A can inspection device includes a rotation device rotating cans, an imaging device taking images of rotating cans, and an image processor processing taken images. The imaging device includes a first camera taking an image of an entire can and a second camera taking an image of an opening-side end portion of the can. The image processor includes an image inspection means for inspecting whether printing is performed properly as compared with a master image by using the image taken by the first camera, a density measurement means for measuring densities in designated positions for respective colors by using the image taken by the first camera, and a printing misalignment value measurement means for measuring misalignment values with respect to set positions of printing misalignment inspection marks printed on the opening-side end portion of the can for respective colors by using the image taken by the second camera.

Correction values (1-n) according to image area ratios in ranges of a printing plate of a preceding print job corresponding to ink fountain keys (4-1-4-n) are obtained. Opening amounts (1b-nb) of the ink fountain keys (4-1-4-n) corresponding to the image of the printing plate (7) of a next print job are corrected by correction values (1-n) to obtain corrected opening amounts (1b-nb). In a state in which ink in an ink roller group (6) has been decreased by scraping and removing it by an ink scraper blade (15) and in a state in which the opening amounts of the ink fountain keys (4-1-4-n ) have been set to the corrected opening amounts (1b-nb), an ink film thickness distribution corresponding to the image of the printing plate of the next print job is formed on the ink roller group (6).

Correction values (1-n) according to image area ratios in ranges of a printing plate of a preceding print job corresponding to ink fountain keys (4-1-4-n) are obtained. Opening amounts (1b-nb) of the ink fountain keys (4-1-4-n) corresponding to the image of the printing plate (7) of a next print job are corrected by correction values (1-n) to obtain corrected opening amounts (1b-nb). In a state in which ink in an ink roller group (6) has been decreased by scraping and removing it by an ink scraper blade (15) and in a state in which the opening amounts of the ink fountain keys (4-1-4-n ) have been set to the corrected opening amounts (1b-nb), an ink film thickness distribution corresponding to the image of the printing plate of the next print job is formed on the ink roller group (6).

A printing machine has an ink fontain, a fountain roller in contact with the ink fountain, a ductor roller, at least an ink transfer roller and a controller configured and programmed to control the ductor roller. For the printing machine, individual graph data gr and its initial values gri, and average g of the graph data over the entire ductor roller and its initial value gi are used to change graph data gr and g during printing so as to cancel errors between measured printed densities and desired printed densities. An adjustment apparatus and method also achieve this task for such a printing machine.

An apparatus and methods of monitoring and adjusting a decorator for metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration on a predetermined portion of a metallic container body. The decorator includes a sensor that senses decorations on metallic containers. A control system receives information related to the sensed decorations from the sensor and then determines if the decorations at least meet predetermined color, density, thickness, orientation, and consistency targets. The control system can optionally automatically adjust elements of the decorator to correct a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system can automatically send a signal to the decorator to adjust the color, density, orientation, positioning, and consistency of decorations transferred to the metallic containers. In another embodiment, the control system can send a signal to adjust a position of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a ductor roller a plate cylinder, a printing plate, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the decorator.

An apparatus and methods of monitoring and adjusting a decorator for metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration on a predetermined portion of a metallic container body. The decorator includes a sensor that senses decorations on metallic containers. A control system receives information related to the sensed decorations from the sensor and then determines if the decorations at least meet predetermined color, density, thickness, orientation, and consistency targets. The control system can optionally automatically adjust elements of the decorator to correct a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system can automatically send a signal to the decorator to adjust the color, density, orientation, positioning, and consistency of decorations transferred to the metallic containers. In another embodiment, the control system can send a signal to adjust a position of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a ductor roller a plate cylinder, a printing plate, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the decorator.

A can inspection device includes a rotation device rotating cans, an imaging device taking images of rotating cans, and an image processor processing taken images. The imaging device includes a first camera taking an image of an entire can and a second camera taking an image of an opening-side end portion of the can. The image processor includes an image inspection means for inspecting whether printing is performed properly as compared with a master image by using the image taken by the first camera, a density measurement means for measuring densities in designated positions for respective colors by using the image taken by the first camera, and a printing misalignment value measurement means for measuring misalignment values with respect to set positions of printing misalignment inspection marks printed on the opening-side end portion of the can for respective colors by using the image taken by the second camera.

A can inspection device includes a rotation device rotating cans, an imaging device taking images of rotating cans, and an image processor processing taken images. The imaging device includes a first camera taking an image of an entire can and a second camera taking an image of an opening-side end portion of the can. The image processor includes an image inspection means for inspecting whether printing is performed properly as compared with a master image by using the image taken by the first camera, a density measurement means for measuring densities in designated positions for respective colors by using the image taken by the first camera, and a printing misalignment value measurement means for measuring misalignment values with respect to set positions of printing misalignment inspection marks printed on the opening-side end portion of the can for respective colors by using the image taken by the second camera.

An image processor 53 processing taken images includes an image inspection means 54 for inspecting whether printing is performed properly as compared with a master image by using the image of the entire can taken by a first camera, a density measurement means 55 for measuring densities in designated positions for respective colors also by using the image of the entire can taken by the first camera, and a printing misalignment value measurement means 56 for measuring misalignment values with respect to set positions of printing misalignment inspection marks printed on an opening-side end portion of a can for respective colors by using the image of the opening-side end portion of the can taken by the second camera.

An image processor 53 processing taken images includes an image inspection means 54 for inspecting whether printing is performed properly as compared with a master image by using the image of the entire can taken by a first camera, a density measurement means 55 for measuring densities in designated positions for respective colors also by using the image of the entire can taken by the first camera, and a printing misalignment value measurement means 56 for measuring misalignment values with respect to set positions of printing misalignment inspection marks printed on an opening-side end portion of a can for respective colors by using the image of the opening-side end portion of the can taken by the second camera.