EP3495295A1 - Method for identification of printed products in print processing - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for identifying printed products in the print finishing in each case by means of an optically detectable identification feature (11,11 ') on an outer side of a printed product (1) to be processed, wherein the setting of at least one optically detectable identification mark within a print image (2) of the printed product (1 ), this definition comprising the arrangement and extent determining the spatial area (12, 12, 12, 12, 12) of the identification feature and / or the content (19) within a spatial area of the identification feature, and the identification feature being at least part of the identification feature original printed image is formed, which dispenses with image elements that serve primarily the production.

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a second continuation, the arrangement of the identification feature to be detected is determined relative to the contour of the respective printed product. Thus, the detection of the identification feature is independent of the positioning of the printed product during acquisition. Positioning errors of the printed product do not affect its identification.

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

Fig. 1

ein zu identifizierendes Druckprodukt und eine digital erzeugte Repräsentation des zu identifizierenden Druckbildes;

Fig. 2

ein Klebebinder;

Fig. 3

ein vereinfachtes Ablaufschema zur Herstellung von Büchern;

Fig. 4

ein erstes vereinfachtes Ablaufschema zur Herstellung von Buchdecken;

Fig. 5

ein zweites vereinfachtes Ablaufschema zur Herstellung von Buchdecken.

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

Fig. 1

a print product to be identified and a digitally generated representation of the print image to be identified;

Fig. 2

an adhesive binder;

Fig. 3

a simplified flow chart for the production of books;

Fig. 4

a first simplified flow chart for the production of book covers;

Fig. 5

a second simplified flowchart for the production of book covers.

In a first embodiment, adhesive bound brochures are made, which each consist of adhesive-proof with an envelope 1 book block. In advance alternatively bound book blocks are lying with the same orientation in a row by means of a block feed 33 individually in Fig. 2 shown perfect binder 31 fed to an adhesive binder. In each case on top of these book blocks, a reference to an associated production order barcode 10 'is printed. In this block feeder 33, a camera 52 for reading 115 of these job codes 10 'is arranged.

An evaluation device connected downstream of this camera 52 for block detection compares the order code 10 'read by the camera 52 with an expected order code 10. This comparison 126 delivers a match of read actual code 10 'with the expected target code 10, the read book block for an order processing is transferred to a transport bracket 42 of the perfect binder 31. Thereafter, the book block is passed by the transfer bracket 42 at a plurality of processing stations 43, such as block back processing stations and gluing units of known type. Subsequently, the still held by the transport bracket 42 book block is connected in a joining station with a provided envelope 1 by adhesive-proof joining 206. On this hooking 206, the back area of the brochure is pressed and out of the perfect binder 31 for final processing.

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

Prior to further processing, a plurality of envelopes 1 to be processed are magazined 201 and fed as a stack to the envelope magazine 37 of the perfect binder 31. An envelope 1 located at the end in this magazine 37 is transferred from the supply of a transport device after separation 202. This transport device leads to the respectively separated envelope 1 of said joining station. For this purpose, this transport device includes slide 46, which detect in pairs a single envelope 1 at its trailing edge promoting effective and transport along the guides 45 aligning the envelopes.

In addition, the device for the envelope transport comprises a further camera 53. This further camera 53 is used for detecting 121 of the print image 2 of the individually transported envelope 1. In this case, the read print image 2 contains the in Fig. 1 shown areas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, which together form the identification feature 11 '. All areas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 of the identification feature 11 'are within the spatial Detection area 54 of the camera 53. The camera 53 provides the captured image of an image evaluation device 63. Due to the performance of modern cameras, this image evaluation device 63 is integrated in the camera 53.

The image evaluation device 63 reads the relevant image regions 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 from 120 and compares the actual identification feature 11 'detected by the camera 53 with an expected target identification feature 11 and transmits the result of this comparison 127 to a controller 61 of the perfect binder system 31. Only at Correspondence of the determined actual identification feature 11 'with the expected target identification feature 11, the envelope 1 is supplied by the envelope supply 36 further processing stations of known type for preparatory work 205 as the grooves. After joining 206, post-processing 207 is already carried out in perfect binder 31 by pressing the back region of the printed product.

However, if the read actual identification feature 11 'does not correspond to the expected target identification feature 11, the envelope 1 affected is removed from the product stream by an envelope switch 38 of the envelope feed 36 and placed in a turn-up display 39. There it is taken from the operating staff. For a better clarity of the figures, the discharge 204 of the envelope 1 is not shown when identified as a "wrong" book block and the removal 204 of the book block when identified as "wrong" envelope 1.

The expected target identification feature 11 of the envelope 1 is stored as the expected target barcode 10 of the book block in an order record 22 and represents the order code 23. The target identification feature 11 and the target barcode 10 are so clearly in terms of the production order that whose identification in each case the associated production order can be determined without errors. Each assigned to a production order record 22 contains more each of the production order or the product descriptive information 24, 25. These are used for production planning and manufacturing preparation but also for controls. An order code 23 is derived 104 or arbitrarily assigned in a known manner from a counting numbering and characteristics of each order and printed 105 as barcode 10 on the book block or the book block forming pages.

By contrast, the identification feature 11 of the envelope 1 is derived from the design 100 of its printed image 2 112. This is done on the basis of a in the right part of Fig. 1 shown digital representation 8 of the print image 2 from properties of the represented print image. First of all, the identification 111 of marked image areas is carried out in order to determine therefrom the image areas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 which determine the identification feature 11, which together form the image area 12 of the identification feature 11. Subsequently, a determination 114 of the characteristic 19 used for the identification feature 19 of these specified image areas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3. By using only these defined image areas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 and their substantive characteristics 19 for the further procedure, the image information to be processed and thus the required computing power or the time requirement are significantly reduced.

Based on the digital representation 8, the identification feature 11 is formed independently of the printed envelope 1. Nevertheless, the readable identification feature 11 'in any case automatically with the printing 103 of the envelope 1 by a printing machine 30 of known type in its print image 2 available. By using the digital representation 8 of the print image as the basis for determining 110 of the identification feature 11, it is possible in a simple manner to determine the identification feature 11 independently of the actual scaling of the print. This in turn makes it possible to determine the identification feature 11 very early, prior to the printing 103 of the envelope 1, and still be able to change the scaling of the print at very short notice. It also allows the same identification feature 11 to be used with differently scaled prints. The most significant advantage, however, is the renunciation of additional features for the purpose of identification without having to learn the actual printed image 2 for an identification. As a digital representation 8 for the determination 110 of the identification feature 11 is how in Fig. 3 shown used for the data preparation 102 in the pre-press anyway.

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

The respective identification feature 11, 11 _n-1 is determined on the basis of the digital representation 8 of the printed image 4 formed by the shapes 100 of the book cover. This setting 110 of the identification feature 11, 11 _n-1 is subdivided into the identification 111 of distinctive image areas within the digital representation 8 and the derivation 112 of the identification feature 11, 11 _n-1 . Specifying 113 of the image areas 12, 12 _n-1 by selecting individual of the image areas determined to be distinctive together with setting 114 of the expected characteristics 19, 19 constitutes _n-1 , 19 _n , 19 _{n + 1 of} the print image within the defined image areas 12, 12 _{n-1 represents} the derivation 112 of the expected identification feature 11, 11 _n-1 . After setting 110 of this expected identification feature 11, 11 _n-1 , it becomes within the associated order record 22, 22 _n-1 , 22 _n in the order database 20 stored.

By means of a comparison 127, the print image 4 actually present on the benefit 3 to be processed is checked for the presence of this expected identification feature 11, 11 _n-1 . For this purpose, the existing print image is captured by a camera 121 and examined the particular as an identification feature 11, 11 _n-1 image areas 12, 12 _n. 1 Only if the result is positive respective benefits 3 magazined 201 and then optionally after a storage period of further processing supplied in batches 203. Otherwise, the tested utility 3 is discharged 204 and so the ceiling production withdrawn.

The positively tested benefits 3 are first isolated 202 after feeding 203 from a book cover machine 32. Subsequently, a camera detects the respective print image 4. Based on this recorded print image 4, the setting 113 of image areas is carried out by an image evaluation device 63 of the book cover machine 32. This determination 113 takes place according to the same rule according to which the expected identification feature 11, 11 _{n-1 has} already been defined. The controller determines the actual characteristic 19 'of the printed image 4 within these defined image areas 124. A comparison 127 of the detected actual characteristic 19' with the expected characteristics 19 _n-1 , 19 _n , 19 _{n + 1} stored in the database 20 supplies the each order record 22 _n belonging to the benefit 3 to be processed.

After the cover machine 32 has determined the associated order data set 22 _n-1 , 22n, it reads the format data 24 _{n of} this order data set 22 _n and automatically performs the necessary format adjustments 128 on the basis of these specifications. The format adjustment 128 is followed by the feeding 203 of the required board elements from corresponding magazines of the bookbinding machine 32 and the final processing 206 of the respective utility 3 and the board elements to a book cover. This completion 206 takes place in a known manner and will therefore not be explained further.

The order database 20 of an in Fig. 5 third embodiment shown includes a plurality of different job records 22 _n-1, 22 _n, 22 _n the manner already described. From the entries of the database 20 a list 21 of the order data sets 22 _n-1, 22 _n, 22 _n of several next abzuwickelnder production orders is generated , This list of 21 pending production orders is made available to a book cover machine 32.

The book cover machine 32 has an order memory 62, which contains the actual identification feature 11 ' _{k-1 of} an immediately processed benefit 3 read by a camera. One to process next Benefit 3 is detected individually by the same camera and the image areas 12 specified for the identification feature 11 are read out 124. This actual identification feature 11 ' _{k of} the benefit 3 to be processed next and last read becomes the preceding actual identification feature stored in the order memory 62 _11'k-1 compared 128.

If these actual identification features 11 ' _k-1 , 11' _{k are} identical, it is tantamount that the two respective benefits belong to the same production order. A format adjustment 208 is unnecessary. The feeding 203 of the cardboard elements and the finished 206 of the book cover is immediate.

If, however, the two consecutively read actual identification features 11 ' _k-1 , 11' _{k are} different, one can not automatically assume the same formats of the two associated book covers and their components. Therefore, the format data associated with the last-acquired identification feature 11 ' _k is read out in the manner described with reference to the second embodiment. The format adjustment 208 is performed correspondingly before the feeding 203 of the paperboard elements and finished 206 of the book cover.

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

Claims (15)

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

Images