Importance

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Abstract

This invention provides an engraving method and apparatus for engraving a plurality of cells which define a pattern defining at least one edge on a surface of a cylinder. The method and apparatus generate an edge signal corresponding to at least edge cell situated in a pattern defining at least one edge on the surface. The system and method may utilize a tabulator for tabulating a table of data corresponding to an image and a locator for locating the edge using the data. The system and method provide a signal generator which can cause the engraving location of an engraved area to be shifted to facilitate defining the at least one edge. Moreover, the signal generator may also cause the area to be reduced in order to change a predetermined characteristic of the area in order to better define the at least one edge. Thus, the invention facilitates adjusting a characteristic of at least one of the engraved areas in order to change a spacial relationship between the engraved area and another engraved are to provide, for example, a non-regular or non-periodic spacing of engraved areas. The invention provides a shaping data generator for generating shaping data to be used to modify the image data corresponding to an area to be engraved to redefine at least a portion of the data to provide an engraved area having a desired shape.

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First Claim