JP2020019656A - Interface device for collating machine, collating machine with the same, and control program for collating machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an interface device for a collating machine capable of performing a plurality of settings concerning a paper feed shelf by a simple operation, a collating machine with the interface device, and a control program for the collating machine.SOLUTION: An interface device for use in a collating machine for gathering insert leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves to produce a collated bundle, comprises a control circuit configured to: display each stage adjusting and editing screen for performing both the setting of a plurality of functions, which are related to a selected one paper feed shelf and in which the setting is performed on the individual setting screen, and the setting of one paper feed shelf, on a display device, in response to a user's operation selecting one of the plurality of paper feed shelves; and perform the setting of the plurality of functions in response to the user's operation on each stage adjusting and editing screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to an interface device for a collator, a collator provided with the same, and a control program for the collator.

  A collating machine is a device that forms a paper bundle by superposing a plurality of different types of paper. Such a collating machine is used, for example, for collating a flyer inserted between newspapers. The collating machine includes, for example, a plurality of paper feed shelves arranged in a vertical direction. A folding flyer is placed on each paper feed shelf. The collating machine is configured to generate a bundle of folding leaflets by stacking folding leaflets fed from respective paper feeding shelves one by one, and transporting the generated bundle to a predetermined location. The bundle of folded leaflets conveyed is wrapped in a cover sheet called origami, if necessary, and then sandwiched between newspapers.

  Regarding such a collating machine, the collating machine proposed in Patent Document 1 and the like includes a monitor with a touch panel. The user of the collator can monitor the operation status and the abnormal state of the collator and set various functions of the collator using the monitor with the touch panel.

JP 2005-330097 A

  In a conventional collating machine with a monitor, a dedicated setting screen is prepared for each function, and a corresponding function is set in each setting screen. For example, the collating machine has a function of associating each paper feed shelf with a folding flyer placed on the paper feed shelf. Conventionally, when setting such a flyer, the user first performs an operation of displaying a flyer setting screen, performs an operation of selecting a paper feed shelf on the setting screen, and performs the selected paper feed. Perform the operation to associate the insert flyer with the shelf. Also, the collating machine has a function called area setting. Although insert flyers can be delivered to various regions, the required flyers may differ from region to region. The area setting is a function of setting a leaflet to be collated and a leaflet to be uncollated for each area to which the insert leaflet is delivered. Conventionally, when setting such an area, the user first performs an operation of displaying an area setting screen, performs an operation of selecting an area on the setting screen, and inserts a flyer for collating the selected area. Perform the setting operation.

  In the case where a dedicated setting screen is prepared for each function as described above, when setting a plurality of functions for one paper feed shelf, the user is required to make settings while transitioning between the plurality of setting screens. Become. Therefore, the operation tends to be complicated. In the setting of the collating machine, there are many settings for the paper feed shelf, so that the operation becomes more complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an interface device for a collating machine capable of performing a plurality of settings relating to a paper feed shelf by a simple operation, a collating machine including the same, and a collating machine including the same. An object is to provide a control program for a cooperative machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, an interface device for a collating machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured to collate a folding leaflet fed from each of a plurality of paper feeding shelves to form a collating bundle. An interface device for a collating machine to be generated, the interface device being associated with the selected one of the plurality of paper feed shelves in response to a user's operation of selecting one of the plurality of paper shelves. Displaying, on a display element, a stage adjustment edit screen for setting a plurality of functions, each of which can be set on an individual setting screen, and setting of the one paper feed shelf; A control circuit configured to set a plurality of the functions in accordance with the user's operation on each stage adjustment editing screen.

  To achieve the above object, a collating machine according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an interface device for a collating machine according to the first aspect, and a plurality of collating devices according to settings made on the interface device. A collating mechanism for collating folded inserts supplied from the paper supply shelf.

  In order to achieve the above object, a control program for a collating machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured to collate folding flyers fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves to form a bundle. A control program for a collating apparatus to be generated, wherein the control program is related to the selected one of the plurality of paper feed shelves in response to a user's operation of selecting one of the plurality of paper feed shelves. Displaying, on a display element, a stage adjustment edit screen for setting a plurality of functions, each of which can be set on an individual setting screen, and setting of the one paper feed shelf; The computer is caused to execute setting of a plurality of the functions according to the operation of the user on each stage adjustment editing screen.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an interface device for a collator capable of performing a plurality of settings relating to a paper feed shelf by a simple operation, a collator provided with the same, and a control program for the collator. be able to.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a collating machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the collating mechanism. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of a collated bundle. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the collating machine. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transition of a screen that can be displayed on the display element in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the main operation of the collating machine. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the counter screen. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the setting process. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area setting screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flyer setting screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flyer setting editing screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of each stage adjustment screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of each stage adjustment editing screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a collating machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, it is assumed that the direction in which the bundle of bundles described later in the collator 100 is discharged is forward of the collator 100. The Y direction shown in FIG. 1 is along the front-back direction of the collating machine 100. The positive direction in the Y direction is the forward direction. The X direction shown in FIG. 1 is a left-right direction when the collating machine 100 is viewed from the front. The positive direction in the X direction is the right direction. The Z direction shown in FIG. 1 is a vertical direction when the collating machine 100 is viewed from the front. The positive direction in the Z direction is the upward direction. It is assumed that the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are set similarly in FIGS.

  The collating machine 100 has a collating mechanism 10. The collating machine 100 may be used in combination with various mechanisms such as a newsprint supply mechanism (inserter) and a lifting mechanism (lifter).

  The collating mechanism 10 has a plurality of paper feed shelves. The collating mechanism 10 is a mechanism that discharges the folded flyers fed from the paper feed shelves in accordance with the setting of stopping and the like. Hereinafter, the collating mechanism 10 will be further described. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the collating mechanism 10.

  The collating mechanism 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 1 long in the Z direction. A plurality of paper feed shelves 2 arranged in the Z direction are provided on the front side (the left side in the figure) and the rear side (the right side in the figure) of the housing 1 along the Y direction. Hereinafter, the front paper feed shelf 2 is referred to as a front paper feed shelf 2, and the rear paper feed shelf 2 is referred to as a rear paper feed shelf 2. Each paper feed shelf 2 is attached so as to be inclined downward inside the housing 1. A plurality of folding flyers are put into each paper feed shelf 2 in a stacked manner. Different types of inserts may be inserted into all of the sheet shelves, or the same type of inserts may be inserted into a plurality of sheet shelves. However, in the present embodiment, the lowermost paper feed shelf 2a on the front side of the housing 1 is assigned as a folding shelf that is a paper feed shelf for inserting origami. Here, a number is attached to the paper feed shelf on which the insert flyer is placed. The number of the paper feed shelf and the type of the inserted flyer are associated with each other on a flyer setting screen described later.

  A transport path 3 extending in the Z direction through the center of the housing 1 is provided in the housing 1. The transport path 3 is provided along the XZ plane between the upstream paper feed shelf 2 and the downstream paper feed shelf 2. That is, the insert leaflets taken out of the respective paper feed shelves 2 at a predetermined timing are sent to the transport path 3 and overlapped with each other. Then, the plurality of folded leaflets in the overlapping state are transported downward through the transport path 3. The transport path 3 includes a plurality of transport roller pairs 4. The conveying roller pair 4 conveys while holding a plurality of folded leaflets in an overlapping state.

  A first paper feed roller 5 and a second paper feed roller 6 are provided at the lower end side in the inclined direction of each paper feed shelf 2, that is, at the end near the center near the transport path 3. The first paper feed roller 5 is arranged so as to come into contact with the uppermost end leaflet of the plurality of leaflets transported from the paper feed shelf 2. The second paper feed roller 6 is provided downstream of the first paper feed roller 5 in the paper feed direction of the insertion flyer. Further, a feed roller pair 8 is provided downstream of the second paper feed roller 6 in the direction in which the folded flyer is taken out.

  The first paper feed roller 5 rotates in contact with the uppermost folding leaflet of the plurality of folding leaflets put on the paper feeding shelf 2, and sends the uppermost folding leaflet to the feed roller pair 8. . The second paper feed roller 6 prevents the second and subsequent folding leaflets from being fed to the feed roller pair by pressing the leading end of the second and subsequent folding leaflets against the separating plate 7. That is, the insert leaflets fed from the paper feed shelf 2 are fed to the feed roller pair 8 one by one. The feed roller pair 8 feeds the insert flyer into the transport path 3.

  A folding roller pair 9 is disposed at the lower end of the transport path 3. The folding roller pair 9 is provided such that its nip is located on an extension of the transport path 3. With this configuration, the plurality of folding flyers transported downward via the transport path 3 are sent to the nip of the folding roller pair 9.

  A feed roller pair 8a is provided on the downstream side (right side in the drawing) of the paper feed shelf 2a for feeding the origami paper in the paper feed direction. The feed roller pair 8a feeds the origami fed from the paper feed shelf 2a above the fold roller pair 9. Further, a locking portion 11 is provided at the leading end of the paper feeding shelf 2a in the paper feeding direction. The locking portion 11 stops the origami at a position where the center position of the origami in the paper feeding direction faces the nip of the pair of folding rollers 9. A folding knife 12 is disposed diagonally above the folding roller pair 9. The folding knife 12 pushes the center of the origami paper toward the nip of the folding roller pair 9.

  With such a configuration, the insert leaflets fed from the respective paper feed shelves 2 are stacked on the transport path 3 and sent to the nip of the pair of folding rollers 9. At this time, the center of the origami sheet fed in advance is folded by the folding knife 12. Then, the plurality of folding leaflets transported via the transport path 3 in an overlapping state are pushed into the center of the origami, and are sandwiched between the origami by the rotation of the folding roller pair 9. A bundle of folding leaflets that have been folded in half after passing through the folding roller pair 9, that is, a collation bundle formed by sandwiching a plurality of folding leaflets between origami papers, is delivered to the conveyor belt 13 and is discharged to the discharge roller pair. It is discharged from a discharge port 15 provided on the front surface side of the housing 1 through. In this way, a collated bundle is generated.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating an example of the collated bundle T discharged from the discharge port 15 of the collating mechanism 10. The collated bundle T is discharged with the leading end T-1 side in the discharge direction (Y direction) covered with the origami S. In the present embodiment, the bundle of bundles T in a state where one end S-1 (right end as viewed from the discharge direction) along the discharge direction of the origami S is substantially aligned with the end portions t-1 of the plurality of folding flyers t. The paper feed position along the X direction of the origami paper S is adjusted so as to be discharged.

  Further, the casing 1 of the collating mechanism 10 is provided with an operation panel 1a as an interface device. The operation panel 1a is, for example, a touch panel including a display element. The user operates the operation panel 1a to make settings relating to the collating machine 100.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the collating machine 100. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The description of the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 is omitted or simplified.

  The collating machine 100 has a control circuit 20 and a memory 30 in addition to the collating mechanism 10 described above. The control circuit 20 and the memory 30 are provided, for example, inside the housing 1. The control circuit 20 and the memory 30 may be provided separately from the housing 1. For example, the control circuit 20 and the memory 30 may be provided inside the operation panel 1a. Further, the collating machine 100 has an operation switch 40. The operation switch 40 is provided on an outer surface of the housing 1 or the like.

  The control circuit 20 is constituted by, for example, a CPU. The control circuit 20 controls the operation of the collating mechanism 10 according to a control application program (hereinafter, referred to as a control application) stored in the memory 30. For example, the control circuit 20 controls the operation of the collating mechanism 10 based on the settings made by the user operating the operation panel 1a. For example, the control circuit 20 controls the collating mechanism 10 so that a folded flyer that should not be collated as a collated bundle is fed. Note that the control circuit 20 does not necessarily need to be configured as a CPU. The control circuit 20 may be configured as a hardware logic circuit such as an ASIC. Further, the control circuit 20 does not necessarily need to be constituted by a single CPU or the like, and may be constituted by a plurality of CPUs or the like.

  The memory 30 has a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The memory 30 stores a program for executing a control application necessary for controlling the operation of the collator 100. The memory 30 stores various parameters corresponding to settings related to the collating machine 100. Further, the memory 30 stores various screen data to be displayed on the display element of the operation panel 1a. The memory 30 may be configured by a plurality of volatile memories and nonvolatile memories.

  The operation switches 40 are a group of switches other than the operation panel 1a. For example, the operation switch 40 includes a power switch of the collating machine 100. Further, for example, the operation switch 40 includes various toggle switches. These toggle switches are switches for setting the mode of the collator 100 to a specific mode. The operation switch 40 may include a switch other than these switches.

  The operation panel 1a has a display element 1b and a touch panel 1c. The display element 1b is a display element such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. On the display element 1b, various screens such as a collation operation screen indicating a state relating to the collation operation of the collator 100 and a setting system screen relating to setting of the collator 100 are displayed. The touch panel 1c is arranged so as to overlap the display element 1b. The touch panel 1c detects a contact of the user's finger and transmits a signal indicating the contact position to the control circuit 20. Various touch panels such as a resistive touch panel and a capacitive touch panel can be used as the touch panel 1c. Instead of the touch panel 1c, various pointing devices such as a mouse and a trackball may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing transition of screens that can be displayed on the display element in the present embodiment. Immediately after the power of the collating machine 100 is turned on, a startup screen D1 is displayed. While the startup screen D1 is being displayed, various startup processes required for startup are performed.

  After the start-up processing is completed, the screen transitions from the start-up screen D1 to the collation operation screen D2. The collation operation screen D2 includes a counter screen D21.

  On the counter screen D21, the user can start the collating operation of the collating machine 100 and check various states related to the collating operation. Various notifications are displayed in a dialog while the counter screen D21 is displayed. The various notifications are, for example, notification of completion of the collating operation of the collating machine 100 or notification of an error. Since the notification is performed by the dialog display, the screen dedicated to the notification is not required.

  From the counter screen D21, the screen can transit to a zone setting screen D31 of the setting system screen D3, a flyer setting screen D32, and each stage adjustment screen D33.

  On the zone setting screen D31, the user can set a zone. An area is a delivery area where a collated bundle can be delivered. When the area is set, the collating machine 100 collates the insert flyers according to the area setting. From the zone setting screen D31, the screen can transition to a flyer setting screen D32 and each stage adjustment screen D33.

  On the flyer setting screen D32, the user can set the insert flyer. The setting of the insert flyer can be performed for each paper feed shelf. This setting includes setting such as a flyer name of the insert flyer. From the flyer setting screen D32, a transition can be made to a flyer setting editing screen D321. On the flyer setting edit screen D321, the user can make detailed settings related to the insert flyer.

  On each stage adjustment screen D33, the user can check various information for each paper feed shelf and make various settings for each paper feed shelf. From each stage adjustment screen D33, the screen can transition to each stage adjustment editing screen D331. In each stage adjustment edit screen D331, the user can make the same settings as the above-mentioned flyer settings in addition to the dedicated settings for each paper feed shelf. That is, in the present embodiment, the user can select the function to be set on the collating machine 100, and then select the paper feed shelf for which the selected function is to be set, and also select the paper feed shelf for which the function is to be set. After selecting, the function of the selected paper feed shelf can be set.

  From the collation operation screen D2 or the setting screen D3, the screen can also transition to the toggle switch screen D4. The toggle switch screen D4 is a screen to which a transition is made when a specific toggle switch of the operation switch is operated.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the collating machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following, description will be made focusing on the control performed in accordance with the operation of the operation panel 1a. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the main operation of the collating machine 100. The operation of FIG. 6 is controlled by the control circuit 20.

  In step S1, the control circuit 20 determines whether the power switch of the operation switch 40 has been turned on. In step S1, while it is determined that the power switch is not turned on, the control circuit 20 waits for processing. If it is determined in step S1 that the power switch has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the control circuit 20 starts the control application of the collating machine 100 and causes the display element 1b of the operation panel 1a to display the start screen D1. After the startup screen D1 is displayed and the startup process is completed, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the control circuit 20 performs a collation operation system process. After the collation operation processing, the processing moves to step S4. In the collation operation system processing, the user can check the state of the collator 100 on the counter screen D21 or set an insert flyer for the collator 100 to start actual collation.

  In FIG. 7, a paper feed shelf information display unit 301 for displaying information for each paper feed shelf is provided on the counter screen D21. In the paper feed shelf information display section 301, for a paper feed shelf on which a flyer to be described later is set, the name of the corresponding flyer is displayed.

  Further, the counter screen D21 is provided with a total number display unit 302 for displaying a state relating to the collation operation such as a total number, a scheduled stop total number, an execution number, a set number, and a remaining number. The total number is the total number of insert leaflets collated so far. The scheduled total number is the total number of insert flyers for stopping the collation operation. The execution number is the number of folded leaflets collated for each paper feed shelf. The set number is the number of insert leaflets for stopping the collating operation for each paper feed shelf. The remaining number is the difference between the set number and the execution number.

  The counter screen D21 is provided with an area display section 303. The area display unit 303 is a part for displaying a currently selected area. When the area display section 303 is touched, the screen transits to the area setting screen D31.

  The counter screen D21 is provided with a flyer setting button 304 and each stage adjustment button 305. When these buttons are touched, the control circuit 20 changes the screen to a screen corresponding to the touched button.

  In addition, a collation start button 306 is provided on the counter screen D21. The collation start button 306 is a button for the user to instruct the start of the collation operation. When the collation start button 306 is touched, the control circuit 50 starts the collation operation according to the current operation setting.

  An end button 307 is provided on the counter screen D21. The end button 307 is a button for the user to instruct the end of the control application. When the end button 307 is touched, the control circuit 50 ends the control application. The power of the collator 100 may be turned off with the termination of the control application.

  In step S4, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to make settings. If any setting operation is performed during the collation operation processing, it is determined that the setting is to be performed. If it is determined in step S4 that setting is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S5. When it is determined in step S4 that the setting is not performed, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S5, the control circuit 20 performs a setting-related process. After the setting-related processing, the processing moves to step S6. The setting-related processing is processing performed during the display of the setting-related screen D3 described above. Details of the setting processing will be described later.

  In step S6, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to perform a toggle switch processing. When a specific toggle switch is turned on, it is determined that a toggle switch related process is to be performed. If it is determined in step S6 to perform the toggle switch processing, the process proceeds to step S7. If it is determined in step S6 that the toggle switch processing is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S7, the control circuit 20 performs a toggle switch processing. After the toggle switch processing, the process proceeds to step S8. In the toggle switch processing, processing corresponding to the switch turned on by the user is performed.

  In step S8, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the operation of the collator 100 is to be terminated. For example, when the power switch is turned off, it is determined that the operation of the collating machine 100 is to be ended. If it is determined in step S8 that the operation of the collator 100 is not to be ended, the process returns to step S3. If it is determined in step S8 that the operation of the collator 100 is to be ended, the control circuit 20 performs power-off processing of the collator 100. Thereafter, the processing in FIG. 6 ends.

  Next, the setting system processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the setting process. In step S101, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to set a zone. For example, it is determined that the area setting is performed when the area display unit 303 is touched on the counter screen D21. If it is determined in step S101 that zone setting is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S102. When it is determined in step S101 that the zone setting is not performed, the processing proceeds to step S103.

  In step S102, the control circuit 20 causes the display element 1b to display the zone setting screen D31. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106. As described above, on the area setting screen D31, the user can set information of an area to which the collated bundle can be delivered. The content set on the zone setting screen D31 is stored in, for example, the memory 30. The control circuit 20 reads the zone setting from the memory 30 at a necessary timing.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area setting screen. An area name display section 401 is provided on the area setting screen D31. The area name display unit 401 is a part that displays the area name of the currently selected area. The area name can be changed by a user operation.

  Further, the area setting screen D31 is provided with an area information display unit 402 for displaying area information. The area information is information indicating the setting of the area belonging to the currently selected area. The area information display unit 402 displays the names of the areas belonging to the current area and various area settings for each area. The name of the area and the area setting can be changed by a user operation. FIG. 9 shows an example in which two types of zone settings are displayed, but the number of displayed zone settings is not limited to two.

  Further, the area setting screen D31 is provided with a stop button 403, a region selection button 404, a flyer setting button 405, each stage adjustment button 406, and a completion button 407. The stop button 403 is a button for interrupting the area setting. When the stop button 403 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the zone setting. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 changes the screen to the screen displayed immediately before the zone setting screen D31. The region selection button 404 is a button for changing the selected region. When the region selection button 404 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the selected region according to the operation of the user. The control circuit 20 updates the display of the zone setting screen D31 according to the change of the area. The flyer setting button 405 and each stage adjustment button 406 are the same as the flyer setting button 304 and each stage adjustment button 305 on the counter screen D21. When the flyer setting button 405 or each stage adjustment button 406 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the screen to a screen corresponding to the touched button. The completion button 407 is a button for completing the area setting. When the completion button 407 is touched, the control circuit 20 stores the current zone setting in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 changes the screen to the screen displayed immediately before the zone setting screen D31.

  Here, the description returns to FIG. In step S103, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to perform a flyer setting. For example, it is determined that the flyer setting is performed when the flyer setting button 304 is touched on the counter screen D21. If it is determined in step S103 that the flyer setting is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S104. If it is determined in step S103 that the flyer setting is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S104, the control circuit 20 causes the display element 1b to display the flyer setting screen D32. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106. As described above, on the flyer setting screen D32, the user can set various information related to the insert flyer. The content set on the flyer setting screen D32 is stored in, for example, the memory 30. The control circuit 20 reads out the flyer setting from the memory 30 at a necessary timing.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flyer setting screen. The flyer setting screen D32 is provided with a flyer information display unit 501 for displaying flyer information. The flyer information is information indicating settings related to the insert flyer stored in the memory 30. The flyer information display section 501 displays the name of each insert flyer and various flyer settings for each insert flyer. Although FIG. 10 shows an example in which three types of flyer settings are displayed, the number of displayed flyer settings is not limited to three.

  Further, the flyer setting screen D32 is provided with a stop button 502, a flyer selection button 503, a flyer edit button 504, each stage adjustment button 505, and a completion button 506. The stop button 502 is a button for interrupting the flyer setting. When the stop button 502 is touched, the control circuit 20 suspends the flyer setting. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 changes the screen to the screen displayed immediately before the flyer setting screen D32. The flyer selection button 503 is a button for changing the currently selected flyer. When the handbill selection button 503 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the selected handbill according to the operation of the user. The flyer edit button 504 is a button for editing detailed settings of the selected insert flyer. When the handbill edit button 504 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays a handbill setting edit screen D321 corresponding to the selected insert handbill. Each row adjustment button 505 is the same as each row adjustment button 305 on the counter screen D21 and each row adjustment button 406 on the zone setting screen D31. When each stage adjustment button 505 is touched, the control circuit 20 causes the screen to transition to each stage adjustment screen D33. The completion button 506 is a button for completing a flyer setting. When the completion button 506 is touched, the control circuit 20 stores the current flyer setting in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 changes the screen to the screen displayed immediately before the flyer setting screen D32.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flyer setting editing screen. A flyer name display section 601 is provided on the flyer setting editing screen D321. The flyer name display section 601 is a part for displaying a flyer name set for the currently selected insert flyer. The flyer name displayed on the flyer setting editing screen D321 can be changed according to a user operation.

  The flyer setting editing screen D321 is provided with flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 for changing various flyer settings displayed on the flyer setting screen D32. The flyer setting button 602 is a button for changing the flyer setting 1. The flyer setting button 603 is a button for changing the flyer setting 2. The flyer setting button 604 is a button for changing the flyer setting 3. On the flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604, the current states of the parameters set as the respective flyer settings are displayed. When any one of the flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the parameter set as the touched flyer setting. The change of this parameter may be performed in a dialog for setting. In this case, when any one of the flyer setting buttons 602, 603, 604 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays the touched dialog. Then, the control circuit 20 changes the parameters according to the user's operation in the dialog.

  The flyer setting editing screen D321 is provided with a stop button 605, a setting clear button 606, and a completion button 607. The stop button 605 is a button for interrupting the flyer setting editing. When the stop button 605 is touched, the control circuit 20 suspends the flyer setting editing. In this case, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the flyer setting screen D32 without saving the settings made on the flyer setting editing screen D321 in the memory 30. The setting clear button 606 is a button for clearing the settings on the flyer setting editing screen D321. When the setting clear button 606 is touched, the control circuit 20 clears all parameters set on the flyer setting editing screen D321 to initial values. The completion button 607 is a button for completing the flyer setting editing. When the completion button 607 is touched, the control circuit 20 stores the settings made on the flyer setting editing screen D321 in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 causes the screen to transition to a flyer setting screen D32.

  Here, the description returns to FIG. In step S105, the control circuit 20 causes the display element 1b to display each stage adjustment screen D33. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of each stage adjustment screen. In each stage adjustment screen D33, a paper feed shelf information display unit 701 for displaying paper feed shelf information is provided. The paper feed shelf information display section 701 displays the number of paper feed shelves and various settings of the paper feed shelves in each of the paper shelves. Although FIG. 12 shows an example in which three types of column settings are displayed, the number of displayed column settings is not limited to three. When the position of any one of the stages of the paper feed shelf information display unit 701 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays each stage adjustment editing screen D331. Each stage adjustment edit screen D331 will be described later.

  In addition, a stop button 702 and a completion button 703 are provided on each stage adjustment screen D33. The stop button 702 is a button for interrupting each stage adjustment. When the stop button 702 is touched, the control circuit 20 suspends the adjustment of each stage. In this case, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen displayed immediately before each stage adjustment screen D33. The completion button 703 is a button for completing each stage adjustment. When the completion button 703 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the current setting on each stage adjustment screen D33 in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 causes the screen to transition to the screen displayed immediately before each stage adjustment screen D33.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of each stage adjustment editing screen. Each stage adjustment edit screen D331 includes, in addition to the individual settings for each paper feed shelf, the same settings as those that can be performed on the flyer setting screen D32 and the flyer setting edit screen D321 described above. This is a screen that can be performed every time. As shown in FIG. 13, each stage adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with a stage number display section 801 and a flyer name display section 802. The step number display unit 801 is a part that displays the step number of the currently selected paper feed shelf. The flyer name display unit 802 is a part that displays a flyer name set for the insert flyer associated with the currently selected paper feed shelf.

  In addition, each stage adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with flyer setting buttons 803, 804, and 805. The flyer setting buttons 803, 804, and 805 are the same buttons as the flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 on the flyer setting editing screen D321. That is, when any one of the flyer setting buttons 803, 804, and 805 is touched, the control circuit 20 sets the parameter related to the leaflet setting corresponding to the touched button, which is associated with the paper feed shelf of the selected stage. change. The change of this parameter may be performed by displaying a dialog for setting. In addition, even if the flyer setting associated with the currently selected paper feed shelf is changed on the respective-stage adjustment editing screen D331, the parameters related to the flyer settings of the insert flyers associated with other paper feed shelves are changed. It is not necessary.

  Further, detailed setting buttons 806 and 807 are provided on each stage adjustment editing screen D331. The detailed setting buttons 806 and 807 are buttons for setting a paper feed shelf that cannot be set on another setting screen. When the detail setting button 806 or 807 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes a parameter corresponding to the touched button. The change of this parameter may be performed in a dialog for setting. Note that the parameters set by touching the detailed setting button 806 or 807 are not reflected on other paper feed shelves.

  In addition, a stop button 808, a flyer selection button 809, a setting clear button 810, and a completion button 811 are provided on each stage adjustment editing screen D331. The stop button 808 is a button for interrupting each stage adjustment editing. When the stop button 808 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the adjustment / editing of each stage. After that, the control circuit 20 causes the screen to transition to each stage adjustment screen D33. The flyer selection button 809 is a button for changing the insert flyer associated with the paper feed shelf of the currently selected row. When the flyer selection button 809 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the insert flyer associated with the paper feed shelf in accordance with the operation of the user. After that, the control circuit 20 reads out the flyer information corresponding to the changed insert flyer from the memory 30 and updates the display content of each stage adjustment edit screen D331. The setting clear button 810 is a button for clearing the settings on the respective stage adjustment editing screen D331. When the setting clear button 810 is touched, the control circuit 20 clears all the settings made on each stage adjustment editing screen D331 to initial values. The completion button 811 is a button for completing each stage adjustment editing. When the completion button 811 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the settings made on each stage adjustment edit screen D331 in the memory 30. After that, the control circuit 20 causes the screen to transition to each stage adjustment screen D33.

  Here, the description returns to FIG. In step S106, the control circuit 20 determines whether a button or the like on the zone setting screen D31, the flyer setting screen D32, and the respective stage adjustment screen D33 has been touched. If it is determined in step S106 that the touch location such as a button has not been touched, the processing in FIG. 8 ends. If it is determined in step S106 that a touch location such as a button has been touched, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the screen changes as a result of the touch. If it is determined in step S107 that the screen changes, the processing in FIG. 8 ends. If it is determined in step S107 that the screen is not to be changed, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the control circuit 20 performs a process corresponding to the button or the like touched by the user in the setting screen D3. After the processing, the processing in FIG. 8 ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, various settings such as a flyer setting screen and a flyer setting editing screen are individually provided on each level adjustment edit screen for detailed adjustment of each level of the paper feed shelf. A display unit and buttons equivalent to the setting screen are provided. This eliminates the need for the user to transition between a plurality of screens when setting the function of each stage. Therefore, the function setting of each stage becomes easy.

  In each setting screen, setting using a dialog can be performed. By performing setting using the dialog, the number of dedicated screens for setting can be reduced.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment described above, the operation panel 1a as the interface device is provided integrally with the collating machine 100. On the other hand, the operation panel 1a may be provided separately from the collator 100. For example, a function similar to that of the operation panel 1a may be mounted on devices such as a smartphone and a tablet PC, and the collator 100 may be controlled by remote control from these devices.

  The display contents of each screen described above are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, some displays may be omitted from each screen, or additional displays may be displayed on each screen. For example, a display unit and a button equivalent to the area setting screen may be provided on each stage adjustment editing screen D331.

  In the above-described embodiment, the screen changes to the respective-stage adjustment editing screen D331 by touching the paper feed shelf information display unit 701 on the respective-stage adjustment screen D33, but is not limited thereto. For example, by touching the paper feed shelf information display unit 301 of the counter screen D21, the screen may transit to the respective stage adjustment editing screen D331 without passing through the respective stage adjustment screen D33.

  Further, each process according to the above-described embodiment can be stored as a control program that can be executed by the control circuit 20 which is a computer. In addition, it can be stored and distributed in a storage medium of an external storage device such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. Then, the control circuit 20 reads the control program stored in the storage medium of the external storage device, and controls the operation by the read control program, so that the above-described processing can be executed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified in an implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect is obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent features. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, if the problem can be solved and an effect can be obtained, a configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  100 collating machine, 1a operation panel, 10 collating mechanism, 20 control circuit, 30 memory, 40 operation switches.

Claims (7)

An interface device for a collating machine that collates folding leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves to generate a collated bundle,
In response to a user's operation of selecting one of the plurality of paper shelves, a plurality of functions related to the selected one of the paper shelves are set on respective setting screens. Displaying each stage adjustment editing screen for setting a plurality of functions that can be performed and setting of the one paper feed shelf on a display element, and according to the user's operation on each stage adjustment editing screen, An interface device for a collator comprising a control circuit configured to perform setting of a plurality of said functions.   2. The collating machine according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is provided with a display unit for performing display equivalent to the individual setting screen and a button for performing equivalent settings on the individual stage adjustment editing screen. 3. Interface device.   3. The collating machine according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit further includes a display unit for performing a display different from the individual setting screen and a button for performing a different setting on the individual stage adjustment editing screen. 4. Interface device.   4. The control circuit displays a dialog for setting in accordance with the operation of the user on the stage adjustment editing screen, and sets the function in accordance with the operation of the user in the dialog. 5. An interface device for a collator according to any one of the preceding claims.   The interface device for a collating machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation by the user is performed by a touch panel. An interface device for a collator according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
According to the settings made by the interface device, a collating mechanism that collates the insertion flyers fed from the plurality of paper shelves,
Collator equipped with. A control program for a collating machine that collates insert leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves and generates a collated bundle,
In response to a user's operation of selecting one of the plurality of paper shelves, a plurality of functions related to the selected one of the paper shelves are set on respective setting screens. Displaying, on a display element, a stage adjustment edit screen for setting a plurality of functions that can be performed and setting of the one paper feed shelf;
Setting a plurality of the functions according to the operation of the user on the respective stage adjustment editing screen;
Control program for a collating machine that causes a computer to execute