Method for preparing a print job for printing

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparing a print job for printing, wherein at least one first data set (1a) is provided which is assigned to the print job (1) and a plurality of reference data sets (2a) which are assigned to respective reference jobs (2), characterized in that a plurality of and mutually complementary reference data sets (2a, 3) are provided for a plurality of reference jobs (2) and a step of automated filtering (4) is carried out in which at least one second data set (2a) is provided from the reference data sets of the plurality of reference jobs and the second data set is applied to the print (15) in place of or in addition to the at least one first data set (1a). The invention allows in an advantageous manner the production of high-quality printed products and in which both time, for example print preparation time, is saved and costs, for example caused by waste paper or quality defects during printing, are saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for preparing a printing task for printing.

[0002] The technical field to which this invention pertains is the field of the graphics industry, and in particular the field of preparing for printing (especially preparing for printing tasks or providing digital data for printing tasks, such as for offset printing or inkjet printing). Background Technology

[0003] It is known that digital data is provided for printing tasks.

[0004] DE10339571A1 discloses a method for determining the optimal processing mode when changing tasks on a machine handling printing substrate using at least one control computer. The method is characterized by comparing data from a first machine task with data from subsequent machine tasks using the control computer, and creating a sequence of tasks to be completed during task changes using this comparison. Such methods are known for printing presses from Heidelberg Printing Machines GmbH under the brand name "Intellistart".

[0005] DE102007009968A discloses an automated production control scheme, namely a method for operating (e.g., a printing press) with the aid of a computer, wherein at least one task for generating printed products can be stored in the computer, the task being processed on at least one machine. Parameters for setting the machine are stored as a set of parameters in a so-called template and relate to one or more production steps. To adjust for a job, the settings in the template must be modified. Since the settings are untested and unverified, quality defects may occur; furthermore, these settings can only be performed by professionals. To improve quality and thereby enable less skilled personnel to operate the machine, it is recommended to compare the set of parameters based on rough input data with the template and use the closest template to set one or more production steps. Materials that can be considered in the template include, for example: printing plates; paper for printing; or ink for printing. To also handle printing tasks for which no suitable template (i.e., a close template) can be found, it is advantageous to include in an improved design a notification when a template cannot be obtained for a process step.

[0006] Many printing plants (such as in the packaging printing industry) have tasks that are always repeated in a constant number of times (repetitive tasks): that is, printing tasks that are repeated in a way that is unchanged or with minimal changes. A specific example of a modified printing task is that another pigment might be added, for example, with light blue stars as a winter version. Here, all other settings used for the printing task remain the same.

[0007] In the packaging and printing industry, repetitive tasks typically account for well over 70%. Despite this, printing plants often repeatedly start from scratch, creating these tasks and using "raw data." This is largely because manually associating existing data with new job information (new task numbers for recording) and linking it to the new task is extremely time-consuming. Often, only a portion of the task is needed, as there may be minor changes compared to previous tasks.

[0008] Another common issue is that printing plants often lack the necessary expertise to find the fastest solution for achieving the same settings in repetitive tasks, forcing operators to mostly start over and in the process accept higher waste rates and longer setup times.

[0009] In tasks involving sets, these tasks must be reassembled for each print run. This means the content changes and therefore cannot be repeatedly printed unchanged. There is little possibility of automatically reproducing these tasks based on existing information. In this type of production, tasks must be rebuilt each time, wasting valuable time and generating a lot of waste paper. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of this invention is to provide an improved solution compared to the prior art, which in particular enables the manufacture of high-quality printed materials and saves both time (e.g., printing preparation time) and costs (e.g., costs caused by waste paper or quality defects during printing).

[0011] This objective is achieved according to the present invention by means of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Advantageous and further preferred improvements of the present invention are derived from preferred embodiments, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] According to the present invention, a method for preparing a printing task for printing is provided, wherein at least one first data set (associated with the printing task) and a plurality of reference data sets (associated with each reference task) are provided, characterized in that a plurality of complementary reference data sets are provided for each of the plurality of reference tasks, and an automated filtering step is implemented, wherein at least one second data set is provided based on the reference data sets of the plurality of reference tasks, and the second data set (replacing or supplementing at least one first data set) is used for the printing.

[0014] The present invention enables the production of high-quality printed articles in an advantageous manner, saving both time (e.g., printing preparation time) and costs (e.g., costs caused by waste paper or quality defects during printing).

[0015] The present invention, for example, can automate the assistance in the case of so-called repetitive tasks and thereby achieve optimal reproducibility of said repetitive tasks.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention can (automatically) store printing tasks, but preferably not as complete tasks, but by dividing the tasks into different elements and storing these elements separately. This allows the stored elements to be added to new printing tasks at subsequent points in time. In addition, other parameters and information can be added to stored printing tasks (or their elements), which allows for detailed comparisons with new printing tasks / new production at subsequent points in time, determining whether the previous production can be replicated with its previous quality. When repeatedly saving, it is preferable to cover only certain portions of the already stored data, specifically the task's identification information / ID or name: for example, not covering the entire paper travel process of the printing material, but only the paper travel process of the feeder. Examples of added information will be given below.

[0017] The key difference from existing technologies is that instead of the operator having to search for a stored task that is “suitable” as a reference task for a new printing job based on standards, this method takes over the task by means of a filtering step, and the operator only needs to cancel or add individual task sections.

[0018] The printing task is delivered digitally, preferably on a digital computer in a printing press or printing plant, or on a cloud computer.

[0019] The first data set preferably includes an ID (e.g., a task ID). The first data set includes at least one task content: for example, data to be printed; data for the printing plate, for the rubber sheet, for the printing ink (and / or varnish), for the printing substrate, and / or for the wetting agent.

[0020] For the first data set, a so-called fingerprint can be automatically generated, which can be used in subsequent filtering (or comparison). This fingerprint is digital and generated digitally (or by a digital computer). The fingerprint is unambiguous with respect to the first data set. The fingerprint is preferably stored together with or for the first data set. Digital methods for generating and storing fingerprints are known in the prior art; such methods can be used here.

[0021] These reference tasks may originate from previous (preferably already printed) printing tasks; such printing tasks may be printed on a printing press or on another printing press in a consortium; a printing press consortium may include printing presses of a printing plant and / or printing presses of a manufacturer that transmit data to that manufacturer via the cloud. These reference tasks (or their data) are preferably stored digitally, for example, in the memory of the digital computer of the printing press or printing plant, or in cloud storage.

[0022] These reference tasks preferably include IDs (e.g., task IDs). These reference tasks include at least one task content: for example, data to be printed; data for printing plates, for rubber sheets, for printing inks (and / or varnishes), for printing substrates, and / or for wetting agents.

[0023] According to the present invention, multiple complementary reference data sets are provided for multiple reference tasks. Each of the multiple complementary reference data sets preferably includes an ID (e.g., a task ID). Each of the multiple complementary reference data sets includes at least one task content: for example, data to be printed; data for printing plates, for rubber sheets, for printing inks (and / or varnishes), for printing substrates, and / or for wetting agents. For example, one reference data set for a corresponding reference task includes data for printing plates, while another reference data set for a corresponding reference task includes data for printing inks.

[0024] "Complementary" means that the reference data sets of each reference task, when aggregated, constitute a substantially complete data set for printing the reference task, or that the reference data sets of each reference task complement each other to form a data set that can be used for printing.

[0025] (As with the first data set) a so-called fingerprint can be generated for each reference data set, which can be used in subsequent filtering (or comparison). This fingerprint is unambiguous for the reference data set. This fingerprint is preferably stored together with or for the reference data set.

[0026] In the automated filtering step, at least one second data set is provided from the reference data set of multiple reference tasks. This automated filtering step has the advantage of making the data available and usable in an automated manner without the need for manual and time-consuming detection of the data.

[0027] Using a second data set (replacing or supplementing at least one first data set) for the printing process has the advantages of using available data and saving time.

[0028] The following describes a specific example of adding information:

[0029] Adding information to the stored process preferably includes factors that affect the task (such as factors that affect the printed image), for example:

[0030] ● Pigments and measuring systems

[0031] ○ Pigment Name

[0032] ○ Rated value

[0033] ○ Hue value increased (Tonwertzunahme)

[0034] ○ Pigment absorption (Farbannahme)

[0035] ○ Shifting and / or copying

[0036] ○ Batch

[0037] ○ Pigment amount, such as ink roller settings and the ratio of ink zone opening to surface coverage.

[0038] ○ Ink cartridge film status

[0039] ○ Ink roller lifespan

[0040] ● Paper

[0041] ○ Paper type

[0042] ○ Paper White

[0043] ○ Batch

[0044] ● Wetting agent

[0045] ○ Moistening dosage

[0046] ○ Wetting agent value

[0047] ○ Conductivity

[0048] pH value

[0049] ○ Alcohol, alcohol content

[0050] ● Rubber cloth

[0051] ○ Age of use

[0052] ○ Type

[0053] ● Printing plate

[0054] ○ Batch

[0055] ○ Type

[0056] ○ Quality information from the pre-compression system

[0057] ● Top coat

[0058] ○ Topcoat Type

[0059] ○ Roller type

[0060] ○ Gloss achieved by applying a varnish

[0061] ○ Dryer settings

[0062] ● Other quality factors and machine settings that arise throughout the production chain and may affect the quality and appearance of the printed pages.

[0063] The values ​​mentioned above can be detected in the following ways:

[0064] ● Sensors

[0065] ● Measurement System

[0066] ● Central data interface or central data / task management system

[0067] ● Manual input on the printing press

[0068] ● Terminals in a workflow system (such as stand-alone computers on a printing press or in a warehouse).

[0069] ● Scanners (such as optical scanners, using 1D or 2D encoding)

[0070] ● Wireless scanning equipment (RFID)

[0071] These individual values ​​can be stored in one or more of the following IDs:

[0072] ● Task ID

[0073] ● Process ID (Process Key)

[0074] ● Product ID

[0075] ● Task Name ID

[0076] ● Customer ID

[0077] ● Product ID

[0078] The preferred improvements of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "improvements") are described below.

[0079] One improvement is characterized by providing multiple complementary first data sets (as assigned to a printing task), and using a second data set (replacing or supplementing one of these first data sets) for the printing. The multiple complementary first data sets preferably each include an ID (e.g., a task ID). Each of the multiple complementary reference data sets includes at least one task content: for example, data to be printed; data concerning the printing plate, the rubber sheet, the printing ink (and / or varnish), the printing substrate, and / or the wetting agent. For example, the first data set of the printing task includes data concerning the printing plate, while another first data set of the printing task includes data concerning the printing ink.

[0080] One improved approach is characterized by checking ID consistency during filtering, wherein the ID of the printing task is compared with the IDs of a plurality of reference tasks, and / or wherein the ID of at least one first data group is compared with the IDs of a plurality of reference data groups. The ID to be compared may be a task ID.

[0081] One improvement is characterized by checking the consistency of task content during filtering, wherein the task content of a printing task is compared with the task content of multiple reference tasks, and / or wherein the task content of at least one first data group is compared with the task content of multiple reference data groups. The task content to be compared can be: data to be printed; data for printing plates, for rubber sheets, for printing inks (and / or varnish), for printing substrates, and / or for wetting agents. These task contents can be directly compared with each other. Alternatively and preferably, their fingerprints can be compared with each other. This comparison can be performed in a way that confirms the identity of these task contents. This comparison can also be performed in a way that confirms the basic consistency of these task contents, such as consistency of basic content (defined as basic content) or consistency of all content greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. For example, the consistency of task content can be checked if checking the consistency of IDs fails. In this way, a suitable task can be quickly found by ID first, and content analysis is only performed if this fails.

[0082] One improvement is characterized by supplementing the printing task with a third data set, which includes either additional printing inks or task content for task changes. Additional printing inks may be needed when a spot color is added to a reference task (preferably otherwise unchanged). Task changes refer to other changes, such as changes to the printing substrate.

[0083] One improved approach is characterized by the ability to automatically select, or by having an operator select at least one second data set provided during automated filtering, using the selection possibilities offered to that operator. This automated selection may preferably be based on the consistency of the fingerprints between the first data set and the reference data set, as confirmed during comparison.

[0084] One improved solution is characterized by preparing a printing task for printing on a printing press, generating and providing measurement data on the printing press using sensor technology, and using the measurement data to perform reproducibility monitoring and / or quality monitoring for the printing task using computational technology. It can be configured that sensors monitor, for example, a wetting agent (or its quality) and calculate or estimate the achievable print quality based on its measurement data using computational technology. The results can be displayed to the operator, or the operator can be warned when a predetermined print quality cannot be achieved. The operator can make changes to the first, second, and / or third data sets as needed. Changes can also be made on the printing press; in the "wetting agent" example, the operator can replace the wetting agent.

[0085] An improved scheme is characterized by the ability of an operator to make at least one change on a first data group and / or on a second data group and / or on a third data group using the change possibilities provided to the operator, and to store such change as a changed or new reference data group.

[0086] Other advantageous improvements of the invention are presented in any combination of the features and combinations of features disclosed in the above sections on the technical field, summary of the invention and improvements, and the following section on embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0087] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention for preparing a printing task for printing is shown; and

[0088] Figure 2 Three different printing tasks are illustrated in the upper area, and two different set tasks (Sammelauftrag) are illustrated in the lower area.

[0089] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Preferred embodiments of the invention and its improvements, or details thereof, are illustrated. Corresponding features are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings. For clarity, some repeated reference numerals in the drawings have been omitted. Detailed Implementation

[0090] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention for preparing a printing task for printing is shown. To perform the method, at least one digital computer (steps 1 to 14 and 16) preferably having a display and a printing press (step 15) may be provided, preferably an offset printing press or an inkjet printing press. A printing substrate in sheet or format may be provided for the printing, preferably paper, paperboard, or plastic film.

[0091] The method shown preferably includes the following steps:

[0092] Step 1: Provide at least one first data set (associated with a printing task). The first data set preferably includes ID1aa (e.g., a task ID). The first data set includes at least one task content 1ab: for example, data to be printed; data for the printing plate, for the rubber blanket, for printing ink (and / or varnish), for the printing substrate, and / or for the wetting agent. It is possible to provide multiple complementary first data sets (associated with a printing task). Fingerprint generation is preferred (see optional sub-step 4a).

[0093] Step 2: Provide multiple reference tasks. These reference tasks preferably include ID 2aa (e.g., task ID). These reference tasks include at least one task content 2ab: for example, data to be printed; data for printing plates, for rubber sheets, for printing inks (and / or varnishes), for printing substrates, and / or for wetting agents.

[0094] Step 3: (Store and) provide multiple sets of reference data (associated with each reference task). According to the invention, multiple complementary sets of reference data are provided for each of the multiple reference tasks. Each of the multiple complementary sets of reference data preferably includes an ID 2a (e.g., a task ID). Each of the multiple complementary sets of reference data includes at least one task content 2ab: for example, data to be printed; data for the printing plate, for the rubber sheet, for printing ink (and / or varnish), for the printing substrate, and / or for the wetting agent. For example, one set of reference data for a given reference task includes data for the printing plate, while another set of reference data for a given reference task includes data for the printing ink. Fingerprints can preferably be generated in an optional sub-step 3a.

[0095] Step 4: Implement automated filtering, wherein at least one second data set is provided from reference data sets of multiple reference tasks, and the second data set replaces or supplements at least one first data set (see Step 7) for the printing (see Step 15). During filtering, it is preferable to verify the consistency of IDs, wherein the ID of the printing task is compared with the IDs of the multiple reference tasks, and / or wherein the ID of at least one first data set is compared with the IDs of the multiple reference data sets. During filtering, it is preferable to check the consistency of task content, wherein the task content of the printing task is compared with the task content of the multiple reference tasks, and / or wherein the task content of at least one first data set is compared with the task content of the multiple reference data sets. Alternatively and preferably, fingerprints generated in optional sub-steps 3a and 4a can be compared with each other. It is possible to automatically select or, by the operator, select at least one second data set provided during automated filtering using the selection possibilities provided to the operator (see Steps 5 and 6).

[0096] Step 5 (optional, as preparation for step 6): Display the automatically filtered / provided second data group (complete or user-friendly simplified) and / or its ID.

[0097] Step 6 (optional): The operator selects and / or modifies the automatically filtered and / or provided second data set. Here, the operator may select or modify, for example, such that the printing task is supplemented with a third data set, which includes, for example, task content for additional printing inks or for task modification.

[0098] Step 7: Replace or supplement the first data group and / or the second data group and / or the third data group (see Step 6).

[0099] Step 8 (optional): Store the replaced or supplemented first, second, and / or third data sets. This storage is preferably performed as a reference data set for a reference printing job, thereby becoming available again for subsequent printing jobs. This is how "learning" is performed (see step 16). It can be configured that the operator makes at least one change to the first data set and / or the second data set and / or the third data set using the change possibilities provided to the operator (see steps 6 and 7), and stores this change as the changed or new reference data set.

[0100] Steps 9 and 10: Providing measurement data. Here, measurement data is generated and provided on the printing press using sensor technology, and said measurement data is used for reproducibility monitoring and / or quality monitoring of the printing task using computational techniques. Step 9 (in combination with step 10 and optional steps 11 to 14) is preferably not optional because other print quality advantages are associated with this step; alternatively, but less preferably, step 9 (and steps 10 to 14) may be omitted, for example, when the method is performed without a corresponding sensor device in the printing press.

[0101] Steps 11 to 14 (optional): Based on steps 5 to 8, displays (especially warnings) can be made, and data groups can be changed, adjusted, and stored.

[0102] Step 15: Print the print job on the printing press. Here, a second data set is used; this second data set may correspond to the first data set (if no changes are made) or may deviate from the first data set (if changes are made) and / or may be supplemented by a third data set.

[0103] Step 16 (Learning): Learning is performed by storing the replacements or changes made on the first data set and / or the second data set and / or the third data set as modified or new reference data sets. These reference data sets can be provided to the printing press again in subsequent print jobs. Similarly, these reference jobs can also be provided to other printing presses in the consortium in subsequent print jobs. Such a printing press consortium may include printing presses from a printing plant and / or printing presses from a manufacturer that deliver data to the manufacturer via the cloud. Therefore, this learning can be performed at different levels (Ebene): at the level of printing presses and / or at the level of multiple printing presses in a printing plant and / or at the level of multiple cloud-connected printing presses of a printing press manufacturer.

[0104] Figure 2 Three different printing jobs 17 are illustrated in the upper area, each of which includes multiple nuggets or nuggets arranged 18 (e.g., “AAAA”, “BBBB”, and “CCCC”). These nuggets A, B, and C can be different labels.

[0105] Figure 2 Two distinct set tasks 19 are illustrated in the lower region, each of which includes multiple useful parts or arrangements of useful parts 18 (e.g., “BBAA” and “CBAA”). These useful parts may also be different labels.

[0106] Figure 2The example in the text should illustrate that it can be meaningful to store not the complete tasks (such as AAAA and BBBB), but rather their individual permutations of useful parts A and B. In this way, new set tasks (such as BBAA) can be quickly constructed from the stored permutations of useful parts.

[0107] List of reference numerals

[0108] 1. Provide printing assignment / first data set

[0109] 1a One or more first data sets

[0110] 1aa First Data Group ID

[0111] 1ab First Data Set Task Content

[0112] 2. Provide a reference task / reference data set, especially the second data set.

[0113] 2a Reference data set, particularly one or more second data sets

[0114] 2aa The ID of the reference data group, especially the ID of the second data group.

[0115] The task content of reference data set 2ab, especially the task content of the second data set.

[0116] 3. Store / provide reference data sets

[0117] 3a Generate fingerprint (optional)

[0118] 4. Filtering / Selection

[0119] 4a Generate fingerprint (optional)

[0120] 5. Display (optional)

[0121] 6. Select / Change (optional), especially supplementing with the third data group.

[0122] 7 Replacements / Supplements

[0123] 8. Storage (optional)

[0124] 9. Provide sensor data and / or other data

[0125] 10. Reproduction monitoring / Quality monitoring

[0126] 11 Display and / or warn (optional)

[0127] 12 Changes (optional)

[0128] 13. Adjust the printing schedule (optional)

[0129] 14. Storage (optional)

[0130] 15 Printing Tasks

[0131] 16 Learning

[0132] 17 Printing Tasks

[0133] 18. Useful parts or arrangement of useful parts

[0134] 19 Collective Tasks

[0135] 20 Useful parts or arrangement of useful parts

[0136] 100 Use the stored reference data set

[0137] 200 Improved stored reference data sets

[0138] 300 Using sensor data and / or other data

Claims

1. A method for preparing a printing task for printing, the method comprising the following steps: Provide at least one first data set (1a) associated with the printing task (1) and a plurality of reference data sets (2a) associated with each reference task (2), wherein the providing step comprises the following sub-steps: providing (3) a plurality of complementary reference data sets (2a) for each of the plurality of reference tasks (2), and Using a digital computer, a uniquely defined fingerprint is digitally generated for the first data group, and a uniquely defined fingerprint is digitally generated for each of the plurality of reference data groups. The fingerprint used for the first data group is stored together with the first data group or stored in association with the first data group. For each corresponding reference data group in the plurality of reference data groups, the fingerprint for that corresponding reference data group is stored together with or combined with that corresponding reference data group in the plurality of reference data groups. The step of implementing automated filtering (4) involves providing at least one second data set from the reference data sets of the plurality of reference tasks, wherein the automated filtering step uses fingerprints generated for the first data set and fingerprints generated for the plurality of reference data sets, and The second data group is applied to the printing (15) by replacing or supplementing the at least one first data group (1a). The plurality of reference data sets originate from previous printing jobs that have been printed on the same printing press or on different printing presses in a machine alliance, and The complementarity in the providing step means that multiple reference data sets associated with the corresponding reference task are aggregated to form a complete data set for printing the corresponding reference task, or that multiple reference data sets associated with the corresponding reference task complement each other to form a data set for printing.

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Provide multiple first data sets (1a) that are matched with and complementary to the printing task (1), and The second data group is applied to the printing process by replacing or supplementing one of the first data groups.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Check the consistency of IDs during filtering (4). Specifically, the ID (1aa) of the printing task (1) is compared with the IDs (2aa) of each of the plurality of reference tasks (2), and / or The ID (1aa) of the at least one first data group (1) is compared with the ID (2aa) of each of the plurality of reference data groups (2).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, During filtering (4), the consistency of the task content is checked. Specifically, the task content of the printing task (1) is compared with the task content of each of the plurality of reference tasks (2), and / or The task content of the at least one first data group (1) is compared with the task content of each of the plurality of reference data groups (2a).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Supplement the printing task (1) with a third data set (6). The third data set includes information on additional printing pigments or task content that has been modified for the task.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Automatically select or select at least one second data set provided during automated filtering (4) by the operator using the selection possibilities provided to the operator.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Prepare the printing job for printing on the printing press (1), and Here, measurement data (9) is generated and provided on the printing press using sensor technology, and Using the measurement data, reproducibility monitoring (10) and / or quality monitoring (10) for the printing task are performed in a computational manner.

8. The method according to claim 5, Its features are, The operator may make at least one change (6) on the first data group (1) and / or on the second data group and / or on the third data group (6) using the change possibilities provided to the operator, and The changes are stored as modified or new reference data sets.

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