JPH11188831A - Gravure plate engraving cell measuring device and gravure plate engraving method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make application even in the case of high demand to print quality and enable its measurement to be done readily by taking images for engraving cells formed on a gravure print and thereby obtaining image data, and calculating the opening area of the engraving cells based upon the image data. SOLUTION: At first, a test engraving is conducted on the basis of a reference data for formation of engraving cells on a gravure print (S31). Next, by taking images with respect to test engraving cells, its configurational parameter is measured automatically to obtain an area as measured configurational data (S32). Subsequently, the necessity of correcting engraving conditions is determined by comparing the measured configurational data and reference conflgurational data (S33). As a result of the determination, if a determination for necessary correction is done, the engraving conditions are corrected (S34). The correction is carried out by making a comparison with the value of a reference area and thereby calculating a most suitable adjusting value. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if a determination for unnecessary correction is done, main engraving is implemented in terms of the engraving conditions so as to form engraving cells on the gravure print (S34).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention belongs to the technical field of producing a gravure printing plate. In particular, when engraving using a mechanical engraving head controlled by an electrical information signal to form an engraving cell on the gravure plate surface to obtain a gravure plate,
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a shape parameter of an engraving cell for the purpose of engraving quality control and the like, and a method for engraving a gravure plate based on the measurement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In gravure printing, ink supplied on a gravure plate is scraped off by a doctor device, and the ink remaining in the concave cells formed on the gravure plate is transferred to printing paper to perform printing. Done. That is, the print density changes depending on the amount of ink left in the cell, thereby forming a print pattern. Therefore, it is crucially important that cells having an appropriate shape are formed on the gravure plate surface in order to obtain an appropriate print quality.

Therefore, when engraving is performed on a gravure plate using a mechanical engraving head, usually, before engraving, a cell having a predetermined shape is formed for predetermined input data. The engraving conditions are set. Therefore, test engraving is performed to determine whether engraving conditions are appropriate. Conventionally, whether or not engraving conditions are appropriate is determined by observing cells formed on the gravure plate surface by test engraving with a microscope with a scale and measuring the dimensions of the cells. That is, depending on whether the top and bottom dimensions of the cell (dimensions in the direction parallel to the engraving direction; length) or left and right dimensions (dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the engraving direction; width) are predetermined dimensions for predetermined input data, It is determined whether the engraving conditions are appropriate.

[0004]

In the case where the cell size and the cell shape are in a one-to-one relationship, it is logical that proper judgment can be made by this method. However, in practice, there is a difference due to wear of the engraving needle and the like, and this method cannot determine with sufficient accuracy. In particular, when the demand for print quality is high, the conventional method cannot be used. For example, in order to shorten the production time of the gravure plate, engraving is performed on the gravure plate surface using a plurality of (for example, 4 to 8) mechanical engraving heads simultaneously. In that case, slight differences in the engraving properties of the mechanical engraving head will appear as color differences in adjacent pictures of the print. The difference in the color tone is very conspicuous because they are adjacent to each other, and the demand for print quality is increased.

[0005] For this reason, in the past, poor color tone was found only after printing was actually performed in the printing process, and the gravure plate had to be corrected or reprinted (reproduced). This results in a significant loss of material, time, labor and downtime of the printing press. Therefore, an object of the present invention is a gravure plate engraving cell measuring apparatus that can be applied even when the demand for print quality is high and can be easily measured, and a gravure plate engraving method with good workability based on the measurement. Is to provide.

[0006]

The above objects are achieved by the present invention described below. That is, the gravure plate engraving cell measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention calculates an opening area of the engraving cell based on the image data by capturing an engraving cell formed on the gravure plate surface and obtaining image data. And a cell area calculating means. According to the present invention, the engraving cell formed on the gravure printing plate is imaged by the imaging means to obtain image data, and the area of the engraving cell is calculated based on the image data by the cell area calculating means. That is, instead of specifying the cell shape from the width and length, which are the dimensions of the cell, the cell shape is specified from the cell area. Therefore, there is provided a gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus which can be applied even when the demand for print quality is high, and which can easily perform measurement by imaging the engraving cell. The gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is the gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the cell area calculating means engraves the width of the engraving cell opening perpendicular to the engraving direction. The area is calculated by integrating in the direction. According to the present invention, the opening area of the engraving cell can be obtained with extremely good accuracy as the shape parameter of the engraving cell. The gravure engraving cell measuring device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the gravure engraving cell measuring device according to the first or second embodiment, wherein engraving conditions for forming the engraving cells are input to obtain engraving condition data. It has an engraving condition input means and a cell volume calculating means for calculating the volume of the engraving cell based on the area and the engraving condition data. According to the present invention,
As the shape parameter of the engraving cell, the shape of the cell can be specified from the volume of the engraving cell in consideration of the engraving conditions.

A gravure plate engraving cell measuring apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided with an imaging unit for imaging engraving cells formed on a gravure plate surface to obtain image data, and inputting engraving conditions for forming the engraving cells. And engraving condition input means for obtaining engraving condition data, and cell volume calculating means for calculating the volume of the engraving cell based on the image data and the engraving condition data. According to the present invention, an engraving cell formed on the gravure plate surface is imaged by the imaging means, image data is obtained, and engraving conditions for forming the engraving cell are input by the engraving condition input means, and engraving condition data is obtained. The volume of the engraved cell is calculated by the cell volume calculating means based on the image data and the engraving condition data. As described above, the cell volume is calculated based on the image data of the engraved cell and the engraving condition data,
A gravure plate engraving cell volume measuring apparatus which can be applied even when the demand for print quality is high and which can easily measure by imaging the engraving cell is provided. In a gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the cell volume calculating means determines the opening area and the maximum cell width of the engraving cell from the image data. And the maximum cell depth is calculated from the maximum cell width and the engraving condition data, and one third of the value obtained by multiplying the opening area and the maximum cell depth is calculated as the volume of the engraving cell. It is something to do. According to the invention, the volume of the engraving cell is calculated as one third of the product of the opening area and the maximum cell depth. Therefore, the volume of the engraving cell can be obtained by a simple calculation, and the measurement response speed is high. Further, the gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention comprises
In the gravure engraving cell measuring device according to the aspect, the cell volume calculating means calculates a cell width of the engraved cell from the image data, and calculates a cell depth from the cell width and the engraving condition data. A value obtained by integrating a value obtained by multiplying the cell width and the cell depth in the engraving direction of the engraving cell is calculated as a volume of the engraving cell. According to the present invention, the volume of the engraving cell is calculated as half the value obtained by integrating the value obtained by multiplying the cell width and the cell depth in the engraving direction of the engraving cell.
Therefore, the volume of the engraving cell can be obtained by a simple calculation, and the measurement accuracy is high. The gravure engraving cell measuring device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the gravure engraving cell measuring device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the engraving condition data is obtained by measuring an engraving needle attached to an engraving head. The engraving needle angle, which is an angle, and the degree of abrasion of the engraving needle determined by the history of the engraving needle or the test engraving are set. According to the present invention, when obtaining the volume of the engraving cell, the angle of the engraving needle and the degree of wear of the engraving needle are considered. Therefore, highly accurate measurement can be performed.

Further, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for engraving a gravure plate, wherein the test engraving is performed based on reference data to form a test engraving cell on the surface of the gravure plate. A cell measurement process of automatically measuring shape parameters by imaging a cell to obtain measured shape data, and a comparison determination process of comparing the measured shape data and the reference shape data to determine the necessity of correcting engraving conditions, The engraving condition correction step of correcting the engraving condition when the necessity of correction is determined in the comparison determination step, and the engraving condition based on the engraving condition when the correction unnecessary determination is performed in the comparison determination step. And a main engraving process of forming an engraving cell on the gravure plate surface to complete the gravure plate. According to the present invention, test engraving is performed based on the reference data in the test engraving process, test engraving cells are formed on the gravure printing plate, and the volume is automatically adjusted by imaging the test engraving cells in the cell volume automatic measurement process. The measured volume data is obtained, and the measured volume data and the reference volume data are compared by a comparison / determination process to determine the necessity of correcting the engraving conditions. When the necessity of correction is determined, the engraving condition is corrected in the engraving condition correcting process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the correction is unnecessary, the main engraving is performed in the main engraving process based on the engraving conditions, and an engraving cell is formed on the gravure plate surface to complete the gravure plate. As described above, since the cell volume is automatically measured and the engraving conditions of the gravure plate are controlled with high precision, it can be applied even when the demand for print quality is high, and the volume of the engraved cell can be easily and accurately determined. And a gravure plate engraving method with good workability can be provided. The gravure engraving method according to the second aspect of the present invention is the gravure engraving method according to the first aspect, wherein when the engraving condition correcting step is performed, the test engraving step and the cell measurement are performed. The process and the comparison and determination process are repeated. According to the present invention, the test engraving process and the cell volume measuring process are repeated, that is, the measurement → adjustment → engraving → measurement is repeated to improve the adjustment accuracy. In addition, since the cell volume measurement process is an automatic measurement, the workability and work time of the adjustment work are reduced, and the adjustment work can be performed sufficiently. Further, the gravure plate engraving method of the third aspect of the present invention (claim 10)
Alternatively, in the gravure plate engraving method according to the second aspect, the shape parameter is an opening area.
According to the present invention, the opening area of the engraving cell is used as the shape parameter of the engraving cell. A gravure engraving method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the gravure engraving method according to the first or second aspect, wherein the shape parameter is volume. According to the present invention, the volume of the engraving cell is used as the shape parameter of the engraving cell.

[0009]

Next, the present invention will be described by way of embodiments. One example of the configuration of the gravure plate engraving cell measuring apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 as a pictorial diagram. In FIG.
1 is a gravure plate engraving device, 2 is a gravure plate, 3a, 3
b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f are engraving heads of the gravure engraving device 1, 4 is a gravure engraving cell measuring device (abbreviated as cell measuring device), 5 is an imaging means, 6 is a keyboard,
An input unit such as a mouse, 7 an output unit such as a display or a printer, 8 a processing unit, 9 a storage unit, 10 an image input unit,
Reference numeral 11 denotes engraving condition input means, 12 denotes cell operation means, 13 denotes image data, and 14 denotes engraving condition data.

The gravure plate engraving device 1 has a structure that supports the gravure plate 2 and rotates around its axis. The engraving head 3 of the gravure plate engraving apparatus 1 has a diameter of 6 in the example shown in FIG.
And has a structure that moves while engraving in the direction parallel to the axial direction of the gravure plate 2. That is, the gravure plate 2 is rotated around its axis and the engraving head 3a is rotated.
3F is moved in the axial direction of the gravure plate 2, thereby engraving the entire plate surface of the gravure plate 2.

The engraving heads 3a to 3c of the gravure plate engraving apparatus 1
The fact that 3f is composed of six means that the engraving of the entire plate surface of the gravure plate 2 can be completed at six times the speed as compared with the case of having one engraving head. . On the other hand, it is necessary to appropriately set engraving conditions for six times the number of engraving heads 3a to 3f as compared with the case of a single engraving head. As mentioned earlier, when engraving with different engraving heads,
A slight difference in the engraving characteristics of the engraving head results in a difference in the color tone of the pattern of the printed matter, and is conspicuous because the patterns are adjacent to each other.
Therefore, it is necessary to set appropriate engraving conditions for all of the engraving heads 3a to 3f in order to ensure print quality, and for that purpose, a cell volume measuring apparatus capable of performing measurement simply and with high accuracy. is necessary.

The cell measuring device 4 can be realized by hardware and software of a data processing device such as a personal computer and an image processing device. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell measuring device 4 includes a processing unit 8 and a storage unit 9, and the processing unit 8 further includes an image input unit 10, an engraving condition input unit 11, and a cell operation unit 12, and stores the data. The section is composed of image data 13 and engraving condition data 14. The processing unit 8 is a CPU (central processing unit)
And a storage program can be realized by a RAM (random access memory), a hard disk device, or the like.

The imaging means 5 is, for example, a camera (instructed as the imaging means 5) which forms an optical image of a gravure printing plate engraving cell on an imaging element such as a CCD image sensor by an enlargement optical system and outputs an imaging signal. Part),
A portion that converts an imaging signal output from the camera into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the cell measurement device 4 (an imaging signal interface built in the cell measurement device 4). The digital signal of the optical image of the engraved cell output from the imaging unit 5 to the cell measurement device 4 is stored as image data 13 in the storage unit 9 by the image input unit 10 of the processing unit 8 of the cell measurement device 4.

The image input process will be described in detail with an example. The image input unit 10 outputs an image input screen to the output unit 7.
On the display. On the image input screen, a gray image of the engraved cell imaged by the imaging means 5 at predetermined time intervals and a binary image obtained by binarizing the gray image with a predetermined threshold such as a threshold obtained by a discriminant analysis method are displayed. Have been.
The operator of the cell measuring device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined range of the grayscale image or the binarized image normally includes the optical image of the engraved cell to be measured. If it is normal, an operation for instructing image input, for example, an instruction by pressing a specific key of a keyboard, or an instruction point of a mouse is instructed by clicking a mouse button at a predetermined position in a window for instructing image input.

If the image is not normal, the optical position of the engraved cell to be measured is normally included in a predetermined range of the grayscale image or the binarized image by changing the imaging position of the imaging means 5 or operating the image input screen. To input an image. In response to an image input instruction, the image input unit 10 stores the grayscale image and / or the binarized image displayed on the display as image data 13 in the storage unit 9. On the image input screen, it is possible to change a predetermined threshold value, change imaging conditions (imaging magnification, shutter time, etc.) by changing the discrimination method or the like, but it is not necessary for normal use. No change operation is performed. Each time the operator of the cell measuring device 4 changes the engraving cell to be measured, the only operation that is repeated is the image input instruction.

The engraved cell stored in the storage unit 9 of the cell measuring device 4 as the image data 13 is not particularly limited in the present invention. The engraving cell may be a test engraving part for determining engraving conditions before starting the main engraving, or may be a main engraving part engraving cell. The imaging means 5 of the present invention can image an engraved cell at an arbitrary position on the gravure printing plate surface.
Can measure the volume of any engraving cell.

When engraving is performed by the gravure plate engraving apparatus 1, the three-dimensional shape of the engraving cell obtained depends on the shape of the engraving needle attached to the engraving heads 3a to 3f. In this case, what is particularly important in the needle shape of the engraving needle is the angle of the engraving needle, and the depth of the engraving cell differs depending on the angle of the engraving needle even if the opening shape of the engraving cell is the same. The angle of the engraving needle is, for example, 110 to 150 degrees, and the acute angle makes the depth of the engraving cell deeper and the volume of the engraving cell larger even if the opening shape of the engraving cell is the same.

In general, the type of engraving needle is uniquely determined by the angle of the engraving needle, and the shape of the tip of the engraving needle is also uniquely determined by the angle of the engraving needle. (Diamond needle) wear progresses, and the needle shape of the engraving needle changes little by little. as a result,
Even when the engraving conditions are the same except for the wear of the engraving needle, the opening shape of the engraving cell obtained by engraving and the depth of the engraving cell are different.

The degree of progress of the wear is determined by the use time. Although there are strictly different parts due to variations in the quality of the engraving needles, differences in the image data to be engraved, differences in the physical properties of the gravure cylinder plate to be engraved, etc. Can be approximated. The degree of progress of the wear can be determined by test engraving. Under predetermined engraving conditions, it is possible to observe the opening shape of the engraving cell obtained by engraving with the engraving needle of the test object, and determine the degree of progress of wear based on the degree of unique shape change caused by progress of wear. it can. The degree of progress of the wear due to the degree of the shape change is compared with the sample and converted into the use time, and it can be determined that "the use time is the degree of wear corresponding to" how many hours "".

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, engraving condition input means 11
Displays an engraving condition input screen on the display of the output unit 7. The operator of the cell measuring device 4 operates the input unit 6 (keyboard, mouse) while looking at the display screen to input engraving conditions. That is, as the engraving conditions, the above-described engraving needle angle and the use time corresponding to the engraving needle wear degree are input. The engraving condition input unit 11 generates engraving condition data 14 based on the input engraving conditions and stores the data in the storage unit 9. The operator only needs to input the engraving conditions once, and it is not necessary to re-input the engraving condition when a new imaging is performed by changing the engraving cell to be measured.

The cell calculating means 12 calculates the volume or the opening area (the area of the opening) of the engraving cell based on the image data 13 and the engraving condition data 14. When the cell operation means calculates the opening area of the engraved cell, the cell operation means is also called "cell area operation means". When the cell operation means calculates the volume of the engraved cell, the cell operation means is referred to as "cell operation means." It is also referred to as “cell volume calculation means”. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating the opening area of the engraving cell according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, cell operation means (cell area operation means)
Numeral 12 calculates the opening area of the engraving cell based on the image data 13. Specifically, for example, the cell operation unit 12
First, an opening of an engraving cell to be measured is extracted from the image data 13. That is, in the binarized image data, the pixel value of the opening is set to “1” and the other parts are set to “0”, or vice versa. Next, the width W (y) of the opening of the engraving cell perpendicular to the engraving direction is integrated in the engraving direction (y-axis direction). Thereby, the opening area S of the engraving cell is calculated.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process of gravure engraving based on the opening area of the engraving cell obtained by the above calculation. First, in step S31 of FIG. 3, test engraving is performed based on the reference data to form test engraving cells on the gravure plate (test engraving process). Next, in step S32, the shape parameters are automatically measured by imaging the test engraving cell to obtain an area as measured shape data (cell measurement process). Next, in step S33, the necessity of correcting the engraving condition is determined by comparing the measured shape data with the reference shape data (comparison determination process).
As a result of the determination, when the determination that the correction is necessary is performed,
In step S34, the engraving conditions are corrected (engraving condition correction process). This correction is performed by comparing with a reference area value and calculating an optimum adjustment value. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when it is determined that the correction is unnecessary, in step S34, the main engraving is performed based on the engraving conditions to form engraving cells on the gravure plate surface, thereby completing the gravure plate (the main engraving process). ).

In the comparing and judging process of step S33, the measured shape data (measured area) is compared with the reference shape data (reference area) to judge the necessity of correcting the engraving condition.
The degree of wear of the engraving needle in the engraving condition data 14 can be taken into consideration. For example, a table of correction coefficients relating to the degree of wear of the engraving needle is obtained in advance by experiments or the like in accordance with the engraving time or the shape of the opening. Based on the engraving needle abrasion degree of the engraving condition data 14, an engraving needle abrasion degree correction coefficient is obtained with reference to a correction coefficient table relating to the engraving needle abrasion degree. Furthermore, the reference shape data (reference area) obtained by multiplying the reference shape data (reference area) when the engraving needle is not worn by the engraving needle wear degree correction coefficient is used as the reference shape data (reference area) used in the comparison determination process. ). This allows
In the engraving condition correction process in step S34, an optimal adjustment value that takes into account the degree of wear of the engraving needle can be calculated.

Next, a case where the shape parameter of the engraving cell is the volume of the engraving cell will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of calculating the volume of the engraving cell in the present invention.
FIG. 4 (A) shows that the engraving cell volume is obtained by dividing the opening area × depth × (1/1).
FIG. 4B shows a method of integrating the cell cross-sectional area perpendicular to the engraving direction in the engraving direction. First, the calculation method of FIG.
The cell calculation means (cell volume calculation means) 12 stores the image data 1
From 3, the opening area of the engraving cell is calculated. The calculation of the opening area can use the method shown in FIG. 2 described above.
Further, for example, if the image data 13 is a grayscale image, binarization is performed using a predetermined threshold value to discriminate pixels of the optical image of the bank portion of the engraving cell from pixels of the optical image of the portion inside the engraving cell. I do. If binarization alone is not sufficient, image processing such as removal of isolated pixels and replacement of defective pixels is performed to accurately distinguish between the banks of the engraved cells and the portions inside the engraved cells. Then, the aperture area is calculated by counting the number of pixels of the optical image of the portion inside the engraving cell. The opening area may be a count value when using a relative value, and multiplying the count value by a predetermined coefficient when using an absolute value.

Next, the cell operation means 12 outputs the image data 13
Calculates the maximum width of the engraving cell in the direction perpendicular to the engraving direction. The pixels inside the engraved cell obtained as described above are pixels of the optical image of the opening and represent the shape of the opening. Normally, the opening shape of the engraving cell is substantially rhombic, and the three-dimensional shape is generally quadrangular pyramid. Assuming that the engraving direction is the Y-axis direction in the XY orthogonal coordinate system, the maximum count value among the count values obtained by counting the number of pixels in the X-axis direction in each pixel row of the image data indicating the opening shape is the engraving cell. Is the maximum width in the direction perpendicular to the engraving direction. As in the case of the opening area, the maximum width may be a count value when using a relative value, and multiplying the count value by a predetermined coefficient when using an absolute value.

Next, the cell calculating means 12 calculates the depth of the engraving cell from the maximum width. At this time, the engraving condition data 14
The angle of the engraving needle is taken into account. This operation can be performed by a simple geometric calculation from the angle of the engraving needle. For example, the depth of the engraving cell is set to ((maximum width of the engraving cell) / 2) /
It is calculated from (tan ((engraving needle angle) / 2)).

This calculation may be performed by previously obtaining a table in which the numerical value of the maximum width and the numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell are recorded in advance by experiments or the above-mentioned operations, and referring to the table. Good. As the table, a plurality of tables different for each engraving needle angle are obtained in advance, and a corresponding table is selected from the plurality of tables based on the engraving needle angle of the engraving condition data 14 and is referred to. When referring to the table, it can be replaced with a numerical value of the effective depth in consideration of the shape of the complicated engraving cell. As a result, when the depth of the engraving cell is calculated, the cell calculation means 12 calculates the engraving cell volume by (opening area) ×
It is calculated from (depth) × (１ ／).

The engraving cell volume obtained above does not take into account the degree of wear of the engraving needle in the engraving condition data 14. Next, a method for taking the degree of wear of the engraving needle into consideration will be described. First, a simple method will be described. A table of correction coefficients relating to the degree of wear of the engraving needle is obtained in advance by experiments or the like according to the engraving time or the shape of the opening. Based on the engraving needle abrasion degree of the engraving condition data 14, the cell calculating means 12 obtains an engraving needle abrasion degree correction coefficient by referring to a correction coefficient table relating to the engraving needle abrasion degree. Further, by multiplying the engraving cell volume obtained above by the engraving needle abrasion degree correction coefficient, the engraving cell volume in consideration of the engraving needle angle and the engraving needle abrasion degree of the engraving condition data 14 is calculated by the cell calculating means 12. be able to.

Next, a more accurate method will be described. The table referred to when calculating the depth of the engraving cell from the maximum width by the cell calculating means 12 is not a table in which the numerical value of the maximum width and the numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell are only recorded in correspondence with each other. A table (three-dimensional table) is used in which three numerical values, that is, the numerical value of the degree of needle abrasion, the numerical value of the maximum width, and the numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell are recorded in association with each other. That is, the numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell is made to exist in two-dimensional coordinates (lattice points) that can be defined by two numerical values of the numerical value of the degree of wear of the engraving needle and the numerical value of the maximum width. For the table, a plurality of tables different for each engraving needle angle are obtained in advance. Then, the cell operation means 12 outputs the engraving condition data 14
Based on the engraving needle angle obtained from, the corresponding table is selected from a plurality of tables. Further, cell operation means 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell obtained from the numerical value of the degree of wear of the engraving needle obtained from the engraving condition data 14 and the numerical value of the maximum width calculated from the image data 13 with reference to the selected three-dimensional table. . The numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell naturally takes the engraving condition data 14 into consideration. Using the numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell, the cell calculating means 12 calculates the engraving cell volume taking the engraving condition data 14 into consideration from (opening area) × (depth) × (１ ／).

As described above, when the number of dimensions increases, the number of data to be recorded in the table increases, which may cause a problem in data creation and storage of the table. As a countermeasure,
It is possible to reduce the amount of data by setting each numerical value of the degree of wear of the engraving needle, the maximum width, and the depth of the engraving cell as discrete numerical values.
The engraving needle angle is a geometric shape and is usually a discrete number. When a numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell corresponding to a numerical value not in the table is obtained, it can be obtained by applying a well-known interpolation method.

Next, the calculation method of FIG. 4B will be described. The cell calculating means 12 calculates the width of the engraving cell in the direction perpendicular to the engraving direction from the image data 13. This calculation can be obtained in the same manner as when the maximum width is calculated.
That is, assuming that the engraving direction is the Y-axis direction in the XY orthogonal coordinate system, the count value obtained by counting the number of pixels in the X-axis direction in each pixel row of the image data indicating the opening shape is perpendicular to the engraving direction of the engraving cell. Direction width. This width may be a count value when using a relative value, and multiplying the count value by a predetermined coefficient when using an absolute value.

Next, the cell calculation means 12 calculates the depth of the engraved cell from the width calculated for each pixel row of the image data indicating the opening shape. This calculation is also performed as described above (of FIG. 4A).
It can be obtained in the same manner as when the depth of the engraving cell is calculated. That is, in a simple method, first, a table in which the numerical value of the width and the numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell are recorded in advance is obtained in advance by an experiment or the like. This table requires a plurality of tables in advance for each engraving needle angle. The depth of the engraving cell is obtained by referring to the table corresponding to the engraving needle angle in the engraving condition data 14. Next, the cell computing means 12 computes a minute partial volume corresponding to each pixel row of the engraved cell from (cell width) × (depth) × (）) × (length of minute portion). The engraved cell volume is obtained by calculating this minute partial volume for all the pixel rows and further calculating the sum thereof. The cell calculating means 12 multiplies the engraving cell volume by taking into account the engraving needle angle and the engraving needle wear degree of the engraving condition data 14 by multiplying the engraving needle wear correction coefficient by the same method as described above. Calculate.

A more accurate method is also described above (FIG. 4 (A)
And) the same. The table referred to when calculating the depth of the engraved cell from the width of each pixel row by the cell operation means 12 is not a table in which the numerical value of the width and the numerical value of the depth of the engraved cell are merely recorded in association with each other. A table (three-dimensional table) is used in which three numerical values of the numerical value of the degree of wear of the engraving needle, the numerical value of the width, and the numerical value of the depth of the engraving cell are recorded in association with each other. This table requires a plurality of tables in advance for each engraving needle angle. Then, the cell calculating means 12 refers to the table corresponding to the engraving needle angle of the engraving condition data 14 and calculates a minute partial volume corresponding to each pixel row of the engraving cell by (cell width) × (depth) × (1/2). ) × (length of minute portion). The engraved cell volume is obtained by calculating this minute partial volume for all the pixel rows and further calculating the sum thereof. This engraving cell volume is, of course, an engraving cell volume that takes into account the engraving needle angle and the engraving needle wear of the engraving condition data 14.

The data of the engraved cell volume calculated in this way is output to a display and / or a printer which is the output unit 7 of the cell volume measuring device 4. When the volume of the test engraving cell is measured by such a cell volume measuring device, it is determined whether or not the engraving conditions need to be corrected by comparing the measured volume data with the reference volume data. The reference volume data is prepared in advance by collecting the input data and the measured volume data of the engraving cell for a good print, that is, collecting the engraving characteristics 23. In the reference volume data, a predetermined allowable range (1) is set for each input data (one reference value of the reference data), and if the measured volume data is within the allowable range, correction of engraving conditions is unnecessary. If the measured volume data is out of the allowable range, it is determined that the engraving condition needs to be corrected.

The correction of the engraving conditions is performed by correcting the above-mentioned conversion table and setting appropriate data so that the measured volume data matches the reference volume data. Further, depending on the situation, this is performed by another method described above. For example, measured volume data is discrete input data (one reference value of reference data)
Is a discrete measurement value, and continuous measurement volume data is obtained by performing curve approximation based on the measurement value. That is, the value (output value: x-axis) of the data output to the gravure plate engraving apparatus 1 (the above input data as viewed from the gravure plate engraving apparatus 1) and the cells formed on the plate surface of the gravure plate 2 Volume (cell volume: y
Axis), i.e. the engraving properties are obtained as a continuous function).

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the engraving characteristics when engraving a gravure plate. In FIG. 5, the output value (x-axis)
Is the value of data output to the gravure plate engraving apparatus 1, and the cell volume (y-axis) is the volume of cells formed on the plate surface of the gravure plate 2 by that. The arrow shown in FIG. 5 indicates that the engraving characteristic 52 of the test cut value obtained by the test engraving is corrected to the engraving characteristic 53 of an appropriate reference value. After the engraving conditions for obtaining the proper engraving characteristics are set for all the engraving heads 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, the main engraving is performed by the gravure engraving apparatus 1.

FIG. 6A shows the gravure plate 2 on which the test engraving and the main engraving have been performed, and FIG. 6B shows a developed view of the peripheral surface of the gravure plate 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the test engraving is performed for each engraving head 3a, 3b, 3
c, 3d, 3e, 3f. In addition, the main sculptures corresponding to the respective patterns are also formed by the engraving heads 3a, 3b, 3c, 3
d, 3e, 3f. FIG. 6 shows each engraving area performed by each engraving head 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f.

Next, the process of gravure engraving based on the volume of the engraving cell obtained by the above calculation is shown as a flow chart in FIG. First, in step S61, test engraving is performed based on the reference data to form test engraving cells on the gravure plate (test engraving process). Next, in step S62, the volume of the test engraving cell is measured as a shape parameter to obtain measured volume data (cell volume measuring process). Next, in step S63, the necessity of correcting the engraving conditions is determined by comparing the measured volume data and the reference volume data (a comparison determination process).

Next, in step S64, the processing flow branches. When the necessity of correction is determined in the comparison determination process, the process proceeds to step S65, and in step S65, the engraving condition is corrected (engraving condition correction process).
In step S66, it is determined whether or not to perform test engraving and perform re-measurement. When the correction amount of the engraving condition is small, it is generally not necessary to perform re-measurement.
After the engraving conditions are corrected, the process immediately proceeds to step S67 (main engraving process). If the correction amount of the engraving condition is not small, it is necessary to perform re-measurement, so that the process returns to step S61, and the above-described subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in the comparison determination process that no correction is required, the process proceeds to step S
Proceeding to 67, in step S67, main engraving is performed based on the engraving conditions to form engraving cells on the gravure plate surface, thereby completing the gravure plate (main engraving process).

[0040]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention is as follows.
According to the gravure plate engraving cell measuring device of the embodiment, it can be applied even when the demand for the print quality is high, and can be easily measured by imaging the engraving cell. Further, according to the gravure plate engraving cell measuring device of the second embodiment of the present invention, the opening area of the engraving cell can be obtained with extremely good accuracy as the shape parameter of the engraving cell. Moreover, according to the gravure engraving cell measuring device of the third embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the cell can be specified from the volume of the engraving cell in consideration of the engraving conditions as the shape parameter of the engraving cell.

The gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied even when the demand for print quality is high, and can be easily measured by imaging the engraving cell. . Further, according to the gravure engraving cell measuring apparatus of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the engraving cell can be obtained by a simple calculation, and the measurement response speed is high. Further, according to the gravure plate engraving cell measuring device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the volume of the engraving cell can be obtained by a simple calculation, and the measurement accuracy is high. The seventh aspect of the present invention
According to the gravure plate engraving cell measuring device of the embodiment, when obtaining the volume of the engraving cell, the angle of the engraving needle and the degree of wear of the engraving needle are considered. Therefore, highly accurate measurement can be performed.

Further, according to the gravure engraving method of the first embodiment of the present invention, the method can be applied even when the demand for print quality is high, and the volume of the engraving cell can be simply and accurately measured. According to the gravure engraving method of the second embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment accuracy is improved, and the workability of the adjustment work and the restrictions on the work time are reduced. Further, according to the gravure engraving method of the third embodiment of the present invention, the opening area of the engraving cell is used as the shape parameter of the engraving cell. According to the gravure engraving method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the volume of the engraving cell is used as the shape parameter of the engraving cell.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gravure plate engraving cell measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of calculating an engraving cell opening area according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of gravure engraving based on an opening area of an engraving cell.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of calculating the volume of an engraving cell according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing engraving characteristics when engraving a gravure plate.

FIG. 6 is a gravure plate on which test engraving and main engraving have been performed;
FIG. 4 is a view showing a development view of a peripheral surface of the gravure plate 2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of gravure engraving based on the volume of the engraving cell.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 gravure plate engraving device 2 gravure plate 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h engraving head 4 cell measuring device 5 imaging means 6 input unit 7 output unit 8 processing unit 9 storage unit 10 image input unit 11 engraving Condition input means 12 Cell calculation means 13 Image data 14 Engraving condition data 52 Engraving characteristics (test cut value) 53 Engraving characteristics (reference value)

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for picking up an image of an engraved cell formed on a gravure plate surface to obtain image data, and a cell area calculating means for calculating an opening area of the engraved cell based on the image data. Gravure engraving cell measuring device. 2. The gravure engraving cell measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the cell area calculating means calculates the area by integrating the width of the opening of the engraving cell perpendicular to the engraving direction in the engraving direction. A gravure plate engraving cell measuring device, characterized in that: 3. The gravure engraving cell measuring device according to claim 1, wherein an engraving condition input means for inputting an engraving condition when forming the engraving cell to obtain engraving condition data, the area and the engraving condition. A gravure engraving cell measuring device, comprising: cell volume calculating means for calculating the volume of the engraving cell based on data. 4. An image capturing means for capturing an image of an engraving cell formed on a gravure plate surface to obtain image data; an engraving condition inputting means for inputting engraving conditions for forming the engraving cell and obtaining engraving condition data; And a cell volume calculating means for calculating the volume of the engraving cell based on the engraving condition data. 5. The gravure engraving cell measuring device according to claim 4, wherein said cell volume calculating means calculates an opening area and a maximum cell width of said engraving cell from said image data, and calculates said maximum cell width and said engraving cell. A gravure plate engraving cell measuring device, wherein a maximum cell depth is calculated from the condition data, and one third of a value obtained by multiplying the opening area and the maximum cell depth is calculated as a volume of the engraving cell. . 6. The gravure engraving cell measuring device according to claim 4, wherein said cell volume calculating means calculates a cell width of said engraving cell from said image data, and a cell depth from said cell width and said engraving condition data. And calculating a half of a value obtained by integrating a value obtained by multiplying the cell width and the cell depth in the engraving direction of the engraving cell as a volume of the engraving cell. Gravure engraving cell measuring device. 7. The gravure plate engraving cell measuring device according to claim 4, wherein said engraving condition data includes an engraving needle angle which is an angle of an engraving needle attached to an engraving head, and an engraving needle angle of said engraving needle. A gravure plate engraving cell measuring device characterized by the degree of wear of an engraving needle determined by history or test engraving. 8. A test engraving process of forming test engraving cells on a gravure plate by performing test engraving based on reference data, and automatically measuring shape parameters by imaging the test engraving cells to obtain measured shape data. A cell measurement process, a comparison / determination process of comparing the measured shape data and the reference shape data to determine the necessity of correcting the engraving condition, and an engraving condition when the necessity of correction is determined by the comparison / determination process. Engraving condition correcting step of correcting the image, and when it is determined that the correction is unnecessary in the comparing and determining step, a book for performing the actual engraving based on the engraving conditions and forming an engraving cell on the gravure plate surface to complete the gravure plate. A gravure engraving method comprising: an engraving process. 9. The gravure engraving method according to claim 8, wherein when the engraving condition correcting step is performed, the test engraving step, the cell measuring step and the comparing and judging step are repeated. Plate engraving method. 10. A gravure engraving method according to claim 8, wherein said shape parameter is an opening area. 11. The gravure engraving method according to claim 8, wherein said shape parameter is volume.