JPH01316885A - Automatic collation and decision device for print number - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid waste in a print and gathering time and in use of roll paper by collating a printed print bar code number with a second print general character number printed on the roll paper, and collating whether or not they coincide automatically. CONSTITUTION:The print code number or a first print general character number is read by a reading part 4 according to a first timing, and it is set as first binary print number data. Meanwhile, a second print general character number is read sequentially at a second timing, and it is set as second binary print number data. Those print number data are collated by a decision part 4, and it is decided whether or not they coincide. And when it is judged that noncoincidence is obtained, a signal is issued. A means 14 to read the print bar code number scans the print bar code number by a laser beam outputted from a laser beam output part by rotating a rotary polygonal mirror, then, the print bar code number can be read by converging a reflected laser beam.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Objective of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention provides a method for determining whether printed barcode numbers successively printed on a plurality of roll papers by a printing machine are printed correctly. In addition to inspecting, we compare the printed general character number printed continuously on multiple rolls of paper with the printed barcode number to confirm that the printed general character number with the same numerical value is printed. The present invention relates to an automatic print number comparison/judgment device for checking whether or not a print number exists.

(Prior Art) First, barcode numbers and general character numbers to be verified in the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5(a) and 6(b) and FIG. A barcode number printed by a printing machine refers to a mark printed on a medium consisting of parallel bars of two widths, black and white, as shown in FIG. 5(a). This barcode number has a start code and an end code indicated by alphabetic characters at both ends, and bars indicating numerical values are lined up inside the start code and end code. Further, below the bars, a first general character number is written as a number represented by each bar for visual confirmation.

Each number is 2f! It is expressed by four black bars of fI thickness and three white bars between them, and a pattern unique to each number is formed depending on the thickness of the bars and how they are arranged. This pattern is shown in FIG. 5(b).

Although there are other types with different patterns of bars representing numbers than those shown in FIG. 5(b), the one shown in FIG. 5(b) is currently widely used.

This barcode number and the first general character number are printed on the roll paper by a printing machine. For example, when an offset form rotary press is used as a printing press, a barcode numbering machine is attached to the letterpress printing section. By rotating each character wheel of this barcode numbering machine one by one in a direction in which the numerical value increases or decreases, barcode numbers and general character numbers are continuously printed on the roll paper.

The second general character number that is then printed by the number printing unit on the collating machine is a number as shown in FIG. This second general character number is applied to multiple sheets of roll paper on which a barcode and first general character number have already been printed by a numbering machine attached to the number shaft of a printing unit installed on the collating machine. Printed on top of each other. A plurality of numbering machines are usually attached to one number shaft, and the second general character numbers are continuously printed. Although there are other second general character numbers with different fonts, sizes, etc. other than those shown in FIG. 6, the one shown in FIG. 6 is currently widely used.

The newly printed second printing general character numbers must all match the printed barcode numbers printed on the vertically stacked roll papers.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, if a malfunction or the like occurs in the operation of the number shaft of the printing unit, second printing general character numbers that are different from the normal order may be printed. Further, at the stage of stacking a plurality of roll papers, parts having different printing barcode numbers may be stacked one on top of the other due to mechanical trouble in the collating machine or the like. In order to avoid such a situation, the work of checking whether the printed barcode number and the second printed general character number match has conventionally been performed by visual inspection by an operator. However, performing such work according to the printing speed,
There were problems in that it placed an extremely heavy burden on workers and was disadvantageous in terms of cost. Furthermore, even if a problem occurs where the numbers do not match due to a malfunction of the number shaft or the collating machine, the problem is discovered too late and cannot be dealt with promptly.
There were problems with the printing and collation time and the wastage of printed roll paper.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention has been developed to print barcode numbers and first printed general character numbers, which are printed on a plurality of roll papers by a printing machine and then stacked one above the other, on the stacked roll paper. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic printing number comparison and determination device that automatically checks whether or not printed second general character numbers match.

[Structure of the invention]

(Means for Solving the Problem) The above object is to read at least one of a printed barcode number and a first printed general character number that are successively printed on a plurality of roll papers by a printing machine, and to binarize the number. a second printed general character number continuously printed on the plurality of roll papers stacked one on top of the other is read and binarized as second printing number data; In the automatic printing number comparison and determination device that compares the first printing number data and the second printing number data to check whether they match, a first printing number to read the printing barcode number or the first printing general character number. means for determining the first timing; and means for determining the printed barcode number or the first timing according to the determined first timing.
The first one is binarized by sequentially reading the printed general character numbers of
means for determining a second timing at which the second printing general character number should be read; and means for determining a second timing at which the second printing general character number should be read;
The second one is binarized by sequentially reading the printed general character numbers.
means for comparing the first printing number data and the second printing barcode number data to determine whether they match; and means for determining whether the two match. This is achieved by an automatic printing number comparison and determination device, characterized in that it is equipped with a means for emitting a signal when it is determined that the printing number is not printed.

In addition, the above purpose is to use the laser beam output from the laser beam output section when reading a printed barcode number.
This can also be achieved by scanning the printed barcode number by rotating a rotating polygon mirror and focusing the reflected laser beam.

Furthermore, the above purpose is to print the first printed general character number or the second printed general character number.
When reading a printed general character number, this can also be achieved by inputting the first printed general character number or the second printed general character number as an image, storing the input image data, and recognizing it as a numerical value. Ru.

(Function) Determine the first timing to read the printed barcode number or the first printed general character number, read the printed barcode number or the first printed general character number sequentially according to this first timing, and read the printed barcode number or the first printed general character number sequentially. This is the converted first printing number data.

On the other hand, a second timing at which the second printing general character number should be read is determined, and the second printing general character number is sequentially read according to the second timing to obtain binarized second printing number data. The second print number data and the first print number data are compared to determine whether they match or not, and when it is determined that they do not match, a signal is issued.

The means for reading the printed barcode number scans the printed barcode number with the laser beam output from the laser beam output section by rotating a rotating polygon mirror, and condenses the reflected laser beam. The barcode number is read.

Further, the means for reading the first printed general character number or the second printed general character number inputs the first printed general character number or the second printed general character number as an image, and stores the input image data. The first printed general character number or the second printed general character number is read by recognizing it as a numerical value.

(Embodiment) Hereinafter, a printing number automatic comparison determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. A collating machine to which this embodiment is applied collates a plurality of roll papers to form continuous forms. A plurality of rolls of roll paper on which a printed barcode number and a first printed-general character number printed around it are continuously printed using an offset form rotary press are set. Rotate each winding in the direction of unwinding,
Lay the unwound paper rolls one on top of the other. A second general character number having the same numerical value as the printed barcode number is printed on the topmost roll paper among the stacked plurality of roll papers by a number printing unit. After that, parts of the parts that match the shapes are glued together, and then each part is cut or folded and the paper is delivered.

In this way, a continuous form with a plurality of pages is produced.

Next, the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention installed on such a collating machine will be described using FIG. 1. In this collating machine, three roll papers of windings 1, 2, and 3 are stacked one on top of the other and collated. On the roll paper of roll 1, a printed barcode number and a first printed general character number are printed continuously by a printing machine below the printed barcode number. A second printing general character number is continuously printed by a number device 5 in a number printing unit 4 on the roll paper of the roll paper 3 which is the uppermost one in the stacked state.

The printed barcode number reading section 14 reads the printed barcode number on the roll paper of the winding 1 flowing in the direction of the arrow. This printed barcode number reading section 14
The structure of the part that reads the printed barcode number is shown in FIG. The He-Nc gas laser output section 31 outputs a laser beam A. This laser beam A is
After passing through, it is reflected by a half mirror 35 and a rotary polygon mirror 33 rotated by a motor 34, and scans over the printed barcode number 30. The speed at which the printed barcode number 30 is read depends on the number of times the laser beam A scans the printed barcode number 30 per unit time, and this number depends on the rotational speed of the motor 34 and the rotating surface tR33.
It is determined by the number of sides. For example, when the motor 34 rotates the 10-sided rotating polygon mirror 33 at 50 (rps), 1
This results in 500 scans per second. As a result, 2m1
It is possible to read each printed barcode number 30, which is printed at a rate of 10 per 1 m on a roll paper flowing at s, about twice. The laser beam A that scans the printed barcode number 30 and is reflected again passes through the rotating polygon mirror 1.
3 and reflected by half mirror 35 and condensing lens 36
After passing through, the light is focused on the light receiving element 37. Light receiving element 3
7 outputs an analog current signal representing the pattern of the printed barcode number 30.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the portion after the light receiving element 37, which numerically converts the printed barcode number read using this analog current signal. The analog current signal outputted by the light receiving element 37 is current-voltage converted by an operational amplifier 41 and provided to a comparator 42 as an analog voltage signal. The comparator 42 determines the slice level based on the set value set by the slice setting circuit 43 and outputs the operational amplifier 4.
The analog voltage signal input from 1 to “1° or “
0" is output as a binary digital signal. This value of "1" means the white band on the printed barcode number, and the value of "0" means the black band on the printed barcode number. It means the part of “1” depending on the length of each band.
The length of time during which a digital signal of "" or "0" is output changes.The circuits that measure the length of time of each digital signal are the white belt counter 44 and the black belt counter 45. The band counter 44 is configured by ANDing the output from the comparator 42 and the oscillation pulse output from the oscillator 46.
It is input via circuit 47. Then, the number of pulses corresponding to the white band is curranted. The black belt counter 45 is
The output from the comparator 42 is inverted by the inverter 54 and the oscillation pulse output from the oscillator 46 is ANDed.
It is input via circuit 48. Then, the number of pulses in the portion corresponding to the black belt is counted. The count value of each counter is taken into the CPU 50 via the data bus 49.

The operation of the CPU 50 to read each count value will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. 4. Comparator 42
The output is taken in through the parallel input/output circuit 53, and it is determined whether this output value is "1", that is, whether the white belt is being read or not (step 101). If it is "1", it means that a white belt is being read, and the count value output by the black belt counter 45 is input in order to read the length of the black belt located immediately before the white belt (step 102). In order to clear the count value that has been read at the same time, a clear signal is output to the black belt counter 45 via the parallel input/output circuit 53. Conversely, if the output of the comparator 42 is not "1", it means that a black belt is being read, and the count value of the white belt counter 44, which means the length of the white belt immediately before the black belt, is input ( Step 103). In order to clear the count value that has been read at the same time, a clear signal is output to the white band counter 44 via the parallel input/output circuit 53. The respective count values of the white belt and black belt are compared with the code table shown in FIG. 5(b) contained in the ROM 511 and converted into numerical values (step 104). When the end code is recognized (step 105), the converted result is output to the data bus 49.

The serial input/output circuit 52 outputs this conversion result as serial data to the print barcode number determining section 24 in FIG. 1 (step 106).

The photoelectric switch 15 in FIG. 1 determines and informs the timing at which the printed barcode number reading section 14 should read the printed barcode number. When the printed barcode number on the roll paper flowing in the direction of the arrow reaches the position scanned by the laser beam A, the printed barcode number reading section 14 is notified of this as a timing signal from the photoelectric switch 15, and the timing signal Read during the period when is being issued. If the print barcode number reading unit 14 is unable to read the print barcode number during this period, an unreadable signal is output to the print barcode number determination unit 24 after the period in which the timing signal is issued ends. .

Before printing of the barcode is started, initial data such as the number of digits of the print barcode number, the type of check digit, etc. set by the operator in advance is transmitted to the print barcode number determination unit 24 from the host computer 25. . In addition, the host computer 25 provides inspection start and end instructions to the print barcode number determination section 24 .

When an inspection start command is issued, first printing number data that is sequentially read and binarized is received from the printing barcode number reading section 14. This first printing number data is
This print barcode number determination unit 2 has a function of determining whether the number data matches the number data that should originally be printed.
4 may be held. In this case, the determination is made as follows, for example. The first print number data read at the first time is used as a reference value for calculating the number data to be originally printed at the second and subsequent times. 1 is sequentially added to or subtracted from this reference value. This value is compared with the first print number data that was sequentially printed as the number data that should originally be printed. If there is a difference between the two as a result of the comparison, it is determined that a barcode different from the barcode that should have been printed was erroneously printed. In addition, if any type of check digit is provided in the last digit of the printed barcode number, it has a function to use that check digit to determine whether or not the printed barcode number is correct. Good too. Further, if an unreadable signal indicating that the printed barcode number could not be read is output from the printed barcode number reading unit 14 due to the printed barcode number being pale or dirty, it is determined that the printing is defective. . If the print parcode number determination unit 24 has a function of determining whether or not the first print number data matches the barcode data that should originally be printed, any of the When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the print barcode number and the type of abnormality are transmitted to the host computer 25.

The host computer 25 takes measures such as outputting the printed barcode number to the printer 26 or sounding an alarm using the alarm device 27 depending on the type of abnormality.

Next, the part for reading the second printed general character number printed on the top paper of the roll paper by the other number printing unit 4 will be explained.

The CCD camera 11 is installed at a position where it can photograph the second printed general character number. By emitting light from the strobe 12 for a short period of time, the second light on the moving roll paper is
Printed general character numbers can be photographed in a still state. A photoelectric switch 1 is used as a means for determining the timing to emit light from the strobe 12 and capture a still image.
Use 3. This photoelectric switch 13 is installed at a position such that it generates a strobe light emission request signal in response to when the second printed general character number on the roll paper reaches the center position of the field of view of the CCD camera 11. This strobe light emission request signal is counted by a timing counter 21. The timing counter 21 is connected to this photoelectric switch 1.
In response to the strobe light request signal generated in step 3, the camera
A strobe light emission command signal is sent to the strobe controller 22.

In this case, the timing counter 21 can freely set how many times the strobe light emission request signal from the photoelectric switch is received before outputting the strobe light emission command signal. When the camera/strobe controller 22 receives the strobe light emission command signal, it adjusts the timing with the camera synchronization signal and outputs the strobe light emission signal. When the strobe 12 emits light in response to this signal, the CCD camera 11 inputs the second printing general character number to the character recognition section 23 as a still image. The character recognition unit 23 uses a general number recognition method such as a pattern matching method or a feature extraction method to convert the input still image into binarized second printing number data, and transfers it to the host computer 25. .

Here, the host computer 25 may be provided with a function of determining whether the second printed general character number printed by the number printing unit 4 matches the general character number that should originally be printed. The second print number data read at the first time is used as a reference value for calculating the number data to be originally printed from the second time onward, and 1 is sequentially added to or subtracted from this value. This value is used as the number data that should originally be printed, and is compared with the second printing number data that was printed sequentially. If there is a difference between the two, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the second printing general character number, and The number is output to the printer 26 or an alarm is sounded by the alarm device 27.

In addition, if a check digit is attached to the second printed general character number, the value of the check digit is used to determine whether it is correct or not. Judgments may be made where there are problems.

The most important and essential work performed by the host computer 25 is to check the first print number data sent from the print barcode number determination section 24 and the character recognition section 23.
Compare it with the second print number data sent from
The purpose is to determine whether the two match. This work is performed by the following method. As shown in FIG.
The printed barcode number and the second barcode number read by the CCD camera.
There is a certain difference in the numerical values from the printed general character number because the positions at which they are read are different. The difference between these numerical values is determined by the installation positions of the print barcode number reading section 14 and the CCD camera 11, and once it is determined by - degrees, it remains constant as long as the printing interval does not change. This value is given to the host computer 25 in advance. Then, in the host computer 25, the difference between the numerical values of both the first printing number data and the second printing number data is calculated, and if it is equal to the difference between the aforementioned numerical values, the printing barcode number and the second printing general character number are determined. are determined to match. If the difference between the two is different from the predetermined value difference, it is determined that there is an error in printing either the printed barcode number or the second printed barcode number, and the printed barcode number and the second printed barcode number are determined to be incorrect. Print barcode number 2 on printer 2.
6, and the alarm device 27 sounds an alarm.

Here, the speed at which the character recognition unit 23 reads the second print barcode numbers is slower than the printing speed, and it is often impossible to read all the numbers. In such a case, the printed barcode number may be read intermittently at certain intervals and compared with the printed barcode number read by the printed barcode number reading section.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the printed barcode numbers printed by the printing machine on a plurality of roll papers are compared with the second printed general character numbers printed on the superimposed roll papers, and both are compared. Since it is automatically verified whether or not they match, there is no need for visual inspection by the operator.

This not only reduces the burden on workers but also has the effect of reducing costs. Furthermore, since the verification process is reliable and defects caused by printing errors can be detected quickly, prompt measures can be taken. This prevents printing and collation time and printed roll paper from being wasted once a problem occurs.

In this embodiment, regarding the printed barcode number printed by the printing machine, the printed barcode number itself is read by the printed barcode number reading unit 14, but the first printed barcode number printed below the printed barcode number The general character number may be read and compared with a second printed general character number printed by the number printing unit 4.

In this case, the combination of print barcode number reading section 14 and print barcode number determination section 24 should be changed to a combination of CCD camera 11, strobe 12, timing counter 21, camera/strobe controller 22, and character recognition section 23. Good.

In addition, in this embodiment, the print barcode number is printed only on the roll paper of roll 1, but if it is also printed on the roll paper of rolls 2 and 3, the print barcode number is printed in the same way. A code number reading unit 14 and a photoelectric switch 15 may be installed respectively to read each roll paper, and the print barcode number determining unit 24 may check whether all the printed barcode numbers match. Thereafter, the printed barcode number is compared with the second printed general character number.

A photoelectric switch 13 is used to notify the camera/strobe controller 22 that the second printed general character number has reached the center position of the field of view of the CCD camera 11, but instead, a rotary The timing may be determined using an encoder or the like. Similarly, the timing at which the printed barcode number reading section 14 should read the printed barcode number is also determined by the photoelectric switch 14, but the timing may be determined from the rotation axis of the collating machine described above instead.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the printing number automatic comparison and determination device of the present invention reads at least one of the printed barcode number and the first printed general character number consecutively printed on a plurality of roll papers by a printing machine, and The second printed general character number printed continuously on multiple rolls of paper is read, and the two are compared to see if they match. If it is determined that they do not match, a signal is sent. This eliminates the need for visual inspection by workers.

This reduces the burden on the operator, and in the event that a printing problem occurs, it can be detected quickly and reliably, allowing prompt action to be taken.This has the effect of reducing printing and collation time and waste of roll paper. be.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an automatic printing number comparison and determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention installed on a collating machine, and FIG.
The figure is an explanatory diagram of the components that read the printed barcode number of the printed barcode number reading unit of the same device, and FIG. 3 is the configuration that digitizes the printed barcode number read by the printed barcode number reading unit of the same device. An explanatory diagram of the elements, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU in FIG. 3,
FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of printed barcode numbers to which the present invention applies, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of printed general character numbers to which the present invention applies. . 1.2.3... Winding, 4...-Number printing unit,
5...Number device, 11...CCD camera, 12...
・Strobe, 13.15...Photoelectric switch, 14...
- Print barcode number reading section, 21... Timing counter, 22... Camera/strobe controller, 23... Character recognition section, 24... Print barcode number determination section, 25... Host computer, 26...
・Printer, 27... Alarm, 30... Print barcode number, 31... He-Ne gas laser output section,
32... Lens section, 33... Rotating polygon mirror, 34...
- Motor, 35... Half mirror 136... Condensing lens, 37... Light receiving element, 41... Operational amplifier, 4
2... Comparator, 43... Slice setting circuit, 44.
...White belt counter, 45...Black belt counter, 46...
・Oscillator, 47° 48...AND gate, 49・
...Data bus, 50...CPU, 51...ROM
, 52...Series input/output circuit, 53...Parallel input/output circuit, 54...Inverter. Figure 2 Figure 5 (b) Figure 6

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. First printing that is binarized by reading at least one of a printed barcode number and a first printed general character number that are continuously printed on a plurality of roll papers by a printing machine. read a second printing general character number continuously printed on the plurality of roll papers stacked one on top of the other as number data, and set it as second printing number data that is binarized, and the first printing number In a printing number automatic comparison/determination device that collates data and the second printing number data to check their coincidence, determining a first timing at which the printing barcode number or the first printing general character number should be read. means for sequentially reading the printing barcode number or the first printing general character number according to the determined first timing to obtain binarized first printing number data; and the second printing number data. means for determining a second timing at which a printed general character number should be read; and second printing number data that is binarized by sequentially reading the second printed general character number according to the determined second timing. means for comparing the first print number data and the second print number data to determine whether they match; and when the determining means determines that the two do not match. 1. A printing number automatic comparison and determination device, comprising means for emitting a signal. 2. The printed barcode number reading means includes a laser beam output unit that outputs a laser beam, a laser beam scanning unit that scans the laser beam to the barcode number using a rotating polygon mirror, and a laser beam scanning unit that scans the barcode number with the laser beam using a rotating polygon mirror. 2. The printing number automatic comparison and determination device according to claim 1, further comprising a laser beam condenser that condenses the reflected laser beam. 3. The first printed general character number reading means and the second printed general character number reading means include means for inputting the first printed general character number or the second printed general character number as an image; means for storing the image data of the first printing general character number or the image data of the second printing general character number input from the image input means according to the first timing or the second timing; 3. The printing number automatic comparison and determination apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for recognizing the image data as numerical values.