JP5255352B2 - Method and system for managing variable information printed matter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management method and a management system for variable information printed matter in which variable information having different contents is recorded.

  Conventionally, there is known a prior art for inspecting whether or not there is a data shift on the front and back of a printed material when a variable information printed material is generated by performing double-sided printing of a large amount of individually different printing contents (for example, patents) Reference 1). In this prior art, the front side printing unit of the printer unit prints the front side, the back side printing unit prints the back side, and the double-sided printing inspection unit reads the image data indicating the contents printed on both sides, and the matching is performed. It is a test for sex.

In particular, the prior art prints individual invoice data, etc. as variable information on continuous paper, then reads the printed contents of the front and back with an image sensor. Or the like is marked with a defective print mark. Thereby, it is considered that the defective printed matter can be easily found or removed later.
JP-A-9-240120 (page 5-9, FIG. 2)

  However, the above prior art merely manages whether double-sided printing is normal at a stage before separating continuous paper into individual variable information printed matter and folding it into a sealed form. For this reason, in the prior art, it is impossible to manage whether or not the continuous paper has been properly separated thereafter and whether or not the form of folding is appropriate. In particular, when generating a saddle-stitched booklet or a flat-stitched booklet from continuous paper, it is necessary to manage the amount of printing in advance, as well as managing the individual print contents, and if it is not possible to manage whether or not the transformation into a booklet form has been properly performed. Even if the printed contents are inspected, there is a problem that the product cannot be finally shipped.

  In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of managing whether or not the deformation from continuous paper to a booklet form has been appropriately performed.

  In order to solve the above problems, firstly, the present invention provides a management method for variable information printed matter. The following variable information printed matter is to be managed by the management method of the present invention.

[Variable information printed matter]
In the management method of the present invention, a plurality of variable information prints are managed. The variable information printed matter is a set of individual pieces of continuous paper in a state in which a plurality of pieces of paper are linked together as one piece, and variable information having different contents is printed for each piece. Management information for identifying individuals from each other is printed on at least one side of each of the paper pieces at both ends located at the beginning and the end. The management information is, for example, a unique management number for each individual, an identification code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, or an identification symbol, and is given in advance in association with variable information for each individual, for example.

  The management method of the present invention includes the following steps.

(1) Semi-finished product production process In this process, each variable information printed matter on which variable information and management information are printed is folded zigzag for each piece of paper, and the management information is placed on both outer surfaces at the leading and trailing positions. Separate from continuous paper as an exposed form. In addition, with the folding, the paper pieces that overlap each other are bonded to each other in the form of saddle stitching or flat stitching to produce a semi-finished product. In the case of saddle stitching, line glue processing is performed along a folding line located near the middle in the width direction of the paper piece. Further, in the case of flat binding, the paper pieces are bonded together by applying line glue processing to one side edge portion as viewed in the width direction of the paper pieces.

(2) First reading step In this step, the management information exposed on the outer surface of at least one of the semi-finished products is read. The management information can be read automatically using, for example, an optical reading unit.

(3) Second Reading Step In this step, the management information exposed on the outer surface opposite to the one outer surface (the outer surface where the management information is read in the first reading step) is read. Note that the first reading step and the second reading step may be performed in parallel.

(4) History Registration Step In this step, a history is registered for each variable information printed matter based on the management information read from the outer surface of both semi-finished products through the first and second reading steps.

  According to the management method of the present invention, a history of both management information read in the first reading step and management information read in the second reading step is registered for one variable information printed matter. If it is, it is possible to know that at least the variable information printed matter has been properly separated from the continuous paper and zigzag folded. On the other hand, if the history of management information that should have been read in any of the reading processes is not registered, the variable information printed matter is not properly separated from the continuous paper, or the zigzag folding is appropriate. You can know that there was no.

  In addition, when producing a semi-finished product with the form of saddle stitching, it is preferable that the following processes are added to the management method of this invention.

(5) Folding step This step is executed between the first reading step and the second reading step. In this step, the semi-finished product generated in the saddle stitch form is folded in half.

  In this case, based on the management information read from one outer surface of the semi-finished product in the first reading step, whether or not at least the semi-finished product is properly separated from the continuous paper, and whether the zigzag folding is properly performed. Whether or not can be registered in the history. Next, based on the management information read from the outer surface on the opposite side of the semi-finished product in the second reading step, it can be registered in the history whether or not the semi-finished product is properly folded. In this way, by inserting another middle folding step between the first reading step and the second reading step, it is possible to double check the semi-finished product for defects during the middle folding.

  Secondly, the present invention provides a management system for variable information printed matter. The management target of this system is a plurality of variable information printed matter. In other words, the variable information printed matter is printed with variable information having different contents as individual pieces for a predetermined number of pieces of paper pieces in a state where a plurality of pieces of paper are connected, and is positioned at the beginning and end within one individual. Management information for identifying individuals from each other is printed on at least one side of each of the paper pieces at both ends.

  The management system is configured as a device (apparatus or facility) having the following functional elements. First, each variable information printed matter on which variable information and management information are printed is folded zigzag for each piece of paper, and the management information is exposed on both outer surfaces at the leading and trailing positions from continuous paper. A zigzag folding part that generates a semi-finished product by adhering pieces of paper that overlap each other in the form of saddle stitching or flat stitching along with the folding. The second is a first reading means for reading the management information exposed on the outer surface of at least one of the semi-finished products, and the third is the outer surface of one of the semi-finished products (the management information is read by the first reading means). This is a second reading means for reading management information exposed on the outer surface opposite to the outer surface. Fourthly, there is a history registration means for registering a history for each variable information printed matter based on the management information read from both outer surfaces of the semi-finished product by the first and second reading means.

  In the management system of the present invention, the history of both management information read by the first reading unit and management information read by the second reading unit is registered for a certain variable information printed matter. If it is, it is possible to know that at least the variable information printed matter has been appropriately processed such as separation from the continuous paper in the zigzag fold-in portion and zigzag folding. On the other hand, when the history of management information that should have been read by any of the reading means is not registered, the variable information printed matter is not properly separated from the continuous paper, or the zigzag folding process is not performed. You can know that it was not appropriate.

  In the case where the zigzag folding part generates a semi-finished product in the form of saddle stitching, the management system of the present invention further includes the following configuration. That is, the half-finished product generated by the zigzag folding part is folded in half with the first transporting part transported in the lateral direction with its one outer surface facing upward, and the first transporting part, It further includes a middle folded portion that discharges with the outer surface opposite to one outer surface facing upward, and a second conveying portion that conveys the semi-finished product after being folded from the middle folded portion. In this case, the first reading unit reads the management information from the semi-finished product conveyed by the first conveying unit, and the second reading unit obtains the management information from the semi-finished product conveyed by the second conveying unit. Shall be read.

  According to the above configuration, the management information is first read from one outer surface of the semi-finished product on the first transport unit, and after the half-finishing process of the semi-finished product, further from the outer surface on the opposite side on the second transport unit. The history can be registered twice by reading the management information. Therefore, the form of the semi-finished product can be double checked by matching both the histories.

  According to the management method and management system of the present invention, even when a large amount of variable information printed matter is transformed into a booklet form, it is possible to accurately manage these histories. For this reason, quality control can be efficiently performed for a large number of products finally shipped in a booklet form.

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

[First Embodiment]
First, in the first embodiment, a configuration of a variable information printed matter to be managed will be described. FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing an operation when a variable information printed material is commercialized as a half-folded booklet. Hereinafter, operations will be described in order.

  1A: The variable information printed matter 2 is generated in the form of continuous paper. The continuous paper includes a large number of variable information prints 2, and the long continuous paper is fed out, for example, in a state of being wound around a roll (not shown). The individual variable information printed matter 2 in the continuous paper is constituted by, for example, six continuous paper pieces 2a to 2f (folded pieces). In the variable information printed matter 2, the adjacent paper pieces 2a to 2f are partitioned by a fold line L1. The fold line L1 may be formed by perforations. As described above, when a half-fold booklet is planned as a product, a half-fold planned line L2 is formed at an intermediate position when viewed in the width direction of each of the paper pieces 2a to 2f.

  Although not particularly shown in FIG. 1, variable information having different contents (for example, information provided for each individual) is printed on each individual variable information printed matter 2. Also, each variable information print 2 is printed with management information C1, C2,... Cn for identifying the individual pieces of paper pieces 2a, 2f located at the beginning and end of the continuous paper. Yes. The management information C1, C2,... Cn, etc. may be printed only on one side of each paper piece 2a, 2f, or may be printed on both sides.

  In FIG. 1, (B): Next, the variable information printed matter 2 is folded zigzag for each of the paper pieces 2a to 2f. At this time, for example, the leading paper piece 2a and the next paper piece 2b are folded in a mountain, and then the valley is folded and alternately folded into a mountain, so that the management information C1 is exposed on both outer surfaces at the leading and trailing positions. It becomes a folding form. Further, at this time, the line-schedule line L2 is subjected to line glue processing alternately on the back surface and the front surface, for example, from the first paper piece 2a to the paper pieces 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2e. For example, the leading paper piece 2a as viewed in the figure is folded toward the back surface of the next paper piece 2b in a state where the back surface has been subjected to line paste processing. Further, the paper piece 2b is folded toward the surface of the next paper piece 2c in a state where the surface of the paper piece 2b is subjected to the line paste processing. In addition, when line paste processing is performed from the top paper piece 2a as described above, it is not necessary to apply line paste processing to the last paper piece 2f.

  When the zigzag fold of the variable information printed matter 2 is completed and separated from the continuous paper, a half-finished booklet semi-finished product 4 is generated. In the semi-finished product 4, the management information C1 is exposed on both outer surfaces as described above.

  In FIG. 1, (C): Next, when the semi-finished product 4 is folded halfway along the folding line L2, the half-finished product 5 is generated. At this time, by folding the paper piece 2f at the end inward (inner surface), the front paper piece 2a is positioned on the outer side (cover) of the booklet in the half-finished product 5 after the intermediate folding. Next, when three sides (three sides) of the half-finished product 5 after being folded are cut, the saddle stitch booklet product 6 is completed. At this time, the management information C1 portion is also cut off.

[Management information]
FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a print area of the variable information printed matter 2 as an example. Here, if the variable information printed matter 2 is, for example, a document for individuals, a code “ABC-DE” for each individual, a personal address “Kyotaro”, and an address (not shown) are included in the print area. In addition, various personal information (not shown) is printed as variable information.

  Further, for example, a barcode is printed as management information C1 in the print area. Here, as an example, a mode in which the management information C1 is printed on one side edge of the paper is shown, but the printing position of the management information C1 is arbitrary. Although not shown, the management information is also printed at another position (for example, in the cover area), and this management information remains in the booklet product 6 without being cut off after cutting. In this way, by leaving the management information after the cutting, it is possible to manage the shipment of the booklet product 6 and to contribute to the product management after the shipment (such as an inquiry from the delivery destination).

  In the present embodiment, the six paper pieces 2a to 2f are folded in a zigzag shape, and further folded in half to generate the booklet product 6, so that the first page when the booklet product 6 is formed on the surface of the leading paper piece 2a The 24th page and the 2nd and 23rd pages are included on the back side (not shown). The front surface of the last piece 2f includes the 12th and 13th pages, and the back surface (not shown) includes the 11th and 14th pages.

  In FIG. 2, display frames other than variable information, diagrams, various figures, and the like are not variable information particularly for individuals. These display frames, diagrams, various figures, and the like may be printed together with variable information, or may be printed (preprinted) in advance by a printing machine in the previous process.

[Management method and management system]
Next, specific examples of the management method and the management system will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a management system for carrying out the management method of the variable information printed matter 2.

  The management system includes, for example, a supply unit 10, a printing unit 12, a bookbinding unit 14, and a history registration unit 16. First, the supply unit 10 has a function of supplying a medium such as recording paper or continuous paper to the printing unit 12. The printing unit 12 has a function of printing individual variable information and management information (C1, C2,... Cn) on the supplied medium. The supply unit 10 and the printing unit 12 are not essential and may be configured separately from the management system.

  The bookbinding section 14 functions to generate the booklet product 6 by folding the variable information printed matter 2 in a zigzag manner for each of the paper pieces 2a to 2f as described above, performing line glue processing, and further performing middle folding and cutting processing. It is what has. The history registration unit 16 has a function of managing these histories as electronic data in the process in which the semifinished products 4 and 5 are generated from the variable information printed matter 2 in the bookbinding unit 14.

  A management computer 18 is connected to the management system. The management computer 18 has a function of providing necessary information to the history registration unit 16, collecting history registered by the history registration unit 16, and displaying the result on a display screen. is there.

  As another configuration, the print control unit 20 is attached to the management system. The printing control unit 20 has a function of controlling the medium supply operation by the supply unit 10 and the printing operation by the printing unit 12, and specifically, the variable information to be printed individually for each variable information print 2. Information and management information are output to the printing unit 12 in a predetermined data format.

  The bookbinding section 14 further includes mechanical and mechanical devices such as a zigzag folding section 22, a first transport section 24, a middle folding section 26, a second transport section 28, and a cutting section 30. Among these, the zigzag folding part 22 is a group of devices that automatically folds the variable information printed matter 2, performs line glue processing, and separates it from continuous paper. Moreover, the 1st conveyance part 24 is a conveyor apparatus which conveys the semi-finished product 4 after folding. The middle folding unit 26 is a chopper folding device that folds the conveyed semi-finished product 4 with a chopper blade and a middle folding roller (not shown), and reverses and discharges the half-finished product 5 after being folded. The second transport unit 28 is a conveyor device that transports the discharged semi-finished product 5. In addition, the structure which arrange | positions a press stacker etc. before and behind the 2nd conveyance part 28, and presses the semi-finished product 5 after a middle folding may be sufficient. The cutting unit 30 is, for example, a three-way cutting device, and the booklet product 6 is discharged from the bookbinding unit 14 after cutting.

  The history registration unit 16 includes, for example, two optical readers 32 and 33, an information reading unit 34, an inspection unit 36, and a storage device 38 as components having a function as an electronic device. The history registration unit 16 includes a system management unit 40 having a function as a control device. Among these, the optical readers 32 and 33 are optical devices having a function of optically reading the management information C1 from the semi-finished products 4 and 5 transported by the first transport unit 24 and the second transport unit 28, respectively. The information reading unit 34 is an integrated circuit having a function of decrypting the management information C1, C2,... Cn read by the optical readers 32 and 33 and converting it into electronic data. Although only one optical reader 32 is shown in FIG. 3, the optical reader 32 is disposed not only on the upper side of the transport surface of the first transport unit 24 but also on the lower side of the transport surface. .

  The inspection unit 36 is computer hardware including, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) (not shown), a memory device such as a ROM and a RAM, an input / output circuit, and the like. Input electronic data is input. The storage device 38 is a storage device having a mass storage medium such as a hard disk or an optical disk. In addition, the storage device 38 can be read, written, erased, and the like by access from the management computer 18 or the inspection unit 36 described above. Note that the function of the history registration unit 16 may be realized by utilizing hardware resources of a general-purpose personal computer and its peripheral devices, for example.

  Next, a procedure of a management method executed using the management system will be described.

[Generation of printed matter]
First, the supply unit 10 performs an operation of feeding continuous paper from a supply roll (not shown) and continuously supplying the continuous paper toward the printing unit 12. For example, an ink jet printer device (not shown) is installed in the printing unit 12. The printer device performs an operation of printing variable information at a predetermined position of the continuous paper by the print head while conveying the supplied continuous paper. The contents of the variable information differ depending on the individual variable information printed matter 2 as described above, and the contents of the variable information printed by the printing unit 12 are controlled by the print control unit 20, for example.

  At this time, the management computer 18 comprehensively manages which management information C1, C2,... Cn is assigned to which individual for a plurality of variable information prints 2 to be generated. The printing control unit 20 controls the printing operation by the printing unit 12 by associating the variable information for each individual designated by the management computer 18 with the management information C1, C2,. For example, the management computer 18 holds the variable information and the contents of the management information in a database (not shown). The database stores a plurality of variable information and management information in advance according to the quantity of the variable information printed matter 2 to be generated. Are recorded in association with each individual.

  When the printing control unit 20 receives the variable information and the management information from the database of the management computer 18, the print control unit 20 accumulates them in the buffer memory. The print control unit 20 instructs the supply unit 10 to start supplying continuous paper, and transmits the accumulated individual variable information and management information to the print unit 12. For example, a print mark is printed in advance on the continuous paper for each of the paper pieces 2a to 2f, and the printer device of the printing unit 12 sends the variable information and the management information for each piece of the paper pieces 2a to 2f in synchronization with the print mark. Print at the position. Thereby, a plurality of variable information printed matter 2 is continuously generated.

[Semi-product production process]
The generated variable information printed matter 2 is then transferred to the bookbinding unit 14 and first becomes the semi-finished product 4 folded in a zigzag manner as described above, and then the half-finished half-finished product 5.

[First reading step]
In the present embodiment, management information (C1, C2,... Cn) is received from the outer surface of one side by the optical reader 32 in the process of transporting the semi-finished product 4 from the zigzag folding part 22 to the middle folding part 26. Read. Thereafter, the semi-finished product 5 folded in the middle folding section 26 is reversed as described above and discharged to the second transport section 28.

[Second reading step]
Then, the management information (C 1, C 2,... Cn) is read by the optical reader 33 from the outer surface on the opposite side in the process in which the half-finished product 5 is conveyed to the cutting unit 30 for the second time. Thereby, the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) exposed on the outer surfaces of both sides in the state of the semi-finished product 4 can be read in order.

[History registration process]
Moreover, the management system of this embodiment can register the history of the variable information printed matter 2 using the function of the history registration unit 16 as follows. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the first history registration process executed by the inspection unit 36 (CPU). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second history registration process similarly executed by the inspection unit 36 (CPU). Among these, in the first history registration process of FIG. 4, the first management information (C1, C2,... Cn) is read and the history is registered, and in the second history registration process of FIG. Reading information (C1, C2,... Cn) and registering history. Hereinafter, a procedure will be described for each.

[FIG. 4: First history registration process]
Step S10: The inspection unit 36 determines the reading timing of the management information (C1, C2,... Cn). In particular, if it is determined that the reading timing has not arrived (No), the inspection unit 36 is on standby. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reading timing has arrived (Yes), the inspection unit 36 proceeds to step S12. This determination can be made based on, for example, a detection signal from a passage sensor (not shown). That is, when a passage sensor is installed at an upstream position of the optical reader 32 in the transport direction of the first transport section 24 and the passage of the semi-finished product 4 is detected by the passage sensor, the inspection section 36 has a reading timing. It can be determined that it has arrived.

  Step S12: Next, the inspection unit 36 executes a first management information reading process. In this defined process, the inspection unit 36 instructs the information reading unit 34 to perform the first reading by the optical reader 32 (one installed in the first transport unit 24), and as a result, the read management is performed. Information (C1, C2,... Cn) is received from the information reading unit.

  Step S <b> 14: Next, the inspection unit 36 acquires schedule data from the storage device 38. This schedule data corresponds to the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) managed by the management computer 18, and coincides with the management information actually printed on the variable information printed matter 2. Yes. When the inspection unit 36 acquires the scheduled data, it temporarily stores it in the RAM.

  Step S16: As described above, when the first management information (C1, C2,... Cn) is read and the scheduled data is acquired, the inspection unit 36 then establishes the first management information collation. Determine whether or not. Specifically, the acquired scheduled data is compared with the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) read for the first time, and if there is a match, the inspection unit 36 determines the management information ( It is determined that the first collation is established for C1, C2,... Cn) (Yes), and then step S18 is executed.

  Step S18: The inspection unit 36 registers the first management information (C1, C2,... Cn) in the schedule data. Specifically, the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) read for the first time is associated with the scheduled data that has been verified, and these are written in the storage device 38. As a result, the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) read for the first time is registered in the storage device 38 as a history.

  When the above procedure is executed, the inspection unit 36 returns to step S10 and waits until the next reading timing comes. When the subsequent semi-finished products 4 are successively conveyed by the first conveying unit 24, the passage of the semi-finished product 4 is detected by the passage sensor each time, so that the inspection unit 36 has reached the reading timing. Judgment is made and the above steps S12 to S18 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S16 that the verification is not established (No), the inspection unit 36 proceeds to step S20.

  Step S20: The inspection unit 36 executes an error output process. In this defined process, the inspection unit 36 outputs an error signal to the system management unit 40 described above. In response to this, the system management unit 40 stops the operation of the bookbinding unit 14. In addition, the system management unit 40 also outputs an error signal to the print control unit 20, and in response to this, the print control unit 20 stops the supply unit 10 and the print unit 12.

[FIG. 5: Second History Registration Processing]
The inspection unit 36 executes “second history registration processing” separately from the previous “first history registration processing”. These two processes are executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process of the CPU.

  Step S30: The inspection unit 36 confirms whether there is scheduled data in which the first management information is registered. Specifically, in step S <b> 18 of the previous “first history registration process”, it is confirmed whether or not there is scheduled data in which the first management information is normally registered in the storage device 38. If there is still no scheduled data in which the first management information is registered (No), the inspection unit 36 stands by as it is. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that there is already scheduled data in which the first management information is registered (Yes), the inspection unit 36 next executes step S32.

  Step S32: The inspection unit 36 determines whether or not the second reading timing has come. In particular, if the reading timing has not arrived (No), the inspection unit 36 is on standby. This determination can also be made based on a detection signal from a passage sensor, for example, as in the first time. That is, when the second conveyance unit 28 detects the passage of the half-finished product 5 after being folded, the inspection unit 36 determines that the second reading timing has arrived (Yes), and then executes Step S34.

  Step S34: Next, the inspection unit 36 executes a second management information reading process. In this defined process, the inspection unit 36 instructs the information reading unit 34 to perform the second reading by the optical reader 33 (one installed in the second transport unit 28), and as a result, the read management is performed. Information (C1, C2,... Cn) is received from the information reading unit.

  Step S36: Next, the inspection unit 36 acquires from the storage device 38 the scheduled data in which the first management information has been registered. And the inspection part 36 will memorize | store this temporarily in another area | region of RAM, if the registered plan data is acquired.

  Step S38: After completing the reading of the second management information (C1, C2,... Cn) and the acquisition of the registered scheduled data, the inspection unit 36 then checks whether the second management information has been verified. Judge whether or not. Specifically, the acquired scheduled data and the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) read for the second time are collated, and if there is a match, the inspection unit 36 manages the data. It is determined that the second collation is established for the information (C1, C2,... Cn) (Yes), and then Step S40 is executed.

  Step S40: The inspection unit 36 erases the scheduled data by registering the second management information (C1, C2,... Cn) for the scheduled data in which the first management information is registered. Do. Specifically, when the verification of the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) read for the second time is established, the scheduled data is newly registered in the storage device 38 as already verified. As a result, the history of the management information (C1, C2,... Cn) that has been verified twice before and after is registered in the storage device 38.

  When the above procedure is executed, the inspection unit 36 returns to step S30 and waits until the next reading timing comes. Then, when the subsequent semi-finished products 5 (after half-folding) are sequentially conveyed by the second conveyance unit 28, the passage of the semi-finished product 5 is detected by the passage sensor each time. Determines that the reading timing has arrived, and repeatedly executes the above steps S32 to S40. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S38 that the second collation is not established (No), the inspection unit 36 proceeds to step S42.

  Step S42: The inspection unit 36 performs an error output process. This defined process has the same contents as in the previous step S20, and the inspection unit 36 outputs an error signal to the system management unit 40 described above. In response to this, the system management unit 40 stops the operation of the bookbinding unit 14. In addition, the system management unit 40 also outputs an error signal to the print control unit 20, and in response to this, the print control unit 20 stops the supply unit 10 and the print unit 12.

[Example of historical data]
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of history data handled by the management system. For example, the history data is a set of four consecutive addresses (for example, a capacity of 4 bytes) in the storage area of the storage device 38. The verification result (status) has a data structure in which the second verification result (status) is stored in the fourth byte. Hereinafter, the transition of history data accompanying the operation of the management system will be described in order.

  6A: First, when a list of schedule data is provided from the management computer 18, all the schedule data (for example, “0x0001”, “0x0002”, “0x0003”, “ 0x0004 "," 0x0005 ", ...) are stored. At this time, the first and second collation results are both written as unfulfilled (for example, “00H”).

  6B: When the management system is activated and the semi-finished product 4 is generated by zigzag folding from the generation of the variable information printed matter 2, the first verification of the management information is performed by the inspection unit 36 of the history registration unit 16. Is done. At this time, for example, if it is confirmed that the result of decoding the management information C1 read in the first management information reading process (step S12 in FIG. 4) matches the scheduled data “0x0001” (step S16 in FIG. 4). : Yes), the inspection unit 36 registers the collation establishment status (for example, “01H”) at the next address of the scheduled data “0x0001” in the storage area (step S18 in FIG. 4).

  As for the subsequent semi-finished products 4, when the first collation is established for the respective scheduled data, the inspection unit 36 sets the collation establishment status “0” for the scheduled data “0x0002”, “0x0003”,. 01H "is registered. As a result, in the “second history registration process”, the condition “there is scheduled data already registered in the first management information” is satisfied (step S30 in FIG. 5: Yes).

  In FIG. 6, (C): Therefore, when the semi-finished product 4 is subsequently supplied to the half-folded portion 26 and the semi-finished product 5 after the half-fold is generated there, the inspection unit 36 checks the management information for the second time. Done. Specifically, the management information C1 read in the second management information reading process (step S34 in FIG. 5) is decoded, and the result matches the scheduled data “0x0001” registered for the first time. If it is confirmed (step S38 in FIG. 5: Yes), the inspection unit 36 registers the second verification establishment status (eg, “01H”) at the second byte address from the scheduled data “0x0001” in the storage area. (Step S40 in FIG. 5).

  For the subsequent semi-finished products 5, when the second collation is established for each of the scheduled data (those for which the first management information has been registered), the inspection unit 36 sets the scheduled data “0x0002”, “0x0003”,. For, the verification establishment status “01H” is registered at the address of the second byte. As a result, the history of the scheduled data “0x0001”, “0x0002”, “0x0003”, “0x0004”, “0x0005”,... Is registered (erased) in the storage area of the storage device 38. become. Note that such a data processing method is merely an example, and is not particularly limited thereto.

  The operator of the management system accesses the storage device 38 through, for example, the management computer 18 and extracts a list of scheduled data in which the second verification establishment status is registered from the storage area, so that variable information printing corresponding thereto is performed. For the product 2, it can be known that the generation of the booklet product 6 has been completed normally.

  On the other hand, if there is scheduled data for which the first collation status is not registered in the middle of the list, the operator normally generates the semi-finished product 4 (zigzag folding) for the variable information printed matter 2 corresponding to the scheduled data. ) Can be found out. Alternatively, if there is scheduled data for which the second verification establishment status is not registered in the middle of the list, the semi-finished product 5 is not normally generated (half-folded) for the variable information printed matter 2 corresponding to the scheduled data. I can know that.

  As described above, for example, the following utility can be obtained by executing the variable information printed matter management method using the management system of the present embodiment.

(1) For a plurality of variable information prints 2 printed and bound in a large amount at high speed, the history of whether or not each individual is normally printed and bound (generation of booklet product 6) is managed as information. be able to. In particular, in this embodiment, when the verification is not established, the management system stops operating. Therefore, the variable information printed matter 2 (semi-finished products 4 and 5) in which the verification is not established is immediately detected and removed from the bookbinding unit 14. be able to. If the verification is not established, the variable information printed matter 2 is sent for reprinting, for example.

(2) Since management information verification is performed in two steps, it is confirmed whether or not the zigzag folded semi-finished product 4 has been normally generated by the first verification, and after the second folding, It is possible to confirm whether or not the semi-finished product 5 has been successfully generated. Such a form is particularly effective when a jam is likely to occur at the folded portion 26. That is, when collation of management information is finished only at a position upstream from the middle folding section 26, subsequent confirmation must be performed by another means (such as a jam sensor). If the management information is collated at the upstream position and the downstream position of the unit 26, the half product 4 before the half-folding check and the half product 5 after the half-folding check can be performed in duplicate. As a result, the history of a large amount of variable information printed matter 2 can be managed more accurately.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the embodiment, the management information is a bar code number, but may be a character, a symbol, or a combination of these and a number as long as individuals can be identified. The management information may be printed not only in the barcode but also in other forms (OCR characters, two-dimensional code, etc.).

  In one embodiment, a saddle-stitched booklet is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a side-stitched booklet. In this case, it is assumed that the side edges of the paper pieces 2a to 2f are subjected to line glue processing in the zigzag folding portion 22, and the half-finished product 4 is not folded in the middle folded portion 26, and only the reversal thereof is performed.

  In the embodiment, the method for mainly managing the history of the variable information printed matter 2 using the management information has been described. However, as described above, each of the first and second conveyance units 24 is arranged above and below the conveyance surface. By using the two optical readers 32, it is possible to determine the quality of the semi-finished product 4 from the management information on the upper and lower surfaces. For example, the first transport unit 24 reads the management information C1 on the upper and lower surfaces to determine whether or not the variable information printed matter 2 has been normally separated, and a plurality of semi-finished products 4 are transported in an overlapping manner. It can be determined whether or not zigzag folding is normally performed. In either case, the management information read on the upper and lower sides of the transport surface does not match each other, so that it can be determined that some defect has occurred. In this case, the management system stops the operation, so that defective products can be found at an early stage.

  In one embodiment, the management information is read in two places, but the management information may be read almost simultaneously in one place. For example, as described above, since the optical readers 32 are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the first conveyance unit 24 with the conveyance surface interposed therebetween, the first conveyance unit 24 substantially simultaneously from both outer surfaces of the semi-finished product 4. Management information may be read. Alternatively, the management information may be read from the outer surfaces of the half-finished semi-finished product 5 at substantially the same time by arranging the optical readers 33 above and below the conveyance surface of the second conveyance unit 28.

  In one embodiment, while the printed matter is generated by the supply unit 10 and the printing unit 12, the semi-finished product generation process by the bookbinding unit 14 and the first reading by the history registration unit 16 for the variable information printed matter 2 generated there. Although the process, the second reading process, and the history registration process are continuously performed, the semi-finished product generation process and the subsequent processes may be performed for all the variable information printed matter 2 after the production of the printed matter is finished in advance. In this case, the management system may not include the configuration of the supply unit 10 and the printing unit 12 as essential components, and the generation of printed matter is excluded from the management method.

  In addition, the configuration and arrangement of the system described in one embodiment are all preferable examples, and it goes without saying that the configuration and arrangement of the system can be changed as appropriate when the present invention is implemented.

It is a flowchart which shows roughly the work process in the case of commercializing a variable information printed matter as a half-fold booklet. It is a top view which shows the printing area | region of a variable information printed matter as an example. It is the schematic which showed one structural example of the management system for enforcing the management method of a variable information printed matter. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st log | history registration process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd log | history registration process. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of a structure of the historical data handled with a management system.

Explanation of symbols

2 Variable information printed matter 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f Paper piece 4, 5 Semi-finished product 6 Booklet product 10 Supply unit 12 Printing unit 14 Bookbinding unit 16 History registration unit 18 Management computer 20 Print control unit 22 Zigzag folding unit 24 1st conveyance part 26 Folding part 28 2nd conveyance part 30 Cutting parts 32 and 33 Optical reader 34 Information reading part 36 Inspection part 38 Storage device 40 System management part C1 Management information

Claims (4)

As a single individual, continuous paper in a state in which a plurality of paper pieces are connected is grouped into a predetermined number of pieces of paper, and variable information with different contents is printed for each individual, and positioned at the beginning and end within one individual. In the variable information printed matter management method for managing a plurality of variable information printed matter on which management information for identifying individuals from each other is printed on at least one side of each of the paper pieces at both ends,
Each variable information printed matter on which the variable information and the management information are printed is zigzag-folded for each piece of paper and separated from the continuous paper in a form in which the management information is exposed on both outer surfaces at the leading and trailing positions. , A semi-finished product production step of producing a semi-finished product by adhering pieces of paper that overlap each other in the form of saddle stitching or flat stitching along with the folding,
A first reading step of reading the management information exposed on the outer surface of at least one of the semi-finished products;
A second reading step of reading the management information exposed on the outer surface opposite to the one outer surface of the semi-finished product;
A variable information printed matter management method comprising: a history registration step of registering a history for each variable information printed matter based on the management information read from both outer surfaces of the semi-finished product through the first and second reading steps. . It is the management method of the variable information printed matter according to claim 1,
In the semi-finished product generating step, a semi-finished product is generated in the form of saddle stitching,
The variable information printed matter management method, further comprising a folding step of folding the saddle-stitched semi-finished product between the first reading step and the second reading step. In the row of paper pieces in a state where a plurality of paper pieces are connected, variable information having different contents is printed for each predetermined number of paper pieces, and at least one side of each of the paper pieces at both ends located at the beginning and the end within one individual In a variable information printed matter management system for managing a plurality of variable information printed matter on which management information for identifying individuals from each other is printed,
The variable information printed matter on which the variable information and the management information are printed is folded zigzag for each piece of paper, and is separated from the continuous paper in a form in which the management information is exposed on both outer surfaces at the leading and trailing positions. In accordance with the folding, a zigzag folding part that generates a semi-finished product by bonding paper pieces that overlap each other in the form of saddle stitching or flat stitching,
First reading means for reading the management information exposed on the outer surface of at least one of the semi-finished products;
A second reading means for reading the management information exposed on the outer surface opposite to the one outer surface of the semi-finished product;
A variable information printed matter comprising: a history registration means for registering a history of each variable information printed matter based on the management information read from the outer surfaces of both of the semi-finished products by the first and second reading means. Management system. The variable information printed matter management system according to claim 3,
The zigzag folding part generates a semi-finished product in the form of saddle stitching,
A first conveying unit that conveys the semi-finished product generated by the zigzag folding unit in a lateral direction with one outer surface facing upward;
A half-folded portion that folds the semi-finished product conveyed by the first conveying portion, and discharges the semi-finished product with the outer surface opposite to the one outer surface facing upward;
A second transport unit that transports the semi-finished product after being folded from the folded portion;
The first reading means includes
Reading the management information from a semi-finished product conveyed by the first conveying unit;
The second reading means includes
A management system for variable information printed matter, wherein the management information is read from a semi-finished product conveyed by the second conveyance unit.

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