CN115946464A - Method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products, wherein a one-dimensional or multidimensional code (4) and a random serialization feature (5) are produced and optically detected in a printing technique for each printed product (1, 1 a) by using a static serialization printing template (3), and a univocal serialization code (6) for the printed product due to randomness is produced and stored by the serialization feature in a computational technique, the serialization feature is arranged spatially adjacent to the code on the printed product, and the serialization feature is produced in a halftone screen printing technique. The invention makes it possible to advantageously produce printed products and to sequence them in a simple manner and at low cost, in particular without the need for digital printing units and control devices which are present specifically for the sequencing.

Description

Method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products.

The invention relates to the technical field of the graphic industry, in particular in the field of the production of printed products that can be identified (authentication) and/or authenticated (authenticity proof) on the basis of features, preferably by producing or applying corresponding features on the printed products by means of printing techniques and reading these features.

Background

EP2024899B1 generally discloses a method of using the microstructure of a material surface as a unique identification feature.

DE10304805A1 discloses the production of secure identifiers, i.e. random information for authentication. In this case, it is conceivable to let the information be generated randomly in a non-target-oriented process. This random pattern can be converted to a "fingerprint" and stored. In addition to these secure identifiers, a serial number, for example, may be generated.

DE102012010482A1 also discloses the manufacture of security identifiers using the so-called "sticky fingering effect" to generate random structures. In this case, it can be provided that a printing form with a linear grid is used. Additionally, a number may also be set.

It is also known, in general, to serialize printed products by digitally generating and printing serial numbers with the aid of a digital printing unit and a control system which are specifically provided for this purpose.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improvement over the prior art, which in particular enables printed products to be produced and serialized in a simple manner and at low cost. In particular, the object of the invention is to achieve the above object without a digital printing unit and a control unit dedicated to serialization.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Advantageous and therefore preferred developments of the invention result from the alternative embodiments of the invention and from the description and the drawings.

The method according to the invention is a method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products, wherein a one-dimensional or multidimensional code and a random serialization feature are generated and optically detected for each printed product by a printing technique using a static serialization printing template, and a univocal serialization code for the printed product due to the random occurrence is generated and stored by the serialization feature in a computational technique, the serialization feature is arranged spatially adjacent to the code on the printed product, and the serialization feature is generated in a halftone screen printing technique.

The invention makes it possible to advantageously produce printed products and to sequence them in a simple manner and at low cost, in particular without the need for digital printing units and control devices which are present specifically for the sequencing.

The printed product may include a plurality of utilities. According to the invention, each of the useful portions of the printed product can be serialized individually or independently.

According to the invention, the serialization features are produced in a halftone screen printing technique. Because of the inevitable scattering after multiple prints during printing, the actual image that is screen printed will deviate from the target image, such as the RIP image or the exposure image on the printing form. This effect is advantageously exploited. Thus, the serialization features of successive prints are distinguishable from each other. Thus, the serialization is not performed by a numerically generated serial number, but by a random feature. The latter represents characteristic, unique information. In this way, the prints that are printed in batches, i.e. repeatedly (i.e. using the same static printing stencil, the same RIP and the same printing method), can be distinguished from one another or serialized with the same data input for the same printing plate or digital printing process. This distinctiveness is quantifiable, i.e., can be described in terms of numerical characteristic values, preferably in terms of a serialization code.

The optical detection is preferably carried out with an optical camera, which can be arranged in the printing press in which the method according to the invention is carried out ("on-line" application). Alternatively, the camera may be arranged outside the printing press, for example in a post-processing machine or in another separate module ("off-line" application).

It should be noted here that the prints will be serialized so that their personalities can be checked later, which is not an authentication problem, i.e. the authenticity of the prints is not checked later. Without the need for authentication, a coarser resolution can be employed on the camera side with stable identification. Thus, existing camera technology can be used in an advantageous manner, in printing machines or other machines of the graphic industry.

It should also be noted that the human eye cannot perceive inconclusive (random), variable information because the above-mentioned object-actual deviations are not well perceived due to the close coupling with the grid, while the optical system (camera plus image processing) responds particularly well to this, because deviations from the ideal grid can be handled particularly well by it, for example, by grid-based optical analysis, especially if frequency-based image analysis methods such as Gabor filtering are used. The non-deterministic, variable information can be extracted as the existing nominal-to-actual deviation from the computer-aided image analysis, as a serialized code in the form of a so-called "feature vector" of features, which describes the specific property of the deviation from the nominal raster, and can be stored, for example, in a digital memory, in particular in a database.

The serialized features are printed using a halftone process. Here, the following options may be selected:

areas with fixed halftone values, such as a fixed value between 30% and 80% of area coverage,

areas with different fixed halftone values (gray tiles),

regions with continuous gray values (so-called gray wedges),

areas with arbitrary halftone values (e.g. images reproduced in black and white).

The serialized features can be printed in monochrome. The serialized features may be screen printed with multiple colors (more than one color separation, such as cyan and magenta).

The code can be printed with a printing form, for example in an offset printing process, or can be printed without a printing form, such as an inkjet printing process.

Preferred embodiments of the invention (shortly: embodiments) are described below.

A feature of an development may be that the serialized features are spatially arranged so adjacent to the code that the code and the serialized features are collectively optically detected.

A feature of an development may be that the serialization features are integrated into the code or vice versa, and in other aspects the code is generated substantially in full tone.

A feature of an extension may be that the serialized features are arranged adjacent to the code. A feature of an extension may be that the serialized features are arranged directly adjacent to the code. A feature of an extension may be that the serialization features are arranged directly adjacent to the code. An extension may feature the serialization features arranged as a context for the code. An extension may be characterized in that the serialization features are arranged as a background to the code. These embodiments can be combined with one another in an advantageous manner.

An embodiment may be characterized in that the one-dimensional code is a bar code.

An development may be characterized in that the multidimensional code is a two-dimensional code. An embodiment may be characterized in that the two-dimensional code is a QR code or a data matrix code.

A further development can be characterized in that the serialized printing template is provided digitally. The serialized printing template may be a separate file or may also be part of the printing template (one file) for the printing image to be printed. The serialized print template may be part of the print job data, e.g., part of a so-called job ticket.

A feature of an embodiment can be that the serialized features are produced in a printing plate. A feature of an embodiment can be that the ordering feature is produced in offset printing.

A feature of an embodiment can be that the serialized features are produced without printing plates. A feature of an embodiment can be that the serialization features are produced in digital printing, preferably in inkjet printing or by electrophotography with dry or liquid toner.

An embodiment can be characterized in that the serialization code is stored together with the provided serialization information. An embodiment may be characterized in that the serialization information is a serialization number. For example, if the printed product is a package or label, the serialized information may describe the product being packaged or labeled, such as its GTIN (global trade item number), current product serial number, its date of manufacture, its shelf life, and other information.

An embodiment can be characterized in that each of the plurality of printed products has the same printed image.

An embodiment can be characterized in that the serialization features are parts of the printed image.

An extension may feature applying a digital image processing method to the serialized features when generating the serialized code. An embodiment may be characterized in that the image processing method is grid-dependent. An embodiment may be characterized in that the image processing method is frequency-dependent. An embodiment may be characterized in that the image processing method is or comprises Gabor filtering.

A development can be characterized in that the serialization features and/or the code are produced with laser-sensitive printing inks. An embodiment can be characterized in that the sequencing feature and/or the code is/are treated by laser radiation, in particular the contrast and/or the color is changed.

A method for identifying printed products which are produced and serialized according to the method according to the invention or according to an embodiment of the invention, characterized in that i) a serialization feature is detected optically, ii) a serialization code for the printed product is generated from the serialization feature by means of a calculation technique, and iii) stored serialization information is loaded into the serialization code.

An embodiment may be characterized in that the three steps i, ii and iii are implemented on a mobile terminal, for example on a smartphone (with a display and a camera) or for example on a code reader or a scanner (each with at least a camera). The smartphone may be connected to a server. The code reader or scanner can preferably be connected to the server via a smartphone or via a separate connection. An alternative development can be characterized in that the three steps i, ii and iii can be carried out on a (preferably non-moving) scanning station (with a camera). The scanning station may be a separate device or may also be part of one device or machine, such as a device in logistics or a post-processing machine, and is preferably connected to a server.

The features and feature combinations disclosed in the above technical field, summary and development paragraphs and in the following embodiment paragraphs may be combined with one another as desired to form further advantageous developments of the invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 to 4 show preferred embodiments and developments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 4 show a preferred exemplary embodiment and an embodiment of the invention. Features that correspond to each other are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. For the sake of clarity, repeated reference numerals have been partially omitted from the figures.

Fig. 1 shows in the upper region a preferred embodiment of a serialized feature 5 and code 4 made in accordance with the present invention. These two together are referred to as feature 8.

Fig. 1 shows in the central region a further preferred embodiment of a serialized feature 5 and a code 4 made in accordance with the present invention. These two together are referred to as feature 8.

Fig. 1 shows in the lower region a further preferred embodiment of a serialized feature 5 and a code 4 made in accordance with the present invention. These two together are referred to as feature 8.

Fig. 2a shows a printing press 10 and other units in a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention or in the execution of the method.

Fig. 2b shows a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention or a further printing press 10 and further units in the execution of the method.

Fig. 3 and 4 show respective details of the invention.

The printing press 10 is shown in fig. 2 a. It comprises a plurality of printing units 11, for example four printing units, for producing a preferably CMYK printed product. The printing press preferably processes sheets of printing material. In the printing unit, a printing form 12 (accommodated on a cylinder) is present, which preferably generates or prints, in accordance with the printing operation, a color separation of the print image 2 (see fig. 3 and 4) of the printed product 1 in accordance with the printing technique. Furthermore, at least one printing plate 12, for example one printing plate that prints black (black or K), is used to generate the code 4 and the serialization features 5 with printing technology. The printing plate is produced beforehand by means of an exposure machine 17. The printing press shown may be an offset press with offset printing plates.

The printer 10 includes a camera 14. The camera can be arranged downstream of the last printing unit in the printing direction 9 and at least serves to optically detect the code 4 and the serialization features 5. Preferably the code and the serialized features are optically detected simultaneously and jointly, i.e. preferably on one image. The camera may also detect the entire printed image. The camera shown may be a CCD camera.

Alternatively, the camera 14 can be arranged in an external module 18, for example a module for optically detecting individual applications 1a which are produced from the printed product 1, for example die cut and trimmed.

In fig. 2a computer 15 is shown. The computer is connected to the camera, preferably via a digital network. The data detected by the camera 14, i.e. for example the images or data calculated therefrom, are transmitted to the computer via the network. The computer is connected to or includes digital memory 16. The computer 15 is also connected to an exposure machine 17, preferably via the same network. The computer provides data to the exposer for exposing the printing plates 12 required for the print job. Alternatively, a further computer may be provided for this purpose.

The printing press 10 shown in fig. 2a carries out the method according to the invention for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products. Here, a static serialized printing template 3 is used. Which is preferably provided in digital form and may be stored in memory 16. The serialized printing template is integrated into the print image 2 or conveyed to the exposure machine 17 together with the print image and exposed on the at least one printing plate 12. The at least one printing plate is used in the printing press 10. In this way, for each printed product 1, a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code 4 and random serialization features 5 are generated by printing techniques. Thus, the serialized printing template provides data for generating the code and the serialized features. Alternatively, the data of the code can also be provided in other ways, i.e. by means of another printing template. The code may be a two-dimensional code or a data matrix code, for example. The code is preferably static, i.e. identical on all printed products 1. The serialization features are not static, i.e., are different on all printed products.

The serialization features 5 are arranged or printed on the printed product 1 spatially adjacent to the code 4. As can be seen from the top and middle part of fig. 1, the serialization feature may be (spatially) integrated into the code, i.e. it may be located in the surface region of the code. In the upper part of fig. 1, the serialization features can be seen as the central, e.g. circular, face of the rasterization in the code. In the middle of fig. 1, the standard angular domain of the code can be seen as a grated face; thereby, the information density of the code is increased, since in terms of information content the corner regions can now be used together as a second information layer and can in particular also carry variable information, even if the code is produced using a template-based printing method. As can be seen in the lower part of fig. 1, the code may be (spatially) integrated into the serialization features, i.e. the serialization features may be arranged in the spatial environment of the code or around the code, e.g. in the form of a frame around the code. Alternatively or additionally, the serialization features may be located in the context of the code (e.g., between individual code elements). Preferably, the relative arrangement (serialized features versus codes or vice versa) is such that: both (the serialized features and the code) can be recorded with one camera and/or camera setup, particularly preferably simultaneously.

Here, according to the invention, the serialization features 5 are produced by means of a halftone screen printing technique, for example black with a surface coverage of 50% and cyan with 30%, or monochrome, for example black with a surface coverage of only 50%. The code 4 is preferably produced substantially in full tone, for example with a 100% area coverage of black.

Alternatively, the serialization features 5 may be produced with laser-sensitive printing inks, i.e. the serialization features produced in this way are preferably not visible first to the naked eye, but only by irradiation with a matching laser, for example by laser-induced contrast or color changes.

Further alternatively or additionally, the code 4 can also be produced with such laser-sensitive printing ink and made visible under laser light. The code can be applied here, for example, first as a fluid closure surface (and possibly hardened) and then, depending on the code information, be subjected to a structuring treatment with a laser, for example by means of a laser-light-induced contrast or color change. For example, a QR code or a data matrix code can be written into a previously closed and/or unstructured layer by means of a correspondingly controlled laser beam.

The code 4 and the serialized features 5 are preferably optically detected together by the camera 14, i.e., preferably simultaneously and in a common image. During printing, the human eye does not recognize any difference between the different codes because the nominal/actual deviation is too small. However, these differences can be identified in the camera image or by digital image processing of the camera image and can therefore be used.

The randomly generated univocal serialization code 6 of the printed product 1 is generated by the serialization features 5 in a computational technique, i.e. with the use of a preference computer 15, and stored in a preference memory 16. The serialization code is preferably stored together with the provided serialization information 7, which is preferably a serialization number.

Fig. 2b shows an alternative printing press 10 to that of fig. 2 a. It comprises a printing mechanism 11 for producing a preferably CMYK printed product. The printing press processes a web or web preferably consisting of printing material. In the printing unit, a plurality of digital printing heads 13, preferably inkjet printing heads, are present, which preferably each produce or print, in accordance with the printing operation, a color separation of the print image 2 to be printed of a printed product 1 by means of a printing technique (see fig. 3 and 4). Furthermore, at least one print head 13, for example the one that prints black (black or K), is used to generate the code 4 and the serialization features 5 with a printing technique. The printer shown may be an ink jet printer.

The exposure machine 17 is not provided here. Instead, the data to be printed is sent from the computer 15 or memory 16, preferably over a digital network, directly to the printing mechanism 11 or print head 13. In other respects, the structure and function correspond to those of fig. 2a, in particular the presence of the camera 14.

The printing machine shown in fig. 2b may have the following options — alone or in combination with each other: instead of an ink printing method, an electrophotographic printing method (using printing mechanisms known for this purpose) can be carried out, for example using dry or liquid toner, and the sheets or labels can be printed instead of the web or web.

Fig. 3 shows the flow of optical detection of the code 4 and the serialized features 5 with the camera 14. In the example shown, both are arranged beside the printed image 2 on the printed product 1; alternatively, both may be located in the printed image. If there are a plurality of useful portions on the substrate of the printed product, a corresponding plurality of features 8 is preferably present. The camera is then designed or movable such that all features 8 can be detected.

The image of the code 4 and the serialized features 5 optically detected by the camera 14 is fed into the computer 15. The computer analyzes the image, preferably using known digital image processing methods. The data thus generated from the serialized features 5, in particular the serialized codes 6 and preferably also the provided serialized information 7, are preferably stored in a memory 16 (indicated by a dashed box). Later, during the examination (see fig. 4), the data can be read out from this memory or another memory, e.g. a cloud memory.

Fig. 4 shows a flow of inspecting the printed product 1. In this case, a further optical camera 20 is used, for example a camera of a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone. The camera optically detects the code 4 and the serialized features 5 and transmits the image to the computer 15 or another computer, such as a cloud computer. The computer generates a serialization code 6 from the serialization features 5 by employing known digital image processing methods. By using this serialization code, the printed product 1 or the useful part 1a can be identified individually and now the serialization information 7, which is stored for the serialization code if necessary, can also be called up, preferably from the memory 16 of the computer or another memory, for example a cloud memory (indicated by a dashed box).

List of reference numerals

1. Printed product

1a Single utility

2. Printing images

3. Serialized printing template

4. Code

5. Serialization features

6. Serialized code

7. Serialized information

8. Feature(s)

9. Direction of printing

10. Printing machine

11. Printing mechanism

12. Printing plate

13. Printing head

14. Video camera

15. Computer with a memory card

16. Memory device

17. Exposure machine

18. External module

20. Video camera

21. Mobile terminal equipment or scanning stations.

Claims (10)

1. A method for manufacturing and serializing a plurality of printed products,

wherein for each printed product (1, 1 a) one-or multi-dimensional codes (4) and random serialization features (5) are generated and optically detected using a static serialization printing template (3) and from these univocal serialization codes (6) for the printed product due to random generation are generated and stored using a computational technique, the serialization features are arranged spatially adjacent to the codes on the printed product and the serialization features are generated using a halftone screen printing technique.

2. The method of claim 1,

the code (4) is generated substantially in full tone.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

the serialization features (5) are arranged spatially adjacent to the code (4) in such a way that the code and the serialization features are jointly optically detected.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

-said serialization features (5) are integrated into said code (4), or vice versa;

in other aspects, the code is generated substantially in full tone.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

the serialized features (5) are produced using a plate.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

the serialization code (6) is stored together with the provided serialization information (7).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

the serialized features (5) are part of a printed image (1, 1a).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims,

in generating the serialized code (6), a digital image processing method is used for the serialized features (5).

9. Method for identifying printed products, which are manufactured and serialized according to one of the preceding claims,

i) Optically detecting the serialized features (5),

ii) generating a serialization code (6) for said printed product (1, 1a) from the serialization features in a computational technique,

iii) -loading the stored serialization information (7) for said serialization code (6).

10. The method of claim 9,

the three steps i, ii and iii are carried out on a mobile terminal (21) or a scanning station (21).

Images