Patent ID: 6621585
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: B41F,B41P

Abstract:
Apparatus for identifying each register mark in a register mark cluster in a multi-color automatic registration system, including a plurality of register marks, a respective one of said register marks printed on a surface by a corresponding one of a plurality of print cylinders, said apparatus comprising:each of said register marks having a geometrically unique shape different from the remaining ones of said register marks including each having a uniquely different, visually apparent, perimeter profile, each of said register marks, when a predetermined registration is achieved, printed at a separate, respective position on said surface which is neither co-extensive with or overlapping of the respective positions of any one of said other register marks; means for locating each possible register mark and for determining position and size information for each possible register mark; means for identifying the geometrically unique shape of each register mark; means for identifying a region of interest on said surface; and, means for correlating the geometrically unique shape of each register mark with pre-defined shapes assigned to different print cylinders printing on the surface, whereby close registration between colors printed on the surface by said plurality of print cylinders is maintained.