EP0652480B1 - Method and device of filmstrip preparation for a repeat order - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing Film strips for reordering orders according to the preamble of claim 1 or Claim 9.

• Bei Filmstreifen mit einem an ihrem Längsrand angeklebten Papierstreifen, einem sogenannten "Tabstreifen", kann der Kunde unterhalb des jeweiligen Negativs die Anzahl der Kopien und eventuell auch das gewünschte Bildformat auf dem Papierstreifen eintragen.
• Hat der Kunde die geschnittenen Filmstreifen ohne angekleben Tabstreifen zurückerhalten, so ist vielfach auf der Verpackung der Filmstreifen oder auf der Auftragstasche eine Tabelle aufgedruckt, die alle Negativnummern enthält. Der Kunde bzw. das Bedienungspersonal im Fotogeschäft liest dann die entsprechende Negativnummer auf dem Filmstreifen und trägt die gewünschte Anzahl von Kopien und gegebenenfalls auch das Bildformat in die Tabelle ein.
• Bei einigen Erstbearbeitungen von Kundenaufträgen können die Negativnummern auch bereits auf die Rückseite des jeweiligen zugehörigen Bildes aufgedruckt sein. In diesem Fall liest der Kunde einfach die entsprechende Nummer von der Rückseite des Bildes ab und trägt diese und gegebenenfalls das gewünschte Bildformat in eine Tabelle auf der Auftragstasche ein. Der Kunde muss die geschnittenen Filmstreifen nicht mehr nach den gesuchten Negativen untersuchen, sondern legt alle zusammengehörigen Filmstreifen eines Erstauftrages in die Auftragstasche.

In the photofinishing industry, customers usually do not get the developed negative films back in one piece, but cut them into strips. These film strips usually contain 4 to 6 negative images. If the customer intends to order further pictures at a later time, he will use the paper picture already available to find the corresponding negative from the first order. Depending on the way in which the negative film strips are present, there are different ways in which the customer can tell the photo laboratory which negative of the respective film strip he would like to have produced how many paper images.

• In the case of film strips with a paper strip glued to their longitudinal edge, a so-called "tab strip", the customer can enter the number of copies and possibly the desired image format on the paper strip below the respective negative.
• If the customer has received the cut film strips without glued tab strips, a table that contains all negative numbers is often printed on the packaging of the film strips or on the order bag. The customer or the operating staff in the photo shop then reads the corresponding negative number on the film strip and enters the desired number of copies and, if appropriate, also the image format in the table.
• With some initial processing of customer orders, the negative numbers can already be printed on the back of the corresponding picture. In this case, the customer simply reads the corresponding number from the back of the picture and enters it and, if necessary, the desired picture format in a table on the order bag. The customer no longer has to examine the cut film strips for the negatives they are looking for, but puts all the film strips belonging to a first order in the order bag.

• Bei Filmstreifen mit angeklebtem Tabstreifen hat der Kunde seine Wünsche unterhalb des entsprechenden Negativs auf dem Streifen eingetragen. Das Bedienungspersonal an der Vorbereitungsstation liest die Kundenangaben von dem Tabstreifen des jeweiligen Filmstreifens ab und gibt diese Daten entweder vor oder nach dem Einführen des Filmstreifens in die Vorbereitungsstation über eine Tastatur ein.
• In den Fällen, in denen die auftragsspezifischen Kundendaten in einer Tabelle enthalten sind, die auf der Auftragstasche oder auf anderen Verpackungselementen der Filmstreifen aufgedruckt ist, wählt das Bedienungspersonal an der Vorbereitungsstation einen sogenannten Tabellenmodus und gibt die in der Tabelle enthaltenen Kundenangaben über eine Tastatur in die Vorbereitungsstation ein. Dabei wird geräteintern eine sogenannte Gerätetabelle erstellt, die im wesentlichen eine elektronische Kopie der vom Kunden ausgefüllten Tabelle darstellt. Danach gibt das Bedienungspersonal die geschnittenen Filmstreifen einzeln in beliebiger Reihenfolge in die Vorbereitungsstation ein, wo sie in weiterer Folge an ein Trägerband angeklebt werden. Uni zu gewährleisten, dass die Negative auf dem eingegebenen Filmstreifen korrekt mit den Kundendaten in der Gerätetabelle korreliert werden, muss das Bedienungspersonal der Vorbereitungsstation immer auch jeweils die erste Negativnummer des eingegebenen Filmstreifens mitteilen. Zudem muss das Bedienungspersonal auch darauf achten, dass die Filmstreifen immer in der gleichen Art eingegeben werden, das heisst, die Emulsionsseite der Filmstreifen muss in der korrekten Position liegen (üblicherweise nach unten), und eine einmal gewählte Art der Negativnummernfolge, auf- bzw. absteigend, muss beibehalten werden.

The order bag with the address of the customer is finally delivered to the photo laboratory. So that the various reordering orders can be processed efficiently in a large photo finishing laboratory, the individual cut film strips from several orders are usually glued to a carrier tape in a preparation station and wound up into a roll of film. At the same time, the order data are recorded, entered into the preparation station and transferred to a data carrier, for example a computer diskette or the like. The film roll and the data carrier are then passed to a further processing station, for example a photographic printer, in which the orders are preferably processed fully automatically and the desired photographic copies are made. There are usually two methods for entering the order data for an order, depending on the type of customer order.

• In the case of film strips with glued tab strips, the customer has entered their wishes below the corresponding negative on the strip. The operating personnel at the preparation station reads the customer information from the tab strip of the respective film strip and enters this data either before or after the film strip has been inserted into the preparation station via a keyboard.
• In cases in which the order-specific customer data are contained in a table that is printed on the order bag or on other packaging elements of the film strips, the operating personnel at the preparation station select a so-called table mode and enter the customer information contained in the table into the table using a keyboard Preparation station. A so-called device table is created within the device, which essentially represents an electronic copy of the table completed by the customer. The operating personnel then enter the cut film strips individually in any order into the preparation station, where they are subsequently glued to a carrier tape. In order to ensure that the negatives on the entered filmstrip are correctly correlated with the customer data in the device table, the operating personnel must always inform the preparation station of the first negative number of the entered filmstrip. In addition, the operating personnel must also ensure that the film strips are always entered in the same way, i.e. the emulsion side of the film strips must be in the correct position (usually downwards) and a type of negative number sequence selected, up or descending, must be maintained.

When entering the cut film strips into the preparation station where they are attached to a Carrier tape is stuck on and wound up into a roll of film are common A number of mishaps have been observed that negatively impact the workflow and in particular can affect the lead time of a customer order. It can happen that a filmstrip is entered slightly obliquely and in this position the carrier tape can be glued. Aside from the fact that this causes interference in the Management of the film material in subsequent fully automatic processing stations images with unsightly edges are often produced in this way. Such images are usually not acceptable to the customer, and the The copying process must be repeated with correctly positioned film strips. It is coming also before that filmstrip entered in with the emulsion layer on the wrong side and are glued to the carrier tape in this position. This leads to later reversed and blurred images, which are also not acceptable and in one Repetition of the whole process will result. Especially with pictures that have motifs In this case, the lettering is shown reversed, what is of course completely unacceptable.

In many cases, film strips are also entered that contain no negatives at all that the customer wants a picture of. This is especially the case if the customer sends all film strips with the copy job. This way, many Film strips unnecessarily glued to the carrier tape, resulting in a massive Loss of productivity in the preparation station and much more in the subsequent automatic processing stations can lead.

In the known preparation stations, all of these errors have to be remedied only after possible to glue the film strips. The operating personnel can, provided the error at all determined, indicate to the device that it is intended to use a film strip remove again. However, this procedure is relatively complex, since in this case the already stuck film strips must be removed from the carrier tape and may need to be re-entered. This creates on the glued film roll from individual film strips a gap in the carrier tape, the in further processing in the following usually fully automatic Stations can cause interference. In addition, the preparation station is open during the Troubleshoot silently.

There is therefore a desire for a method and for a device for Preparation of film strips for reordering orders where the previously described Operating errors and unnecessary entries of film strips that are not required compensated in such a way that there is no loss of productivity. Disorders and incorrect exposures due to misalignment of film strips should be avoided become.

The solution to all of these and other tasks is one method and one Device according to the respective characterizing part of method claim 1 or independent device claim 9.

In the inventive method for the preparation of film strips for Reorder orders are the film strips belonging to a customer order, the each contain a number of numbered templates, in one Preparation station fed. There they are glued to a carrier tape and closed a film reel spooled, which can be used at subsequent processing stations is. There will also be the customer-specific order data regarding the desired Number of copies of certain master copies and, if necessary, the desired one Copy format entered via an input unit in the preparation station and on a carrier medium is stored, which with the subsequent processing stations is compatible. The customer-specific order data is then uploaded the filmstrip entered. The fed film strips are on before sticking on the carrier tape automatically in terms of its position parallel to the direction of transport and with regard to the number sequence of the master copies on the respective film strip examined, and by comparison with the entered customer-specific order data it is checked whether the fed film strip for processing the customer order is required. In the event of an incorrect position of a film strip or in the case of a The operating personnel are responsible for the processing of unnecessary film strips automatically made aware of the respective error, or it becomes the relevant one Film strips are automatically ejected before they are glued to the carrier tape. On in this way, incorrect operation by the operating personnel is compensated and the Source for possible malfunctions and / or incorrect further processing of the Copies, such as incorrect exposures, reliably avoided. Aslant or film strips entered incorrectly no longer have to be laboriously removed from the carrier tape be replaced. By filmstrips, which are used to process a customer order are superfluous since no images are required from the copy templates contained on them will be eliminated, preferably automatically Loss of productivity at the preparation station and especially at the subsequent processing stations avoided.

In a particularly preferred variant of the method according to the invention, a Filmstrip inserted in such a way that it is immediately in front of a pair of feed rollers arranged sensor activated and depending on the length of the film strip at least one other Photoelectric sensor is activated in the input area of the preparation station parallel to the direction of transport of the film strips at a predetermined distance from the first sensor is arranged. The activation of the first sensor sets a drive for the feed roller pair and, if necessary, for further transport roller pairs in progress. The filmstrip is pushed forward by hand until its front edge of the Feed roller pair is detected and the film strip is automatically drawn further. The rotation of the counter roller of the pair of feed rollers is with a Rotation sensor, preferably measured with an angle encoder, on this Way to measure the distance covered by the filmstrip. With the help of a photoelectric scanner, which, viewed in the direction of transport of the film strip, is arranged behind the feed roller pair, the leading front edge of the Detected filmstrip and a DX code arranged on the side of the first copy read with start and stop sequence and with a coded template number. From the Legibility of the DX code can be inferred from the correct position of the film strip become. The position of the layer of the film strip becomes from the position of the DX code certainly. If the start sequence of the DX code is present before the coded one Master copy number is on an increasing number sequence or when the Stop sequence of the DX code before the coded master number on a Descending number sequence closed. Upon detection of the rear end of the Filmstrip is from the distance of the responsive sensor in front of the Feed roller pair and the detected revolutions of the counter roller of the Feed roller pairs determines the length of the film strip. From the film length and the Information about the increase or decrease in the number sequence of the master copies can the original number on the filmstrip is determined. Based the previously entered device table is then automatically decided whether of the Copies on the film strip in question copies are desired. If applicable and provided that the filmstrip is entered correctly and its layer side is present correctly, the film strip in question becomes one Conveyor roller pair transported on, over which a carrier tape is guided which the filmstrip is subsequently glued on. In the event of a fault Location of the filmstrip or if it is determined that the filmstrip is suitable for the Processing the order is not required, this can be done by reversing the Rotational movement of the pair of feed rollers and possibly other Transport roller pairs are automatically ejected against the direction of insertion or via an alternative transport route out of the preparation station be removed.

The inventive device for the preparation of film strips for Reorder orders include an input area in which a number of Film strips of a customer order along with copy templates Work surface are fed to a pair of feed rollers, a gluing station for Glue the fed film strips to a carrier tape that over a Deflecting roller pair is guided, and a computer unit in which customer-specific Order data regarding the desired number of copies of certain master copies and, if necessary, the desired copy format entered and with another Processing station compatible storage medium can be recorded. Related to the direction of transport of the film strips in the device are before Feed roller pair at least a first and a second photoelectric sensor for Detection of the side edge and the rear end of a fed film strip in provided a predetermined distance from the pair of feed rollers. The controls first sensor drive means for the feed roller pair closer to the feed roller pair and possibly further pairs of transport rollers. The counter roller of the Feed roller pair is with a rotation detector, preferably one Angle encoder, connected. At a predetermined distance behind the Feed roller pair is a photoelectric scanning unit which is arranged advanced front edge of the film strip detected and to recognize Template numbers are formed on the side of each template on the filmstrip are printed. The photoelectric sensors, the rotation detector, the Photoelectric scanning unit, the drive means for the feed roller pair and if necessary, further pairs of transport rollers and drive means for the Deflecting roller pair in the gluing station are connected to the computer unit in such a way that on the one hand, detected signals and information are sent to the computer unit and on the other hand control signals to the corresponding drive means and possibly still other connected means of transport for the film strips can be given. With With the device designed in this way, the method according to the invention is very simple feasible.

To reliably record film strips of different lengths and their length to be able to determine reliably are based on the transport direction of the Film strips in the processing station in front of the pair of feed rollers, preferably three Photoelectric sensors for the detection of the side edge and the rear end of a fed film strip at a predetermined distance from the pair of feed rollers intended.

The photoelectric scanner is preferably a DX code reader, because in this Case the information contained in a DX code for the Implementation of the inventive method can be used. In particular, it is possible to insert the start and stop sequences of the DX code into the Procedures to determine the template number sequence to include what that Procedure further simplified.

Preferably, the pair of feed rollers and possibly the others Transport roller pairs can be driven in the feed direction and in the opposite direction in order to film strips that are not required or entered incorrectly Eject insertion direction.

Alternatively, based on the direction of feed, the film strip behind the Photoelectric scanning device but in front of the pair of deflection rollers in the transport path the film strip a switch and other film transport means are provided, which are controlled by the computer unit and if necessary, if a film strip can be eliminated, can be activated. In this way, a filmstrip can be placed on a alternative route can be eliminated from the preparation station.

The cut film strips usually have between four and six full-format ones 35mm copy templates or a correspondingly higher number of semi-format Templates on. Particularly advantageous for the application of the invention The procedure for all commonly occurring film strip lengths is when the Distance of the first photoelectric sensor from the pair of feed rollers approximately from 10 mm to Is 20 mm and a second and possibly a third photoelectric sensor each at a distance of about 30 mm to about 80 mm from the previous sensor are arranged. The distance of the photoelectric scanning unit from Feed roller pair preferably from about 10 mm to about 30 mm.

Fig. 1

eine Vorbereitungsstation für Filmstreifen,

Fig. 2

einen Seitenriss des erfindungswesentlichen Bereichs der Vorrichtung, und

Fig. 3

eine Aufsicht des erfindungswesentlichen Bereichs der Vorrichtung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary schematic representations. Show it:

Fig. 1

a preparation station for film strips,

Fig. 2

a side elevation of the essential area of the device, and

Fig. 3

a supervision of the essential area of the device.

In Fig. 1 is a preparation station for film strips in total with the Reference number 1 provided. Such devices are used in large laboratories where individual cut film strips of a reorder order with usually 4 to 6 Master copies, usually negative originals, are glued to a carrier tape and then wound up on a film spool. This coil with the on that Carrier tape is glued to the film strip at the beginning of a photographic copier infected, then the customer order is largely according to the order data processed fully automatically.

The device has a housing 2 in which various electronic, electrical and mechanical device components, for example drive means for Film transport devices, etc., are housed. A work table 3 extends horizontally over the length of the housing 2 and serves as a work surface for the Operating personnel. On the work table 3 there is an input area 4 for the Filmstrip and attached to it an adhesive station 5, in which the individual Film strips are preferably glued to the carrier tape. Usually there is the carrier tape 77 from an adhesive tape 7 and a paper tape 70, which such are glued together so that the outermost longitudinal edge of the film strip between the both tapes lies and is glued to the adhesive tape 7. The adhesive tape 7 is from an unwind spool 6, which above the work table 3 on the Front of the housing is pluggable. A second unwind spool 14 with paper tape 70 is arranged below the worktop 3 and is fed to the gluing station 5. In the the adhesive station 5 to the carrier tape 77 tapes taped together Winding spool 8 spooled, which can be plugged into the front of the housing.

In the work table 3 lighting areas 9 are embedded, which it Allow operators to view the originals on the filmstrip. A keyboard 11 integrated into the worktop is housed in a housing 2 Computing unit 10 in connection. The customer-specific Enter the order data and any correction values in the computer unit 10 become. The computing unit has a display device 12, via which the the keyboard 11 entered information can be checked by the operating personnel can. However, the display device 12 can optionally also messages and Display information such as error messages. For example, the Display device 12 a display or a screen. The operator entered data are stored on a storage medium 13, which with the subsequent processing stations is compatible. For example, as Storage medium magnetic tape cassettes or computer disks are used. To this In this way, they all belong to the film strips wound on the film spool 8 Reorder data stored on a magnetic tape or a computer diskette and can then together with the film reel to the subsequent processing stations to get redirected.

The area of preparation station 1 which is essential to the invention essentially comprises the input area 4 for the film strips up to the gluing station 5. This area is in the 2 and 3 shown in side or in elevation. The input area 4 has Feed roller pair 41.42 and possibly further transport roller pairs 43.44 or 45, 46, which can be driven by a motor 40. There is only one at a time Roller driven, while the second forms a counter roller. In the present The rollers with the odd number are exemplary embodiments Reference numerals 41,43,45 drivable, while those with the straight ones Reference numerals 42, 44 46 represent counter rollers. A revolution detector 47 monitors the counter roller 42 of the feed roller pair 41, 42 and is with the Computer unit 10 connected. Preferably, the rotation detector 47 is on Angle encoder; in this way it is not only possible to detect whether the counter roller 42 turns, but it can also turn the measured angle be counted. It is advantageous to have the rotation detector 47 on the counter roller 42 to arrange, since it rolls exactly on the incoming film strip F. The Angle information of the rotation detector 47 can in the computer unit in Length units are implemented, the film strip F from the feed roller pair 41.42 is advanced. The filmstrip entered is along the transport plane T transported between the pairs of rollers. The transport direction D runs in present exemplary embodiment from left to right, from the feed roller pair 41, 42 up to a pair of guide rollers 71, 72 in the gluing station 5. The tape 7 and the Paper tape 70 are guided over the deflection rollers 71, 72. When transporting one Filmstrip F between the deflection rollers 71,72, the adhesive tape on the latter outermost longitudinal edge and glued to the paper tape 70 and in this way the Filmstrip F connected to the carrier tape 77.

Three photoelectric sensors are arranged in front of the feed roller pair 41, 42 are connected to the computer unit 10 via signal lines (not specified). Counted from the feed roller pair 41, 42, these are a first 49, a second 50 and a third sensor 51. The distance of the first photoelectric sensor 49 from Feed roller pair 41.42 is approximately from 10 mm to 20 mm. The second and the third Sensor 50 and 51 are each at a distance of about 30 mm to about 80 mm from each previous sensor 49 and 50 arranged. The arrangement is the Sensors 49-51 parallel to the transport direction D of the film strips F.

The signals from the first sensor 49 can also be used to control the drive motor 40 for the feed roller pair 41.42 and the further transport roller pairs 43.44 and 45.46 be used. It is understood that the drive motor for the Feed roller pair 41.42 and for the other transport roller pairs 43.44 and 45.46 can also be controlled in other ways. For example, the Rotation detector 47 on the counter roller 42 of the feed roller pair 41, 42 be used. If the leading leading edge of the filmstrip F in the gap between the driven roller 41 and the counter roller 42, the Counter roller 42 rotated. The rotational movement is detected and as a result the Drive motor 40 activated.

The photoelectric sensors 49-51 are used to detect the rear end of the inserted film strip F. From the detection of the rear end of the film strip F and the angle information of the rotation detector 47 is stored in the computing unit 10 determines the length of the entered filmstrip F. This is done simply by Addition of the feed distance determined from the angle information and the distance of the sensor that has detected the rear end of the filmstrip F from Feed roller pair 41.42. In principle, two sensors are sufficient to check the correct position of an entered film strip F from, but, as shown, preferably three photoelectric sensors 49-51 are provided as in this way Film strips F of different lengths can be measured without the known preparation stations existing distance between the Intake roller pair 41.42 and the deflection roller pair 71.72 have to change. This has the advantage that existing devices can also be retrofitted to the application of the inventive method to be suitable.

Behind the feed roller pair 41.42 (based on the transport direction D of the Filmstrip F) is a photoelectric scanner 48 is arranged, which over a Signal line, not specified, is connected to the computer unit 10. With help this scanner 48, the numbers of copies N on the film strip F transported past and a lateral offset of the film strip F, for example by entering at an angle. This is done simply via the Determine whether the number can be read at all. In addition, with the scanning device 48 also the correct position of the layer side of the film strip F be determined.

Preferably, the scanner 48 is a DX code reader, which the on the Filmstrip F scans DX code arranged on the side of each original N. To this In this way, the copy master number contained in the DX code can be determined. The DX codes are very narrow, so that a lateral offset of the film strip F in one incomplete detection of the code by the DX code reader 48 results. Especially It is advantageous that each DX code has a start sequence and a stop sequence having. Depending on whether a start sequence or a Stop sequence is present, it is determined whether the copy number on the Filmstrip F exist in ascending or descending order; can also on this way it can also be determined whether the layer side of the film strip F in the correct position. For these examinations, it is generally sufficient for the to read the first DX code located on filmstrip F. Only in the event that this first DX code cannot be read, for example because it has been destroyed, the next must readable DX code.

From the information whether the sequence of the numbers of the master copies N on the Filmstrip F is ascending or descending and from the determined length of the filmstrip F can be clearly identified the copy templates N located on the film strip F. become. The computer unit 10 only has to be used in the case of semi-format copy templates N. this information will be transmitted. This can be done manually by typing in the Keyboard 11 done, or with the help of a sensor that the webs between the Master copies N detected. From the distance of the webs can then on the format of the copies on the filmstrip are closed. The sensor can can also be provided in front of the feed roller pair 41, 42, but it can be, for example the first sensor 49 and also the DX code reader 48 can also be designed for this purpose. The Original copy numbers determined on the attached film strip F are combined with the customer information entered into the computer unit 10 compared and then decided whether the film strip in question should be used to process the reorder order is required and is to be glued to the carrier tape 77 or whether it comes out of the device should be eliminated.

In order to be able to eject a film strip F again from the device, it is advisable if the feed roller pair 41.42 and the transport roller pairs 43.44 and 45.46 also are drivable against the feed direction D. Then a film strip F is to be ejected are, so the computer unit 10 to the drive motor 40 for the Feed roller pair 41.42 and the other transport roller pairs 43.44 and 45.46 corresponding signal. The motor turns in the opposite direction, reversing accordingly the direction of rotation of the roller pairs changes and the filmstrip F becomes opposite the feed direction D expelled again. In an alternative embodiment of the Invention can between the second pair of transport rollers 45,46 and Deflecting roller pair 71, 72 of the gluing station 5 a switch and other means of transport for a film strip F can be provided, which are controlled by the computer unit 10. Such a switch is described in EP-A-0,554,639, which hereby to integral part of this description is explained. The switch and the others Transport means are activated if necessary if a film strip F is excreted should. In this case, the filmstrip will not go against the feed direction again ejected, but it becomes an above or below or to the side of the Input area 4 arranged output area transported.

• Der eine Anzahl von Kopiervorlagen N aufweisende Filmstreifen F wird derart eingelegt, dass er die vor dem Einzugswalzenpaar 41,42 angeordneten ersten und zweiten lichtelektrischen Sensoren 49 bzw. 50 aktiviert. Je nach Länge des Filmstreifens F wird dabei auch der dritte lichtelektrische Sensor 51 von der eingeschobenen Längskante des Filmstreifens F aktiviert. Die von den Sensoren 49-51 generierten Signale werden an die Rechnereinheit 10 weitergeleitet.
• Die Aktivierung des ersten Sensors 49 setzt den Antriebsmotor 40 für das Einzugswalzenpaar 41,42 und die gegebenenfalls vorgesehenen weiteren Transportwalzenpaare 43,44 bzw. 45,46 in Gang.
• Der Filmstreifen F wird von Hand soweit vorgeschoben, bis seine Vorderkante von dem Einzugswalzenpaar 41,42 erfasst wird und der Filmstreifen F automatisch weiter eingezogen wird.
• Sobald der Filmstreifen zwischen die angetriebene Walze 41 und die mit Federkraft gegen die Antriebswalze 41 gdrückte Gegenrolle 42 des Einzugswalzenpaars gelangt, rollt die Gegenrolle 42 auf dem Filmstreifen ab. Die Umdrehung der Gegenrolle 42 wird mit dem Umdrehungssensor 47 gemessen wird, um auf diese Weise die Wegstrecke zu messen die der Filmstreifen F von dem Einzugswalzenpaar vorgeschoben wird.
• Mit Hilfe der fotoelektrischen Abtasteinrichtung 48, die, in Transportrichtung D des Filmstreifens F gesehen, hinter dem Einzugsrollenpaar 41,42 angeordnet ist, wird die vorlaufende Vorderkante des Filmstreifens detektiert und der erste lesbare seitlich der ersten Kopiervorlage angeordnete DX-Code mit Start- und Stopsequenz und mit der codierten Vorlagennummer gelesen.
• Aus der Lesbarkeit des DX-Codes wird auf die korrekte Lage des Filmstreifens zurückgeschlossen.
• Bei Anliegen der Startsequenz des DX-Codes vor der codierten Kopiervorlagennummer wird auf eine ansteigende Nummernfolge bzw. bei Anliegen der Stopsequenz des DX-Codes vor der codierten Kopiervorlagennummer auf eine absteigende Nummernfolge der Kopiervorlagen N auf dem Filmstreifen F geschlossen.
• Aufgrund der Reihenfolge des Auftretens von Startsequenz und Stopsequenz und aufgrund der festgestellten Lage des DX-Codes entweder an der in Transportrichtung rechten oder linken Längsseite des Filmstreifens wird die korrekte Lage der Schichtseite des Filmstreifens F überprüft.
• Bei Detektion des hinteren Endes des Filmstreifens F wird aus dem Abstand des ansprechenden Sensors von dem Einzugswalzenpaar 41,42 und der detektierten Umdrehungen der Gegenrolle 42 des Einzugswalzenpaars die Länge des Filmstreifens F bestimmt.
• Aus der ermittelten Länge und der Information über das An- oder Absteigen der Nummernfolge der Kopiervorlagen N werden die auf dem Filmstreifen befindlichen Kopiervorlagennummern bestimmt.
• Anhand der zuvor in die Rechnereinheit 10 eingegebenen kundenspezifischen Auftragsdaten wird automatisch entschieden, ob von den auf dem betreffenden Filmstreifen F vohandenen Kopiervorlagen N Kopien gewünscht werden.
• Zutreffendenfalls und unter der Voraussetzung, dass der Filmstreifen F korrekt eingegeben wurde und seine Schichtseite korrekt vorliegt, wird der betreffende Filmstreifen F zu dem in der Klebestation 5 angeordneten Umlenkwalzenpaar 71,72 weitertransportiert, über welches das Klebeband 7 respektive das Papierband 70 geführt sind, an welche der Filmstreifen F in weiterer Folge angeklebt wird.
• Im Falle einer fehlerhaften Lage des Filmstreifens F oder falls festgestellt wird, dass der Filmstreifen F für die Abarbeitung des Nachbestellauftrags nicht benötigt wird, wird dieser durch Umkehrung der Drehbewegung des Einzugswalzenpaars 41,42 und gegebenenfalls der weiteren Transportwalzenpaare 43,44 bzw. 45,46 automatisch entgegen der Einschubrichtung wieder ausgestossen bzw. über einen alternativen Transportweg wieder aus der Vorbereitungsstation entfernt.

The process according to the invention is preferably carried out in the manner described below:

• The film strip F, which has a number of copying templates N, is inserted in such a way that it activates the first and second photoelectric sensors 49 and 50 arranged in front of the pair of feed rollers 41, 42. Depending on the length of the film strip F, the third photoelectric sensor 51 is also activated by the inserted longitudinal edge of the film strip F. The signals generated by the sensors 49-51 are forwarded to the computer unit 10.
• Activation of the first sensor 49 sets the drive motor 40 in motion for the feed roller pair 41, 42 and any further transport roller pairs 43, 44 and 45, 46 that may be provided.
• The film strip F is advanced by hand until its front edge is gripped by the pair of feed rollers 41, 42 and the film strip F is automatically drawn in further.
• As soon as the film strip comes between the driven roller 41 and the counter roller 42 of the feed roller pair, which is pressed against the drive roller 41 by spring force, the counter roller 42 rolls on the film strip. The rotation of the counter roller 42 is measured with the rotation sensor 47 in order to measure the distance that the film strip F is fed by the pair of feed rollers.
• With the help of the photoelectric scanning device 48, which, seen in the transport direction D of the film strip F, is arranged behind the pair of feed rollers 41, 42, the leading front edge of the film strip is detected and the first readable DX code arranged to the side of the first original with start and stop sequence and read with the coded template number.
• The correct position of the filmstrip can be deduced from the readability of the DX code.
• If the start sequence of the DX code is in front of the coded master number, an increasing number sequence is assumed, or if the stop sequence of the DX code is in front of the coded master number, a descending number sequence of master copies N on the film strip F is inferred.
• The correct position of the layer side of the film strip F is checked on the basis of the sequence of the occurrence of the start sequence and the stop sequence and on the basis of the position of the DX code either on the right or left long side of the film strip in the direction of transport.
• When the rear end of the film strip F is detected, the length of the film strip F is determined from the distance of the responsive sensor from the pair of feed rollers 41, 42 and the detected revolutions of the counter roller 42 of the pair of feed rollers.
• From the determined length and the information about the increase or decrease of the number sequence of the master copies N, the master number on the film strip is determined.
• On the basis of the customer-specific order data previously entered into the computer unit 10, a decision is automatically made as to whether N copies are desired from the copy templates on the film strip F in question.
• If applicable and provided that the film strip F has been entered correctly and its layer side is present correctly, the film strip F in question is transported on to the deflection roller pair 71, 72 arranged in the adhesive station 5, over which the adhesive tape 7 or the paper tape 70 are guided which the filmstrip F is subsequently glued on.
• In the event of an incorrect position of the filmstrip F or if it is determined that the filmstrip F is not required for the processing of the reordering order, this is reversed by reversing the rotary movement of the feed roller pair 41.42 and, if appropriate, the further transport roller pairs 43.44 and 45.46 automatically ejected against the direction of insertion or removed from the preparation station via an alternative transport route.

In the method according to the invention and the device for preparing Film strips for repeat orders can be the most common operating errors by the Operating personnel can be compensated without causing major interruptions in the Workflow is coming. The staff no longer have to worry about the Filmstrip always in a chosen orientation (negative number sequence ascending or descending) can be entered. Also regarding the location of their Film strips incorrectly entered on the layer side are reliably recognized and that Operators alerted to incorrectly entered and for the Processing a reordering film unnecessary film strips are not sent to the Carrier tape glued on. This eliminates time-consuming repairs and larger gaps that lead to malfunctions in the subsequent processing stations can be avoided. The cut on a film reel and cut to the Filmstrips stuck on carrier tape are always in the correct position and Productivity losses due to unnecessary film strips are avoided. The Proposed equipment changes are also available for retrofitting existing preparatory stations suitable to work with these after to work according to the inventive method.

Claims (15)

1. Process for preparing film strips for repeat orders in which film strips (F) belonging to a customer's order, and which respectively contain a plurality of numbered copying originals (N), are fed into a preparation station (1), are bonded onto a carrier strip (77) and are coiled up to form a film roll (8) which can be inserted at subsequent processing stations, and in which order data specific to the customer with respect to the desired number of copies of certain copying originals (N) and, if appropriate, of the desired copying format are input via an input unit (11) into a computer unit (10) connected to the preparation station (1) and are stored as a device table on a storage medium (13) which is compatible with the subsequent processing stations, characterised in that the order data specific to the customer are input before the film strip (F) is inserted, in that the inserted film strips (F) are investigated automatically before the bonding onto the carrier strip (77) with respect to their position parallel to the transport direction (D), with respect to the correct position of the coating side of the film strip (F) and with respect to the numerical sequence of the copying original (N) on the respective film strip (F), and in that a check is carried out by means of a comparison with the input order data specific to the customer to see whether the film strip (F) inserted is necessary for the processing of the customer's order, and in that in the case of an erroneous position of the film strip (F) or in the case of a film strip (F) which is superfluous for the processing of the order, the attention of the operating personnel is attracted or the relevant film strips (F) are automatically ejected before it is bonded onto the carrier strip (77).
2. Process according to Claim 1, characterised in that a check is carried out to see whether the film strip (F) is located offset to one side or obliquely in the transport plane (T) and whether the coating side of the film strip (F) is correctly located.
3. Process according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the numerical sequence of the copying originals (N) on each film strip (F) is determined with the aid of at least one photoelectric scanning device (48).
4. Process according to Claim 3, characterised in that the respectively first copying original number at least is determined on an inserted film strip (F) by means of the photoelectric scanning device (48).
5. Process according to Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that in order to determine the numerical sequence of the copying originals (N) on a film strip (F), the number, which is contained coded in a so-called DX code, of the first adjacent copying original on the respective film strip is read with the aid of a DX code reader (48), in that a conclusion is drawn from the legibility of the DX code with respect to the correct location of the film strip (F), in that a record is made of the longitudinal side of the film strip (F) on which the DX code is found and as to whether a start or a stop sequence is read first and, from this information, a conclusion is drawn with respect to the correct position of the coating side, in that the information on whether the numerical sequence is increasing or decreasing is determined from the presence of a start or stop sequence before the reading of the coded copying original number, and in that the numbers of the rest of the copying originals (N) located on the relevant film strip (F) are determined by means of a previously occurring length determination of the relevant film strip (F).
6. Process according to Claim 5, characterised in that the length of the film strip (F) is, on the one hand, determined by detection of the revolutions of a pair of film draw-in rollers (41, 42), which pair is arranged directly in the input region (4) of the preparation station (1) and, on the other hand, by detection of the rear end of the film strip (F).
7. Process according to Claim 6, characterised in that the rear end of the film strip (F) is specified by at least one photoelectric detector (49) which is arranged in the insertion region (4) of the preparation station (1) at a specified distance from the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42).
8. Process according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that a film strip (F) is placed in position in such a way that it activates a sensor (49) arranged directly in front of a pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) and, depending on the length of the film strip (F), at least one further photoelectric sensor (50 and/or 51) is activated, which sensor is arranged in the insertion region (4) of the preparation station (1) parallel to the transport direction (D) of the film strip (F) and at a specified distance from the first sensor (49), in that the activation of the first sensor (49) puts into operation a drive (40) for the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) and, if appropriate, for further pairs of transport rollers (43, 44; 45, 46),

   in that the film strip is pushed forward by hand sufficiently far for its leading edge to be gripped by the pair of draw-in rollers and that the film strip is automatically drawn further in,

   in that the rotation of the mating roll (42) of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) is measured by a revolution sensor (47), preferably by an angle encoder, in order to measure, by this means, the path distance which the film strip (F) has traversed,

   in that with the aid of a photoelectric scanning device (48) which, viewed in the transport direction (D) of the film strip (F), is arranged behind the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42), the advancing leading edge of the film strip (F) is detected and a DX code arranged to the side of the first copying original (N), with a start and stop sequence and with a coded original number, is read,

   in that conclusions are drawn from the legibility of the DX code about the correct position of the film strip (F),

   in that the position of the coated side of the film strip (F) is determined from the position of the DX code and from the sequence of the appearance of the start sequence and the stop sequence,

   in that if the start sequence of the DX code becomes adjacent before the coded copying original number, it is concluded that there is an increasing numerical sequence and, if the stop sequence of the DX code becomes adjacent before the coded copying original number, it is concluded that there is a reducing numerical sequence,

   in that on detection of the rear end of the film strip (F), the length of the film strip (F) is determined from the distance of the corresponding sensor (49 or 50 or 51) from the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) and the detected revolutions of the mating roller (42) of the pair of draw-in rollers,

   in that the numbers of the copying originals located on the film strip (F) are determined from the film length and the information about the increase or decrease of the numerical sequence of the copying originals (N),

   in that using the previously specified device table, a decision is automatically made on whether copies are desired from the adjacent copying original (N) on the relevant film strip (F),

   in that if this is the case and assuming that the film strip (F) has been correctly inserted and its coated side is correctly present, the relevant film strip (F) is transported on to the deflection pair of rollers (71, 72) by means of which an adhesive strip (7) and a paper strip (77) are guided, which are bonded together in such a way as to form a carrier strip (77),

   in that the outermost edge of the film strip (F) is held between the strips, and

   in that in the case of an erroneous position of the film strip (F) or if it is found that the film strip (F) is not required for the processing of the order, this film strip (F) is automatically re-ejected by reversal of the direction of rotation of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) and, if appropriate, further pairs of transport rollers against the insertion direction (D) or is removed from the preparation station (1) by means of an alternative transport path.
9. Appliance for preparing film strips for repeat orders, including

   an insertion region (4) in which film strips (F) for a customer's order and having a number of copying originals (N) are inserted,

   a bonding station (5) for bonding the inserted film strips on a carrier strip (77), and

   a computer unit (10), in which order data specific to the customer with respect to the desired number of copies of certain copying originals (N) and, if appropriate, of the desired copying format are inserted and are recorded on a storage medium (13) compatible with further processing stations, characterised by

   means for automatically investigating the inserted film strips (F) before bonding onto the carrier strip (77) with respect to their position parallel to the transport direction (D), with respect to the correct position of the coating side of the film strip (F), and with respect to the numerical sequence of the copying originals (N) on the respective film strip (F), and by means for checking, by comparison with input order data specific to the customer, whether the inserted film strip (F) is necessary for the processing of the customer's order, and by

   means for attracting attention or automatic ejection of the relevant film strip (F) in the case of an incorrect position of a film strip (F) or in the case of a film strip (F) which is recognised as being superfluous for the processing of the order.
10. Appliance for preparing film strips for repeat orders in accordance with Claim 9, including
    the insertion region (4), in which the film strips (F) of a customer's order are supplied along a working surface of a pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42), the bonding station (5) with a pair of deflection rollers (71, 72) and in which at least one photoelectric sensor (49) is provided in the appliance in front of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42), referred to the transport direction (D) of the film strips (F), and at a specified distance in front of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42), to detect the rear end of an inserted film strip (F), the mating roll (42) of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) being connected to a revolution detector (47), preferably an angle encoder, a photoelectric scanning unit (48) being provided at a specified distance behind the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42), which photoelectric scanning unit (48) detects the advancing leading edge of the film strip (F) and is designed to recognise numbers of copying originals, which numbers are printed on the film strip (F) to the side of each copying original (N), and the photoelectric sensor (49), the revolution detector (47), the photoelectric scanning unit (48), the drive means (40) for the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) and, if appropriate, further pairs of transport rollers (43, 44; 45, 46) and the deflection pair of rollers (71, 72) being connected to the computer unit (10) in such a way that, on the one hand, detected signals and information can be fed to the computer unit (10) and, on the other hand, control signals can be relayed to the corresponding drive means (40) and, if appropriate, to further connected transport means for the film strips (F).
11. Appliance according to Claim 10, characterised in that three photoelectric sensors (49, 50, 51) are provided in front of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42), relative to the transport direction (D) of the film strips (F), to detect the rear end of the inserted film strip (F) at a specified distance in front of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42).
12. Appliance according to Claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the photoelectric scanning device (48) is a DX code reader.
13. Appliance according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) and, if appropriate, the further pairs of transport rollers (43, 44; 45, 46) can be driven in the draw-in direction (D) and in the opposite direction.
14. Appliance according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterised in that a switch point and further transport means are provided behind the photoelectric scanning device (48), relative to the draw-in direction (D) of the film strips (F), but in front of the pair of deflection rollers (71, 72) in the transport track (T) of the film strips (F), which switching point and further film transport means are controlled by the computer unit (10) and, if required, can be activated if a film strip (F) has to be separated out.
15. Appliance according to one of Claims 10 to 14, characterised in that the distance of the first photoelectric sensor (49) in front of the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) is approximately 10 mm to 20 mm and in that a second and, if appropriate, a third photoelectric sensor are arranged at a distance of approximately 30mm to approximately 80 mm from the previous sensor, and in that the distance between the photoelectric scanning device (48) and the pair of draw-in rollers (41, 42) is from approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm.

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