Abstract:
A configuration system generates a calibration target to be printed, the target including a set of machine-readable and visually-identifiable landmarks and associated location-encoding marks which encode known locations of the landmarks. A plurality of test images of the printed calibration target is acquired by the system from an image capture assembly. Positions of the landmarks in the acquired test images and the location-encoding marks in the acquired test images are detected by the system. The system decodes the locations of the landmarks from the detected location-encoding marks and spatially characterizes the image capture assembly, based on the detected positions of the landmarks in the acquired test images and their decoded known locations.
Abstract:
Eliminate or reduce the impact of glare in printed information tag recognition applications using single- and multi-pose external illumination coupled with intelligent processing. A shelf imager can acquire shelf images for printed information tag localization and recognition. An external illuminator can provide at least one illumination condition/pose for shelf image acquisition in addition to lighting associated with the enclosed environment. A glare region of interest (ROI) detector can analyze all or a portion of the acquired shelf images for glare to determine whether additional images need to be acquired using different illumination conditions provided by the single- or multi-pose external illuminator or whether full or portion of acquired images need to be analyzed by a printed information tag locator and recognizer. A printed information tag locator and recognizer can analyze all or a portion of the acquired images to localize and recognize data printed on the printed information tags.
Abstract:
A computer-based apparatus including: a cassette including a plurality of compartments for storing medications; and a dispenser including a processor and memory storing computer readable instructions and information for a plurality of medications, the information including dosages and schedules for the medications. The processor is configured to extract a medication from the plurality of medications from a compartment according to the information. The processor is configured to: receive, from a second computer remote from the apparatus, an input including a modification to the information; or create a modification to the information. The processor is configured to determine that a medication stored in the compartment is the same as the medication in the plurality of medications and extract, using the dispenser, a quantity of the stored medication from the compartment according to the modification; or terminate extraction, by the dispenser, of the stored medication from the compartment according to the modification.
Abstract:
A multiple-beam imager includes multiple light sources (e.g., laser diodes) that transmit light beam pulses (energy doses) along parallel paths onto print plate spots disposed in a circumferential target region during each imaging period. The beam pulses are coordinated with rotation of the imaging cylinder such that, as a selected print plate spot is rotated through the target region, it is sequentially positioned during successive imaging periods to receive light beam pulses from each of the sequentially-aligned light sources, whereby the selected print plate spot receives multiple energy doses (e.g., one during each raster-scan) as it passes through the target region, thereby gradually heating and then evaporating the fountain solution predisposed over the selected print spot. A polygon mirror is used to raster-scan the beam pulses along parallel raster-scan zones.
Abstract:
Embodiments described herein are directed to a system for reducing electrostatic fields underneath print heads in a direct marking printing system. The system includes: one or more print heads for depositing ink onto a media substrate; a media transport for moving the media substrate along a media path past the one or more print heads; a conductive platen contacting the media transport belt; an electrostatic field reducer that includes an alternating current charge device positioned upstream of the one or more print heads; and one or apertures with electrically isolated biased electrodes separated by an opening that is in registration with the ink deposition areas of the one or more print heads. The media transport includes a media transport belt and, when the media is on the transport belt it has an electrostatic field, which can cause printing defects. The electrostatic field reducer and electrodes reduce the electrostatic field on the surface of the media and thereby reduce printing defects.
Abstract:
Apparatuses include, among other components, a pair of opposing drive rollers, a pair of opposing idle rollers, and a rotatable support operatively connected to the axles of the idle rollers. Axles of the drive rollers and the idle rollers are positioned along a circle. The axles of the drive rollers and the idle rollers alternate along the circle. Also, rotation of the rotatable support moves the idle rollers along the circle until the idle rollers contact the drive rollers. Each of the idle rollers is positioned by the rotatable support to only contact a single drive roller at a time.
Abstract:
Apparatuses include, among other components, a pair of opposing drive rollers, a pair of opposing idle rollers, and a rotatable support operatively connected to the axles of the idle rollers. Axles of the drive rollers and the idle rollers are positioned along a circle. The axles of the drive rollers and the idle rollers alternate along the circle. Also, rotation of the rotatable support moves the idle rollers along the circle until the idle rollers contact the drive rollers. Each of the idle rollers is positioned by the rotatable support to only contact a single drive roller at a time.
Abstract:
A three-dimensional (3D) metal object manufacturing apparatus is equipped with a wire detector to determine a position of a top surface of melted metal contained in a receptacle of a heated vessel in the apparatus from time to time. The solid metal wire being fed into the heated vessel is retracted and the length of the retracted wire is determined using a signal generated by the wire detector. The determined length of the wire is used to identify the position of the top level of the melted metal in the receptacle so the receptacle can be replenished if the level has fallen below a predetermined capacity for the receptacle.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for printing directly onto print media including smooth non-absorbent media substrates (e.g., polymer films) inks having a wide range in viscosity, so that flexographic, gravure, and lithographic inks can all be contemplated. The proposed method is able to print with variable data/imaging. Dampening fluid may be patterned onto an imaging roll by coating the imaging roll with a layer of the dampening fluid and selectively evaporating off a patterned portion via a laser imaging device. The imaging roll then contacts the print substrate and transfers the patterned dampening fluid onto the substrate via film splitting. The substrate then passes through an inker station where ink is deposited directly to the substrate for attachment thereto except where rejected by the dampening fluid.
Abstract:
A temperature control system, the system comprising a cooling block configured to be in conductive communication with a heat source, said cooling block comprising a stem and a base, a cooling fluid configured to circulate through the base of the cooling block, and an electrical barrier formed in the base of the cooling block between the heat source and the cooling fluid.