JP2019189286A - Information processing device, image forming device, inspection device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To more surely perform processing corresponding to each image, compared with a case that processing corresponding to each image is performed without considering arrangement intervals of a plurality of images formed on continuous paper.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises: acquisition means which acquires arrangement intervals of a plurality of images arranged in an extending direction of continuous paper and formed on the continuous paper by performing a plurality of times of processing to form the plurality of images on the continuous paper for each print processing unit; and setting means which sets a timing of processing performed corresponding to each of the plurality of images on the basis of the arrangement intervals acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an inspection apparatus, and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a label attachment device that attaches a label issued from a label printer to a lower surface of a product conveyed by a product conveyance unit.

JP 2001-10616 A

A plurality of images are formed by processing in one printing processing unit, and further, processing in this printing processing unit is performed a plurality of times to form a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper on this continuous paper. In this case, when a delay or the like occurs in the processing in any printing processing unit, the gap between images to be formed increases accordingly. In such a case, the processing performed corresponding to each image is executed at a timing different from the original timing, and the processing performed corresponding to each image may not be executed as intended.
An object of the present invention is to ensure that the processing corresponding to each image is performed more reliably than the processing corresponding to each image without considering the arrangement interval of a plurality of images formed on continuous paper. Is to make it.

The invention according to claim 1 is a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and a process in which a plurality of images are formed on the continuous paper for each print processing unit is performed a plurality of times. An acquisition unit that acquires an arrangement interval of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper, and a process that is performed corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit. An information processing apparatus comprising: setting means for setting timing.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the setting means is a timing of attachment processing in which each of the plurality of images on the continuous paper is attached to an attachment based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: is set.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of images on the continuous paper moves to a predetermined attachment location as the continuous paper is conveyed, and is attached to the attached body, and the setting is performed. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the unit sets a timing at which each of the plurality of images on the conveyed continuous paper arrives at the attachment location based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit. It is.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of images on the continuous paper is sequentially attached to an attachment to be sequentially moved to a predetermined attachment location, and the setting means is the acquisition means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the arrival timing of each of the attached objects that sequentially move to the attachment location is set to the attachment location based on the arrangement interval acquired by the method.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the setting unit reaches each of the plurality of images on the continuous paper to be determined in advance based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein timing is set.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a cutting process is performed on a portion of the continuous paper that is located around each of the plurality of images, and the setting unit acquires the arrangement acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing of the cutting process performed corresponding to each of the plurality of images is set based on the interval.
In the invention according to claim 7, the continuous paper is sequentially conveyed to a cutting processing execution location where the cutting processing is performed, and the cutting processing is performed on the portion located around each of the plurality of images. The said setting means sets the timing which each of the said several image on the said continuous paper conveyed reaches the said cutting process implementation location based on the said arrangement | positioning space | interval acquired by the said acquisition means. Information processing apparatus.
In the invention according to claim 8, the continuous paper is sequentially conveyed to a cutting processing execution place where the cutting processing is performed, and the cutting processing is performed on the portion located around each of the plurality of images. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit sets a timing at which a mold used for the cutting process advances to the continuous paper based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the cutting process, a process of punching out a sheet that forms a part of the continuous sheet and is placed on the mount of the continuous sheet and on which the plurality of images are formed. It is an information processing apparatus of Claim 6 performed.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit acquires the arrangement intervals of the plurality of images from information output from an image forming apparatus that forms the plurality of images on the continuous paper. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit acquires the arrangement intervals of the plurality of images from information output from an inspection apparatus that inspects the continuous paper on which the plurality of images are formed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.
In the invention according to claim 12, the information output from the image forming apparatus or the information output from the inspection apparatus is attached to the continuous paper on which the plurality of images are formed, and the acquisition is performed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the unit acquires the arrangement interval from the information attached to the continuous paper.
The invention according to claim 13 performs processing for forming a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of continuous paper for each printing processing unit, and performs processing in the printing processing unit for the continuous paper. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that performs a plurality of times to form a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper; and an output unit that outputs information on an arrangement interval of the plurality of images.
The invention according to claim 14 is a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and a process in which a plurality of images are formed on the continuous paper for each print processing unit is performed a plurality of times. An inspection apparatus comprising: an inspection unit that inspects the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper; and an output unit that outputs information on an arrangement interval of the plurality of images.
The invention according to claim 15 is a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and a process in which a plurality of images are formed on the continuous paper for each print processing unit is performed a plurality of times. An acquisition function for acquiring the arrangement intervals of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper, and processing performed corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the arrangement intervals acquired by the acquisition function A program for causing a computer to implement a setting function for setting timing.
The invention according to claim 16 is a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and a process in which a plurality of images are formed on the continuous paper for each print processing unit is performed a plurality of times. This is a program for causing a computer to realize an acquisition function for acquiring the arrangement intervals of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper and an output function for outputting the arrangement intervals acquired by the acquisition function.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the processing corresponding to each image is more reliably performed than the case where the processing corresponding to each image is performed without considering the arrangement interval of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper. Can be done.
According to invention of Claim 2, compared with the case where the timing of an attachment process is set not based on arrangement | positioning space | interval, it can suppress that the attachment position of the image in a to-be-attached body shift | deviates from the planned position.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the attachment position of the image on the attached object is planned as compared with the case where the timing at which each of the images on the continuous paper reaches the attachment location is set based on the arrangement interval. Deviation from the position can be suppressed.
According to the invention of claim 4, the attachment position of the image on the attached body is the position where the attachment is made, compared with the case where the arrival timing of each attachment body is set to the attachment position without being based on the arrangement interval. It can suppress shifting from.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the timing at which each of the images on the continuous paper arrives at a predetermined location without setting the arrangement interval is performed, the image corresponding to each of the plurality of images is set. It is possible to suppress the timing of processing to be shifted from the scheduled timing.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the cutting process from being performed at a location different from the planned location as compared with the case where the timing of the cutting processing is set without being based on the arrangement interval.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the cutting process is performed at a location different from the planned location as compared with the case where each of the images on the continuous paper sets the arrival timing at the location where the cutting process is performed without being based on the arrangement interval. Can be suppressed.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the cutting process is performed at a location different from the planned location as compared with the case of setting the timing for advancing the mold to continuous paper without being based on the arrangement interval. Can be suppressed.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a part of the paper can be separated from the paper.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to acquire the image arrangement interval without preparing a dedicated device for acquiring the image arrangement interval.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to acquire the image arrangement interval without preparing a dedicated device for acquiring the image arrangement interval.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it becomes easier to link the information about the arrangement interval and the continuous paper as compared with the case of acquiring the information about the arrangement interval from the storage medium conveyed separately from the continuous paper.
According to the invention of claim 13, the processing corresponding to each image is more reliably performed than the case where the processing corresponding to each image is performed without considering the arrangement interval of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper. Can be done.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the processing corresponding to each image is more reliably performed than the case where the processing corresponding to each image is performed without considering the arrangement interval of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper. Can be done.
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the processing corresponding to each image is more reliably performed than the case where the processing corresponding to each image is performed without considering the arrangement interval of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper. Can be done.
According to the invention of claim 16, the processing corresponding to each image is more reliably performed as compared with the case where the processing corresponding to each image is performed without considering the arrangement interval of the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper. Can be done.

It is the figure which showed the whole structure of the production system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of each of a control device provided in a manufacturing apparatus and a control device provided in an image forming apparatus. It is the figure which showed the function part implement | achieved by CPU etc. of a manufacturing control apparatus. It is the figure which showed the label on continuous paper. It is a figure showing a functional part realized by CPU etc. of a printing control device. It is the figure which showed the metal mold | die installed in the cutting device. It is the figure which showed an example of the test | inspection apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the production system 1.
The production system 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a manufacturing apparatus 10 that manufactures a product 5 attached with a label 6. Further, the production system 1 is provided with an image forming apparatus 20 that forms an image on the continuous paper P.
In the present embodiment, the label 6 attached to the product 5 is generated by the image forming apparatus 20.

The manufacturing apparatus 10 is provided with a transport device 11 as an example of a transport unit that sequentially transports the products 5. Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 10 is provided with an attachment device 12 for attaching the label 6 to the product 5 conveyed by the conveyance device 11.
Further, the manufacturing apparatus 10 is provided with a control device 13 that controls each functional unit provided in the manufacturing apparatus 10.

The conveyor device 11 is provided with, for example, a belt conveyor (not shown), and the conveyor device 11 sequentially conveys the product 5 as an example of the attached body up to the attachment location 12A by driving the belt conveyor. .
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the continuous paper P is sequentially conveyed to the attachment location 12A by the attachment device 12. Thereby, each of the labels 6 on the continuous paper P (each of the images 7 formed on the label 6) is sequentially conveyed to the attachment location 12A.

Each of the labels 6 on the continuous paper P is attached to the product 5 that sequentially moves to the attachment location 12A (attached by adhesion).
The attachment device 12 is provided with a conveyance roll 12E that conveys the continuous paper P to the attachment portion 12A. In the present embodiment, the transport roll 12E is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) that is a drive source, so that the continuous paper P is fed into the attachment location 12A.

The image forming apparatus 20 will be described.
The image forming apparatus 20 is provided with a transport device 21 that transports the continuous paper P.
Further, the image forming apparatus 20 is provided with an image forming unit 22 as an example of an image forming unit. The image forming unit 22 forms the image 7 on the continuous paper P conveyed by the conveying device 21.
The image forming unit 22 forms an image on the continuous paper P using an inkjet printing method, an electrophotographic method, or the like. Note that the image forming method is not limited to the ink jet printing method or the electrophotographic method, and may be other methods.

Further, the image forming apparatus 20 is provided with a cutting device 24 for cutting the continuous paper P. The cutting device 24 is disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 22 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P.
Further, the image forming apparatus 20 is provided with a control device 30 that controls each functional unit provided in the image forming apparatus 20.

The transport device 21 feeds the continuous paper P from the rolled continuous paper P and transports the continuous paper P to the image forming unit 22 and the cutting device 24.
Further, the transport device 21 further transports the continuous paper P that has been subjected to the image formation by the image forming unit 22 and the cutting processing by the cutting device 24. Then, the transport device 21 finally winds the continuous paper P to generate the roll body R.

The continuous paper P of the present embodiment is configured by a mount P1 and a label paper P2 (an example of a sheet) placed on the mount P1 via an adhesive, and the image forming unit 22 includes the continuous paper P. An image 7 is formed on the label paper P2.
In the cutting device 24, a portion of the label paper P2 located around each of the formed images 7 is cut in an annular shape. Thereby, a plurality of labels 6 are generated on the mount P1.

More specifically, in the cutting device 24, a mold 24A having an annular blade 24B (hereinafter referred to as “annular blade 24B”) advances toward the continuous paper P as indicated by an arrow 1A, The annular blade 24B is pressed against a portion of the label paper P2 located around each image 7.
Thereby, the label paper P2 is cut, and the label 6 is generated on the mount P1.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the mold 24A advances toward the cutting process execution location C1 (punching processing execution location), and the label paper P2 is cut at this cutting processing execution location C1 ( The label paper P2 is punched out). As a result, the label 6 is generated on the mount P1.
In this embodiment, the cutting device 24 is provided in the image forming apparatus 20. However, the cutting device 24 may be installed at a location different from the image forming apparatus 20. In this case, the roll body R is carried to the cutting device 24, and the label paper P2 is cut.

The completed roll body R (label 6) is carried to the manufacturing apparatus 10 and installed in the manufacturing apparatus 10 as indicated by reference numeral 1B.
And the continuous paper P is sequentially sent to the attachment location 12A, and the label 6 on the continuous paper P is conveyed to the attachment location 12A.
At the attachment location 12 </ b> A, the label 6 is peeled from the mount P <b> 1, and the label 6 is sequentially attached to the product 5 conveyed by the conveying device 11.

2 illustrates a control device 13 provided in the manufacturing apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as “manufacturing control device 13”) and a control device 30 provided in the image forming apparatus 20 (hereinafter referred to as “printing control device 30”). It is the figure which showed the structure of each hardware.
Each of the manufacturing control device 13 and the print control device 30 as an example of the information processing device is configured by a computer device, and each of the manufacturing control device 13 and the print control device 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a RAM ( A random access memory (ROM) 302 and a read only memory (ROM) 303 are provided.

Each of the production control device 13 and the print control device 30 is provided with a storage device 304 constituted by a hard disk device or the like.
Further, each of the manufacturing control device 13 and the print control device 30 is provided with a communication interface (communication I / F) 305 for performing communication with the outside.

Here, the program executed by the CPU 301 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. In the state, it can be provided to the production control device 13 and the print control device 30. The program executed by the CPU 301 may be downloaded to the manufacturing control device 13 and the print control device 30 using communication means such as the Internet.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing control device 13 (manufacturing device 10) and the print control device 30 (image forming device 20) are connected to a communication line 100 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Are connected to each other.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating functional units realized by the CPU 301 of the manufacturing control apparatus 13.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the manufacturing control device 13 functions as an arrangement interval acquisition unit 311, a timing setting unit 312, and a control unit 313.
An arrangement interval acquisition unit 311 as an example of an acquisition unit acquires the arrangement interval of the label 6 (image 7) formed on the continuous paper P.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 (showing the label 6 on the continuous paper P), the arrangement interval acquisition unit 311 starts from a predetermined reference position P1 at the start of each label 6. The distance between the labels 6 is obtained by obtaining the distance L to the point.

In addition, the size of the label 6 of the present embodiment is constant, and the arrangement interval acquisition unit 311 of the present embodiment acquires the distance L from the reference position P1 to each of the labels 6, thereby Get the placement interval substantially.
In other words, the arrangement interval acquisition unit 311 acquires the distance L from the reference position P1 to each of the labels 6 to thereby determine the size of the gap G between the adjacent labels 6 (in the extending direction of the continuous paper P). Length) is substantially acquired.

In addition, the acquisition of the arrangement interval of the label 6 is not limited to the distance L from the reference position P1 to each of the labels 6, but as indicated by the symbol X, the rear end position of the label 6 and the label 6 one behind You may make it acquire the distance with the head position of the label 6. FIG.
More specifically, the information about the arrangement interval of the labels 6 includes information in which the number of labels 6 from the head (information indicating the position of each label 6) and the distance between the labels 6 are associated with each other. You may make it acquire.

In the present embodiment, the arrangement interval (hereinafter referred to as “interval information”) of the labels 6 is acquired by the print control apparatus 30 (see FIG. 1) (details will be described later).
Then, the interval information is transmitted from the printing control apparatus 30 to the manufacturing control apparatus 13. And the arrangement | positioning space | interval acquisition part 311 (refer FIG. 3) acquires this space | interval information transmitted from the manufacturing control apparatus 13. FIG.

The timing setting unit 312 (see FIG. 3) as an example of a setting unit performs a line corresponding to each of the plurality of images 7 formed on the continuous paper P based on the interval information acquired by the arrangement interval acquisition unit 311. Set the processing timing.
Specifically, the timing setting unit 312 sets the timing of attachment processing in which each of the plurality of labels 6 on the continuous paper P is attached to the corresponding product 5 based on the interval information.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, as described above, each of the plurality of labels 6 on the continuous paper P moves to the attachment location 12A as the continuous paper P is conveyed and is attached to the product 5. .
The timing setting unit 312 sets the timing at which each of the plurality of labels 6 on the conveyed continuous paper P reaches the attachment location 12A based on the interval information acquired by the arrangement interval acquisition unit 311.

More specifically, for example, when the gap between the labels 6 is larger than the planned gap, the timing setting unit 312 performs a setting to temporarily increase the conveyance speed of the continuous paper P, and follows this gap. Setting is made to advance the timing at which the label 6 reaches the attachment location 12A.
In addition, for example, when the gap between the labels 6 is smaller than the planned gap, the timing setting unit 312 performs setting to temporarily reduce the conveyance speed of the continuous paper P, and the label 6 following the gap Setting is made to delay the timing of reaching the attachment location 12A.

The control unit 313 controls each functional unit based on the setting information set by the timing setting unit 312. Specifically, the control unit 313 performs rotation control of the transport roll 12E (see FIG. 1) based on setting information (information related to transport control of the continuous paper P) set by the timing setting unit 312.
More specifically, the control unit 313 increases or decreases the rotation speed of the transport roll 12E based on the setting information set by the timing setting unit 312.

More specifically, the control unit 313 uses the feed amount of the continuous paper P in the attachment device 12 (the feed amount when the reference position P1 shown in FIG. 4 is the starting point) as the rotation speed of the transport roll 12E and the motor. This is based on the number of rotations (not shown).
Then, the control unit 313 changes the rotation speed of the transport roll 12E after the label 6 positioned immediately before the expanding gap or the narrowing gap passes through the attachment portion 12A.
As a result, the label 6 following the gap reaches the attachment location 12A at the originally scheduled timing. Thereby, the shift | offset | difference of the attachment position of the label 6 resulting from the fluctuation | variation between the gaps between the labels 6 is suppressed.

As described above, as information about the arrangement interval of the labels 6, the number of labels 6 from the head (information indicating the position of each label 6) and the distance (gap) between the labels 6 are associated with each other. The acquired information may be acquired.
In this case, for example, the control unit 313 grasps the number of labels 6 that pass through the attachment location 12A, and when the label 6 positioned immediately before the large gap or the small gap passes through the attachment location 12A, Similarly, the rotational speed of the transport roll 12E is temporarily increased or decreased.

More specifically, in this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a camera 19 or the like is installed on the upstream side of the attachment location 12 </ b> A in the transport direction of the continuous paper P. The number of labels 6 passing through the attachment location 12A (label 6 toward the attachment location 12A) is analyzed.
In this case, the control unit 313 temporarily increases or decreases the rotation speed of the transport roll 12E when the label 6 positioned immediately before the large gap or the small gap passes through the attachment location 12A. Thereby, also in this case, the subsequent label 6 reaches the attachment location 12A at the originally scheduled timing.

Here, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 may perform image formation at a timing different from the originally scheduled timing. In this case, the arrangement interval of the images 7 on the continuous paper P is set. fluctuate.
In this case, if the label 6 is attached to the product 5 without considering this variation in the arrangement interval, the attachment position of the label 6 is shifted from the original position.

For this reason, in this embodiment, the arrangement interval of the label 6 (image 7) is acquired, and the conveyance speed of the continuous paper P is changed based on this arrangement interval (the arrival timing of the label 6 to the attachment location 12A is determined). change).
Thereby, it is suppressed that the position of the label 6 on the outer peripheral surface of the product 5 is deviated from the original position.

In this embodiment, the case where the conveyance of the continuous paper P is controlled based on the arrangement interval of the labels 6 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conveyance of the product 5 is controlled based on the arrangement interval of the labels 6. May be.
In other words, the arrival timing of each of the products 5 that sequentially move to the attachment location 12A may be set based on the arrangement interval of the labels 6. In other words, the arrival timing of the product 5 at the attachment location 12A may be changed by controlling the conveyance of the product 5 based on the interval information.

More specifically, when the gap between the labels 6 is widened, the arrival timing of the product 5 to the attachment location 12A is delayed by reducing the conveyance speed of the product 5. In addition, when the gap between the labels 6 is narrowed, the conveyance speed of the product 5 is increased, and the arrival timing of the product 5 to the attachment location 12A is advanced.
In addition to controlling the conveyance of either one of the continuous paper P and the product 5, the conveyance of both the continuous paper P and the product 5 is controlled, and the arrival timing of the product 5 to the attachment location 12A and the attachment location 12A are controlled. The arrival timing of the label 6 may be matched.

Further, when the difference between the gap between the labels 6 and the predetermined value of the gap is small (when the difference is smaller than a predetermined threshold), the conveyance speed of the continuous paper P is changed or the conveyance speed of the product 5 is changed. It may be made not to change.
Further, when the difference between the gap between the labels 6 and the predetermined value of the gap is large (when the difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value), even if the conveyance of the continuous paper P and the conveyance of the product 5 are stopped. Good (production of the product 5 may be temporarily interrupted).
When the difference is large, it may be difficult to cope with the conveyance control of the continuous paper P or the product 5 (the attachment position of the label 6 on the product 5 may be greatly shifted). In such a case, the continuous paper It is preferable to stop the conveyance of P and the conveyance of the product 5.

The configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1) will be described in detail.
In the image forming apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, image formation is performed on the continuous paper P for each print processing unit. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 20 of the present embodiment performs image processing on the image data for each page unit, and then uses this image data after image processing to form an image on the continuous paper P. Do.
In addition, in this embodiment, image data for one page is a basic unit, and image processing and image formation on the continuous paper P are performed for each basic unit.

More specifically, in this embodiment, a plurality of images 7 (a plurality of images 7 arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper P) are formed for each print processing unit. More specifically, in this embodiment, an image 7 for a plurality of labels is formed for each print processing unit. More specifically, in the present embodiment, three images 7 are formed for each print processing unit.
More specifically, in the present embodiment, three images 7 positioned inside the frame indicated by reference numeral 4A in FIG. 4 are formed for each print processing unit.

In the present embodiment, this image formation for each print processing unit is sequentially performed on the continuous paper P to form a plurality of images 7 arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper P.
Thereby, in the present embodiment, three images 7 formed by the next print processing unit are formed inside the frame 4B that follows the frame indicated by the reference numeral 4A in FIG.
Further, although not shown, these three images 7 are further formed, and a plurality of images 7 arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper P are formed on the continuous paper P.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating functional units realized by the CPU 301 of the print control apparatus 30 and the like.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the print control apparatus 30 functions as a print control unit 391, a cutting control unit 392, an arrangement interval acquisition unit 393, and an information output unit 394.
The print control unit 391 sequentially performs image processing on image data (image data corresponding to one print processing unit), and output of the image data after image processing to the image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 1). The print control unit 391 controls the image forming unit 22.

Thereby, in this embodiment, the image 7 corresponding to each label 6 is formed on the continuous paper P. More specifically, the image formation in the above-described print processing unit is repeatedly performed, and a plurality of images 7 arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper P are formed on the continuous paper P.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the print control unit 391 performs image formation, the print control unit 391 holds the result of image formation performed by itself. This result includes information (interval information) about the arrangement interval of the formed image 7.

The cutting control unit 392 controls the cutting device 24 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, the cutting control unit 392 controls the conveyance of the continuous paper P by the conveyance device 21 (see FIG. 1) and adjusts the cutting position on the continuous paper P.
Further, the cutting control unit 392 controls the drive of an advance mechanism (not shown) that advances the mold 24A (see FIG. 1), and controls the operation of the mold 24A that advances to the continuous paper P. In addition, this advance mechanism is not specifically limited, It is comprised using a well-known mechanism.

The arrangement interval acquisition unit 393 (see FIG. 5) acquires interval information from the print control unit 391.
The information output unit 394 as an example of an output unit outputs the interval information acquired by the arrangement interval acquisition unit 393 to the manufacturing apparatus 10. Thereby, in this embodiment, the manufacturing control apparatus 13 (refer FIG. 1) of the manufacturing apparatus 10 is the information about the arrangement | positioning space | interval of the label 6 beforehand (before starting the attachment process of the label 6 to the goods 5). To get.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the image 7 is formed for each print processing unit. In this case, for example, when the capacity of the image data of the image 7 to be formed is large, the image processing takes time. It becomes like this.
In this case, there is a delay in image formation by the image forming unit 22 (image formation for each print processing unit), and the gap between the formed images may be widened as described above.
In addition, image formation may be temporarily interrupted to adjust the temperature of a fixing device (not shown), and this temporary interruption may cause the gap between images to fluctuate.

Here, when a delay or the like occurs in image formation by the image forming unit 22, a gap located between images formed for each print processing unit varies.
Specifically, when a delay or the like occurs in image formation by the image forming unit 22, the image 7 positioned at the end of the plurality of images 7 formed by one print processing unit and the next print processing unit The gap between the formed image 7 and the image 7 located at the forefront is varied.
More specifically, the gap G20 shown in FIG. 4 varies.

In addition, in the image formation according to the present embodiment, the gap between the formed images hardly occurs within one print processing unit, but the gap between images easily changes between different print processing units.
When the gap between the images fluctuates, the attachment position of the label 6 on the product 5 (the position of the label 6 on the outer peripheral surface of the product 5) deviates from the originally planned position.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the interval information is output from the image forming apparatus 20 to the manufacturing apparatus 10, and the manufacturing control apparatus 13 acquires the interval information.
Then, the production control device 13 changes the transport speed of the continuous paper P and the transport speed of the product 5 based on the acquired interval information. In other words, the production control device 13 sets the timing of the label 6 attachment process performed corresponding to each of the plurality of labels 6 based on the acquired interval information.
As a result, even if the gap between the labels 6 (image 7) varies, the label 6 is attached to a predetermined location on the outer peripheral surface of the product 5.

In this embodiment, the interval information is directly transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 to the manufacturing apparatus 10 and the interval information is provided to the manufacturing apparatus 10. However, the provision of the interval information to the manufacturing apparatus 10 is performed as follows. You may carry out by another method.
For example, a storage medium storing the interval information may be carried to the manufacturing apparatus 10 and the interval information may be provided from the storage medium to the manufacturing apparatus 10.

In addition, for example, the interval information output from the image forming apparatus 20 may be attached to the continuous paper P. In this case, the manufacturing apparatus 10 acquires interval information from the continuous paper P.
Specifically, in this case, for example, a code image such as a two-dimensional barcode storing interval information or a storage medium such as RFID storing interval information is attached to the continuous paper P.
Then, the manufacturing apparatus 10 acquires the interval information from the continuous paper P by reading the code image and reading the information from the storage medium.

Further, the interval information may be obtained directly from the continuous paper P. Specifically, for example, an imaging unit such as the camera 19 shown in FIG. 1 may be installed, and the interval information may be acquired by analyzing the imaging result from the imaging unit.
As described above, the configuration in which the interval information output from the image forming apparatus 20 is provided to the manufacturing apparatus 10 does not require the installation of the camera or the analysis processing of the imaging results, and the acquisition of the interval information. Can be performed more easily.

Next, the cutting device 24 (see FIG. 1) will be described.
In the present embodiment, the timing for lowering the mold 24A is set (changed) based on the interval information.
In addition, in this embodiment, in order to generate the label 6, the label paper P <b> 2 constituting the continuous paper P is cut. In this embodiment, the cutting control unit 392 performs the image 7 based on the interval information. The timing of this cutting process performed corresponding to each of the above is set. Then, the cutting control unit 392 lowers the mold 24A based on the set timing.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, cutting processing (cutting processing for cutting in an annular shape) is performed on a portion of the label paper P2 constituting the continuous paper P that is positioned around each of the formed images 7. Thus, the label 6 is generated.
In performing this processing, in this embodiment, the cutting control unit 392 sets the timing of this cutting processing performed corresponding to each of the images 7 based on the interval information.
More specifically, in the cutting process of the present embodiment, the label paper P2 constituting the continuous paper P, which is the punching of the label paper P2 placed on the mount P1 of the continuous paper P, is performed. The timing of the punching process is set based on the interval information.

Here, if the timing of lowering the mold 24A is constant, the mold 24A advances to a position different from the original cutting position when the interval between images fluctuates, and the image in the label 6 is displayed. The position 7 shifts from the original position.
On the other hand, if the lowering timing (punching processing timing) of the mold 24A is set based on the interval information as in the present embodiment, the relationship between the position of the image 7 and the advanced position of the mold 24A is originally planned. It will be the relationship that I was doing. In this case, the position of the image 7 in the label 6 is the originally planned position.

More specifically, in this embodiment, when the interval between images is widened, the lowering timing of the mold 24A is delayed. Further, when the interval between the images is narrowed, the lowering timing of the mold 24A is advanced.
As a result, even if the gap between the images fluctuates, the relationship between the position of the image 7 and the advance position of the mold 24A becomes the originally planned relationship.

  Note that the setting (change) of the timing of the punching process (cutting process) may be performed by controlling the conveyance of the continuous paper P. More specifically, the punching process timing may be set by setting the arrival timing of each image 7 at the cutting process execution location C1 (see FIG. 1).

In other words, based on the interval information, the timing of the punching process may be set so that each of the images 7 on the continuous paper P being conveyed reaches the cutting process execution location C1.
In other words, if necessary, the punching position on the continuous paper P is changed by changing the timing at which each image 7 arrives at the cutting processing execution point C1, and the punching position caused by the fluctuation of the gap is changed. It is possible to make it difficult to cause the deviation.

Note that when the arrival timing of each image 7 to the cutting processing execution location C1 is set by controlling the conveyance of the continuous paper P, the installation location of the image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 1) and the cutting device 24 A buffer unit for loosening the continuous paper P is formed between the installation places.
Thereby, even if the conveyance speed of the continuous paper P is increased at the location where the cutting device 24 is installed, the increase in the conveyance speed can be suppressed from affecting the image forming process.

Note that the cutting device 24 may be provided at a different location from the image forming device 20, and in this case as well, the timing of the cutting process is set based on the interval information as described above.
Specifically, similarly to the above, based on the interval information, the lowering timing of the mold 24A is changed and / or the transport speed of the continuous paper P is changed.
Thereby, also in this case, the cutting position with respect to the image 7 is not changed, and the image 7 is positioned at a predetermined position in the label 6.

When the cutting device 24 is provided at a location different from the image forming apparatus 20, provision of the interval information to the cutting device 24 is performed by cutting the information output from the image forming apparatus 20 through a communication line, as described above. This can be done by transmitting to the device 24.
In addition, for example, the storage medium storing the interval information may be carried to the cutting device 24 to provide the interval information to the cutting device 24.

Similarly to the above, a storage medium such as a code image or RFID may be attached to the continuous paper P, and the interval information may be provided to the cutting device 24 via the continuous paper P.
In addition, similarly to the above, a camera may be installed in the cutting device 24, and the interval information may be acquired by analyzing the imaging result of the camera.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a mold 24 </ b> A installed in the cutting device 24. More specifically, FIG. 6 is a view when the mold 24A installed in the cutting device 24 is viewed obliquely from below.
In the present embodiment, the die 24A is advanced toward the continuous paper P (moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 6A), and the above-described cutting process is performed.

The mold 24A is provided with a number of annular blades 24B corresponding to a plurality of images 7 (three images 7) formed by one printing processing unit.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, three images 7 are formed by image formation by one print processing unit, but in the present embodiment, three molds 24A are provided in correspondence with this. Two annular blades 24B are provided.

  Here, if a single die 24A is provided with a larger number of annular blades 24B than the number of images 7 formed by one printing process unit, the gap G20 (FIG. 4) is used when the continuous paper P is cut. (Ref.) The mold 24A is disposed in a manner straddling (a gap between the print processing units and the size of which may vary).

In this case, when the size of the gap G20 is different from the originally planned size, the cutting process corresponding to a part of the images 7 (images 7 located adjacent to the gap G20) is the original position. The cutting process is performed at a position different from.
In other words, the cutting process corresponding to one image 7 of the images 7 located on both sides of the gap G20 across the gap G20 is performed at a position different from the original position.

On the other hand, when the number of annular blades 24B corresponding to the number of images 7 formed by one printing processing unit is provided in one mold 24A, or the number corresponding to the number of images 7 is set in one mold 24A. If a small number of annular blades 24B are provided, the mold 24A does not straddle the gap G20.
In addition, if one die 24A is provided with the same number of annular blades 24B as the number of images 7 formed by one printing processing unit or the number of annular blades 24B smaller than the number of images 7, The mold 24A does not straddle the gap G20. And in this case, the shift | offset | difference of the cutting position resulting from the metal mold | die 24A is suppressed.

If a large number of annular blades 24B are provided in one mold 24A, the efficiency of the cutting process can be increased, but the number of images 7 formed by one printing process unit in one mold 24A is exceeded. When the annular blade 24B is provided, the mold 24A straddles the gap G20 as described above.
For this reason, it is preferable that one die 24A is provided with an annular blade 24B equal to or less than the number of images 7 formed by one print processing unit. More preferably, one die 24A is provided with the same number of annular blades 24B as the number of images 7 formed by one printing processing unit.

  In the above description, the case in which the interval information is acquired by the image forming apparatus 20 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the acquisition of the interval information is performed by an inspection apparatus that inspects the label 6 (roll body R). You may go. In other words, the interval information used in the manufacturing apparatus 10 may be obtained from information obtained by an inspection apparatus that inspects the continuous paper P.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inspection apparatus.
The inspection apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a transport device 510 that transports the continuous paper P and a camera 520 as an example of an imaging unit that captures the continuous paper P transported by the transport device 510. Further, the inspection apparatus 500 is provided with a control unit 530 that controls each part of the inspection apparatus 500.

The transport device 510 sends out the continuous paper P from the rolled continuous paper P (feeds out the continuous paper P from the roll body R), and sequentially feeds the continuous paper P to the imaging position by the camera 520. Transport.
Further, the transport device 510 further transports the continuous paper P that has passed the imaging position. Then, the transport device 510 finally winds the continuous paper P and generates the roll body R again.

The control unit 530 functions as an inspection control unit 531, an arrangement interval acquisition unit 532, and an information output unit 533. Note that these functional units are realized by a predetermined program being executed by a CPU (not shown) as described above.
The inspection control unit 531 controls each functional unit provided in the inspection apparatus 500. The inspection control unit 531 also functions as an inspection unit, analyzes the imaging result obtained by the camera 520, and inspects the image 7 (label 6) formed on the continuous paper P. More specifically, the inspection control unit 531 analyzes the imaging result obtained by the camera 520, and determines whether or not the image 7 (label 6) on the continuous paper P satisfies a predetermined condition. to decide.

The arrangement interval acquisition unit 532 analyzes the imaging result obtained by the camera 520 and acquires the arrangement interval (interval information of the label 6) of each label 6 (each image 7).
The information output unit 533 as an example of an output unit outputs the interval information acquired by the arrangement interval acquisition unit 532 to the manufacturing apparatus 10 via, for example, a communication line. Thereby, also in this case, the production control device 13 of the production device 10 obtains information about the arrangement interval of the labels 6 in advance.

In this embodiment, in this case as well, the manufacturing control device 13 performs the transport control of the continuous paper P and / or the transport control of the product 5 based on the acquired interval information. Thereby, it is suppressed that the attachment position of the label 6 in the product 5 is deviated from the original position.
As described above, the acquisition of the interval information is not limited to the image forming apparatus 20 and may be performed by another apparatus such as the inspection apparatus 500.

  The inspection apparatus 500 is often equipped with a camera. If the inspection apparatus 500 acquires interval information, a new camera (new device) for acquiring interval information is installed. The interval information can be acquired without any problem. In other words, the interval information can be acquired without adding a new configuration.

  In addition, as described above, in the configuration in which the camera is installed in the manufacturing apparatus 10 and the interval information is acquired by the manufacturing apparatus 10, a dedicated camera for acquiring the interval information is newly installed. On the other hand, the inspection apparatus 500 often has a camera already installed, and the inspection apparatus 500 can acquire the interval information without installing a new camera.

Similarly to the above, the interval information acquired by the inspection apparatus 500 may be provided to the manufacturing apparatus 10 by directly transmitting to the manufacturing apparatus 10, or a storage medium storing the interval information is conveyed to the manufacturing apparatus 10. Thus, it may be provided to the manufacturing apparatus 10.
Further, for example, by providing interval information on the continuous paper P (by attaching a code image to the continuous paper P or attaching a storage medium such as RFID to the continuous paper P), the information is provided to the manufacturing apparatus 10. May be.

In addition to the interval information, the manufacturing apparatus 10 may be provided with information about the inspection result for each of the labels 6.
In this case, the manufacturing apparatus 10 may prevent the label 6 that does not satisfy the predetermined quality from being attached to the product 5.
More specifically, in this case, the label 6 that does not satisfy the predetermined quality may not be peeled off from the mount P1, and may not be attached to the product 5. .

More specifically, for example, for a label 6 that does not satisfy a predetermined quality, a process of pressing the label 6 toward the mount side and returning the label 6 to the mount side performs label 6 on the product 5. May not be attached.
For the label 6 that does not satisfy the predetermined quality, the label 6 may not be attached to the product 5 by omitting the peeling process of the label 6.

Specifically, the peeling of the label 6 from the mount P1 is performed by placing a peeling member (not shown) in the gap between the leading end of the label 6 and the mount P1 which is peeled only from the mount P1. May be performed. In other words, the peeling member may be hooked on the tip of the label 6 to perform the peeling process of the label 6 from the mount P1.
In this case, by omitting the disposition of the peeling member in the gap (by not hooking the peeling member on the tip), the label 6 is not attached to the product 5. .

In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the case where the inspection apparatus 500 is provided as an apparatus different from the image forming apparatus 20 has been described. However, the inspection apparatus 500 may be provided in the image forming apparatus 20. .
Specifically, for example, an inspection device 500 may be provided on the downstream side of the cutting device 24 (see FIG. 1), and the inspection by the inspection device 500 may be performed after the label 6 generation processing is completed.

(Other)
Each process demonstrated above is not restricted to the process regarding manufacture of the goods 5 to which the label 6 was attached | subjected, You may apply to another process.
Specifically, each process described above may be used for manufacturing a base material used for a packaging container such as a box.
More specifically, a packaging container such as a box may be formed by bending a base material such as cardboard. However, each treatment described above is applied to the manufacture of this base material. May be.

When applying each process described above to the manufacture of a base material, as in the above, first, a process of forming a plurality of images 7 on the continuous paper P for each print processing unit is performed on the continuous paper. The process is sequentially performed on P (thick paper-like continuous paper P).
As a result, a plurality of images 7 arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper P are formed on the continuous paper P as described above. Similar to the above, at the time of this image formation, interval information, which is information about a gap between each image, is acquired.

Thereafter, a cutting process (for example, a cutting process along the contour of each image 7 (a cutting process by the annular blade 24B)) is performed on the downstream side of the printing process execution location or in another device. The acquired interval information is used.
Specifically, similarly to the above, this interval information is used to control the transport speed of the continuous paper P and / or to set (change) the lowering timing of the mold 24A (annular blade 24B).
Thereby, also in this case, the cutting position with respect to the image 7 is suppressed from shifting.

Also in the manufacture of such a base material, the interval information may be acquired by an inspection apparatus that inspects the continuous paper P (the continuous paper P on which image formation has been performed) as described above.
Further, a camera may be separately installed in the cutting apparatus, and the interval information may be obtained by analyzing the imaging result obtained by this camera.

  As in the above, in this case as well, the number of annular blades 24B installed in one mold 24A used in the cutting device is preferably equal to or less than the number of images 7 formed by one printing processing unit. . More preferably, the mold 24A is provided with the same number of annular blades 24B as the number of images 7 formed by one printing processing unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Product, 7 ... Image, 13 ... Manufacturing control apparatus, 20 ... Image forming apparatus, 22 ... Image forming unit, 24A ... Mold, 311 ... Arrangement space | interval acquisition part, 312 ... Timing setting part, 394 ... Information output part, 500 ... inspection device, 531 ... inspection control unit, 533 ... information output unit, C1 ... cutting processing place, P ... continuous paper, P1 ... mount, P2 ... label paper

Claims (16)

A plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper by performing a process of forming a plurality of images on the continuous paper for each print processing unit. Acquisition means for acquiring the arrangement interval of the images,
Setting means for setting timing of processing performed corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition means;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The said setting means sets the timing of the attachment process in which each of the said several image of the said continuous paper is attached to a to-be-attached body based on the said arrangement | positioning space | interval acquired by the said acquisition means. Information processing device. Each of the plurality of images on the continuous paper moves to a predetermined attachment location as the continuous paper is transported, and is attached to the attached body.
The information according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets a timing at which each of the plurality of images on the continuous paper to be conveyed reaches the attachment location based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit. Processing equipment. Each of the plurality of images on the continuous paper is sequentially attached to an attachment to be sequentially moved to a predetermined attachment location,
3. The information processing according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets the arrival timing of each of the attached objects that sequentially move to the attachment location based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit. apparatus.   The said setting means sets the timing which each of the said several image on the said continuous paper conveyed arrives at a predetermined location based on the said arrangement | positioning space | interval acquired by the said acquisition means. Information processing device. A cutting process is performed on a portion of the continuous paper located around each of the plurality of images,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the timing of the cutting process performed corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit. The continuous paper is sequentially conveyed to a cutting processing execution location where the cutting processing is performed, and the cutting processing is performed on the portion located around each of the plurality of images,
The said setting means sets the timing which each of the said several image on the said continuous paper conveyed reaches the said cutting process implementation location based on the said arrangement | positioning space | interval acquired by the said acquisition means. Information processing device. The continuous paper is sequentially conveyed to a cutting processing execution location where the cutting processing is performed, and the cutting processing is performed on the portion located around each of the plurality of images,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit sets a timing at which a mold used for the cutting process advances to the continuous paper based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition unit.   The information according to claim 6, wherein the cutting process includes a process of punching out a sheet that forms a part of the continuous sheet and is placed on the mount of the continuous sheet and on which the plurality of images are formed. Processing equipment.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the arrangement intervals of the plurality of images from information output from an image forming apparatus that forms the plurality of images on the continuous paper. .   2. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the arrangement intervals of the plurality of images from information output from an inspection apparatus that inspects the continuous paper on which the plurality of images are formed. apparatus. The continuous paper on which the plurality of images are formed is attached with the information output from the image forming apparatus or the information output from the inspection apparatus,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the arrangement interval from the information attached to the continuous paper. For each print processing unit, a process of forming a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper is performed, and the process in the print processing unit is performed a plurality of times on the continuous paper, Image forming means for forming a plurality of images arranged in the extending direction;
Output means for outputting information relating to the arrangement interval of the plurality of images;
An image forming apparatus. A plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper by performing a process of forming a plurality of images on the continuous paper for each print processing unit. Inspection means for inspecting individual images;
Output means for outputting information relating to the arrangement interval of the plurality of images;
An inspection apparatus comprising: A plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper by performing a process of forming a plurality of images on the continuous paper for each print processing unit. An acquisition function for acquiring the arrangement interval of images,
A setting function for setting timing of processing performed corresponding to each of the plurality of images based on the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition function;
A program to make a computer realize. A plurality of images arranged in the extending direction of the continuous paper, and the plurality of images formed on the continuous paper by performing a process of forming a plurality of images on the continuous paper for each print processing unit. An acquisition function for acquiring the arrangement interval of images,
An output function for outputting the arrangement interval acquired by the acquisition function;
A program to make a computer realize.