MXPA00003242A - Electronic bookstore vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for producing books on-demand. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can receive an electronic text file of a book and then print and bind a copy of the book. A user may browse an electronic catalog, for example over the Internet, and place an order for a book which can be picked up at a conveniently located electronic bookstore (2) shortly after placing the order. The subject invention reduces costs and waste associated with conventional production and distribution of print matter. Advantageously, the subject invention allows books with smaller audiences to be published at a reasonable price. An electronic bookstore (2) in accordance with the subject invention can have access to literally millions of books and can print and bind any selected book in a few minutes.

Description

VENDING MACHINE OF ELECTRONIC BOOKSTORE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The books were among the first articles to be mass produced. The Gutenberg printing press was replaced by the lithography process, and then by the offset printing process. The purpose of those procedures and machines was to produce large editions of, for example, books, magazines, and newspapers. The idea of large editions was central to the way the market developed in the western world: it was imperative to produce large quantities of a single item, so that it could be created cheap enough to be distributed throughout the world and then sold locally. Mass production was the only way to achieve low-cost objectives, and accessibility through general distribution. The recent discoveries, however, now give us the possibility of achieving the objectives of low cost and accessibility through a new procedure that does not involve mass production. Due to advances in electronic word processing, a person can access books, magazines, and newspapers, written and edited in a distant location, distributed not via paper, but electronically. This newfound ability has prompted many people to suggest that we can get rid of paper, and handle all of our texts in ways A ~ A. ± «¿Í? ~ *.? electronics. This has led to the development of many forms of electronic word processors. However, with respect to books, it is not very practical because very few people like to read, for example a 600-page book, on a computer screen. For example, millions of people have recently purchased hard copies of a book like these, for example, Sophie's World. A method for distributing and making music on cassette tapes is described in the U.S. patent. 4,528,643 Freeny Jr. Although Freeny Jr. describes the method for distributing and playing music at a remote location, it does not describe the device that transmits the music to a distant location in real time in response to a customer's request. In contrast, Freeny Jr.'s description requires a machine that processes information to electronically store all the songs a consumer can select at a point-of-sale location. Accordingly, the selection is limited by the storage capacity of each information processing unit. The traditional method of producing and distributing books wastes a lot. The traditional system requires that the publishing industry print millions of books, newspapers and / or magazines and, after the books are produced, seeks to sell them. As a result, large quantities of those books, newspapers and magazines are wasted when they are not sold. This waste affects the price of the finished product and, therefore, the consumer must pay for this waste. In addition, the environment is being damaged by this activity. Typical book binding machines are built to meet the needs of the publishing industry to produce larger and faster editions. The typical automatic book binding systems of large capacity are very expensive because several machines are required to print and bind a book, for example, a printing machine (or lithographic), a transport device for paper, an elevator sheets of paper, a weaving machine or coladora, a bending machine, and a thermal binder. To print a book, a very old technique called sheeting is often used, in which many pages (front and back) of a book are distributed on a large sheet of paper. Each sheet contains many pages of the book, half of them up and half of them down so that when the large sheet of paper is folded the pages of the book coincide. After printing all the sheets, the sheets are moved along a network, folded, glued and / or sewn. The book receives the cover and is finally cut on three sides by a paper cutter. These traditional systems work well with large editions of books, however, those systems do not work well on short editions of books that may be sporadic. The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,465,213 describes a method for making unique copies of a book. However, the method described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,465,213 requires enormous digital storage capacity due to the fact that its method uses an image tracker (a copy) of the pages of a book. This image tracker is acquired by copying a book that has already been printed, for example in the traditional way. As is well known, an image tracker (bitmap) is similar to a photograph. These images are then stored on high-capacity optical discs, and the enormous size of an electronic file in the scanned book allows your system to store only a few dozen books per optical disc. Although the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,465,213 mentions the distribution of updated information, for example for the index, through a modem, such large electronic records would also require large amounts of transmission bandwidth and time and, therefore, would require a large amount of time to be printed. The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,465,213 does not describe the transmission of images traced from a remote location in real time, for example in response to a customer's request. Additionally, the method described by the U.S.A. No. 5,465,213 only allows searches of the index and / or description of the book. This is a severe limitation because the contents of the book can not be searched. The main disadvantage of the description of the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,465,213 however, is that a physical description of a unique apparatus for the binding and delivery of the books is not described. Describes the use of commercially available binding machines that may or may not work with the proposed system. In addition, the method of binding described uses thermal binding, which can release vapors that can be harmful to living beings. According to this, solve the problem of vapors released during thermal binding can be expensive. More importantly, the description of the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,465,213 refers to the production of books that have already been printed and therefore does not avoid the need for an original printing of the books by traditional methods. 10 The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,547,176 provides an apparatus for copying (scanning) a book and printing the scanned images on single pages, and a method for binding those loose pages together by folding the sheets into semimanches and holding them together with a metal fastener. The description of the patent E.U.A. No. 5,547,176 requires the scanning of pages of an already printed book and creates images stored in graphics of inflexible bitmaps. In addition, the binding process requires that a metal fastener holds the sheets together, making it inexpensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for producing on-demand books; can reduce costs and improve the way in which Books, magazines and other printed materials are created and delivered to the client helping to preserve the environment and human health. The present invention relates to an electronic bookstore vending machine (EBS) which can receive an electronic text file of the contents for a book and then print and bind a copy of said book. The electronic text file can be requested by communicating with a central distribution unit (CDU) that can have the electronic text files stored and / or can access the electronic text files in, for example, a plurality of storage facilities of the publisher and / or author. The CDU, upon receiving an order for a certain book, can access and transmit the electronic text file to an appropriate EBS. Alternatively, the EBS can receive the electronic text file by any other available means, for example, soft disks, optical disks, magnetic storage devices, through a modem, or from another computer. Once the EBS receives the electronic text file, the book can be printed and bound in the EBS. The electronic bookstore vending machine of the subject refers to a method, apparatus and system, which can be assembled together, allowing the printing, binding and sale of a book, magazine, newspaper, or other printed material in a matter of minutes, and by a fraction of what it costs using traditional media. Using this system, each electronic vending machine can access millions of titles all the time, day or night without running out or having out-of-print books. The method described in the present invention is flexible; It can allow full searches of the contents of a book and allow the reformatting of the size and type of sources to accommodate the needs of people with visual problems. For example, the present method may allow formatting with large letters and print upon request. The present invention alleviates the waste problem by allowing the delivery of printed material upon request, at any time, any place, thereby reducing the waste involved with excessively large editions of books and magazines. Another benefit of the present invention is that it allows many more authors to publish their books in an economical way. Currently, the publishing industry is affected by the ever-increasing costs of printing increasingly larger editions, making it almost impossible for non-commercial writers to publish their works. Large amounts of knowledge are lost when authors are not able to publish their books due to the prediction of a small audience or market. Certain types of books are more difficult to sell. Therefore, authors on topics such as poetry, philosophy, science and theater may find it difficult to publish their work due to the high investment required to print the books in a conventional way. The present invention can use the Internet as a form of distribution, in order to provide on-demand delivery. Writers can become their own editors, for example, if their works are rejected through conventional publishing channels. Authors can make their work available to a wider audience. The present invention can also reduce the total costs of producing books. According to this, the invention of the moment can increase the accessibility of knowledge, both in time and in price.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates the interaction of a central distribution unit, a plurality of electronic book vending machines, and a plurality of electronic text storage devices, according to the invention of the moment. Figures 2a and 2B illustrate an electronic book vending machine, according to the invention of the moment. Figure 3 illustrates a specific example, according to the invention of the moment, where an EBS communicates with a CDU to request data corresponding to the selected books and the CDU communicates with the publisher's computers so that the requested data is sent directly from the publisher's computers to the EBS to print and bind. Figure 4 illustrates the interaction of a storage and decoding means, a means of user interaction, a distribution medium, 3t m.i and a printing medium, of an EBS according to the invention of the moment. Figures 5A-5E illustrate the interaction of a printing medium, a means for transporting paper, and a means for cutting, of an EBS according to the invention of the moment. Figures 6A-6C illustrate a means for cutting with a specific notch pattern, according to the invention of the moment. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a paper tray station for holding the pages of the book after printing and cutting, according to the invention of the moment. Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a movable fastener means that can hold the pages of the book like a book block, according to the invention of the moment. Figures 9A and 9B illustrate the jaws of a fastening means according to the invention of the moment. Figure 10 illustrates a stacking means according to the invention of the moment. Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a block of books moving in a line from where they are formed in a book block where glue is applied, according to the invention of the moment. Figures 12A and 12B illustrate a gumming means according to the invention of the moment.

Figure 13 illustrates a drying means according to the invention of the moment. Figure 14 illustrates a means of embossing according to the invention of the moment. Figures 15A-15C illustrate a bender means for bending the spine cover strip on both sides of the spine of a book, according to the instant invention. Figure 16 illustrates a final forming means according to the invention of the moment, Figure 17 illustrates a book emerging from an EBS according to the invention of the moment. Figure 18 illustrates a book page layout in the 4-in-1 sequence, according to the invention of the moment. Figure 19 illustrates the layout of the book page in the 8-in-1 sequence according to the invention of the moment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for producing books on demand, can reduce costs and improves the way in which books, magazines and other printed materials are created and delivered to the customer, helping to conserve the environment and human health.

The invention at the moment refers to a method and a system designed to print and bind automatically, books, magazines, and other printed material. The present invention is a step-by-step method and system that are unique and an improvement over existing techniques, for formatting, printing, and binding, for example, a book, a magazine, or other printed material. The present invention relates to a series of methods, apparatuses and systems which, when assembled together, allow the printing, binding, and local sale of a book, magazine, newspaper, or other printed material in only a matter of minutes, and for a fraction of what it costs using conventional means. Using the invention of the moment, each electronic book vending machine can access millions of titles all the time, day or night, without running out or having titles out of print. Each electronic bookstore vending machine can provide access to the electronic texts of many books at a lower cost, thus eliminating much of the waste that remains in the current system. The method described in the present invention is flexible; it can allow full searches of the contents of the texts and can allow to reform the size and type of sources to accommodate, for example, the needs of people with visual problems. The present method allows the formation and printing of large letters upon request. The present invention alleviates the waste problem by allowing the supply of printed material upon request, at any time, anywhere, thus reducing the waste related to excessively large editions of books and magazines. Examples of situations where EBS can save costs and reduce waste at the moment include school systems, bookstores, book stores and corporations that need to print and bind, for example, on-demand employee manuals. Specifically, a school could use an EBS to print textbooks for students, in which text files can be accessed directly from the editors and only the number of textbooks really needed can be printed. According to this, publishers do not print extra textbooks that are wasted and schools should not buy extras, just in case, that they are wasted. Another benefit of the present invention is to allow many more authors to publish their books in an economical manner. Currently, the publishing industry is affected by the ever-increasing costs of printing increasingly larger editions, making it almost impossible for non-commercial writers to publish their works. Large amounts of knowledge are lost when the authors are not able to publish their books due to the prediction of a small public or market. Certain types of books are more difficult to sell. Therefore, authors on topics such as poetry, philosophy, science and theater may find it difficult to publish their work due to the high investment required to print the books in a conventional manner.

Advantageously, the present invention may use, for example, the Internet as a means of distribution in order to provide supply upon request. Writers can become their own editors if their works are rejected through conventional publishing channels. According to this, authors can make their works available to a larger audience. The present invention can also reduce the total costs of book production. The invention of the moment can increase the accessibility of knowledge, both in time and in price. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 1, at least one central distribution unit (CDU) 1 is connected, for example through a modem and through a telephone line, a satellite link, power by wire, wireless system, or other communication channel, to a plurality of remote electronic bookstore vending machines (EBSs) 2 having the same means of intercommunication or the like. The CDU 1 is a device capable of removing and distributing large amounts of information stored in the form of electronic bits (electronic text) in, for example, a plurality of computers 3 of different editors and authors. The image files can also be accessed, for example for graphics, photos, and drawings. The EBS 2 is a device that has the means to receive electronic data sent by the CDU 1, temporarily contain it while the electronic bits are transformed and formatted into pages and book covers, and then send the information to a high speed printing medium . This method of distributing information to remote units does not require that the EBS have a large storage capacity and, therefore, is extremely economical to operate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, the EBS 2 may include the following: a receiving means 4 for receiving data electronically, for example by telephone line, satellite, cable, wireless power or other type of device to receive electronic data; a storage and decoding means 5 for storing and decoding the received data; a means of user interaction 6 to allow a user to review the received data and / or provide power to the EBS; a distribution means 7 for distributing the data to a printing medium 8; a printing means 8 for printing the data on, for example, a plurality of loose sheets of paper; a means for cutting paper 10 for cutting the sheets of paper and, preferably, for notching the "spine" of the pages of the book to prepare them to receive the glue that will join them together in the form of a book; a holding means 11 for containing the loose sheets of paper; a fastener means 12 for holding loose sheets of paper in a book block and transporting said book block through the remainder of the process; a stacking means 13 for stacking, vibrating and aligning the loose sheets of paper in a single book block; a gumming means 14 for applying cold glue to the spine of the book; a cleaning means 15 for cleaning and gathering excess glue; a drying means 16 for drying the glue with, for example, hot air and a time meter; a means of tiles 17 for adhering strip tiles of coarse material to the spine of the book; a folding means 18 for folding the strip tiles around the spine of the book; a cutting means 19 for cutting off any excess strip or paper strip; a forming means 20 to give the final form to the book; a means of delivery 21 from which the book will be released from the EBS; a means to collect money 22 to collect the client's money; and a storage space 23 for storing paper and other materials. gmrflfr taf¡g¡tHP * > ~ * - »~ - - * - According to the invention of the moment, a client can browse through an electronic catalog of books on for example, his computer in the house through the internet, or in a place where an EBS 2 is located, for example through means of interaction of the user 6 The user interaction means 6 can be, for example, a touch response screen, a keyboard, a speech recognition system, or any other system to allow a user to provide information and / or review the information related to the user. available books and / or review the received data. The electronic catalog can be, for example, a database that can be consulted located in the CDU 1, the EBS 2, the storage facilities of the editor 3, or a separate location. In a preferred embodiment, a client may search the contents of one or more books stored in a plurality of publisher computers 3 to find the books that are suited to the client's needs. Once the book (s) is chosen, a client can request that the book (s) be printed and bound in an electronic book store vending machine conveniently located remotely. In a specific embodiment, with reference to Figure 3, when a customer requests that a book be produced in an EBS 2, the device that receives the order information can send electronically, for example, a coded signal, to a CDU 1. The CDU 1 can decode the signal and, with the approval of the code, can send the request to the appropriate editor whose computer 3 contains the book, in for example, electronic text file (bits). Another code can be used in communication from the CDU 1 to the editor to improve security. The chosen editor's computer can then release the electronic text file (bits) directly to the appropriate EBS 2, or release the text file to the CDU 1 which can redirect the text file to the appropriate EBS 2. In a specific modality, the CDU 1 registers the sale of a single unit of the book and sends signals to the author, the publisher, and / or the EBS indicating said sale for accounting purposes. In another specific modality, EBS 2 can communicate directly with a publisher's computer storage device so that the publisher's computer storage device can send the text data for the book and control data corresponding to as many copies of the document as possible. book can be printed. With reference to Figure 4 the EBS 2 can receive the electronic text file (bits) of the book in electronic data, and the storage and decoding means 5 can transform said data into information for the user's interaction means 6 and the means software distribution and control 7. Some of this information, for example, paper size, font size, and type, which is of great importance for people with visual problems, can be altered by the client sending instructions through the means of user interaction 6 according to their needs and / or wishes. The information is preferably contained in a temporary type memory capable of containing, in a manner transitory, all electronic data related to the context of the books and any format information. Once the temporary type memory, for example a hard disk inside the remote electronic library dispenser 2 receives the electronic text, or while it is still receiving, through remote printing commands it can send electronic signals representing the text to be printed to a printing medium 8, for example, a laser printer. The printing means 8 can allow color printing if desired. The printing means are preferably located within the housing of the EBS. In a specific modality, when all the data is received, the means of interaction of the user 6 of the EBS can allow the client to choose, for example, the size and type of source to be used in the text and the physical size of the book to be produced. This choice of font is particularly beneficial for readers with visual problems. Each book can be produced in a plurality of sizes.

In a specific modality, four sizes are available, the sizes derived from the cutting of commercial paper sheets measuring 20.32 x 27.94 cm (letter size) in two or four parts, and the sizes derived from cutting a sheet of paper measuring 20.32. x 35.56 cm (official size) in two or four parts. Those four sizes are 13.97 x 20.32, 10.16 x 13.97, 17.78 x 20.32, and 10.16 x 17.78 cm. These page sizes allow the use of easily obtainable paper, not expensive. The paper to be used can be a special or commercial grade, of variable quality and weight. In general, the invention of the moment can accommodate a variety of paper sizes. For example, the invention of the moment can use paper already measured correctly, eliminating the need to cut the paper. When pre-cut paper is used, the paper can also be pre-formed with notches, to improve acceptance of the glue used to join the pages together. Accordingly, when using pre-cut paper according to the invention of the moment, a cutting means is not necessary to cut the sheets into pages of the book. Once the size of the book is determined, for example by choosing the customer, the special software distributes and formats the text into pages as follows: For the sheets that will not be cut, a page of the book can be printed on each side of the page. sheet. For the sheets of paper that will be cut in two parts, the scale measure and distribution of the pages receives a distribution of 4 by 1 (four pages of the book on a sheet of paper): that is, two pages on the front of the sheet of paper, and two pages on the back. For the sheets of paper that will be cut into four parts, the measurement and distribution of the pages receives a distribution of 8 by 1 (8 pages of book on a sheet of paper): that is, 4 pages on the front of the page. sheet of paper, and 4 pages on the back. Figure 18 corresponds in formation and in shape to the distribution of the pages in the sequence 4 in 1. Figure 19 corresponds uk ^ m i in formation and in shape to the distribution of the pages in sequence 8 in 1. In a preferred embodiment, the software can distribute the pages according to the following examples: EXAMPLE 1 Sequence 4 in 1 This is the case where two pages of the book are printed on the front of the sheet of paper and the two pages that coincide on the back. The following distribution applies to a plurality of "n" book pages. This sequence should always work without considering the number of pages in the book. a.- The procedure starts by dividing the total number of pages in the book by 4. The result will be the total number of sheets of paper needed to print the book. If the resulting number is a fraction, the software can automatically round to the nearest whole number. b.- In a specific modality, the first page of the book may be printed on the front right side 25 of the first sheet of paper, and the last page of the book may be printed on the front left side 26 of the sheet. The second page of the book can be printed on the back of the front right side 25 of the first sheet of paper, while the second to the last page can be printed on the back of the left front side of the sheet 25. The third page may be printed on the right front side 25 of the second sheet of paper with the fourth page on the back side of the right front side 25 of the second sheet. According to this from the third to the last page can to be printed on the front left side 26 of the second sheet with the fourth to the last page on the back of the front left side 26 of the second sheet. This continues until all the "n" pages, which make up the book, plus any blank pages added to achieve a multiple of 4 are printed. The blank pages added to round to a multiple of four can be added in, for example, the front or back of the book. For example, if a book has 97 pages there may be three blank pages added at the end of the book, resulting in the left front 26 of the first two sheets and the back of the left front side of the first sheet being left blank . 15 EXAMPLE 2 Sequence 8 for 1 This is the case where 4 pages of book to be printed are printed on the front of the sheet of paper, and the 4 pages that match are printed on the back. The following distribution applies to a plurality of "n" number of pages. This sequence should always work without considering the number of pages in the book. a.- The procedure starts by dividing the total number of pages in the book by 8. The result will be the number of sheets of paper needed to print the book. If the resulting number is a fraction, the software can automatically add blank pages to round to the nearest complete number. b.- In a specific modality, the first page can be printed on the middle upper part of the front right side 27 of the first sheet of paper and the last page can be printed on the upper half of the front left side 28, with the pages matching corresponding on the back of the same sheet. The third page of the book can be printed on the upper half of the front right side of the second sheet of paper and the third to last pages can be printed on the left side of the upper half of the second sheet, with its matching pages corresponding printed on the back. This continues until all the sheets of paper are used on the upper half. The software then automatically continues with the procedure in the lower half part of the paper sheets 29 and 30 until the entire number of the "n" pages comprising the book is printed. In this example, if the page number is not a multiple of eight, they can be inserted into blank pages in a manner analogous to the previous example 1. In both previous examples, it is preferred to print the cover first. The cover can also be printed while the book block is being gummed. The cover can be printed on a paper * ^ * ~ '* ** ^ *** - ~ - heavier than can be located in an additional paper container. A separate printer can be used to print the cover, for example if color images are desired or if special paper will be used for the cover. The cover can be printed, for example, on heavier paper, leather, or similar material to the skin. The cover material may be located in an additional container of the printer. With reference to Figure 4, the distribution means 7 distribute the information to the printing means 8 without considering the size of each sheet of paper, number of pages to be printed on each sheet of paper, ways of distributing said pages on the sheets of paper, numbering of pages, order in which they will be printed, type and size of sources to be used, design of printed material, graphics to be included, etc. Some of this information, such as paper size, font size, and type, can be changed by the client according to the client's needs. Upon receiving the information, the printing means 8 preferably print on both sides of each sheet of paper at the same time, in the manner requested by the customer through the means of interaction of the user 6 and the distribution means 7. When 4 u 8 pages are printed on each sheet, the speed of book printing can increase. In a specific embodiment, a plurality of printers may be used to further accelerate the printing of a book. The pages can be printed on commercially available bond paper, while the covers can preferably be printed on, for example, a second tray in the printer, to allow the covers to be printed on heavier paper. The cover can be printed from a second printer which can, for example, allow the covers to be printed on heavier paper. The heavier paper 5 used for the covers may also be commercially available. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system is designed to allow only one copy of each ordered book to be printed. Specifically, when the printing means 8 finish printing the data, the distribution means 7 can erase the data from text of the memory of the REB 2. In a preferred embodiment, the system is designed so that each EBS will print only a designed number of impressions from each book, the text of which is transmitted from a CDU 1 or editor's computer. A key, for example an encoded cable, can be used to tell if the EBS has been loaded. This method improves the way the information is handled because it ensures that each printed unit of the book will be reported back to the author and / or editor, who will then be able to collect royalties from the vending machine. According to this, the owner of the book receives payment for each individual unit of the book sold and is less likely to have the pirated book. With reference to figures 5A-5E, as the first sheet of paper leaves the printing means 8, an electronic sensor, which drives the paper transport means 9, can pass through a sensor, for example. paper transport means can serve at least for two ff; ia-fci purposes. First, you can direct the paper in some path and center the sheets of paper. In addition, the paper transport means 9 can move each sheet of paper towards the position suitable for the paper cutting means 10. The paper cutting means can cut the paper into the size required for the pages forming the book. Preferably, the paper transport means 9 can contain the paper while the paper cutter cuts the sheets, and then the paper transport means 9 can deposit those smaller sheets of paper in for example, a paper tray. In a preferred embodiment, the sheets of paper are cut one at a time after leaving the printing means. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of sheets can be cut at the same time. With reference to Figures 6-A-6C, the paper cutting means 10 can cut the paper edges in a pattern which, for example, can be composed of a vertical cut 31 and a series of horizontal cuts 32 which, for example, they can create notches. Other notch patterns can also be implemented, for example, a zig-zag pattern that allows triangular notches or a pattern of notches that interconnect. In a preferred embodiment, the blades are cut and nicked at the same time, for example with a simple circular cutting instrument comprising a cutting surface that implements the desired notch pattern. This way of cutting the individual sheets of paper exposes the fibers of the paper and allows a stronger binding of the pages. tmfíni ttk * - ~ «* H» SE-- time the rubber is applied. The border pattern can create filaments that cross the spine of the book and, once dried, serve the same purpose as traditional book sewing. The cuts in the paper are produced along the inner edge of the pages, that is, the side that will be the spine of the book. This is done so that the sheets of paper will be cut to the right size and shape for the pages that make up the block of the book. The shape of the cut on the paper will ensure that once the paper is gathered in a book format, the spine of the paper will expose enough fibers to allow proper splicing of the spine and, therefore, achieve a stronger bond between the pages itself and the cover of the spine of the book. This is an improvement over traditional methods of corrugation of the spine after the block of the book is formed. It saves production time, improves the quality of results, and improves the procedure by allowing even the thinnest of books (a few dozen pages) to be bound together in a lasting manner. It is preferred that the depth of the notches be in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, in order to allow a sufficient binding strength of the gumming without creating difficulty aligning the pages of the book with each other to form a book block. More preferably, the depth of the notches should be approximately 1.0 mm. In a specific embodiment, notches can be achieved after the pages are brought together to form a book block,¡ÍÉ? Jygi | ¡^ for example by a means of circular cutting. In this embodiment, the sides of the cutting blade can grind the sides of the notches to improve the adhesion of the rubber. Other techniques for notching the pages would be apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of this description. In an alternate embodiment, the pages of the book can be printed on pre-punched paper sheets that can be peeled off on book pages, whereby the perforated edges can improve the adhesion of the rubber. Accordingly, the formation of notches is therefore optimal. In a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, a cold water-based gum can be used. Although other gums can be used, for example hot gums. Advantageously, the cold rubber vapors are not dangerous for humans and, therefore, the use of cold rubber is not as expensive to implement as is the use of hot rubber. Advantageously, a book bound with cold gum according to the invention of the moment can have a flexible spine, allowing the book to be opened flat. With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, once cut, the smaller sheets of paper can be deposited on the paper tray station 11 containing the smallest loose sheets of paper one on top of the other until the printer finishes printing all the pages of the book.

With reference to Figures 8A and 8B, when the printing means finish printing all the sheets of paper and stop, a sensor can send a signal so that the paper tray station 11 opens and releases the plurality of sheets in , for example, a movable holding means 12 so that all the pages become a single book block. These pages can be numbered and cast in such a way that a specific edge of the paper 33 is exposed sufficiently to adhere the cover. This space is preferably .63 cm. This exposed edge is the spine of the book, where the cover tile will be gummed. With reference to Figures 9A and 9B, in a preferred embodiment, the design of the jaws 34 of the fastener means 12 can force open, in a semicircle shape, the exposed paper. According to this, the paper will receive more rubber, creating a firmer binding with the cover. With reference to Figure 10, upon receiving all the pages of the book, a sensor can send a signal to a stacking member 13, for example under the floor of the fastening means 12, and cause the stacking means 13 to vibrate. Simultaneously, a horizontal bar 35 can push the sheets of paper and align them into uniform edges to make a rectangular book block. At the same time, the movable holding means 12 can close its jaws 34 and subsequently squeeze the sheets of paper into a single book block unit. In a preferred embodiment, the jaws 34 can be closed a little while the vibration is stopped and then the leaves can be vibrated some more, and then the jaws 34 can be closed a little more, until the book block is formed. This locking and closing of jaws 34 continues for approximately a few seconds so that all the edges of the block of the book are uniform. With reference to Figures 11A and 11B, when the jaws of the fastening means 12 are closed and holding the book block firmly and tightly, the fastening means 12 can begin to move the book block towards the line 36. The fastening means movable 12 can transport the book through the rubberized means 14 that apply the rubber. With reference to Figures 12A and 12B, the gum is preferably a water-based gum with a liquid viscosity that allows it to penetrate deeply into the paper notches, improving its adhesive strength. Preferably, the invention of the moment can provide a fast drying time by, for example, removing the water with hot air. Preferably, the rubber has durable elastic properties and, therefore, does not become crunchy or brittle. The base rubber is safe to use under any circumstance because it does not release harmful vapors, in contrast to the hot rubber of thermal binders. The cold gum can be stored indefinitely in a sealed container 37, and can be applied either with a pump 38, a dispersing gun, or other applicator means. The movable holding means 12 can then transport the book block through a rubber cleaning means 15 which can clean the excess rubber and, for example, extends it uniformly along the spine. In a preferred embodiment, once the excess gum is cleaned, the book block then continues to the rubber drying station. With reference to Figure 13, when the block of the book reaches the drying means 18 which dry the rubber by, for example, the use of hot air, the movable holding means 18 can be stopped until a time meter and / or sensor sends the signal that the rubber is dry. With reference to Figure 14, the book block is then moved through the teal means 17 which can apply a thicker strip of paper strip to cover the spine of the book. This strip tile may have printed on it the international standard book number (ISBN), title, author's name, and / or any other pertinent information.

Preferably, the quality and color of the paper can be equal to the quality and color of the hardcover covers of the already printed book, so that the tile is indistinguishable from the covers themselves. The self-adhesive back cover decking can be provided, for example, by means of a roller, and deposited in a feeder by a series of rollers that keep it in place. place and apply the tile with precision 39. Because the thickness of each book will vary, the width of the spine cover spine can exceed for example, by at least 2.54 cm, the total thickness of an average book of 400 pages of long. Once the book block reaches the right place in ^ A < ^? the line, the cover tile can be adhered to the book block. In a specific embodiment, a cover piece may have the cover printed and may be folded over and applied to a book block consisting of book pages, whereby a strip tile is optional. In a modality in which a piece of hard paste is applied to a book block, the adhesion of the cover to the spine of the book can be achieved without the application of a spine cover strip strip. This modality can be implemented using hard pastes of various sizes, according to the size of the book. In a specific example, a cover can be applied to a book that measures 20.32 by 13.97 cm. The cover can be made of, for example, hard paper, leather or skin-like material, plastic or any other material for purposes of protecting book pages. The cover can then be cut to a size of 20.32 x 35.56 either before being printed by the printer or later. In addition, either before or after the cover is cut, a strip of self-adhesive glue, measuring for example, 5.08 x 20.32, can be applied transverse to the back of the cover. This rubber strip can have a removable sheet to expose the glue. This band is preferably at least 5.08 x 20.32 cm and is preferably applied at a distance of at least 12.7 cm from the edge of the rear part of the front part of the cover. Preferably, the self-adhesive glue matches the type of gum with which the block of the book was gummed.

This cover may have printed on it the international standard book number (ISBN), book title, author's name, and / or any other pertinent information. The self-adhesive cover can be provided, for example, by a roller, and deposited in a feeder by a series of rollers that hold it in place and adhere the cover with precision 39. Because the thickness of each book will vary, the width of the adhesive on the cover may preferably exceed, for example, at least 2.54 cm on each side, the total thickness of an average book of 400 pages in length. Once the block of the book reaches the right place on the line, the cover can be attached to the book block. With reference to Figures 15A-15C, with respect to a modality in which a piece of cover is to be applied, the block of the book continues through the fold means 40 wherein the cover can be folded on both sides of the spine by a bender 18. This bending means 48 also gives the final "square" edge to the spine of the book. As it leaves the bending means 18, the excess hard paste can be cut by a cutting means 19. With reference to FIGS. 15A-15C, with respect to a mode where the spine cover strip strip is applied, the block of the book continues through the bender means 40 wherein the spine cover strip tile can be folded by 0.63 cm on both sides of the spine by a half bender 18. This half bender 18 also gives the final "square" edge book mold. As you leave the means In the case of benders 18, the excess strip cover strip teardrop can be cut by a cutting means 19. With reference to FIG. 16, the movable holding means 12 move the book towards the final forming means 41. After the movable holding means 12 move the book towards the end of the season, they open their jaws and release the book to a final training medium, which in a particular embodiment it is made of horizontal rollers 42 and vertical rollers 43. The book passes between those rollers. A motor can move the set of movable rollers at its controlled speed by, for example, electronic sensors. The rollers move the book in such a way as to force it to follow a path. Then the finished book leaves the machine through the means of delivery. With reference to figure 17, the finished book exits after the machine. It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons of skill in the art and are to be included within the spirit and scope of this. application and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (44)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A device for printing and binding a book, comprising: a means of receiving to receive data corresponding to the content of a book; a training medium to format the text of the book in a book distribution; a printing means for printing the contents of the book on sheets of paper upon receipt of a signal from the receiving means; a fastener means for holding printed pages in a book block; and a means of gumming to apply glue to the spine of the book block.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a notching means for notching the edge of the spine of the pages of the book, further characterized in that the notch formation means create notches that improve the adhesion of the rubber to the spine of the book block.

3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising: a cutting means for cutting the sheets of paper into smaller sheets, further characterized in that the printing means prints multiple pages of text on each sheet of paper and said cutting means cut the sheet of paper into smaller sheets so that each smaller sheet can have a page of the printed book on each side.

4. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the gumming means applies a cold glue.

5. The device according to claim 4, further characterized in that said cold glue is based on water.

6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a means of embossing to adhere a spine cover loin to the spine of the book, further characterized in that the printing means print a cover image on hard paste to create cover pages, further characterized in that the cover pages are included in the book block fastened together by the fastening means and glued together by the gumming means, and further characterized because the spine cover spine is adhered to the spine of the book as to cover the cover pages.

The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover means for adhering a cover to the book block, further characterized in that the printing means prints a cover image on cover paper to create a cover for the book, and further characterized in that the cover means adhere the cover to the gummed book block as to cover the spine and the pages of the book block.

8. - The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a stacker means for stacking and aligning the pages of the book in a book block which is fastened in the fastener means.

9. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the receiving means can receive data corresponding to the text of a book from a remote location further characterized because the receiving means eliminate said data after printing the book as to avoid that unauthorized copies of the book are printed.

10. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the receiving means includes control data indicating the format, type of source, or type size of the text, whereby said receiving means controls the format, type, of font, or size of text type that correspond to the received control data.

11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a means of interaction of the user with which a user can select a book to be printed and bound.

12. The device according to claim 3, further characterized in that two pages of the text are printed on each 20 side of each sheet of paper so that when the sheet of paper is cut in half, smaller sheets are formed so that each smaller sheet can have text on both sides. ^? ^^? i ^

13. - The device according to claim 3, further characterized in that the notch forming means and the cutting means are the same so that the pages of the book have notches as the sheets of paper are cut into book pages.

14. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the received data corresponding to the text of the book can be in electronic text format.

15. A system for distributing and making books, comprising: an input means for supplying orders for books, a plurality of printing and binding means for printing and binding books upon receiving the text data of the book and control data, and at least one central distribution unit that receives orders for texts of selected books and causes said text of control book and data to be transferred to said printing and binding media, further characterized by the control distribution unit and the plurality of Printing and binding media are geographically separated.

16. The system according to claim 15, further characterized in that the central distribution unit comprises a storage medium in which the central distribution unit accesses the required book texts from the storage means.

17. The system according to claim 15, further characterized in that the central distribution unit accesses the required book texts from a plurality of storage facilities.

18. The system according to claim 17, further characterized in that the plurality of storage facilities correspond to a plurality of editors and authors.

19. The system according to claim 15, further characterized in that the text data of the book transferred from the central distribution unit to the means of printing and binding of data include formatting of the data.

The system according to claim 15, further characterized in that the printing and binding means comprise a computing means for receiving the text data of the book, temporarily storing the text data of the book, and formatting the text data. of the book to print and bind in accordance with said requests.

21. A method for producing and distributing books, comprising the following steps: creating a plurality of electronic text files corresponding to the content of a corresponding plurality of books, storing the plurality of text files, allowing a customer to order one or more of said plurality of books, transmitting the electronic teto records corresponding to the books ordered to a device capable of printing and binding said ordered books, with which the device is conveniently located for the client and said ordered books are printed and bound as to allow the client to collect the books ordered in said device within a short period of time.

22. A method for printing and binding a book, comprising the following steps: receiving data corresponding to the content of a book; format the text of the book in a book distribution; print the contents of the book on sheets of paper when receiving a signal; hold printed pages in a block of the book; and apply glue to the spine of the book block.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of: forming notches on the edge of the spine of the pages of the book, whereby the notches improve the adhesion of the rubber on the spine of the book block .

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step of: cutting the sheets of paper into smaller sheets; whereby multiple pages of text are printed on each sheet of paper and the sheets of paper are cut into smaller sheets so that each smaller sheet may have one page of the printed book on each side.

25. The method according to claim 22, further characterized in that cold glue is applied.

26. The method according to claim 25, further characterized in that said cold glue is water-based.

27. - The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of: adhering a spine cover spine to the spine of the book, whereby a cover image is printed on hard paste to create cover pages, thereby The cover pages are included in the book block fastened together and gummed together, and in which said spine cover spine is adhered to the spine of the book as to cover the cover pages.

28. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of: adhering a cover to the block of the book, further characterized in that the cover image is printed on hard paste to create a cover for the book, and in the which said cover adheres to the gummed book block as to cover the spine and the pages of the book block.

29. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of: stacking and aligning the pages of the book in a book block which is then fastened.

30. The method according to claim 22, further characterized in that the received data corresponding to the contents of a book are received from a remote location, further characterized because said data is deleted after printing the book as to avoid being printed unauthorized copies of the book.

31.- The method according to claim 22, further characterized in that the received data include control data ggÜ Í Hg | g || gj ^^ nH Yes ^ Oy? ^ á indicating the format, type of font, or type size of the text, whereby the format, type of font, or size of the text type is they control according to the control data received.

32. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of allowing user interaction, further characterized in that a user can select a book to be printed or bound.

33. The method according to claim 24, further characterized in that two pages of text are printed on each side of each sheet of paper so that when the sheet of paper is cut in half, smaller sheets are formed, with which each smaller sheet can have text on both sides.

34.- The method according to claim 24, further characterized in that the step of forming notches and the cutting step are performed simultaneously so that the pages of the book have notches as the sheets of paper are cut into book pages.

35.- A device for binding a book, comprising: means for receiving a plurality of sheets of paper which are to be joined together, a fastening means for holding the plurality of sheets of paper received in a book block, and gumming means to apply glue to the spine of the book block.

36.- The device according to claim 35, further comprising: a means of forming notches to form .. ~ * ám *** iibß6tá * ?? - ^? notches in the edge of the spine of the pages of the book, whereby the notch formation means create notches that improve the adhesion of the rubber on the spine of the book block.

37.- The device according to claim 35, further comprising: a cutting means for cutting the sheets of paper into smaller sheets; and further characterized in that the printing means prints multiple pages of text on each sheet of paper and the cutting means cuts the sheet of paper into smaller sheets so that each smaller sheet of paper can have a printed book page on each side.

38.- The device according to claim 35, further characterized in that the gumming means applies a cold gum.

39.- The device according to claim 38, further characterized in that the cold gum is water-based.

40.- The device according to claim 35, which additionally comprises: a means of embossing to adhere a spine cover spine to the spine of the book, further characterized in that the printing means print a cover image on hard paste to create cover pages, whereby the cover pages they are included in the book block fastened together by the fastening means and gummed together by the gumming means, and in which the spine cover spine adheres to the spine of the book as to cover the cover pages.

41. - The device according to claim 35, further comprising: a cover means for adhering a cover to the book block, further characterized in that the printing means prints a cover image on hard paste to create a cover for the book, and whereby the cover means adhere the cover to the gummed book block so as to cover the spine and the pages of the book block.

42. The device according to claim 35, further comprising: a stacking means for stacking and aligning the pages of the book in a book block that is clamped in the fastening means, thereby stacking and aligning the pages of the book. 43.- The device according to claim 37, further characterized in that two pages of text are printed on each side of each sheet of paper so that when the sheet of paper is cut in half, smaller sheets are formed, in which each smaller sheet can have text on both sides. 44.- The device according to claim 37, further characterized in that the notch and cut forming means are the same so that the pages of the book have notches as the sheets of paper are cut into book pages.