JP2001080237A - Bookbinding system having communicating function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control an operation of a bookbinder from a center side and to centrally manage a bookbinding system from the center side by providing a communicating function in the system. SOLUTION: The bookbinding system comprises local bookbinders 2 to 7 each mounted with a sequencer, a center communicating terminal unit 1 having a display/operation screen 1a connected to the bookbinders through a communicating interface. The unit 1 accesses the bookbinders 2 to 7, displays production and operating information of the bookbinders 2 to 7 stored in the sequencer on the screen 1a, and can change to set the production and operation information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a bookbinding system that automates bookbinding.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the present applicant has developed and implemented various bookbinding systems that automate bookbinding. In this type of bookbinding system, multiple types of signatures are sequentially fed out, stacked while transporting them, and discharged as a signature, and a prepared cover is attached to the signature discharged from the binding machine. The main components are a binding machine that combines and discharges as a binding book, and a three-way cutting machine that cuts the binding book discharged from the binding machine and finishes it to a specified size.
A stacker that stacks a predetermined number of stitched books discharged from the bookbinding machine and dries the glue or the like attached to the folded book to combine the covers, a packaging machine that packs a predetermined number of cut finish bound books together, The system consists of a binding machine that binds together the wrapped and bundled items, and the system is composed of multiple types of signatures. The sheet passes through a series of steps of cutting into a pre-specified format, finishing the book, and discharging the book.

In such a system, each worker works on the basis of documents such as an order sheet and a process chart, or moves a slip at the same time as a product to carry out the work.
On the other hand, the manager confirms the progress of work by listening to each worker, checking slips, and the like.

[0004]

In such a bookbinding system, it is most important for the manager to grasp the current product status in the process management work. The working method required a lot of time. On the other hand, the worker also had to search for the slip in order to perform the next operation and then check the operation procedure.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by providing a bookbinding system with a communication function, it is possible to control the operation of a bookbinding machine from a remote center, It is intended to enable centralized management of the system. Also,
The purpose of this system is to provide a system that can transfer information at the time of system failure to the center, analyze it at the center side, and respond quickly, even if a system failure occurs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a further improved bookbinding system capable of monitoring operation.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bookbinding system having a communication function, comprising: a local bookbinding machine having a sequencer;
A center communication terminal having a display operation screen is configured to be connected via a communication interface, and the center communication terminal accesses the local bookbinding machine to produce the local bookbinding machine stored in the sequencer. Operating information,
The display and operation screen is displayed so that production and operation information can be changed and set.

Here, the local bookbinding machine is composed of a plurality of devices. In addition to the bookbinding machine provided with the main sequencer, a paper folding machine provided with a sub-sequencer, a pasting machine, a collating machine, and the like.
It is configured by appropriately combining a three-side cutting machine, a packaging machine, and the like. On the other hand, the center communication terminal includes a personal computer and a dedicated terminal having a communication function. The production and operation information of the local binding machine includes information managed and controlled by the sequencer for controlling the operation of the binding machine, such as the number of production copies and various counter values.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the local bookbinding apparatus and the center communication terminal are connected by wire through a communication line. For example, it is connected via a telephone network by a modem, via a communication network such as ISDN, LAN, WAN, or the Internet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the local binding apparatus and the center communication terminal are cordlessly connected using a radio wave, an optical signal, or the like as a signal medium. For example,
2. Description of the Related Art Wireless communication is performed through a mobile phone network, a PHS network, a satellite communication network, or the like, or by high-frequency radio waves or optical signals such as infrared rays.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bookbinding system having a communication function, wherein an operation display is provided, and a local bookbinding machine having a sequencer is connected to a center communication terminal via a communication interface. And the operation indicator is
The production and operation information of the local binding machine stored in the sequencer is displayed on the monitor, and the production and operation information can be changed and set. At least one of the changed production and operation information can be displayed. This is configured to be selected and transferred to the center communication terminal connected via the communication interface. That is, the local bookbinding machine can change its own production and operation information.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the local binding apparatus has a failure information transfer function, and when a failure occurs in the local binding apparatus, an alarm is sounded. Then, by executing the failure information transfer through the operation display, the operation management information of the local bookbinding machine stored in the sequencer is transferred to the center communication terminal connected via the communication interface.

Here, the operation management information refers to detection information of various monitoring sensors provided for monitoring the operation state of the system, and by analyzing this information, the cause of the failure can be clarified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the local binding apparatus has a failure information transfer function. When a failure occurs in the local binding apparatus, an alarm is sounded and the center communication terminal is activated. The device is automatically accessed to automatically transfer the operation management information stored in the sequencer, and is configured to be compatible with an unmanned system.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a bookbinding system having a communication function.

In this system, a local bookbinding machine equipped with a sequencer and a center communication terminal 1 having a display / operation screen 1a are connected via a communication interface.

The local bookbinding machine is composed of one or a plurality of devices. In addition to the bookbinding machine 2 provided with a main sequencer, a paper folding machine 5 provided with a sub-sequencer, a pasting machine 6, a collating machine 3, It can be configured by appropriately combining the three-side cutting machine 4, the packaging machine 7, and the like. The paper folding machine 5 (~) creates a plurality of types of signatures, the pasting machine 6 attaches a facing back, the collating machine 3 creates a signature from a signature, and the binding machine 2 (,) creates a signature. A bound book is created, and the bound book is cut by the three-way cutting machine 4 to obtain a finished book. The finish bookbinding is wrapped with wrapping paper by the wrapping machine 7 by a predetermined number of copies.

On the other hand, the center communication terminal 1 is constituted by a personal computer or a dedicated terminal having a communication function. Here, a case is shown in which two terminals 1 (# 1, # 2) are provided, and the terminal 1 (# 1) is connected to the local bookbinding machines 2 to 7 only by a communication line L such as a LAN. On the other hand, the terminal 1 (# 2) is connected to the local bookbinding machines 2 to 7 via the telephone network L1 or the mobile telephone network L2.

That is, the local bookbinding machines 2 to 7 and the center communication terminal 1 are connected by wire through a communication line. For example, a connection via a telephone network by a modem,
The connection is made via a communication network such as SDN, LAN, WAN or the Internet. The local binding apparatuses 2 to 7 and the center communication terminal 1 may be connected cordlessly using radio waves, optical signals, or the like as a signal medium. For example, communication is performed via a mobile phone network, a PHS network, a satellite communication network, or the like, or communication is performed using a high-frequency radio wave or an optical signal such as an infrared ray.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system including only a bookbinding machine 2, a collating machine 3, and a three-way cutting machine 4 as local bookbinding machines. Hereinafter, description will be made focusing on the system configuration shown in FIG. Each local binding machine 2, 3, 4
Is provided with sequencers 2a, 3a, and 4a, and executes a sequence program to perform signal control and operate the system. Each of the local binding machines 2, 3, and 4 is provided with operation indicators 2b, 3b, and 4b, so that the production and operation information of each machine 2, 3, and 4 can be set. The production and operation information is managed by each of the sequencers 2a, 3a and 4a for controlling the operation of the bookbinding machines 2, 3 and 4, such as the number of production copies and various counter values.
Contains information to be controlled.

In the present invention, the center communication terminal 1 accesses the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 and uses its sequencer 2a.
Production of local binding machines 2 to 4 stored in
The operation information is displayed on the display operation screen 1a so that the production and operation information can be changed and set. FIG. 3 is a flowchart (1) showing an example of the operation of the center communication terminal 1.
00 to 105).

Each of the bookbinding machines 2 to 4 has an access code for logging in to each of them, and the display operation screen 1a of the center communication terminal 1 displays local login machines 2 to 4 that can log in. Since the icons are displayed as icons provided in factory units, the bookbinding machines 2 to 4 to be remotely accessed are selected from the icons by a double-click operation or the like (10).
0).

Then, in the center communication terminal 1, the communication software starts up, accesses the sequencers 2a to 4a of the selected bookbinding machines 2 to 4, and logs in (101).
The production and operation information is downloaded from the bookbinding machines 2 to 4 (102) and displayed on the display operation screen 1a (10).
3). On this screen, remote access is enabled by selecting and specifying production and operation information on a window screen or the like and transmitting a control command. That is, if the production and operation information is changed and set in the center communication terminal 1 (104), the information is transferred to the bookbinding machines 2-4.
(105).

The center communication terminal 1 accesses the main sequencer 2a of the bookbinding machine 2 having a communication function, thereby downloading and totaling the production information stored therein, and displaying it on the display operation screen 2b. The operation status can be displayed on the monitor, and at least one or more of the production and operation information monitored and displayed on the display operation screen 2b can be changed. Therefore, a single center communication terminal 1 can manage and control a plurality of local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 collectively.

That is, the center communication terminal 1 downloads production information from the managed local binding machines 2 to 4, and
Aggregation of manufacturing information (manufacturing management) and operation information (maintenance) can be performed. This eliminates the need to change the operation information on site every time a different bookbinding lot is used, which is particularly useful in the case of small-quantity, multi-product production.

In the present invention, by providing the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 with a communication function, additional processing such as failure diagnosis, totalization and management of manufacturing information, and the like can be processed on the side of the center communication terminal 1. A part of the software processing of the bookbinding apparatuses 2 to 4 can be reduced by performing the processing on the center communication terminal 1 side. In other words, since the local binding apparatuses 2 to 4 only need to have a communication function, the configuration can be simplified and various additional services can be provided.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an example of connection of the sequencers 2a to 4a between the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4. here,
Only the bookbinding machine 2 and the collating machine 3 are shown, and the center communication terminal 1 is connected to the sequencer 2a of the bookbinding machine 2 via the communication line L.
And the sequencers 2a and 3a are connected by a link unit. Operation indicators 2b and 3b are connected to the sequencers 2a and 3a, respectively, for setting operation information and displaying system operation information on a monitor.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of the display operation screen 1a of the center communication terminal 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a display screen of a personal computer is applied to the display operation screen 1a, and production and operation information on the local binding machines 2 to 4 to be controlled by the binding system is Are stored in the holders H1 to H3 grouped for each factory where they are installed. When the holders H1 to H3 corresponding to the local binding machines 2 to 4 are opened, the local binding machines 2 to 4 can be accessed.

FIG. 5B shows the display operation screen 1a in which the holder H1 is opened, and production and operation information on a plurality of local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 (# 1 to #n) existing therein is stored. The data input setting sheets are shown in an open state. From these sheets, the corresponding local binding machines 2 to 2 are displayed.
No. 4 (# 1 to #n) can be selected, and necessary information can be written, rewritten, and erased.

Next, FIG. 6 shows an example of a display operation screen on the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 side. On this screen, production and operation information are displayed, including NO (order number, company serial number, and machine number), customer name, size of book to be manufactured (A4 size, B5 size, etc.), and number of copies (delivery) Copies), the date of order or registration, the number of collating machines 3, the total number of pages,
Whether there is a reward, delivery date, signature completion date (signature entry date), work start (planned) time, work end (planned) time, collator 3
, The counter of the three-side cutting machine 4 (three-side counter), the counter of the bookbinding machine 2 (binder counter), the person in charge of work, and the like are displayed.

In the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4, if the "write" button is operated on this screen, the displayed information can be stored in the sequencers 2a to 4a and set in the program, and the "transfer" button can be operated. Then, the center communication terminal 1 can be accessed to transfer the production and operation information stored in the sequencers 2a to 4a. By operating the "failure transfer" button, the center communication terminal 1 can be accessed to transfer the operation management information stored in the sequencers 2a to 4a (described later with reference to FIG. 8).

The customer name, number of copies, work start time, work end time, and the like can be input and set from both the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 and the center communication terminal 1. It is input according to the actual operation of the machines 2-4. The work end time can be input and set in advance by the center communication terminal 1. However, when the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 actually stop operating, they are rewritten at that time.

The center communication terminal 1 accesses the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 at a preset data totaling time to create necessary production management information. The produced production management information can be printed out from the printer as needed, thereby enabling the manager to easily manage the process.

For example, in the production and operation information screen shown in FIG. 6, if there is a difference between the values of the collation counter and the binder counter and between the binder counter and the three-way counter during monitoring, the system does not operate normally. Can be determined.

As described above, the operation indicators 2b to 2b are provided on the local binding machines 2 to 4 equipped with the sequencers 2a to 4a.
4b, and the operation display units 2b to 4b have the local binding machine 2 stored in the sequencers 2a to 4a.
The production and operation information can be changed and set by monitoring and displaying the production and operation information, and any information can be selected from the changed and set production and operation information and connected via the communication interface. It can be transferred to the center communication terminal 1 that has been set. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation in that case (200 to 202). Such a configuration can be easily realized by adding a data transfer function to the existing local terminals 2 to 4.

The display operation screen 1a of the center communication terminal 1 (each screen in FIG. 5B) and the local bookbinding machines 2 to
4 may display a screen having a different configuration and content from the operation display devices 2b to 4b, or may display the same screen. Transfer of data from each of the local binding apparatuses 2 to 4 to the center communication terminal 1 is performed by operating the operation indicators 2b to 4b, and when necessary, specifying information to be transferred and transferring the data. In this case, it is possible to set a transfer time in advance and automatically transfer the data.

Next, a failure information transfer function by the bookbinding system of the present invention will be described. The local binding apparatuses 2 to 4 have a failure information transfer function, and when a failure occurs in the local binding apparatuses 2 to 4, an alarm is sounded and displayed on the operation indicators 2b to 4b. When the failure information transfer is selected (the “failure transfer” button shown in FIG. 6 is operated), the operation management information of the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 stored in the sequencers 2 a to 4 a is connected via the communication interface. Center communication terminal 1
To transfer. The operation of the local bookbinding apparatuses 2 to 4 in this case is shown in a flowchart (300 to 303) in FIG.

In the case where a failure or an error occurs in the local binding apparatuses 2 to 4, an alarm is sounded. Therefore, the operator knows the failure by sounding the alarm, selects the failure information transfer on the operation screen, and selects the local. The operation management information of the bookbinding machines 2 to 4 is transferred to the center communication terminal 1 side. The center analyzes the transferred information to determine the cause of the failure,
Instructions for troubleshooting are given via telephone or fax. The display operation screen 1 of the center communication terminal 1
a, the operator inputs a method of coping with the failure, transmits the data, and displays the operation indicators 2b-4 of the local binding machines 2-4.
b can be displayed.

Further, with the improved function, after the failure analysis is clarified on the center side, a series of operation commands for solving the failure are used as macro information as local information in the local binding apparatus 2-4.
To troubleshoot.

Since the operation management information includes detection information of various monitoring sensors provided for managing the operation state in the bookbinding system, the abnormal location and the cause of the failure can be clarified by an abnormal signal from the monitoring sensor. .

When a failure occurs, the local binding apparatuses 2 to 4 sound an alarm and the center communication terminal 1
Can be automatically accessed to automatically transfer the operation management information stored in the sequencers 2a to 4a. Note that such automatic transfer of the failure information can be realized even in a configuration in which the local binding machines 2 to 4 do not include the operation indicators 2b to 4b.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of screen display of operation management information on the center side. FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation history of the sequencers 2a to 4a.
When the "stop button" is turned off, the "external stop" is turned off, indicating that the operation has been stopped.

FIG. 10 shows a case where an alarm screen is displayed, in which a failure location is indicated by lighting or blinking of a symbol. If the local bookbinding machines 2 to 4 are provided with a navigation function for troubleshooting, if a failure occurs, the location of the failure is taught and a solution to the problem is taught. Also, the center can instruct repair operations by telephone or the like. Therefore, even those who do not know the operation of the bookbinding machines 2 to 4 can monitor the operation of the bookbinding machines 2 to 4, which is particularly useful for reducing labor costs.

[0043]

As can be understood from the above description, in the bookbinding system having the communication function according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the center communication terminal accesses the local bookbinding machine. The production and operation information of the local bookbinding machine stored in the sequencer is displayed on the display / operation screen, and the production and operation information can be changed and set from a remote place.

Further, in the bookbinding system having the communication function according to the fourth aspect, the local bookbinding machine enables the change setting of the production and operation information, and the change of the production and operation information from the changed set production and operation information. Since any information is selected and transferred to the center communication terminal, central management of the local bookbinding machine can be performed at the center communication terminal.

According to the fifth and sixth aspects, when a failure occurs in the local binding apparatus, the operation management information of the local binding apparatus stored in the sequencer is transferred to the center communication terminal. By analyzing, the cause of the failure can be clarified, and a quick response can be made.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a bookbinding system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a bookbinding system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the center communication terminal of the bookbinding system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing connection of a sequencer between local bookbinding machines.

FIG. 5 is a screen display example in the center communication terminal.

FIG. 6 is a screen display example of production and operation information in a local bookbinding machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the local terminal of the bookbinding system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another operation of the local terminal of the bookbinding system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a screen display example of operation management information.

FIG. 10 is a screen display example of operation management information.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Center communication terminal 2 Bookbinding machine 3 Collating machine 4 Three-way cutting machine 5 Paper folding machine 6 Pasting machine 7 Packaging machine 1a Display operation screen 2a, 3a, 4a Sequencer 2b, 3b, 4b Operation display

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A local bookbinding machine equipped with a sequencer,
A center communication terminal having a display operation screen is connected via a communication interface, and the center communication terminal accesses the local bookbinding machine and reads the local bookbinding machine stored in the sequencer. Display production and operation information on the display operation screen,
A bookbinding system with a communication function that can change and set production and operation information. 2. The bookbinding system according to claim 1, wherein the local bookbinding machine and the center communication terminal are provided with a communication function in which the center bookbinding terminal and the center communication terminal are wired-connected by a communication line. 3. The bookbinding system according to claim 1, wherein the local bookbinding machine and the center communication terminal have a communication function of being cordlessly connected by using a radio wave, an optical signal or the like as a signal medium. 4. A local bookbinding machine having an operation display and having a sequencer connected to a center communication terminal via a communication interface, wherein the operation display is stored in the sequencer. The production and operation information of the local binding machine is displayed on the monitor, and the production and operation information can be changed and set. At least one or more arbitrary information is selected from the changed and set production and operation information, and A bookbinding system having a communication function configured to transfer the data to the center communication terminal connected via a communication interface. 5. The local bookbinding apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a failure information transfer function, wherein when a failure occurs in the local bookbinding apparatus, an alarm is sounded and the failure information is transferred through the operation display. A bookbinding system having a communication function configured to transfer the operation management information of the local bookbinding machine stored in the sequencer to the center communication terminal connected via the communication interface. 6. The local binding device according to claim 1, further comprising a failure information transfer function, wherein when a failure occurs in the local binding device, an alarm is sounded and the center communication terminal device is activated. Automatically access
A bookbinding system having a communication function configured to automatically transfer operation management information stored in a sequencer.