JP5915487B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a folding accuracy that can reliably detect folding failures caused by variations in the size of a signature, and can inspect various folding failures that occur in a signature on a single inspection stage. For the purpose of providing an inspection device, the former inspection mark and the buckle inspection mark are printed so as to cross the fold line of the signature, and the position and length of both marks with respect to the signature that has been transported to the chopper fold and stopped. The thickness and area are measured in a planar manner using a CCD camera. Based on the positional deviation from the normal position of both marks, the length deviation from the normal length, and the difference from the normal area, It is disclosed that buckle folding failure can be inspected, and that the position deviation, bending, etc. of the signature before chopper folding can be inspected.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a folding position management mark that is used when folding printed printing paper, and is intended to provide a folding position management mark for managing the folding position of printed printing paper. A first image area printed with a predetermined width on a predetermined folding position of the printing paper, and second and third image areas on both sides of the first image area, respectively, It is disclosed that each of the second and third image regions has an image composed of a different pattern or color.

  Patent Document 3 has an object to provide an image forming apparatus, a sheet folding apparatus, and a cutting apparatus that can perform alignment, folding, and cutting based on an image standard instead of a sheet material standard. At the same time, an image forming unit that prints two image reference marks, a detection unit that detects the image reference marks, and a reference formation unit that forms a reference for sheet folding or cutting processing based on information obtained by the detection unit. It is disclosed.

JP 07-277593 A JP 2001-278537 A JP 2005-170646 A

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for preventing a case in which a folding failure caused by an inner sheet among the stacked sheets cannot be detected when a sheet generated by the image processing apparatus is signature. The object is to provide an image processing program.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.
The invention of claim 1 corresponds to a punching position which is a position for punching in a cutting area which is an area cut off by cutting the signature sheet, and the punching position when the sheet is folded. Determining means for determining a corresponding position, a punching means for punching a punching position determined by the determining means for the paper, and a corresponding position determined by the determining means for the paper. An image processing apparatus comprising output means for outputting a mark.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that the determination means is based on information indicating that the number of folding times in the signature and the surface of the position to be determined is either a valley folded surface or a mountain folded surface. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a corresponding position is determined.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the punching means has a shape of a hole for punching a circle, and the output means outputs a mark painted in a predetermined color. It is an image processing apparatus of description.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signature means for making a signature on a sheet on which a punching process and a mark output process have been performed by the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, and the signature means. Detecting means for detecting the mark from the perforated hole of the paper that has been folded by the step, and determining means for determining that no folding failure has occurred when the mark is detected by the detecting means. An image processing apparatus is characterized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the detection means performs a detection process every time folding is performed by the signature means.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the determination means determines that a folding failure has occurred when a part of the mark cannot be detected from the hole by the detection means. The image processing apparatus described in the above.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the determination means determines that no folding failure has occurred when even a part of the mark is detected from the hole by the detection means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.

  The invention according to claim 8 corresponds to the punching position which is a position for punching in the cutting area which is an area cut by cutting the signature sheet, and the punching position when the sheet is folded. Determining means for determining a corresponding position, a punching means for punching a punching position determined by the determining means for the paper, and a corresponding position determined by the determining means for the paper. An output means for outputting a mark, a punching means for punching the paper subjected to the punching process by the punching means, and a paper for which the output process of the mark by the output means has been performed; An image processing apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects the mark from a hole, and a determination unit that determines that no folding failure has occurred when the mark is detected by the detection unit.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a punching position that is a position for punching in a cutting area, which is an area cut by cutting a signature sheet, and the punching position when the sheet is signed. Determining means for determining the corresponding position, the punching means for punching the punching position determined by the determining means for the paper, and the determining means for the paper It is an image processing program for functioning as output means for outputting a mark at a corresponding position.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a signature means for folding a sheet on which a punching process and a mark output process have been performed by a computer in which the image processing program according to the ninth aspect is functioning, and the signature. A detecting means for detecting the mark from a perforated hole in a sheet of paper that has been signed by the means, and a determination means for determining that no folding failure has occurred when the mark is detected by the detecting means. This is an image processing program.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a punching position that is a position for punching in a cutting area, which is an area cut by cutting a signature sheet, and the punching position when the sheet is signed. Determining means for determining the corresponding position, the punching means for punching the punching position determined by the determining means for the paper, and the determining means for the paper Output means for outputting a mark at a corresponding position, signature means for signature of the paper subjected to punching processing by the punching means and output processing of the mark by the output means, and paper signature by the signature means An image for functioning as a detection means for detecting the mark from the perforated hole and a determination means for determining that no folding failure has occurred when the mark is detected by the detection means Is a management program.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect, when a sheet generated by the image processing apparatus is signature, it is possible to prevent a failure in folding due to the inner sheet from being detected among the stacked sheets. be able to.

  According to the image processing apparatus of claim 2, the punching position and the corresponding position are determined based on the information indicating that the number of folding times in the signature and the surface of the position to be determined are either the valley folding surface or the mountain folding surface. Can be determined.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the third aspect, it is possible to output a mark filled with a predetermined color by making a circle into a hole shape.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, when a sheet is signature and a mark is detected from the hole, it can be determined that no folding failure has occurred.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, the detection process can be performed every time folding is performed.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the sixth aspect, when a part of the mark cannot be detected from the hole, it can be determined that a folding failure has occurred.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, when even a part of the mark is detected from the hole, it can be determined that no folding failure has occurred.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the eighth aspect, it is possible to prevent the case where the folding failure due to the inner paper among the stacked papers cannot be detected when the paper is folded.

  According to the image processing program of claim 9, when a sheet generated by a computer in which the image processing program functions is folded, it is impossible to detect a folding failure due to the inner sheet among the stacked sheets. This can be prevented.

  According to the image processing program of the tenth aspect, when a sheet is folded and a mark is detected from the hole, it can be determined that no folding failure has occurred.

  According to the image processing program of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to prevent the case where the folding failure due to the inner paper among the stacked papers cannot be detected when the paper is folded.

It is a conceptual module block diagram about the structural example of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example which detects a folding defect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example by this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of the computer which implement | achieves this Embodiment.

First, before explaining the present embodiment, a technique that is a premise thereof will be described. This description is intended to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment.
Targets the signature process. Note that the signature means a process of folding printed sheets in page order for bookbinding or a state in which the process is performed.
In this signature process, the following can occur.
(1) A phenomenon called paper misalignment that occurs when the folding position deviates from the prescribed position of the paper.
(2) A phenomenon in which the edge of the inner sheet is not correctly folded and folded inside due to the fact that the folding force is not evenly applied at the time of folding, which is called middle folding.

In general, these phenomena cause misordering during bookbinding, so it is desirable to detect them before the bookbinding process.
When the above-mentioned (1) occurs, the phenomenon of paper misalignment appears on the surface of the paper, so that the detection is easy.
However, when (2) occurs, the phenomenon of half-folding does not appear on the surface of the sheet, and often occurs inside the folded sheet, and is difficult to detect.

According to the prior art, for example, there are the following approaches for detecting defects in the signature process.
(A) This will be described with reference to the example of FIG. Prior to the signature process, a line-symmetric mark 220 with respect to the mountain fold line 210 is printed on the paper 200 in such a manner as to straddle the mountain fold line 210 vertically. Then, by measuring the position and length of the mark 220 after performing the signature process, it is detected that the mark 220 is deviated from the specified folding position. In other words, it uses the fact that the back is symmetrical if it is folded at the correct position.
In this approach, the phenomenon (1) can be detected, but the phenomenon (2) cannot be detected because it does not appear on the surface.
(B) Also, a mark composed of three types of patterns (a pattern on the fold line, a pattern on the left side, and a pattern on the right side) is printed on the fold line, and the folded position is correct or the direction of displacement To be able to confirm.
Even in this approach, the phenomenon (1) can be detected, but the phenomenon (2) does not appear on the surface and cannot be detected.
That is, in the case of a folding failure in which all the edges of the stacked papers are folded inward, an abnormality has occurred in the outer paper, which can be detected. However, if the outer paper among the stacked papers is correctly folded, it cannot be detected even if the inner paper has a folding failure.

Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example of the present embodiment.
The module generally refers to components such as software (computer program) and hardware that can be logically separated. Therefore, the module in the present embodiment indicates not only a module in a computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. Therefore, the present embodiment is a computer program for causing these modules to function (a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure, a program for causing a computer to function as each means, and a function for each computer. This also serves as an explanation of the program and system and method for realizing the above. However, for the sake of explanation, the words “store”, “store”, and equivalents thereof are used. However, when the embodiment is a computer program, these words are stored in a storage device or stored in memory. It is the control to be stored in the device. Modules may correspond to functions one-to-one, but in mounting, one module may be configured by one program, or a plurality of modules may be configured by one program, and conversely, one module May be composed of a plurality of programs. The plurality of modules may be executed by one computer, or one module may be executed by a plurality of computers in a distributed or parallel environment. Note that one module may include other modules. Hereinafter, “connection” is used not only for physical connection but also for logical connection (data exchange, instruction, reference relationship between data, etc.). “Predetermined” means that the process is determined before the target process, and not only before the process according to this embodiment starts but also after the process according to this embodiment starts. In addition, if it is before the target processing, it is used in accordance with the situation / state at that time or with the intention to be decided according to the situation / state up to that point. When there are a plurality of “predetermined values”, they may be different values, or two or more values (of course, including all values) may be the same. In addition, the description having the meaning of “do B when it is A” is used in the meaning of “determine whether or not it is A and do B when it is judged as A”. However, the case where it is not necessary to determine whether or not A is excluded.
In addition, the system or device is configured by connecting a plurality of computers, hardware, devices, and the like by communication means such as a network (including one-to-one correspondence communication connection), etc., and one computer, hardware, device. The case where it implement | achieves by etc. is included. “Apparatus” and “system” are used as synonymous terms. Of course, the “system” does not include a social “mechanism” (social system) that is an artificial arrangement.
In addition, when performing a plurality of processes in each module or in each module, the target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after performing the processing. is there. Therefore, description of reading from the storage device before processing and writing to the storage device after processing may be omitted. Here, the storage device may include a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication line, a register in a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that performs processing related to paper signatures. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, the imposition apparatus 100, the folding failure detection mark printing device 120, and the folding failure detection device. 150. The imposition device 100, the folding failure detection mark printing device 120, and the folding failure detection device 150 may each be regarded as an image processing device according to the present embodiment. Alternatively, the image processing apparatuses may be housed in independent housings, or a plurality of devices (for example, the folding failure detection mark printing device 120, the folding failure detection device 150, and the imposition device) may be included in one housing. 100, a folding failure detection mark printing device 120, and a folding failure detection device 150) may be included.

The imposition apparatus 100 is connected to a folding defect detection mark printing apparatus 120. The imposition apparatus 100 is an apparatus that performs imposition processing for signatures. Here, the imposition process is a process for arranging print data of a plurality of pages on one sheet. The output includes printing.
The folding failure detection mark printing device 120 is connected to the imposition device 100 and the folding failure detection device 150. The folding failure detection mark printing apparatus 120 is a device that outputs a mark (hereinafter also referred to as a folding failure detection mark) for detecting a folding failure such as a middle fold to a sheet, and performs punching to make a hole in the sheet. is there.
The folding failure detection device 150 is connected to the folding failure detection mark printing device 120. The folding failure detection device 150 is a device that performs signature processing and detects whether or not a failure has occurred due to the signature processing.

The imposition apparatus 100 includes an imposition module 105, a cutting area detection module 110, and a folding procedure determination module 115.
The imposition module 105 is connected to the cutting area detection module 110. The imposition module 105 determines a cutting area (hereinafter also referred to as a bleed area) by aligning the received block copy with the paper, and arranges the page.
The cutting area detection module 110 is connected to the imposition module 105 and the folding procedure determination module 115. The cutting area detection module 110 determines a folding defect detection mark printing position candidate from the cutting area information. Here, the folding failure detection mark is a mark that can be detected through a punched hole if there are no obstacles caused by the folding failure, and cannot be detected if the paper generated by the folding failure overlaps at the punching position. .
The folding procedure determination module 115 is connected to the cutting area detection module 110. The folding procedure determination module 115 determines signature creation information. Here, the signature creation information is information necessary for signature creation. Specifically, it includes at least information indicating that the number of folding times in the signature, the surface of the position to be determined is either a valley folding surface or a mountain folding surface, and includes information such as folding position, procedure, orientation, etc. Also good.

The folding failure detection mark printing apparatus 120 includes a punching position determination module 125, a punching module 130, a folding failure detection mark position determination module 135, and a folding failure detection mark printing module 140.
The drilling position determination module 125 is connected to the drilling module 130. The punching position determination module 125 determines a punching position which is a position for punching in a cutting area which is an area to be cut off by cutting a signature sheet. At that time, the punching position determination module 125 may determine the punching position from the cutting area and the signature creation information.
The folding failure detection mark position determination module 135 is connected to the folding failure detection mark printing module 140. The folding failure detection mark position determination module 135 is a corresponding position that corresponds to the punching position when the sheet is cut within the cutting area, which is an area cut by cutting the cut sheet. (Hereinafter also referred to as a folding defect detection mark printing position) is determined. At that time, the folding failure detection mark position determination module 135 may determine the corresponding position from the cutting area and the signature creation information.
The punching position determination module 125 and the folding failure detection mark position determination module 135 have a punching position that is a position for punching in a cutting area, which is an area to be cut off by cutting the signature sheet, and the sheet is signed. In this case, a corresponding position that is a position corresponding to the drilling position is determined. The punching position determination module 125 and the folding failure detection mark position determination module 135 perform punching based on the number of foldings in the signature and information indicating that the surface of the position to be determined is either a valley folding surface or a mountain folding surface. The position and the corresponding position may be determined.
Also, this mark should be placed on the outward surface of the innermost part when the paper is folded. That is, it is the surface where the number of overlapping sheets is the largest when counted from the front surface and the back surface, and is the front surface side when counted from the front surface side, and the back surface side when counted from the back surface side.
The punching position is an overlapping part so as to hide the mark after signature, and is for making a hole so that the mark can be seen from the outside.

It should be noted that the punching position and the corresponding position to be determined are not the state of the folded paper but the position on the paper in the spread state. However, in the state of the signature sheet, the corresponding punching position and the corresponding position are overlapping positions. That is, the punching position and the corresponding position are determined so that the folding defect detection mark can be detected (visible) from the punched hole.
The punching position and the corresponding position need only be within the cutting area, but may be any area in the vicinity of any one or more of the four corners of the body area that is highly likely to cause folding failure. In other words, the region near the position where the valley fold line and the mountain fold line intersect the edge of the paper, or the valley fold line and the mountain fold line intersect each other (specifically, the intersection between the valley fold line and the valley fold line, Any region in the vicinity of the position where the mountain fold line and the mountain fold line intersect, or the valley fold line and the mountain fold line intersect) may be used. Here, the vicinity means being within a predetermined distance from a specified position (for example, any one of the four corners of the body area).
Since the position (corresponding position) where the folding failure detection mark is printed is a position corresponding to the hole and the hole is in the cutting area of the paper, the position where the folding failure detection mark is printed is also the position of the paper. Clearly within the cutting area. Of course, the cutting area overlaps on each side when signatures are made. However, the surface on which the folding defect detection mark is printed is different from the surface on which the punching position is located.

The drilling module 130 is connected to the drilling position determination module 125. The punch module 130 punches the sheet at the punch position determined by the punch position determination module 125 to generate a hole. Further, the punching module 130 may control the punching device to perform the punching process. For example, the shape of the hole to be drilled is a circle.
The folding failure detection mark printing module 140 is connected to the folding failure detection mark position determination module 135. The folding failure detection mark printing module 140 outputs a folding failure detection mark to the corresponding position determined by the folding failure detection mark position determination module 135 for the paper. Further, the folding failure detection mark printing module 140 may control the printing apparatus to perform printing processing. For example, a mark filled with a predetermined color is output. The predetermined color may be any color that can be easily distinguished from the paper color. For example, when the paper color is white, the predetermined color includes red. The size of the folding defect detection mark may be an area larger than the perforated hole.

The folding failure detection device 150 includes a sheet folding module 155 and a folding failure detection module 160.
The paper folding module 155 is connected to the folding failure detection module 160. The paper folding module 155 signatures the paper that has been subjected to punching processing and folding failure detection mark output processing by the folding failure detection mark printing apparatus 120. Further, the paper folding module 155 may make a signature based on the signature creation information. Further, the paper folding module 155 may control the signature device so as to perform the signature processing.

  The folding failure detection module 160 is connected to the paper folding module 155. The folding failure detection module 160 detects a folding failure detection mark from a hole in the sheet punched by the sheet folding module 155. When a folding defect detection mark is detected, it is determined that no folding defect has occurred. Further, the folding failure detection module 160 may perform detection processing each time folding is performed by the paper folding module 155. The folding failure detection module 160 may determine that a folding failure has occurred when a part of the folding failure detection mark cannot be detected from the hole. Further, the folding failure detection module 160 may determine that no folding failure has occurred when a part of the folding failure detection mark is detected from the hole.

  After the processing by the folding defect detection module 160, bookbinding processing is performed. In order to prevent the occurrence of irregularity and suppress the generation of unauthorized bookbinding costs, the folding defect detection module 160 detects defects in the pre-binding process. As a bookbinding process, a cutting area is cut, bound with a thread, wire, adhesive, or the like, attached to a cover, and formed into a booklet or book.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to the present embodiment. In particular, the quality determination criteria in the folding failure detection module 160 will be described.
The following description represents a determination method and a pass / fail judgment standard when the folding failure detection module 160 makes a pass / fail judgment when the 8-sided sheet 300 is folded three times. Although it is omitted about the quality determination regarding the first and second folding, it is an equivalent process.
As shown in the example of FIG. 3A, the sheet 300 has four valley fold lines or mountain fold lines such as a valley fold line 310, thereby having eight sides like a body area 320, and a cutting area 330. (Shaded area). Then, there are six holes piercings 340 to 350 formed by the punching module 130, and two folding failure detection marks 360 and 362 are printed by the folding failure detection mark printing module 140. They are in the cutting area 330 and in the vicinity of both ends of the valley fold line or the mountain fold line.

  Next, the state after the paper 300 is diffracted once by the valley fold line 310 is shown in the example of FIG. The surface shown in the example of FIG. 3 (b) is the back side on the left side of the paper 300 of FIG. 3 (a), and the folding failure detection marks 360 and 362 printed inside pass through the perforations 350 and 348, respectively. It shows that it is visible. The perforations 344 and 342 and the perforations 346 and 340 overlap with each other, so that two holes are open.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to the present embodiment. The state shown in the example of FIG. 4A is the same as the state shown in the example of FIG. The example shown in FIG. 4B shows a state where the paper 300 shown in the example of FIG. That is, the folding failure detection mark 360 is visible through the perforations 350, 342, and 344, and the folding failure detection mark 362 is visible through the perforations 348, 340, and 346.
The example shown in FIG. 4C shows a state where the paper 300 shown in the example of FIG. Here, the folding failure detection mark 360 is visible through the perforations 350, 342, and 344, and on the back side, the folding failure detection mark 362 is visible through the perforations 348, 340, and 346. That is, since the folding defect detection marks 360 and 362 are printed on the innermost side of the paper 300, both the folding defect detection marks 360 and 362 are visible (detected). At the positions of the marks 360 and 362, no middle break occurs.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of determination processing by the folding failure detection module 160 in the state illustrated in the example of FIG.
The example of Fig.5 (a) has shown the case where the middle break has not generate | occur | produced. The entire folding failure detection mark 360 is detected from the perforated portion (perforated 344, etc.). In this case, it is determined that the product is non-defective (no breakage occurs).
The example of FIG. 5B shows a case where the middle breakage occurs only in the cutting area 330. A part of the folding defect detection mark 360 is detected from the perforated portion (perforated 344, etc.). In this case, it is judged as a non-defective product. The middle break that occurs only in the cutting area 330 is finally cut and does not affect the actual output product, so it is determined as a non-defective product.
The example of FIG. 5C shows a case where the body area 320 has been folded. This is a state where the folding defect detection mark 360 cannot be detected from the perforated part (perforated 344 or the like). In this case, it is determined that the product is defective (a middle breakage has occurred).

  The above example shows an example in which the perforation 640, the folding failure detection mark 660, and the like are arranged at both ends of the vertical valley fold line or the mountain fold line. However, like the paper 600 shown in the example of FIG. Fracture defect detection marks 664 and 666 and perforations 652 and 654 may be arranged at both ends of the valley fold line or the mountain fold line. Then, the perforations 640, the folding failure detection marks 660, and the like may be arranged in regions 672, 674, and 676 that are the vicinity where the valley fold lines or the mountain fold lines intersect.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
In step S702, imposition is performed.
In step S704, the bleed area is grasped. That is, as a result of the imposition process, information on the bleed area that becomes unnecessary (for example, coordinate information indicating the position of the bleed area) is acquired.
In step S706, the vicinity of the bleed area in contact with the four corners of the body area is set as a folding defect detection mark print position candidate.
In step S708, signature creation information is determined.

In step S710, a mark / piercing position determination process is executed. Detailed processing will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S712, print data is printed on each surface.
In step S714, a folding defect detection mark is printed at the mark designated point.
In step S716, one of the front and back sides of the punching designated point is punched.
In step S718, a folding inspection process is executed. Detailed processing will be described later using the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to this embodiment.
In step S802, the number of remaining folds is counted.
In step S804, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining folds is 1 or more. If it is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S806, and otherwise (the remaining number of folds is 0), the process proceeds to step S712.
In step S806, mark candidates in contact with both ends of the total number of times− (remaining number of times of folding−1) -th folding line are set as selection points.
In step S808, it is determined whether or not there is a selection point whose folding multiplicity has not been calculated. If there is a selection point, the process proceeds to step S810; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S820. The folding multiplicity will be described later.

In step S810, one selected point whose folding multiplicity has not been calculated is designated.
In step S812, the folding multiplicity is calculated. If the folding multiplicity is 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S814. If the folding multiplicity is 1, the process proceeds to step S816. If the folding multiplicity is 0, the process proceeds to step S818. .
In step S814, the selected point is set as a punching designated point. It is sufficient that the multiplicity is known only for odd-numbered parts.
In step S816, the selected point is set as a folding defect detection mark printing designated point.
In step S818, the multiplicity has been calculated for the current selected point, and the process returns to step S808.
In step S820, the number of remaining folds is reduced by 1, and the process returns to step S804.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.
In step S902, it is determined whether the number of remaining folds is 1 or more. If it is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S904. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S916.
In step S904, paper folding is performed.
In step S906, the inspection position is confirmed.

In step S908, inspection is performed.
In step S910, it is determined whether or not the product is a non-defective product. If the product is a good product, the process proceeds to step S912. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S914.
In step S912, the number of remaining folds is reduced by 1, and the process returns to step S902.
In step S914, a folding failure occurs.
In step S916, it is assumed that there is no folding failure.

Below, the process by the flowchart shown to the example of FIGS. 7-9 is demonstrated using a specific example. A process of creating A6 size contents (hereinafter referred to as “block”) on an A3 nobi paper (hereinafter referred to as “paper”) with a left-stitched top bag, creating a signature after printing, and cutting the sheet will be described. A general rotary fold is used in the folding process.
The imposition module 105 receives the composition, and in step S702 (imposition processing), the imposition module 105 performs eight imposition on the sheet with a left-stitching top bag, and determines a trimming area.
The cutting area detection module 110 acquires the cutting area determined here in step S704 (grabbing area grasping).
In step S706 (the vicinity of the bleed area in contact with the four corners of the body area is set as a fold defect detection mark print position candidate), the folding procedure determination module 115 determines the bleed area from the point where the four corners of the body area and the bleed area touch each other. Is set as a folding defect detection mark printing position candidate. Note that the four-way region does not have to be 5 mm.
Subsequently, in step S708 (decision of signature creation information), the folding procedure determination module 115 changes the signature creation information from the information of left-stitched top bag / 8-face imposition and A3 nobi paper to “A3 Nobi, Turn Fold, 3 Times ".

In step S710 (mark / piercing position determination process), the following processing (steps S804 to S804 in FIG. 8) is performed based on the information that the number of folding times of the signature creation information is 3 (the number of remaining folds is confirmed in step S802 in FIG. 8). Repeat step S820) three times.
In step S804, if the number of remaining folds is 1 or more, a fold defect detection mark print position candidate in contact with both ends of the fold line (valley fold line or mountain fold line) is selected as a selection point (step S806).
In the first process, since the folding multiplicity is not calculated, the process proceeds from step S808 to step S810, and one selected point is designated. The designation here may be made based on a predetermined rule (for example, a selection point is given a sequential number and designated in that order), or may be designated at random. Also good.

In step S812, the folding multiplicity of the selected point is calculated. The folding multiplicity is a value that is added by 1 every time it goes to the mountain fold surface, with the valley fold surface after creating the signature as 0 and its back surface as 1. Referring to the paper 300 shown in the example of FIG. 3, the back surface of the folding failure detection marks 360 and 362 has a folding multiplicity of 0, the surface of the folding failure detection marks 360 and 362 has a folding multiplicity of 1, and the punching is performed. The surfaces of 348 and 350 have a folding multiplicity of 2, the back surfaces of the perforations 348 and 350 have a folding multiplicity of 3, the back surfaces of the perforations 340 and 342 have a folding multiplicity of 4, and the surfaces of the perforations 340 and 342 have many foldings. Severity is 5, the surface of the perforations 344 and 346 has a folding multiplicity of 6, and the back surface of the perforations 344 and 346 has a folding multiplicity of 7. If the folding multiplicity of the selected point is 2 or more, the process proceeds to step S814. If the folding multiplicity of the selected point is 1, the process proceeds to step S816. If the folding multiplicity of the selected point is 0, the process proceeds to step S818.
In step S814 (the selected point is set as the punching designated point), the point having the folding multiplicity of the selected point of 2 or more is set as the punching designated point.
In step S816 (the selected point is designated as a fold defect detection mark printing designated point), the point at which the fold multiplicity of the selected point is 1 is designated as a failure detection mark printing designated point.
In step S820, the number of remaining folds is reduced by one.

In step S712 (printing), the folding failure detection mark printing apparatus 120 prints the imprinted block on the paper.
In step S714 (print mark at mark designated point), the folding failure detection mark printing module 140 prints the folding failure detection mark at the folding failure detection mark printing designated point set in step S816.
Note that step S714 may be performed simultaneously with step S712, or may be performed prior to step S712.
In step S716 (perforating one of the front and back of the perforation designated point), the perforation module 130 perforates a perforation designated point whose folding multiplicity is odd (or even). In the punching device, the punching position may be passed as data for recognizing the punching designated point, or a punching mark is printed in step S714, and the punching device scans the mark to recognize the punching position. May be.
Note that step S716 may be performed prior to step S712 or step S714.

In step S718 (folding inspection process), the following processing (see the processing in steps S902 to S912 in FIG. 9) is repeated three times from the information that the number of folding times of the signature creation information is three.
In step S904, the paper folding module 155 performs the rotational folding once.
In step S906, an image of the inspection position (the position of the folding defect detection mark or the punching position in the state of signature) is acquired. For example, the image of the portion is read by a scanner or the like.
In step S908, inspection using the folding failure detection module 160 is performed. The quality determination of the folding failure detection module 160 follows the “quality determination criteria in the folding failure detection module 160” described with reference to FIG.
If the inspection result at step S908 is a non-defective product, the number of remaining folds is reduced by 1 (step S912). On the other hand, if the inspection result is defective (step S914), the processing of the flowchart shown in the example of FIG.
In step S916, it is determined that no folding failure has occurred in the paper in the step of making a signature.

Next, a modified example will be described.
In the above description, the punching position determination module 125 performs the process after the imposition module 105 performs the imposition process. However, when the imposition setting is determined in advance, the punching position determination module 125 determines the drilling position. The module 125 and the punching module 130 may be disposed before the imposition module 105, and paper that has been punched in accordance with the imposition setting in advance may be used. Similarly, the folding failure detection mark position determination module may be arranged before the imposition module 105, and may use paper on which the folding failure detection mark has been printed in advance according to the imposition setting.

In step S710 (mark / perforation position determination process), the selected point that is not in contact with the edge of the sheet is always in contact with the fold line, and the edge of the sheet does not exist, so that a defect such as middle folding does not occur.
However, there is a possibility that middle folding occurs when all sheets are folded inward. In this case, a technique may be employed in which a folding defect detection mark is arranged on the outermost side of the paper. For this reason, the selected points that are not in contact with the edge of the paper are not selected as the printing failure detection mark printing designated points on the outermost side of the paper, and the points that are not outside the printing paper are not selected as punching points or printing failure detection mark printing designated points. In addition, the multiplicity calculation may be performed.

  In the above description, as the definition of the folding multiplicity, the first number is “0”, but other numbers may be used. For example, when “1” is set, in the process of step S812 in the flowchart shown in the example of FIG. 8, a point with a folding multiplicity of 3 or more is set as a punching designated point, and a point with a folding multiplicity of 2 is a folding failure detection mark. When the print designation point is set and the folding multiplicity is 1, the process may proceed to step S818.

  A hardware configuration example of the image processing apparatus (imposition apparatus 100, folding failure detection mark printing apparatus 120, folding failure detection apparatus 150) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 10 is configured by, for example, a personal computer (PC), and illustrates a hardware configuration example including a data reading unit 1017 such as a scanner and a data output unit 1018 such as a printer.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001 is the various modules described in the above-described embodiments, that is, the imposition apparatus 100, the imposition module 105, the cutting area detection module 110, the folding procedure determination module 115, and the folding defect detection mark printing. Modules such as an apparatus 120, a punching position determination module 125, a punching module 130, a folding failure detection mark position determination module 135, a folding failure detection mark printing module 140, a folding failure detection apparatus 150, a paper folding module 155, a folding failure detection module 160, and the like. It is a control part which performs the process according to the computer program which described the execution sequence.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002 stores programs used by the CPU 1001, calculation parameters, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 1001, parameters that change as appropriate during the execution, and the like. These are connected to each other by a host bus 1004 including a CPU bus.

  The host bus 1004 is connected to an external bus 1006 such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus via a bridge 1005.

  A keyboard 1008 and a pointing device 1009 such as a mouse are input devices operated by an operator. The display 1010 includes a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays various types of information as text or image information.

  An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1011 includes a hard disk, drives the hard disk, and records or reproduces a program executed by the CPU 1001 and information. The hard disk stores imposition information, signature information, punching positions, mark positions, and the like. Further, various computer programs such as various other data processing programs are stored.

  The drive 1012 reads data or a program recorded on a removable recording medium 1013 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and the data or program is read out to the interface 1007 and the external bus 1006. , The bridge 1005, and the RAM 1003 connected via the host bus 1004. The removable recording medium 1013 can also be used as a data recording area similar to a hard disk.

  The connection port 1014 is a port for connecting an external connection device 1015 (a punching device, a signature device, or the like), and has a connection unit such as USB or IEEE1394. The connection port 1014 is connected to the CPU 1001 and the like via the interface 1007, the external bus 1006, the bridge 1005, the host bus 1004, and the like. The communication unit 1016 is connected to a communication line and executes data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 1017 is a scanner, for example, and executes document reading processing. The data output unit 1018 is a printer, for example, and executes document data output processing.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 10 shows one configuration example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 10, and the modules described in the present embodiment are executed. Any configuration is possible. For example, some modules may be configured with dedicated hardware (for example, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), and some modules are in an external system and connected via a communication line In addition, a plurality of systems shown in FIG. 10 may be connected to each other via communication lines so as to cooperate with each other. Further, it may be incorporated in a copying machine, a fax machine, a scanner, a printer, a multifunction machine (an image processing apparatus having any two or more functions of a scanner, a printer, a copying machine, a fax machine, etc.).

The program described above may be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program may be provided by communication means. In that case, for example, the above-described program may be regarded as an invention of a “computer-readable recording medium recording the program”.
The “computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded” refers to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded, which is used for program installation, execution, program distribution, and the like.
The recording medium is, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), which is a standard established by the DVD Forum, such as “DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM,” and DVD + RW. Standard “DVD + R, DVD + RW, etc.”, compact disc (CD), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), Blu-ray disc ( Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk (FD), magnetic tape, hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)) )), Flash memory, Random access memory (RAM) SD (Secure Digital) memory card and the like.
The program or a part of the program may be recorded on the recording medium for storage or distribution. Also, by communication, for example, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wired network used for the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, etc., or wireless communication It may be transmitted using a transmission medium such as a network or a combination of these, or may be carried on a carrier wave.
Furthermore, the program may be a part of another program, or may be recorded on a recording medium together with a separate program. Moreover, it may be divided and recorded on a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be recorded in any manner as long as it can be restored, such as compression or encryption.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Imposition apparatus 105 ... Imposition module 110 ... Cutting area detection module 115 ... Folding procedure determination module 120 ... Folding defect detection mark printing apparatus 125 ... Punching position determination module 130 ... Punching module 135 ... Folding defect detection mark position determination module 140 ... Folding failure detection mark printing module 150 ... Folding failure detection device 155 ... Paper folding module 160 ... Folding failure detection module

Claims (11)

A punching position that is a position for punching in a cutting area, which is an area that is cut off by cutting the signature sheet, and a corresponding position that corresponds to the punching position when the sheet is signed are determined. A decision means to
Perforating means for perforating the perforation position determined by the determining means on the paper;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs a mark at a corresponding position determined by the determination unit with respect to the paper. The determining means determines the perforation position and the corresponding position based on information indicating that the number of folding times in the signature and the surface of the position to be determined are either a valley folding surface or a mountain folding surface. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The punching means has a shape of a hole for drilling a circle,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs a mark filled with a predetermined color. A signature means for signing a sheet subjected to punching processing and mark output processing by the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Detecting means for detecting the mark from a perforated hole in the paper that has been signature by the signature means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines that no folding failure has occurred when a mark is detected by the detection unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the detection unit performs a detection process each time folding is performed by the signature unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines that a folding failure has occurred when a part of the mark cannot be detected from the hole by the detection unit. 7. The determination unit according to claim 4, wherein if the detection unit detects even a part of the mark from the hole, the determination unit determines that no folding failure has occurred. Image processing apparatus. A punching position that is a position for punching in a cutting area, which is an area that is cut off by cutting the signature sheet, and a corresponding position that corresponds to the punching position when the sheet is signed are determined. A decision means to
Perforating means for perforating the perforation position determined by the determining means on the paper;
Output means for outputting a mark at a corresponding position determined by the determination means for the paper;
A signature means for signature of the paper subjected to the punching process by the punching means and the mark output process by the output means;
Detecting means for detecting the mark from a perforated hole in the paper that has been signature by the signature means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines that no folding failure has occurred when a mark is detected by the detection unit. Computer
A punching position that is a position for punching in a cutting area, which is an area that is cut off by cutting the signature sheet, and a corresponding position that corresponds to the punching position when the sheet is signed are determined. A decision means to
Perforating means for perforating the perforation position determined by the determining means on the paper;
An image processing program for causing the sheet to function as an output unit that outputs a mark at a corresponding position determined by the determination unit. Computer
A signature means for signing a sheet subjected to punching processing and mark output processing by a computer in which the image processing program according to claim 9 is functioning;
Detecting means for detecting the mark from a perforated hole in the paper that has been signature by the signature means;
An image processing program for functioning as a determination unit that determines that no folding failure has occurred when a mark is detected by the detection unit. Computer
A punching position that is a position for punching in a cutting area, which is an area that is cut off by cutting the signature sheet, and a corresponding position that corresponds to the punching position when the sheet is signed are determined. A decision means to
Perforating means for perforating the perforation position determined by the determining means on the paper;
Output means for outputting a mark at a corresponding position determined by the determination means for the paper;
A signature means for signature of the paper subjected to the punching process by the punching means and the mark output process by the output means;
Detecting means for detecting the mark from a perforated hole in the paper that has been signature by the signature means;
An image processing program for functioning as a determination unit that determines that no folding failure has occurred when a mark is detected by the detection unit.

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