DE102017011171A1 - Method for the identification of printed products in postpress - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for identifying printed products in the print finishing in each case by means of an optically detectable identification feature on an outer side of a printed product to be processed, wherein the setting of at least one optically detectable identification mark within a printed image of the printed products, wherein this definition determines the arrangement and extent determining the spatial area of the identification feature and / or the content-related expression within a spatial area of the identification feature and the identification feature is formed by at least a part of the original printed image, which dispenses with image elements that are used primarily for the production.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for the identification of printed products in the print finishing according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 38 06 125 A1 is a collating known, which separates from a variety of magazines each one book block forming sheet and merges. In order to prevent rejects due to faulty loading of the magazines, an image recognition is provided which controls the read image of an isolated layer. For this purpose, the read image is compared with a previously learned target image. The disadvantage here is that the target image is generated by several identical layers of the following manufacturing order are read in the gathering in the context of the setup. The layers to be taught are to be manually fed to the magazine in the correct orientation. On the one hand, such a method is not possible for individual products and only very limited for very short runs. In addition, the learning due to the manual intervention is very complex and error-prone. In addition, the data volume to be processed from the image information is considerable and restricts the production performance or requires a correspondingly high-performance data processing.

An improvement will be made in the DE 100 24 070 A1 proposed in that the camera used is able to distinguish between an image and a barcode. This allows simplified image processing when using barcodes. In addition, by means of the read code, a database entry can be accessed. Barcodes are often applied in a separate printing process. However, this results in more sources of error. In addition, the bar code usually disturbs the aesthetic appearance of the printed product, without offering the consumer an additional benefit.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method which is improved over the prior art, which overcomes at least one of the stated disadvantages of the prior art and satisfies the increased demands on the productivity to be achieved in small quantities.

The invention solves the problem by a method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized by the features specified in the subclaims.

The paper or another printable material is provided by printing in a known manner on one or more of its outer surfaces each with an optically detectable print image. This printed image is visually detectable so that it is visible to humans without aids. However, it can also be partially or completely invisible to humans, for example by containing colors outside the visible color spectrum.

This print image contains image information used as an identification feature. This identification feature allows the identification of the printed product, so that it can be clearly assigned to a respective production order. For this purpose, a usable area of the originally applied printed image is used as an identification feature. An applied for further processing, the aesthetic appearance disturbing brand for identifying the printed product such as a bar code or data matrix code is not required.

The identification feature is divided into an area resp. Image section of the printed image and in a form within this area. The area is determined by its layout and its extent. In accordance with the definition of the image detail forming the identification feature, the image information to be processed for the identification is greatly reduced compared to the acquired print image. This reduces the time required for the transmission and processing of the required information without compromising the reliability of the identification. The expression of the identification feature is characterized by an optical property such as contrast, brightness, color value, saturation or pattern or by a combination of several such optical properties, or their distribution over the range of the identification feature.

After printing, the printed product is fed to a post-press device for further processing. It is irrelevant whether the printing unit and the device for further processing in terms of an inline production are connected to each other or whether there is a separation between printing and finishing, such as the printed products are stored in a temporary storage.

The device for print processing detects that print image of the supplied printed product, which includes the identification feature with a suitable reading device. In a simple way, this is a digital camera. The image recording can be done depending on the device either at rest or on the moving print product.

The reading device transmits the recorded image to a downstream evaluation device. The evaluation device determines the required information from the recorded image. In this case, the reading device and the evaluation device can be combined in one device. Digital cameras usually have software that offers various options for image processing or image analysis.

Before the evaluation, at least part of the definitions of the identification feature is transmitted to the evaluation device. The transmitted definition serves the evaluation device as the basis for the image analysis. This may relate to the definition of the area of the printed image bearing the identification feature. This makes it possible for the evaluation device to ignore non-relevant image areas. This data reduction reduces the time required for the further identification feature image processing and the performance of the device can be increased accordingly.

Particularly advantageous is the determination of the identification feature based on a digital image of the printed image, which is generated independently of the physical printed product or the existence of a physical printed product. In particular, image data originating from prepress are suitable. In a particularly simple manner, this determination is made by a suitable software. On the basis of the available image data, the latter identifies prominent areas of the printed image and defines them as an identification feature. This determination made is preferably automatically provided to the evaluation of the captured by a camera print image. In this way, it is possible to dispense with today's customary and complicated teaching by reading several sample prints.

This makes it possible in a simple manner to set the identification feature before printing the print image containing this identification feature and to make available processes required for print finishing available at an early stage. The identification in the print finishing is prepared at the latest during printing so that the production is accelerated as a whole.

In a continuation of the method, the identification feature detected by the reading device is compared by the evaluation device with an identification feature stored in a data memory. The evaluation device supplies at least information about the coincidence of the detected identification feature with the stored identification feature. It is irrelevant whether the deposited identification feature is stored directly in the main memory of the device for print processing or in a parent, a variety of jobs containing database. The comparison increases the degree of automation of the device for print finishing. Based on the result of this comparison decides a control of the device for further processing on the execution of subsequent processes such as display for information of the operating personnel, machine stop, ejection of the relevant printed product, adjustment of the device for print finishing or performing the processing of the printed product.

In a first embodiment of the method, the identification feature detected by the reading device is compared with the expected identification feature of an expected printed product. This results in an automatic check whether the supplied printed product corresponds to the production order to be processed. If the result is positive, the processes required for scheduled further processing are initiated or the production flow is maintained. While in the case of a negative result, a corresponding display for the operating personnel takes place and the product identified as incorrectly recognized is removed from the scheduled production flow. Production errors due to supplied wrong printed products are thus reliably avoided.

A second embodiment provides for a comparison of the identification feature last detected by the reading device with a previously detected, in particular an immediately prior, detected identification feature. Thus, it is determined by the evaluation, whether the last detected printed product belongs to the currently processed or to a new production order. If there is no match, the process parameters required for the new production order are automatically read from a production database and corresponding adjustments made to the device for further print processing. In this way, the manual effort for setup and feeding the printed products is significantly reduced. Of course, a combination of both comparisons is possible.

The determination of the identification feature is preferably carried out on the basis of a general rule applied to the respective printed image, such that the definition results from the printed image itself. Significant areas or properties of the print image are found and defined as an identification feature. The application of the general rule enables a high degree of automation, in particular since a uniform rule is also applied for the evaluation of the printed image detected by the reading device and these are permanently stored in the evaluation device can. Another advantage is the fact that the identification feature is scalable with the print image. Thus, the determination of the identification feature can be based on a layout designed for a first format, for example DIN A4, while the printing is actually done in a different second format, for example DIN A5, and the reading device thus acquires a correspondingly reduced identification feature.

The detection range of the reading device preferably corresponds to a multiple of the extent of the identification feature to be detected. Particularly advantageous is a detection area, which detects the entire print image. Thus, an adjustment of the reading device can be dispensed with, and positioning errors of the printed product to be detected do not affect the detection of the identification features.

The effort for the definition of the respective identification feature can be reduced if the uniqueness of the identification feature remains limited. This allows greater differences between the individual identification features and increases process reliability with regard to identification.

In a first embodiment, the uniqueness of the identification feature is limited to a certain period of time. This period can be, for example, a working shift or a working week. Subsequently, the properties of the identification feature for new identification features are released. In an alternative embodiment, the uniqueness is limited to a job list to be processed. As soon as an order list is marked as completely processed, the properties of the associated identification features are released.

The arrangement of the identification feature to be detected is defined in a first continuation relative to the apparatus for print finishing. Thus, the detection range of the reading device can be fixed in place. In addition, the evaluation is carried out stationary to the device for postpress and can be simplified.

In a second continuation, the arrangement of the identification feature to be detected is determined relative to the contour of the respective printed product. Thus, the detection of the identification feature is independent of the positioning of the printed product during acquisition.

Positioning errors of the printed product do not affect its identification.

Particularly advantageous are identification features which comprise two or more non-contiguous regions of the printed image, each spaced apart from one another. In this way, there are numerous additional options for setting and correspond to many distinguishable identifiers. In continuation, the arrangement of these jointly forming an identification feature areas is set relative to each other.

• 1 ein zu identifizierendes Druckprodukt und eine digital erzeugte Repräsentation des zu identifizierenden Druckbildes;
• 2 ein Klebebinder;
• 3 ein vereinfachtes Ablaufschema zur Herstellung von Büchern;
• 4 ein erstes vereinfachtes Ablaufschema zur Herstellung von Buchdecken;
• 5 ein zweites vereinfachtes Ablaufschema zur Herstellung von Buchdecken.

Subsequently, the invention with reference to the figures, to which reference is made with respect to all unspecified details in the description, explained by means of embodiments. The figures show:

• 1 a print product to be identified and a digitally generated representation of the print image to be identified;
• 2 an adhesive binder;
• 3 a simplified flow chart for the production of books;
• 4 a first simplified flow chart for the production of book covers;
• 5 a second simplified flowchart for the production of book covers.

In a first embodiment, adhesive bound brochures are made, each of which is adhesive-proof with an envelope 1 connected book block exist. Previously alternatively bound book blocks are lying with the same orientation in a row by means of a block feed 33 individually in the 2 shown perfect binder 31 fed to an adhesive binder. At the top of each book block is a barcode referring to an associated production order 10 ' printed. In this block feed 33 is a camera 52 to read 115 this order codes 10 ' arranged.

One of this camera 52 for evaluation block downstream evaluation compares the from the camera 52 read job code 10 ' with an expected order code 10 , Returns this comparison 126 a match of the read actual code 10 ' with the expected target code 10 , the scanned book block is sent to a transport bracket for on-job processing 42 of the perfect binder 31 to hand over. Then the book block is removed from the transport clamp 42 at several processing stations 43 such as block back processing stations and pastes of known type. Then it is still from the transport bracket 42 held book block in a joining station with a provided envelope 1 by sticky joining 206 connected. On this hanging 206 becomes the back area of the brochure pressed and finished from the perfect binder 31 guided.

Voices from the camera 52 read actual code 10 ' and the expected target code 10 On the other hand, it does not agree, according to the in 3 Instead, the flowchart shown the book block in question by means of a staple transport instead 41 of the perfect binder 31 upstream product diverter 34 by discharging 204 the immediate further processing by the perfect binder 31 withdrawn.

Before further processing are several to be processed envelopes 1 magazines 201 and as a stack the envelope magazine 37 of the perfect binder 31 fed. One at each end in this magazine 37 located envelope 1 will after singling 202 transferred from the supply of a transport device. This transport device leads each individual envelope 1 the said joining station. For this purpose, this transport device comprises slides 46 , which in pairs a scattered envelope 1 at its trailing edge capture effective and along the envelopes aligning guides 45 transport.

In addition, the device for the envelope transport includes another camera 53 , This additional camera 53 serves to capture 121 of the printed image 2 each individually transported envelope 1 , The printed image contains this 2 in the 1 represented areas 12.1 . 12.2 . 12.3 , which together the identification feature 11 ' form. All areas 12.1 . 12.2 . 12.3 of the identification feature 11 ' lie within the spatial coverage 54 the camera 53 , The camera 53 represents the captured image of an image evaluation device 63 to disposal. Due to the performance of modern cameras, this image evaluation device 63 in the camera 53 integrated.

The image evaluation device 63 reads the relevant image areas 12.1 . 12.2 . 12.3 from 120 and compares that from the camera 53 recorded actual identification feature 11 ' with an expected target identification 11 and transmits the result of this comparison 127 a controller 61 the perfect binder system 31 , Only if the determined actual identification feature matches 11 ' with the expected target identification feature 11 becomes the envelope 1 through the envelope feed 36 other processing stations of known type for preparation 205 as fed to the grooves. After joining 206 already done in the perfect binder 31 a post-processing 207 by pressing the back area of the printed product.

Is the read actual identification feature 11 ' but not with the expected target identification feature 11 match, the affected envelope 1 through an envelope switch 38 the envelope feed 36 withdrawn from the product stream and in a Umschlagauslage 39 spent. There it is taken from the operating staff. For a better clarity of the figures is the discharge 204 of the envelope 1 when identified as a "wrong" book block and the rejection 204 of the book block with the envelope identified as "false" 1 not shown.

The expected target identification feature 11 of the envelope 1 is like the expected target barcode 10 of the book block in an order record 22 deposited and represents the order code 23 , The target identification feature 11 and the target barcode 10 With respect to the production order are so clear that by their identification each of the associated production order can be determined without errors. The data record assigned to each production order 22 contains in each case further information describing the production order or the product 24 . 25 , These are used for production planning and production preparation as well as for controls.

An order code 23 is derived in a known manner from a counting numbering and characteristics of each job 104 or arbitrarily assigned and as a barcode 10 printed on the book block or book block forming pages 105.

In contrast, the identification feature 11 of the envelope 1 from the design 100 its print image 2 derived 112 , This is done using a in the right part of the 1 shown digital representation 8th of the printed image 2 from properties of the represented print image. First, the identification is done 111 distinctive image areas to make it the identification feature 11 determining image areas 12.1 . 12.2 . 12.3 establish 113 , which together form the image area 12 of the identification feature 11 form. Subsequently, a determination is made 114 the one for the identification feature 11 used expression 19 these specified image areas 12.1 . 12.2 . 12.3 , By only using these specified image areas for the further procedure 12.1 . 12.2 . 12.3 and their content 19 be used, the image information to be processed and thus the required computing power or the time required significantly reduced.

Based on the digital representation 8th becomes the identification feature 11 regardless of the printed envelope 1 educated. Nevertheless, this is the readable identification feature 11 ' in any case automatically with the printing 103 of the envelope 1 through a printing press 30 known type in its printed image 2 available. By the digital representation 8th of the printed image as a basis for establishing 110 of the identification feature 11 is used, it is easily possible, the identification feature 11 regardless of the actual scale of the print. This in turn allows the identification feature 11 very early, before printing 103 of the envelope 1 and still be able to change the scaling of the print at very short notice. It also allows the same identification feature 11 to use for differently scaled prints. The most significant advantage, however, is the renunciation of additional features for the purpose of identification without for identification of the actual printed image 2 to have to learn. As a digital representation 8th for the determination 110 of the identification feature 11 will, as in 3 shown one for data preparation 102 used in the prepress anyway existing.

In an in 4 shown second embodiment, the identification for the production of book covers from cover boards and a printed benefit 3 used as a reference material. In a database 20 is an order list 21 with multiple order records 22 . 22 _n-1 . 22 _n saved. Each of these order records 22 . 22 _n-1 . 22 _n Contains a sequential number, format data required for processing the production order 24 . 24 _n and that from the specified image area 12 . 12 _n-1 and the expression 19 . 19 _n-1 . 19 _n , 19 _{n + 1} within this image area 12 . 12 _n-1 composite identifier 11 . 11 _n-1 , In addition, the order records contain 22 . 22 _n-1 . 22 _n one each the order record 22 . 22 _n-1 . 22 _n identifying code, which according to the first embodiment as a barcode 10 . 10 ' or matrix code can be displayed, as well as other order-related data.

The respective identification feature 11 . 11 _n-1 is based on by the design 100 the book cover formed digital representation 8th of the printed image 4 established. This setting 110 of the identification feature 11 . 11 _n-1 is divided into, identifying 111 distinctive image areas within the digital representation 8th and deriving 112 of the identification feature 11 . 11 _n-1 , The setting 113 the image areas 12 . 12 _n-1 by selecting individual of the image areas identified as distinctive sets together with the setting 114 the expected expression 19 . 19 _n-1 . 19 _n . _{19n + 1} the print image within the defined image areas 12 . 12 _n-1 the deriving 112 the expected identification feature 11 . 11 _n-1 After fixing 110 this expected identification feature 11 . 11 _n-1 it will be within the associated job record 22 . 22 _n-1 . 22 _n in the order database 20 stored.

By comparison 127 This will actually be based on the benefit to be processed 3 existing print image 4 to the presence of this expected identifier 11 . 11 _n-1 checked. For this, the existing print image is captured by a camera 121 and as an identification feature 11 . 11 _n-1 certain image areas 12 . 12 _n- 1 tested. Only with a positive result will the respective benefit 3 magaziniert 201 and then optionally supplied in batches after a storage period of further processing 203 , Otherwise, the tested benefit 3 discharged 204 and thus deprived of the ceiling production.

The positive tested benefits 3 be after feeding 203 from a book cover machine 32 initially isolated 202 , Then captured 121 a camera the respective print image 4 , Based on this recorded print image 4 done by an image evaluation device 63 the book cover machine 32 the setting 113 of image areas. This determination 113 takes place according to the same rule, according to the already expected identification feature 11 . 11 _n-1 was determined. The control represents the actual expression 19 ' of the printed image 4 within these specified image areas 124 , A comparison 127 the actual value determined 19 ' with those in the database 20 deposited expected characteristics 19 _n-1 . 19 _n . _{19n + 1} provides the respective benefits to be processed 3 associated job record 22 _n ,

After the book cover machine 32 the associated order record 22 _n-1 , 22n has stated, she reads the format data 24 _n this order record 22 _n and automatically performs the necessary format adjustments based on these presets 128 by. On the format adjustment 128 follows the feeding 203 the required cardboard elements from corresponding magazines of the book cover machine 32 and the final processing 206 the respective benefit 3 and the cardboard elements to a book cover. This completion 206 takes place in a known manner and will therefore not be explained further.

The order database 20 one in 5 shown third embodiment includes a plurality of different order data sets 22 _n-1 . 22 _n . 22 _n already described kind. From the entries of this database 20 becomes a list 21 the order records 22 _n-1 . 22 _n . 22 _n generated several next to be processed production orders. This list 21 Awaiting production orders becomes a book cover machine 32 made available.

The book cover machine 32 has a job memory 62 which is the actual identification feature read by a camera _11'k-1 an immediate benefit 3 contains. A benefit to be processed next 3 is detected individually by the same camera and that for the identification feature 11 specified image areas 12 read 124 , This actual identification feature 11 ' _k of the benefit to be processed next and last read 3 will be with the in the job store 62 deposited the previous actual identification feature _11'k-1 compared 128 ,

Are these actual identification features _11'k-1 . 11 ' _k identical, this is equivalent to the fact that the two respective benefits belong to the same production order. A format adjustment 208 is unnecessary. The feeding 203 the cardboard elements and the finishing 206 The book cover is made immediately.

However, the two consecutively read actual identification features are different _11'k-1 . 11 ' _k , can not be automatically assumed the same formats of the two associated book covers and their components. Therefore, the to the last detected identification feature 11 ' _k associated format data in the manner described with reference to the second embodiment. The format adjustment 208 is adjusted accordingly before feeding 203 the cardboard elements and finished 206 the book cover performed.

If the required number of book covers of a production order is made, the associated order record is 22 _n-1 . 22 _n . 22n _{+ 1} logged out and deleted from the order list. Use 3 with an actual identification feature 11 ' which is not in the data of the order list 21 is found, are discharged logically to the first embodiment.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3806125 A1 [0002]
• DE 10024070 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Method for identifying printed products (1) in print finishing, comprising at least the steps of • printing (103) at least one printed product (1) to be processed, wherein at least one outer side of the printed product (1) to be processed is provided with an optically detectable printed image (2) • feeding (203) the at least one printed product (1) into a device for further printing (31, 32), • detecting (121) at least one printed image (2) of the at least one printed product (1) fed by a reading device (52) the device for further printing (31, 32), • fixing (110) of at least one optically detectable identification mark (11, 11 ') within this at least one printed image (2), which serves the respective printed product (1) and / or at least to unambiguously identify a process (204, 205, 206) associated with this at least one printed product (1), this definition being the spatial one n area (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of the identification feature (11, 11 ') determining arrangement (13, 14, 17, 18) and extension (15, 16) and / or the substantive expression (19) within a spatial area (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of the identification feature (11, 11 '), • transmission of this determination to an evaluation device (63) of the device for further processing (31, 32) of the printed product (1), • transmission of the reading device (53) detected print image (2) to the evaluation device (63) and • evaluation (124) of optical properties of the reading device (53) transmitted print image (2) in the at least one fixed spatial area (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of the identification feature (11, 11 ') by means of the evaluation device (63) of the device for print finishing, characterized in that the identification feature (11, 11') is formed by at least a part of the original printed image (2) Omitted picture elements, which serve primarily the production. Method according to Claim 1 characterized by a comparison (127, 128) of the respective identification feature (11 ', 11' _k-1 , 11 ' _k ) detected by the read-finishing device (53) of the printed product ( ₁ ) to be processed with at least one in a data memory (62) of the device (31, 32) for print processing and / or stored in a database (20) identification feature (11, 11 _n-1 ), which is assigned to exactly one production order. Method according to Claim 2 characterized by a first comparison (127) of the identification feature (11 ') of the supplied printed product (1) to be processed by the reading device (53) of the device (31, 32) for print finishing with an expected identification feature (11) of an expected one to be processed printed product. Method according to Claim 2 or 3 characterized by a second comparison (128) of the identification feature (11 ' _k ) last detected by the reading device (53) of the pressure-processing device with a reading device (53) previously detected by said reading device (53) and stored in a data memory (62) of the device (31, 32) for print processing and / or stored in a database (20) identification feature (11 ' _k-1 ) of a previously processed by the device (31, 32) for print processing or processed print product (1). Method according to one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that on the basis of the result of the at least one comparison (127, 128) in each case on the execution of processes (204, 205, 206) by a controller (61) of the device (31, 32) is decided to print processing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (13, 14, 17, 18) and / or extent (15, 16) of the at least one identification feature (11, 11 ') automatically based on a general on the detectable print image ( 2) applied rule from the printed image (2) itself is derived. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extent of the area (54) of the printed image (2) detected by the reading device (53) of the device (31, 32) for print finishing is a multiple of the extent of the image printed in this printed image (2). contained and by the evaluation device (63) of the device (31, 32) evaluated for print finishing identification feature (11 ') corresponds. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the uniqueness of the derived identification feature (11, 11 ') is limited in time. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the uniqueness of the derived identification feature (11, 11 ') is limited to a predetermined order list (21). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (13, 14, 17, 18) and / or extension (15, 16) of the at least one identification feature (11, 11 ') relative to a device (31, 32) fixed to carry out the method. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement (13, 14, 17, 18) and / or extension (15, 16) of the at least one identification feature (11, 11 ') relative to the contour of the printed product (1) is fixed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification feature (11, 11 ') extends over at least two mutually separate regions (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of the printed image (2). Method according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the arrangement (17, 18) of the at least two separate regions (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) of the at least one identification feature (11, 11 ') is fixed relative to each other. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing (110) of the at least one optically detectable identification feature (11) takes place on the basis of a digitally generated representation (8) of the identification feature (11) bearing print image (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one identification feature (11) is fixed to the respective printed product (1) in time prior to the printing (103) of the print image (2) containing this identification feature (11) and that at least one part (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 19) of this determination (110) before the start of a print finishing of the respective printed product (1) to the device (31, 32) is transmitted to perform this print finishing.

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