JP2004155194A - Data entry device for printing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data entry device, for a printing machine, in particular a sheet offset printing machine, which is of so simple a structure that the device can be used at many spots of the printing machine by expanding the device equipped with a plurality of operation control parts on a specified face and a control/evaluation device for detecting the operation of the operation/control parts. <P>SOLUTION: This data entry device has the operation control parts 4 which can be projected to a face 1 by an optical projection device 3 arranged above the face 1, and an optical sensor 5 which optically scans the operation control parts and is connected with the control/evaluation device 6 can detect the operation of the operation control parts 4. A virtual keyboard can be installed at many spots of the printing machine. In this case, the data entry device is preferably combined with another display device constituted likewise by a projection technique. Since the data entry device can be cheaply arranged at many spots of the printing machine, it is possible for an operator to correct a printing process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to a data input device for a printing press according to the preamble of claim 1.

  In the case of a printing press, data input devices are arranged at many locations. For example, a place such as a sheet feeding device, a printing device, a varnishing device, and a sheet discharging device of a sheet-fed printing press. Via data input devices provided in the various units, execution commands or quantities (variables) controlling the printing process can be entered or changed. The data input device includes one or a plurality of operation control units, which can be activated by an operator, and can transmit corresponding commands accordingly.

  The operation control section of this type of input device is often a key button that can be operated by pressing it. However, such an operation control unit is considerably expensive due to the necessity of a corresponding mechanism, and therefore has an expensive structure when the operation control unit must be mounted at a plurality of locations.

  It is also known to configure a foil-shaped operation control unit having a feather touch type part on the lower side. However, if this type of input device must be provided at many places in the printing press, this type of configuration is likewise expensive. The same applies to the operation control unit which is formed on the monitor or display device as an area which can be activated by contact.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple configuration that can be used in a large number of printing presses by expanding the printing press input device described in the writing section in the preamble of claim 1.

  This problem is solved by the configuration according to the characterizing part of claim 1. Further developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

  According to the present invention, the operation control unit can be projected onto the surface by an optical projection device arranged above the surface on which the operation control unit is provided, and can scan the operation control unit; An operation of the operation control unit can be detected by an optical sensor connected to the control / evaluation device.

  The virtual keyboard provided by the present invention can be provided at a number of locations on the printing press. At this time, the input device is preferably combined with yet another display device, also constructed by projection technology. The data input device of the present invention can be inexpensively located at many locations on a printing press, thus providing the operator with a number of shortcuts through which modifications can be made to the printing process.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, each button key (key) is projected onto one smooth surface by a laser projection device. The manual operation of the button key is detected by using the infrared sensor, and this is detected and recognized by the evaluation system provided behind. A corresponding reply to the operator can be made by connecting to a correspondingly provided display device.

  In a preferred embodiment, the device that projects the operation control unit onto the surface and the device that detects the operation are configured as compact and movable units. This unit is mounted on a predetermined surface at a desired place by an operator, and can be operated there. The appropriate connection to the printing press is made via a suitable interface.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  A projection device 3 is mounted on the support 2 above the surface 1 of the printing press, for example, above the surface of a printing device, a paper feeding device, or a paper discharging device. The operation control unit 4 is projected onto the surface 1 by the projection device 3. Surface 1 is preferably painted in a color that provides good contrast.

  The operation control unit 4 corresponding to various operation commands or data can be operated by an operator. This operation is detected by the sensor 5. At this time, the sensor 5 is formed as an infrared sensor, and scans the surface 1 on which the operation control unit 4 is projected according to a scanning method.

  The projection device 3 and the sensor 5 are connected to a control / evaluation device so as to transfer signals. The control / evaluation device 6 performs control for projection of the operation control unit 4 on the surface 1 and evaluation of a signal from the sensor 5 for detecting which operation control unit 4 the operator has operated. . The control / evaluation device 6 sends appropriate signals to a control device of a printing press (not shown).

  Further, a display unit 7 in the surface 1 is connected to the control / evaluation device 6 so as to transfer signals. On the display unit 7 (formed as an LCD, for example), a command selected through the operation control unit 4 or activated data is displayed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a printing press surface on which an operation control unit is projected on an upper side.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Surface 2 ... Support part 3 ... Projection apparatus 4 ... Operation control part 5 ... Sensor 6 ... Control / evaluation apparatus 7 ... Display part

Claims (5)

A data input device for a printing press, particularly a sheet-fed offset printing press, in which a plurality of operation control units are arranged in one plane, and the operation can be detected by a control / evaluation device (6). Data input device,
The operation control unit can be projected onto the surface (1) by an optical projection device (3) arranged above the surface (1), and the operation of the operation control unit (4) can be performed. A data input device which optically scans the operation control unit (4) and is detectable by a sensor (5) connected to the control / evaluation device (6).   The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the projection device (3) comprises a laser device.   3. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (5) is formed as an infrared sensor.   4. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein a display unit (7) is connected to the control / evaluation device in a state where signals can be transferred. 5. The data input device according to claim 4, wherein the display (7) can be generated by the projection device (3).

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