EP3056351B1 - Method for producing a print job - Google Patents

Description

technical field

The invention relates to production systems for the inline further processing of digitally printed signatures/printed sheets, primarily in the field of continuous webs. Furthermore, the invention relates to digital printing systems with inline post-processing, specifically in the form of "book block or brochure production", namely, but not conclusively: perfect binder, gathering machine, saddle stitcher, inline book production, buffer systems, etc. All configurations are controlled by Workflow control systems. All of the systems mentioned belong to the state of the art and can be accessed, for example, from the homepage of the Muller Martini Group, and therefore form an integral part of this description.

Any sequence can be printed using digital printing. This enables productions to be optimized to the effect that logistics are brought to the fore. For example, it is possible to print books sorted by order. This eliminates time-consuming intermediate storage processes. It is also possible to produce products individually and personalized in edition 1, e.g. personalized travel guides. Here comes the new requirement to master variable thickness and variable content productions, which places specific demands on the finishing machines and data management. Such applications are known in the industry as "VDP" (Variable Data Printing).

Accordingly, according to the closest prior art, the invention relates to a method for the production of a print job by sequential or quasi-sequential Digital printing, the signatures and/or single sheets produced by digital printing forming at least one stack, the components of which are converted into at least one printed product by at least one further processing.

State of the art

the end EP2314533 A1 , which forms an integral part of this description, a production process has become known in which the paper web is divided into a variable number of print-specific partial webs according to a first format extension of the finished printed product, with each of these partial webs being sequentially printed on all sides. After the printing phase, the paper web is continuously separated in the transverse direction in such a way that the respective section length forms a multiple of a second format extension of the finished printed product. These partial webs, individually or in combination with one another, are then folded transversely at least once and then cut in the longitudinal direction of the paper web, according to the width of the printed product. It is also possible to fold after the formation of the partial webs.

A first embodiment is that first one or more folds are made over the entire width of the printed paper web; then, after the fold(s) have been completed, the individual printed sheets are separated to a specific width in the longitudinal direction of the paper web and then each fed to a stack. If the width of the paper web is divided into four longitudinal paper webs, for example, this results in four parallel stacks.

Another embodiment is that the partial webs are first separated in the longitudinal direction of the paper web before the folds are made, i.e. the fold here takes place transversely to the separating cuts already made in the longitudinal direction of the paper web and affects a number of printed sheets, which corresponds to the number of previously created partial paths. So if a double or multiple fold is used as a basis, then a composite of four two-sided, resp. eight double-sided pages. Irrespective of this, the separating cuts in the longitudinal direction of the paper web can also be made here before or after the folds, analogously to the above explanations for a simple fold.

In the field of "selective binding" in saddle stitchers, it is state of the art to stack packages using predefined lists. This is generally done with the help of "Selective Binding Controllers", which are handled via control systems. These control both the composition of the products by selectively controlling the feeders and the formation of the stacks in the compensating stacker/stacker. The packets can be formed by control signals from the controller or by printed marks.

It is also off EP14151766.4 , which also forms an integral part of this description, a printing system has become known in which it is a question of knowing about the internal processes involved in the production and further processing of printed products. In particular, stop positions are precisely known, the printing system knows at all times which printed sheets have been printed completely or incompletely. Other process-related information is also known or can be obtained directly, ie with this printing system, the existing data for further processing is made available in a timely and materially correct manner.

For this purpose, a method for recording and transmitting process-controlling data before and/or within a printing process when producing printed products in a printing machine, which is preferably a digital printing machine, is proposed, with this data being operatively connected at least on the basis of at least one printed product Identification features, hereinafter referred to as print mark, are recorded, with the from the The data resulting from the print mark is transmitted and/or communicated to at least one processing unit downstream of the printing process. During the integral printing process, a first determination of data is now carried out, which is used for at least one redundant check of the data resulting from the print mark, which is preferably associated with a printed product, i.e. is indispensable for the further processing of the printed products.

Print marks with product-related data include, among other things, information about a cross cutter control based on crop marks or a book separation based on separator marks. Of course, print marks can also record other product-related data. According to the invention, at least one redundant check of the product-related data resulting from the print mark takes place within the printing process with the aim of determining the extent to which this data corresponds to the actual data recorded or determined from the printing process.

Furthermore, in the field of mailroom systems, methods have become known which allow predefined packages to be formed, e.g. using postal routes or delivery points.

Equivalent processes in connection with digital printing are not yet known. This is the point at which the present invention disclosure wants to start.

The book Dieter Liebau & lnés Heinze: "Industrial bookbinding", 2001, publishing house profession + school, Itzehoe, XP002739074, ISBN: 3-88013-596-7 , or the book Helmut Kipphan: "Handbook of Print Media", 2000, Springer Verlag, Berlin / Heidelberg / New YorkISBN: 3-540-66941-8 , or the document U.S. 2001/055123 A1 , discloses the preamble of claim 1.

Presentation of the invention

The invention, as characterized in the claims, is based on the object in a method of the type mentioned in conjunction with to propose a digital printing machine for the production of variable print products.

According to the invention, the issue here is that the stack and its components are formed by production-related data or data sets, which, via at least one workflow system, specify a specific sequence of the individual printed products formed by the stack and which, on the other hand, allow the design of the individual printed products with the same or of different thickness and/or format and/or with the same or individual content.

The printed products, which form the components of the stack formed downstream of the digital printing machine, normally consist of signatures, printed sheets, and also of individual sheets, from which books, book blocks, brochures, etc. are then produced by further processing.

In the present case, the operative processes relating to pre-press, digital printing, finishing machine are not described in sequence, because otherwise existing interdependencies in connection with the workflow system could not be presented with the required consistency and clarity.

The system according to the invention is therefore based to a large extent on a workflow system which controls the components of prepress, digital printing and further processing, respectively. Information from the operation of the components mentioned is processed in a targeted manner.

The point of prepress is that the created JDF (Job Definition Format) is automatically sent to prepress after it has been created. This reads the relevant process parameters from the JDF, fetches the PDF(s) (Customer Input(s)) according to at least one link in the JDF and imposes. The result is an imposed PDF file. Successful imposition is reported back to the workflow system.

Accordingly, the pre-press encodes the printed products according to the code specified by the editor (JDF editor/job folder editor).

The codes therefore form a key element of information for product tracking between prepress (see below) and the printing system (digital printing machine) on the one hand and postpress (finishing machines) on the other. Accordingly, these codes must be assigned at a level that is superior to the subsystem mentioned.

There are two ways in which the codes can be printed:
The workflow system mentioned, in the sense of a connection and/or linking of the order accompanying data, receives the data from an upstream system, checks them and, if necessary, makes corrections (e.g. packages that are too large or too small). The workflow system then makes the run list available in a clean form for prepress, which prepares the code based on this specification.

This workflow system is a digital system that can be used to ensure complete networking of sub-processes. In addition, not only individual machines can be networked with this system, but also complex, different and customer-specific production systems, i.e. also production systems and machines from different suppliers. This means that print product-related further processing sub-processes can also be electronically networked in such a way that the data generated in prepress or during printing can be transferred.

It can therefore be stated that this digital system includes various modules that control and monitor the entire workflow system, namely from the display of the stored information, the creation of new job tickets, production control and display of the job tickets to the integration of the existing lines (production lines ) in the overall digital work process. This means that when a specific job ticket is assigned to a machine or system, the required format data is automatically transmitted.

In addition, the job tickets can be defined by adding and/or removing actions, whereby the actions themselves can be modified, deleted or newly created. In order to avoid collisions, every action, whether it is in its original state or subsequently introduced or changed, must contain a correct status that only requires the release or implementation of such an action.

The workflow system mentioned consists of various modules that are responsible for the individual production steps, individually or in any combination with one another, namely:
A module ensures that production is transparent by providing a constant overview of the production lines and the status of the respective orders. In addition, the entire production can be graphically displayed and analyzed.

Another module enables the creation and editing of orders for customers.

Another module allows the scheduling of orders in terms of sorting, grouping and planning. Jobs can be assigned to machines automatically or manually. Machines that do not necessarily have a workflow system connection can also be recorded.

Another module captures and collects the operating data generated during processing, which can then be called up continuously.

Another module supplies and collects data for the printing of package cover sheets and logistics papers, which correspond to the printed products or packages actually produced.

Another module is set up in such a way that it checks the correctness of the individual modules mentioned above during their operative implementation on their own or interdependently to one another, to the extent that it is checked, for example, how an individual action in the combination of modules affects the underlying production .

The workflow system thus covers all production aspects of the overall system according to the following criteria:
In an initial order, one or more PDFs (customer inputs) and/or one or more PDF/VTs (data formats for additional metadata) are used to create the targeted print products with fixed or variable content, thickness, format process.

During work preparation, either a job bag is created in the editor of the workflow system, or an MIS (Management Information System) sends the workflow system a gray box JDF (Job Definition Format).

1. a) Erstens im Zusammenhang mit dem Editor: Der Operator am Workflowsystem startet den Editor indem er ein Produktionstemplate auswählt. Das Produktionstemplate enthält (Basis)lnformationen über die Art der gewünschten Produktion (Buchblock, Buch, Broschüren, etc.). Im Editor wählt der Operator das oder die PDFs und/oder PDF/VTs aus, selektiert das Papier und kann optional noch weitere Parameter wie Farbprofil der Druckmaschine, gewünschte Druckmarken (Codes), etc. auswählen.

A distinction is made between two approaches:

1. a) Firstly in connection with the editor: The operator on the workflow system starts the editor by selecting a production template. The production template contains (basic) information about the type of production desired (book block, book, brochures, etc.). In the editor, the operator selects the PDFs and/or PDF/VTs, selects the paper and can optionally select other parameters such as the color profile of the printing machine, desired print marks (codes), etc.

On this basis, the editor creates a JDF (Job Definition Format) in the sense of a job bag.
b) Second, in the case of an import of the gray box JDF: The gray box JDF contains a reference to the PDF(s) to be produced as well as the relevant paper formats and print settings. The workflow system reads these values and expands the gray box JDF to a JDF on this basis (similar to the case described above under a).

According to the invention, the MIS (Management Information System) can send the workflow system not only a gray box JDF, but also at least one run list.

A Run List contains generally actionable information for the process, namely:
As already mentioned above, the workflow system receives the data from an upstream system, checks it and, if necessary, makes corrections (e.g. packages that are too large or too small). This system then makes the run list available in a clean form.

The run list is taken directly from an upstream system.

In addition, PDF/VT contains information (metadata) that allows the editor to create a run list.

The editor can interpret the run list accordingly and enrich the PDF/VT with additional metadata intended for prepress. Specifically calculated the editor the signatures, book blocks, books, etc. to be produced and the corresponding codes are implemented for all units (see definition above).

With regard to the production of the print products (see above), the workflow system sends the JDF (Job Definition Format) to a print manager (Digital Front End), which then controls the digital machine accordingly.

At the same time, the JDF is also sent to a line control in connection with the further processing, which in turn controls the arranged further processing machines accordingly.

Optionally, the finishing machines can receive the JDF directly or semi-directly, interpret it and set themselves up accordingly.

This results in the maxim that production can only start when all machines involved in production are ready and have given feedback.

Based on these premises, the unit or units that form the printed product (saddle stitcher, perfect binder, thread stitcher) receive the information described above at the beginning of the line. The information is forwarded to the package-forming modules via internal product tracking. The information contains control codes about the stack formation, as well as optionally about the continuous or subsequent layer formation.

A gathering machine that is used has an optional auxiliary gluing of the stacked printed sheets or signatures or single sheets. This function is used to fix a loose stack so that a handy coherent package of printed products is created. In the operating mode, the auxiliary gluing is controlled selectively, so that a stack of fixed printed products can arise.

Then, through the possibilities of digital printing, another characteristic component arises, which differs from conventional "Selective Binding" applications, namely:
Any sequence of any content can be produced by means of digital printing. The products produced one after the other do not have to have any relation to each other in terms of content. With "Selective Binding", the machine uses a predefined set of signatures, which are individually compiled into products. The number of possible products thus results from the possible combinations and permutations of the original partial products.

As already explained above, the invention has at least one circuit in which the input format no longer consists solely of a (standard) PDF (Customer Input), but also a PDF/VT data format.

In addition to the PDF-based content pages, this (PDF/VT) also contains metadata, which contains the individual composition of the products in the form of data sets (records). So it is a combination of the print content with the addressee database.

A basic distinction is made between different degrees of conformity with regard to PDF/VT, namely:
A PDF/VT-1 is intended for the exchange of a single, complete file. The file contains all resources and content that are required for a proper interpretation of the file.

A PDF/VT-2 allows the exchange of files that refer to external ICC profiles and external page content.

Other PDF/VT variants are also possible, which can include specific and additional metadata in the processing.

The advantages of these PDF/VT formats can be seen in the fact that they enable, among other things, reliable printing processes of color systems compared to the printing processes that are common today. However, this presupposes that the entire process chain deals qualitatively with this color printing, resp. with appropriate codes.

In addition, the PDF/VT formats allow great flexibility in the design of metadata. In the case of bulk mailing, for example, it must be ensured that the content can be grouped by recipient, zip code or gender for enveloping or mailing. For example, different numbers of pages, different text modules or different graphic elements must be taken into account.

Another advantage of the PDF/VT formats is that data streams can be supported. Pages, page ranges and resources are written in a continuous data stream and forwarded to the print server integrally or quasi-integrally.

1. 1. Auswerten der Metainformationen;
2. 2. Bilden einer Run-List aus den Datensätzen;
3. 3. Prüfen der Run-List gegenüber der Spezifikations-Limiten betreffend die Weiterverarbeitung und das Drucksystem;
4. 4. Berechnen der Leerseiten pro Produkt:
5. 5. Gegebenenfalls Korrekturen in der Run-List anbringen (z.B. Paketdefinition, kann automatisch oder manuell erfolgen);
6. 6. Anhand der bereinigten Run-List die benötigten Barcodes generieren (z.B. Paket- /Lagendefinition);
7. 7. Bereinigte Run-List mit Zusatzinformationen entweder im Workflowsystem zwischenspeichern oder vorzugsweise ins PDF/VT-Format zurückschreiben;
8. 8. PDF/VT-Format zusammen mit JDF-Jobticket der Vorstufen-Lösungen übergeben;
9. 9. Die Kommandosprache in Wirkverbindung mit dem JMF-Jobticket sorgt dafür, die Produktion entsprechend zu planen und zu steuern;
10. 10. Die Druckvorstufe berechnet aus dem PDF/VT-Format (welches nun umfangreiche und bereinigte Metadaten enthält) die einzelnen Druckbogen in individueller Zusammenstellung;
11. 11. Übermittlung der Druckbogen-Daten (üblicherweise) an die Druckmaschine zur Rasterung.

The order is prepared and created by the PDF/VT inputs, namely:

1. 1. Evaluation of the meta information;
2. 2. Forming a run list from the data sets;
3. 3. Checking the run list against the specification limits regarding finishing and the printing system;
4. 4. Calculate blank pages per product:
5. 5. If necessary, make corrections in the run list (e.g. package definition, can be done automatically or manually);
6. 6. Generate the required barcodes based on the cleaned run list (e.g. package/layer definition);
7. 7. Either save the cleaned run list with additional information temporarily in the workflow system or preferably write it back in PDF/VT format;
8. 8. Pass PDF/VT format together with JDF job ticket of the prepress solutions;
9. 9. The command language in connection with the JMF job ticket ensures that production is planned and controlled accordingly;
10. 10. The prepress calculates the individual print sheets in an individual composition from the PDF/VT format (which now contains extensive and cleaned metadata);
11. 11. Transmission of the printed sheet data (usually) to the printing press for screening.

An important property of the data brought in is that the data used for the pre-press and the calculations/checks in the workflow system are the same and therefore complete and precise data that are required for the format settings of the further processing.

In addition, the method according to the invention also has the following fundamental aspects:

The input data format information is transferred as single-page files and implemented in job tickets.

The input data format information as a prepress triggers an imposition in which:
The format data regarding predefined web widths / product types, which are dynamically optimized according to a defined quality standard;

Additional visual identifiers or text are added in the section or view area to make the part/end product recognizable and identifiable for the operator.

The input data and/or process-relevant information is implemented according to the underlying PDF/VT format.

The PDF/VT format is expanded accordingly after one of the tools mentioned (VT-1; VT-2, etc.).

The workflow system uses at least one job ticket or a JDF format (Job Definition Format) further production-related data, e.g. order header, production instructions, planning information, event list, etc.

The JDF format therefore fulfills the function of an electronic order folder and it extends over the entire life cycle of a product. It is important to distinguish the fact that the JDF format only contains references, i.e. links, whereby each JDF format can contain further nodes which can lead to nesting, whereby the production-related degree of coverage of such a JDF format can be maximized can.

The data in the job ticket or in a PDF/VT format is temporarily stored and/or forwarded as printed sheet data, with the data flowing in as barcodes, and with the barcodes being PDF, PDF/VT, JDF, run list, job ticket-related have coding.

Contrary to the prior art, a forward strategy (job ticket > prepress > print > further processing) is not used here in terms of data technology, but rather a reverse strategy (job ticket for further processing > prepress > print).

This has the great advantage that the pre-press can be adapted very variably and individually for the respective configuration of the further processing.

An additional expansion of the method according to the invention consists in embedding the envelope (cover) in a file in addition to the product body (body) in the input PDF/VT format. As a result, the cover can also be variably assigned to the products based on the metadata. As with the content, the envelope can be exchanged as a whole, as well as contain one or more variable objects (logos, titles, addresses, etc.).

As part of the processing in the workflow system, the cover data can also be extracted and a corresponding cover production made available in the form of a PDF/VT format, a job ticket and/or run lists. Various scenarios are conceivable: For example, inline production of the covers with the processing unit (e.g. perfect binder) based on the identified supplied book blocks or based on a run list. The envelopes could also be prepared near-line or offline using the above data sources.

Accordingly, during the production and formation of the variable printed products, an automated implementation of various order-related data takes place, which as input data format information for the controlled production and Formation of the variable printed products can be implemented, and which refer to the individual composition of the individual printed products.

Furthermore, the input data format (PDF) is supplemented simultaneously or intermittently with additional data formats (VT-1, VT-2, etc. as well as with JDF, job tickets, run lists). In addition, the workflow system described above intervenes, which continuously checks, adjusts, provides feedback and optimizes the implemented order accompanying data.

As a conclusion it can therefore be stated that the PDF/VT formats form a basis for the method according to the invention wherever all registers of the print are drawn within the methods defined in the claims, with the PDF/VT formats also supporting all print jobs regardless of whether they contain variable data regarding the composition of the individual print jobs. This also applies to those cases in which the PDF/VT formats are additionally accompanied by other order-related data or data formats are added.

In summary, it can therefore be stated that production consists of an interdependent interaction between prepress, printing and postpress, the processes of which are controlled, monitored and adjusted directly or semi-directly by a workflow system.

With the invention, as explained in detail above, various types of production can be run, with the focus not so much on volume production or single copy production, but more on individual production, in which a series is similar or quasi-similar or different types of print products are the focus. These print products are characterized by a high degree of reuse of the content, which, however, contains one or more individualized content elements.

Selective compilation based on chapters is also possible. Typical applications for this are travel guides, insurance dossiers, examination papers, teaching materials. With the latter, it is then still possible to offer the individual printed products by chapter, lesson or course in sequence in the form of a coherent stack. This production is based on data processing, as can be seen from the previous explanations.

The inventive development compared to the closest prior art also consists in the formation of a stack of printed products and its stock by production-related order accompanying data, which on the one hand specify a specific sequence of the individual printed products formed from the stack, and on the other hand the design of the individual printed products with the same or different thickness and/or format and/or with the same or individual content, and that the individual printed products are provided with additional information which provides information on completeness and/or required repairs.

All sub-products are clearly tracked through the process and processed into larger sub-products or finally made into end products. The state of each entity is known at all times. A bad signature therefore leads to a bad book block in the transformation, which in turn can lead to a bad or incomplete package. In addition to information about the quality of a product or part of a product, product tracking can also contain information about packaging or other logistical actions.

1. 1) Zusammenfassen der Reparatur-Exemplare in einem separaten Auftrag, Produkt am Ende des laufenden Auftrags oder zu einem separaten Reparaturzeitpunkt.
2. 2) Zeitnahe Rückmeldung und erneutes Einspeisen in den Druckprozess. Manuelles oder automatisches Einfügen der Reparaturexemplare in den fehlerhaften Produktstrom oder Pakete.
3. 3) Zeitnahe Meldung an einen Reparaturdrucker örtlich nahe am Reparaturort. Manuelles oder automatisches Einfügen der Reparaturexemplare in den fehlerhaften Produktstrom oder Pakete.
4. 4) Ein fehlerbehaftetes oder fehlendes Druckprodukt wird nachproduziert und über mindestens eine autonome Förderlinie direkt an die druckproduktbezogene fehlerbehaftete Stelle in der Bearbeitungsstation nachgeliefert. Beispielsweise nach EP2749419 A1 , wobei diese Druckschrift einen integrierenden Bestandteil vorliegender Beschreibung bildet.
5. 5) Ein spezifisches Reparaturverfahren beispielsweise nach EP2457859 A1 , wobei diese Druckschrift einen integrierenden Bestandteil vorliegender Beschreibung bildet.

Tracking the status of the printed product is closely related to any repair scenarios to be provided as required. The following approaches can be envisaged:

1. 1) Combining the repair items in a separate order, product at the end of the current order or at a separate repair time.
2. 2) Timely feedback and re-feeding into the printing process. Manually or automatically insert the repair copies into the defective product stream or packages.
3. 3) Timely notification to a repair printer close to the repair location. Manually or automatically insert the repair copies into the defective product stream or packages.
4. 4) A defective or missing printed product is reproduced and subsequently delivered directly to the defective location in the processing station related to the printed product via at least one autonomous conveyor line. For example after EP2749419 A1 , This publication forming an integral part of the present description.
5. 5) A specific repair procedure, for example EP2457859 A1 , This publication forming an integral part of the present description.

All of the scenarios presented can be supported by targeted "waiting and repair positions". For example, incomplete or faulty packages could be driven to parking positions by switch systems after the package-forming unit. The placement of cover sheets with information about the condition and the exact error makes the work of the operator easier.

Instead of cover sheets, it is of course also possible to identify the products or partial products optically using applied color markings and/or inserted marker slips. In addition to the simple good/bad information Very precise reports about the exact position of the incomplete product in the stack can be given via these systems.

Brief description of the drawing

The invention is illustrated in more detail below with reference to the drawing. All elements not essential for a direct understanding of the invention have been omitted.

In the drawing shows:
figure 1 a manufacturing process of printed products, which are manufactured and processed according to certain criteria.

Embodiments of the invention

the end figure 1 shows the schematic representation of a production process. The process is divided into three areas: prepress A, print B and postpress C.

After being stacked 4 in a further processing machine, the printed products 30a produced by a digital printing machine 2, which are created on the basis of the production process shown here, arrive in packs at a perfect binder 5 and/or at a saddle stitcher 8, in which the processing into books, book blocks, Brochures takes place .. The starting point is in all cases an existing stack 4 consisting of printed sheets and/or signatures and/or single sheets by a collating machine, not shown, which is formed resp. is assembled. Of course any further processing of the printed products from stack formation can be carried out individually by appropriate branches. A non-detailed auxiliary gluing ensures that the stack has a physical consistency.

The physical production process begins with the definition of a printing material web 1, which comes from an upstream supply device that is not shown in detail. The subsequent digital printing machine 2 is thus fed continuously. Downstream of the digital printing machine 2, the web of material 1, which is preferably printed on both sides, is fed to a further processing machine 3, in which the signatures/printed sheets for forming the stack are produced in a number of processing steps. In principle, such a further processing machine 3 consists of transverse folding and/or longitudinal folding devices, depending on requirements, and cutting devices. In this context, it can easily be provided that initially several sub-stacks can be formed side by side, which are then transferred to a main stack composed according to certain criteria, as is shown in figure 1 . Pos. 4, is symbolized.

If the production with partial stacks is initially used as a basis, a first embodiment consists in first making one or more folds over the entire width of the printed paper web. Then, after the fold(s) have been completed, the individual printed sheets are separated to a specific width in the longitudinal direction of the paper web and then fed to a specific stack as signatures. If the width of the printed paper web is divided into four longitudinal webs, for example, then four partial stacks arranged in parallel are also provided.

However, there is also the possibility of first separating the underlying longitudinal webs before the folds are made, i.e. the fold is made here transversely to the separating cuts already made in the longitudinal direction of the printed paper web, so that a number of secondary signatures accordingly the number of previously created partial paths. If a double or multiple fold is used as a basis, signatures of four or eight double-sided pages. Irrespective of this, the separating cuts in the longitudinal direction of the printed paper web can also be made here before or after the folds, analogously to the above explanations for a simple fold.

A specific sequence of the signatures and/or individual sheets within the stack 4 forms the basis for the subsequent formation of individual printed products, regardless of whether the stack 4 originated or was created by merging different sub-stacks.

The main point here is that the printed products "slumbering" in the stack, be they books, book blocks or brochures, have the same quantitative composition and sequence after processing as was the basis for the (main) stack.

In this context, according to stack 4, the individual printed products 30a, 30b ... 30n are symbolized. The individual printed products are processed individually in the adhesive binder 5, while the top, bottom and front trimming of the printed product is carried out, for example in a three-knife trimmer 6, individually or via a bundle formation, which is particularly advantageous for thin brochures.

Thus, the (main) stack can have a targeted sequence of printed sheets, signatures and/or individual sheets, which then lead to printed products with the same or different thickness, with the same or different format, with the same or individual size when the stack is dissolved. Accordingly, the stack is equipped with appropriate aids that specify a mechanical and/or electronic delimitation between the individual printed products.

In this context, it is also possible to provide the individual signatures and sheets with control codes, which enable the associated components of the stack to be separated and combined.

However, if the individual printed products can already be separated from the stack, the subsequent further processing, for example in a perfect binder 5 or saddle stitcher 8, can be carried out sequentially, i.e. the packaging device 7 of the individual printed products then ensures the order that is already in the stack in terms of content was taken as a basis, ie between the original stack 4 and the downstream package formation 7 of the individual printed products there is congruence with regard to the qualitative and quantitative sequence.

The aforementioned goals can be achieved by a (central) workflow system 100, which is loaded with at least the following metadata, with there always being an interdependence between workflow system 100, prepress 130, digital printing machine 2 and postpress machines 3-8.

• Graybox JDF 101;
• Run List 102;
• PDF 103;
• PDF/VT 104.

The workflow system 100 is acted upon by at least the following carriers or process data:

• gray box JDF 101;
• run list 102;
• PDF103;
• PDF/VT 104.

The aforementioned carriers 101-104 and their metadata can be activated individually or, if required, in any combination and interdependence with one another.

This means that the editor 105 in the workflow system 100 is able to create or edit a JDF (job bag) from a PDF 103 or PDF/VT 104. to be calculated, with the PDF as required with some additional information, such as the paper to be used, can be added, which are aimed at the desired starting product.

Since the workflow system 100 knows the parameters of the printing material web 1, the controlled machines 3-8 and the digital printing machine 2 including their process parameters and limits, the mentioned editor can calculate an optimal production process on this basis and map it in a JDF (job bag).

In the initial order, one or more PDFs (Customer Inputs) 103 and/or one or more PDF/VTs (Data Formats for Additional Metadata) 104 are used to create print products with fixed or variable content, thickness, format, process.

During work preparation, either a job bag is created in the editor 105 of the workflow system 100, or an MIS (Management Information System) 121 sends the workflow system 100 a gray box JDF (Job Definition Format) 101.

In the editor 105, the operator selects the PDF or PDFs 103 and/or PDF/VTs 104, selects the paper and can optionally select further parameters such as the color profile of the printing press, desired print marks (codes), etc.

On this basis, the editor 105 creates a JDF (Job Definition Format) in the sense of a job bag.

If a gray box JDF 101 is imported via an MIS (Management Information System) 121, a reference to the PDF(s) 103 to be produced and the relevant paper formats and print settings are included. The workflow system 100 reads these values and expands the gray box JDF 101 to a JDF on this basis (similarly to the case described above under a).

Accordingly, the MIS 121 can send the workflow system 100 not only a gray box JDF 101 but also a run list 102 .

The Run List 102 contains generally actionable information for the process.

The JDF then created in the workflow system 100 is automatically transmitted to the prepress stage 130 . This reads the relevant process parameters from the JDF, fetches the PDF(s) (Customer Input(s)) according to at least one link in the JDF and imposes. The result is an imposed PDF file. The successful imposition is reported back to the workflow system 100 .

Accordingly, the prepress stage 130 supplies an imposed PDF as output, which is then printed accordingly by the digital printing press 2 . The prepress stage 130 thus converts the individual pages of a PDF into a new PDF (imposed PDF) in which the individual pages are arranged in such a way that they come to rest in the correct order after folding is printed.

With regard to production, the JDF (Job Definition Format) is sent from the workflow system 100 to a print manager (digital front end) 108 for controlling the digital printing machine 2, which then controls the digital printing machine accordingly.

At the same time, the JDF is also sent to a line controller 109 in connection with the further processing, which in turn controls the arranged further processing machines 3-8 accordingly.

This line control 109 is optionally provided for further processing machines, and it is also possible to use this line control for only part of the Provide further processing machines. Multiple line controls are not excluded.

In addition, the finishing machines can optionally receive the JDF directly or semi-directly, interpret it and set themselves up accordingly. In addition, further process data 112, preferably in the sense of an imposition, with process-relevant variable parameters can be introduced into the workflow system 100, which preferably relate to the individual printed product. Depending on the mechanical and control engineering design of the underlying process, these parameters enable a targeted development within the entire processing, including the digital printing machine.

The overarching objective when introducing these variable parameters is, among other things, to coordinate the processing of non-fixed-format, variable-thickness printed products in such a way that long process chains can also be carried out and seamless changeovers from one production process to the next or the one after that.

The print job is defined for digital printing machine 2 from all of this data entered into the production process and transmitted via a control/regulation line 111, with this information also being sent simultaneously or subsequently, integrally or in stages, to all other machines 3-8 of the Production process and also be forwarded to the printing substrate web 1. In terms of regulation, the machines mentioned communicate with the workflow system 100, as can be seen from the control lines 120 shown, which forward control information.

It is easily possible that in such a production process, certain machines must have a particularly strong interdependence with one another, so that precautions for higher-level controls or control interventions must be provided, such as the lines 113 (between the data flow of the digital printing machine 2 and the web of printing material 1) and the lines 114 (information between further processing 3 and the data flow to the digital printing machine) want to symbolize.

Claims (19)

1. Method for the production of a print job by means of sequential or quasi-sequential digital printing, wherein the signatures and/or individual sheets produced by the digital printing form at least one stack, the component parts of which are transferred by at least one further processing unit at least to one printed product, wherein the formation of the stack and its component parts is carried out by production-based data or datasets which, via at least one workflow system (100), firstly predefine a specific order of the individual printed products formed by the stack (4), and which, secondly, control the configuration of the individual printed products with the same or different thickness and/or format and/or with the same or individual contents, characterized in that the workflow system (100) is directly or quasi-directly or indirectly in operative effective connection with at least one of the following aggregates, namely:

   - with at least one prepress stage (130);

   - with at least one digital printing machine (2);

   - with at least one editor (105);

   - with at least one print manager (108);

   - with at least one line controller (109);

   - with all the processing machines (1, 3-8) operating upstream and downstream of the digital printing machine (2),

   and in that at least the aggregates comprising the workflow system (100), prepress stage (130), printing material web (1), digital printing machine (2), further processing machines (3-8) operate individually or interdependently relative to one another with control lines (110) to the aggregates and with control information (120) from the aggregates.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the printed products are books, book blocks, brochures.
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the workflow system (100) comprises at least the following modules, which are used individually or in any desired combination with one another:

   - a module for informative transparent production with a continuous report about the statuses of the production lines and respective jobs;

   - a module for informative transparent production with a continuous report about the statuses of the production lines and respective jobs, the entire production being displayed and analysed graphically;

   - a module for the creation and editing of jobs for customers with customers softwares;

   - a module for the disposition of jobs in the sense of sorting, grouping and planning, regardless of the degree of automation and the software equipment of the machine;

   - a module for the acquisition and storage of the operating data arising during the production, formation and processing, subject to this data being continuously available;

   - a module for the supply of operating data for the printing of cover sheets for book blocks and logistic papers which coincide with the effectively produced products;

   - a module for supervisory checking of the implemented operating data and the interdependent module-dependent sequences during the production and formation of the products;

   - a module for error messages/warnings in the event of deviations from the intended status and the establishment of correctional programs in this regard and/or rejection processes with respect to the products affected by deviations.
4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that signatures and/or individual sheets are connected to one another by means of an auxiliary gluing station during the stack formation, and the auxiliary gluing station stands, directly or quasi-directly or indirectly, in operative effective connection with the workflow system (100).
5. Method according to one or more of Claims 1-4, characterized in that the prepress stage (130) encodes the printed products in accordance with the codes predefined by the editor (105).
6. Method according to one of Claims 1-5, characterized in that the prepress stage (130) triggers an imposition, in which:

   - the metadata emerging from at least one data format relates to predefined web widths and/or production types;

   - the metadata is printed as coded information on the printed product;

   - additional visual identifying marks or texts are added in the paragraph or visual area, in order to make the part/end products recognisable and assignable for the operator.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prepress stage (130) defines at least one of the following operations:

   - the prepress stage that is in operative effective connection with the workflow system knows the job folder with all the relevant parameters;

   - a job ticket is automatically assigned to the prepress stage, whereupon the further processing machines (3-8) are then set up;

   - as soon as the further processing machines are ready for processing, such as paper for the corresponding job is accepted, the ready-to-run notification of readiness appears, and

   - the production is stated not before the digital printing machine (2) and the workflow system (100) report that the setup operation has been completed.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a created JDF (Job Definition Format) is automatically transmitted to the prepress stage (130), in that the prepress stage (130) reads the relevant process parameters in operative effective connection with at least one integrated PDF (customer inputs) from the JDF, in that a PDF file is imposed, and in that the performed imposition is reported back to the workflow system (100).
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a JDF (Job Definition Format) is sent from the workflow system (100) to the print manager (108), and in that the print manager (108) controls the digital printing machine (2).
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prepress stage (130) includes at least the following processes:

    - as soon as the further processing machines are ready for processing, such as paper for the corresponding job is taken in, the ready-to-run message appears, and

    - Production is not started or released until the printing machine (2) and the workflow system (100) report set-up process as completed.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a JDF (Job Definition Format) is sent to a line controller (109), which directly or indirectly controls all the further processing machines (3-8) acting downstream of the digital printing machine (2) .
12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the workflow system (100) is supplied with at least one of the following process data, wherein, if a plurality of process data is supplied, this is introduced in any desired combination and order relative to one another:

    - Gray Box JDF (101)

    - Run List (102)

    - PDF (103)

    - PDF/VT (104).
13. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the editor (105) interprets the Run List (102) in terms of the process, and in that the PDF/VT (104) supplies the prepress stage (130) and/or the digital printing machine (2) with further metadata.
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the workflow system (100) is supplied with further process data (112).
15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the workflow system (100) is in operative effective connection with at least one from outside introduced MIS (121), which introduces at least one additional Gray Box JDF (101) and/or a Run List (102) into the workflow system (100).
16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual printed products within the stack (4) are differentiated from one another by means of a physical and/or electronically effective delimitation and are available for further processing.
17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual printed products formed from the stack are finished by at least one processing in saddle-stitchers, perfect binders, and book sewing machines.
18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printed products are provided with a cover at least during the final processing in a processing machine.
19. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the PDF or PDF/VT formats contain metadata directed to the covers of the printed products, and in that these covers are variable and individually allocated to the respective printed product.

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