engraved on the cylinder.

44. A method of enhancing an engraver for engraving an intaglio pattern on a cylinder, said method comprising the steps of:

providing an engraving head with a response time suitable for engraving said intaglio pattern;

The engraving head is activated with the intaglio engraving signal to engrave the intaglio pattern.

45. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said intaglio engraving signal is a pulse width modulated waveform signal.

46. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said intaglio grooves are generally U-shaped in cross-section.

47. A method as set forth in claim 44, wherein said step of providing an engraving comprises the step of:

The engraving head is enhanced such that the response time is on the order of 20 microseconds.

48. A method as claimed in claim 47, wherein said response time is less than 200 microseconds.

49. A method as set forth in claim 44, wherein said stimulating step comprises the step of:

The intaglio pattern is engraved spirally.

50. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said step of generating an intaglio engraving signal comprises the steps of:

An intaglio engraving signal adapted to activate said engraving head is generated to engrave at least one ink control portion in said intaglio pattern.

51. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said step of generating an intaglio engraving signal comprises the steps of:

generating at least one set of pixel data corresponding to the intaglio pattern;

analyzing said set of pixel data to define an ink control zone accordingly; and

The at least one ink control part is arranged in the ink control area.

52. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein said step of generating an intaglio engraving signal comprises the steps of:

At least one portion of the intaglio signal is extended.

53. A method as claimed in claim 52, wherein said method comprises the steps of:

select a factor; and

The factor is applied to a source document image data set to facilitate generation of the intaglio signal.

54. An engraving machine for engraving a cylinder for printing an intaglio pattern, said engraving machine comprising:

a driving mechanism for driving the drum to rotate;

a control device, connected to the drive mechanism, for controlling the operation of the engraving machine and generating an intaglio engraving signal corresponding to the intaglio pattern; and

An engraving device, connected to the control device, is used to engrave the intaglio pattern on the cylinder during the rotation of the cylinder according to the intaglio engraving signal.

55. An engraving machine as claimed in claim 54, wherein said engraving means comprises an engraving head having a stylus, said engraving head having a response time of approximately 200 microseconds.

56. An engraver as claimed in claim 55, wherein said response time is less than 200 microseconds.

57. An engraving machine as claimed in claim 54, wherein said control means comprises an ink control generator for modifying said intaglio engraving signal such that said intaglio pattern comprises at least one ink control when engraved .

58. An engraver as set forth in claim 57, wherein said ink control portion includes a non-engraving area disposed in said intaglio pattern.

59. An engraving machine as claimed in claim 57, wherein said ink control portion includes an engraving area engraved at less than a maximum engraving depth.

60. An engraver as claimed in claim 59, wherein the maximum engraving depth is less than about 50 microns.

61. The engraving machine as claimed in claim 57, wherein said intaglio engraving data comprises a first pixel data, a second pixel data and a third pixel data, said ink control section generator further comprising a determination A device for measuring the first, second and third pixel data and generating the ink control part when the first, second and third pixel data are all black.

63. The engraving machine as set forth in claim 55, wherein said control means further includes expansion means for modifying said intaglio source data file to provide a modified intaglio source data file.

64. An engraving machine as set forth in claim 63, wherein said engraving machine includes a generator for generating engraving signals responsive to said modified intaglio source data file.

65. The engraving machine as claimed in claim 55, wherein said intaglio engraving signal is pulse width modulated.

66. The engraving machine as set forth in claim 66, wherein said engraving machine includes an engraving head including a stylus having a generally U-shaped needle end.

67. The engraver as set forth in claim 66, wherein said stylus includes a relief angle greater than 5 degrees.

68. The engraver as set forth in claim 55, wherein said engraver spirally engraves said intaglio pattern on said cylinder.