Methods for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products

Abstract

A method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products, wherein, using a serialization printing template (3), a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code (4) and a random serialization feature (5) are printed and optically detected for each printed product (1, 1a), and a randomly unique serialization code (6) for the printed product is computationally generated and stored from the serialization feature (5), the serialization feature is arranged on the printed product in spatial proximity to the code, and the serialization feature is generated using halftone halftone halftone halftone printing, characterized in that a static serialization printing template (3) is used as the serialization printing template (3) and the serialization feature (5) is generated in a printing form-bound manner.

Description

invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products with the features of claim 1. field of technology

[0002] The invention lies in the technical field of the graphic arts industry, and there in particular in the area of ​​the production of printed products which are feature-based identifiable (proof of individuality) and / or authenticable (proof of genuineness), preferably by the printing process of creating or applying corresponding features to the printed products and the reading of these features. State of the art

[0003] EP2024899B 1 discloses generally means to use microstructures of material surfaces as unique identification features.

[0004] German patent DE10304805A1 discloses the production of security identifiers, i.e., random information for authentication purposes. This may involve generating the information randomly in a non-targeted process. Such random patterns can be converted into a "fingerprint" and stored. In addition to these security identifiers, serial numbers, for example, can also be generated.

[0005] German patent DE102012010482A1 also discloses the production of a security marking, using the so-called "viscous fingering effect" to generate random structures. This may involve the use of a printing plate with a grid of lines. Additionally, a number may be included.

[0006] It is also common knowledge that printed products can be serialized by digitally generating and printing serial numbers using a dedicated digital printing unit and control system.

[0007] US patent 2019 / 0138867 discloses a generic method, i.e., a method with the features of the preamble of claim 1. However, in the known method, the serialization feature is not generated using a printing plate, but rather by means of a laser whose power can be varied. Consequently, no static serialization printing template is used.

[0008] DE 10 2015 219 397 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing an object with an identification feature arranged for its identification. The identification feature is generated using a printing form. However, a random serialization feature is not generated.

[0009] US patent 2018 / 0107915 A1 discloses a method for creating an authentication feature in a barcode, whereby the barcode is modified. A separate serialization feature is not created. Technical task

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improvement over the prior art, which in particular makes it possible to produce printed products and to serialize them in a simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, it is an object to eliminate the need for dedicated digital printing units and their control systems for serialization. Inventive solution to the problem

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method according to claim 1.

[0012] Advantageous and therefore preferred embodiments of the invention are evident from the dependent claims as well as from the description and the drawings.

[0013] A method according to the invention is a method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products, wherein, using a static serialization print template, a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code and a random serialization feature are generated by printing and optically detected for each printed product, and a randomly unique serialization code for the printed product is generated and stored computationally from the serialization feature, the serialization feature is arranged on the printed product in spatial proximity to the code, and the serialization feature is generated using halftone halftone printing, and is characterized in that a static serialization print template is used as the serialization print template and the serialization feature is generated in a form-bound manner. Advantageous forms and effects of the invention

[0014] The invention advantageously enables the production of printed products and their simple and cost-effective serialization, in particular without the need for dedicated digital printing units and controls for serialization.

[0015] The printed product can comprise multiple units. Each unit of the printed product can be serialized separately according to the invention.

[0016] According to the invention, the serialization feature is generated using halftone halftone halftone printing. Due to unavoidable variations in the printing process across multiple printed products, deviations occur between the halftone-printed actual image and the target image, e.g., the RIP image or the exposed image on a printing plate. This effect is advantageously utilized: The serialization features of successive printed products are thus distinguishable from one another. Serialization is therefore not performed via a digitally generated serial number, but via a random feature. The latter represents a characteristic, unique piece of information. In this way, printed products that are printed in batches, i.e., repeatedly (i.e., with the same static printing template, the same RIP, and the same printing process) using either the same printing plate or the same data input for digital printing processes, can be distinguished from one another.Serialize. This distinguishability is quantifiable, i.e., describable by numerical parameters, preferably by the serialization code.

[0017] Optical detection is preferably carried out with an optical camera, which can be arranged in a printing press carrying out the method according to the invention (“inline” application). Alternatively, the camera can be arranged outside the printing press, e.g. in a finishing machine or in another separate module (“offline” application).

[0018] It should be noted that the printed products are to be serialized so that their individuality can be verified later, and that this is not about authentication, i.e., not about later checking the authenticity of the printed products. The lack of authentication allows for a lower resolution on the camera side while still providing stable identification. Therefore, existing camera technology can be advantageously used in printing presses or other machinery in the graphic arts industry.

[0019] It should also be noted that the human eye does not perceive nondeterministic, (randomly) variable information because the aforementioned target-actual deviations are not easily perceptible due to the close coupling to the grid, whereas the optical system (camera plus image processing) responds particularly well to this because deviations from the ideal grid are especially well captured by, for example, grid-based optical analysis, particularly when frequency-based image analysis methods such as Gabor filtering are used. The nondeterministic, variable information resulting from the existing target-actual deviation can be extracted from a computer-aided image analysis as a serialization code in the form of a characteristic "feature vector" (which describes the specific properties that deviate from the target grid) and stored, for example, in a digital memory, especially in a database.

[0020] The serialization feature is printed using a halftone process. The following options can be selected: - Areas with a fixed halftone value, e.g., fixed values ​​between 30% and 80% area coverage, - Areas with different, fixed semitone values ​​(grey tiles), - Areas with continuous gray values ​​(so-called gray wedges), - Areas with arbitrary halftone values ​​(e.g., image reproduction in black and white).

[0021] The serialization feature can be printed in monochrome. The serialization feature can also be printed in multicolor halftone (more than one color separation, e.g., the cyan and magenta separations).

[0022] The code can be printed using a printing form, e.g. in offset printing, or without a printing form, e.g. in inkjet printing. Further developments of the invention

[0023] The following describes preferred further developments of the invention (hereinafter referred to as further developments).

[0024] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the code is essentially generated in solid tones.

[0025] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature is arranged in such close proximity to the code that the code and the serialization feature are optically detected together.

[0026] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature is integrated into the code or vice versa, and that the code is otherwise essentially generated in solid tones.

[0027] A further development can be characterized by the serialization feature being located adjacent to the code. A further development can be characterized by the serialization feature being located directly adjacent to the code. A further development can be characterized by the serialization feature being located as an environment of the code. A further development can be characterized by the serialization feature being located as a background of the code. These further developments can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0028] Further education can be characterized by the fact that the one-dimensional code is a barcode.

[0029] A continuing education program can be characterized by the fact that its multidimensional code is a two-dimensional code. A continuing education program can be characterized by the fact that its two-dimensional code is a QR code or a Data Matrix code.

[0030] A further training course can be characterized by the fact that the serialization print template is provided digitally. The serialization print template can be a separate file or it can be part of a print template for the image to be printed. The serialization print template can be part of the print job data, e.g., part of a so-called job ticket.

[0031] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature is created using offset printing.

[0032] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature is generated without a printing form. Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature is generated using digital printing, preferably inkjet printing or electrophotography with dry or liquid toner.

[0033] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization code is stored together with provided serialization information. Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization information is a serialization number. If the printed product is, for example, packaging or a label, then the serialization information can describe the packaged or labeled product, such as its GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), a sequential product serialization number, its production date, its expiration date, and other information.

[0034] A further education program can be characterized by the fact that each printed product, out of the majority of printed products, has the same printed image.

[0035] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature is part of the printed image.

[0036] Further training can be characterized by the application of a digital image processing method to the serialization feature when generating the serialization code. Further training can be characterized by the fact that the image processing method is grid-based. Further training can be characterized by the fact that the image processing method is frequency-based. Further training can be characterized by the fact that the image processing method is or includes Gabor filtering.

[0037] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature and / or the code is / are produced using laser-sensitive ink. Further training can also be characterized by the fact that the serialization feature and / or the code is / are treated with laser radiation, particularly in terms of contrast and / or color.

[0038] A method for identifying a printed product which is manufactured and serialized according to the method according to the invention or according to one of its further developments can be characterized in that i) the serialization feature is optically detected, that ii) the serialization code for the printed product is computationally generated from the serialization feature, and that iii) serialization information stored for the serialization code is loaded.

[0039] Further training can be characterized by the fact that the three steps i, ii, and iii are performed on a mobile device, e.g., a smartphone (with a display and camera) or a code reader or scanner (each with at least a camera). The smartphone can be connected to the server. The code reader or scanner can preferably connect to the server via a smartphone or via a separate connection. Alternatively, further training can be characterized by the fact that the three steps i, ii, and iii are performed on a (preferably non-mobile) scanner station (with a camera). The scanner station can be a separate device or part of a device or machine, e.g., a logistics device or a processing machine, and preferably connects to the server.

[0040] The features and combinations of features disclosed in the above sections Technical Field, Invention and Further Developments, as well as in the following section Exemplary Embodiments, represent – ​​in any combination with each other – further advantageous developments of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention and figures

[0041] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows preferred embodiments of the invention and its further developments. Corresponding features are identified in the figures by the same reference numerals. For clarity, some reference numerals that are repeated in the figures have been omitted. Fig. Figure 1 shows in the upper area a preferred embodiment of a serialization feature 5 and codes 4 produced according to the invention. Both together are referred to as feature 8. Fig. Figure 1 shows in the middle area another preferred embodiment of a serialization feature 5 and codes 4 produced according to the invention. Both together are again referred to as feature 8. Fig. Figure 1 shows in the lower section a further preferred embodiment of a serialization feature 5 and codes 4 produced according to the invention. Both together are referred to as feature 8. Fig. Figure 2a shows a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention or a printing press 10 and further units in the execution of this method. Fig. Figure 2b shows another preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention or another printing press 10 and further units in carrying out this method. The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a respective detail of the invention.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 2a shows a printing press 10. This includes several printing units 11, e.g., four printing units for producing preferably CMYK prints. The printing press preferably processes sheets of substrate. The printing units contain printing plates 12 (mounted on cylinders), each of which preferably contains a color separation of a print image 2 to be printed (see Figure 2). Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) To produce or print a printed product 1 according to a print order. At least one printing plate 12 also serves to produce the code 4 and the serialization feature 5, e.g., the printing plate that prints black (K). The printing plates were previously produced using an imagesetter 17. The printing press shown can be an offset printing press with offset printing plates.

[0043] The printing press 10 includes a camera 14. This camera can be arranged after a final printing unit in the printing direction 9 and serves at least for the optical detection of the code 4 and the serialization feature 5. Preferably, the code and the serialization feature are optically detected simultaneously and together, i.e., preferably in one image. The camera can also detect the entire printed image 2. The camera shown can be a CCD camera.

[0044] Alternatively, the camera 14 can be arranged in an external module 18, e.g. a module for optically capturing individual uses 1a which are produced from the printed product 1, e.g. punched and broken out.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 2a shows a computer 15. The computer is connected to the camera, preferably via a digital network. The data captured by the camera 14, e.g., the image or data calculated from it, are transmitted to the computer via the network. The computer is connected to or includes a digital storage device 16. The computer 15 is also connected to the exposure unit 17, preferably via the same network. The computer supplies the exposure unit with data for exposing the printing plates 12 required for the printing job. Alternatively, a separate computer is provided for this purpose.

[0046] The in Fig. The printing press 10 shown in Figure 2a performs a method according to the invention for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products. A static serialization print template 3 is used. This is preferably in digital form and can be stored in memory 16. The serialization print template is integrated into the print image 2 or transmitted together with the print image to the exposure unit 17 and exposed onto at least one printing plate 12. This at least one printing plate is used in the printing press 10. In this way, a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code 4 and a random serialization feature 5 are generated for each printed product 1. The serialization print template thus provides data for generating the code and the serialization feature. Alternatively, the data for the code can also be provided by other means, i.e., by means of another print template. The code can, for example, be...It can be a QR code or a Data Matrix code. The code is preferably static, meaning identical on all printed products. The serialization feature is not static, meaning different on all printed products.

[0047] The serialization feature 5 is positioned or printed on the printed product 1 in close proximity to the code 4. As in Fig. If the serialization feature is recognizable at the top and center, it can be (spatially) integrated into the code, i.e., it can lie within the area of ​​the code. Fig. In the code shown above, the serialization feature is recognizable as a rasterized central area, e.g., a circle. Fig. 1. In the center, the standard corner fields of the code are recognizable as rasterized areas; this increases the information density of the code because the corners can now be used as a second level of information with regard to their content and, in particular, can also carry variable information, even if the code is produced using a form-bound printing process. Fig. Figure 1 below shows that the code can be (spatially) integrated into the serialization feature, i.e., that the serialization feature can be arranged in the spatial environment of the code or around the code, e.g., in the form of a frame around the code. Alternatively or additionally, the serialization feature can also lie in the background of the code (e.g., between individual code elements). The preferred arrangement is the relative arrangement (serialization feature to code or vice versa) such that both (serialization feature and code) can be captured with one camera and / or one camera setting, and preferably captured simultaneously.

[0048] According to the invention, the serialization feature 5 is produced using halftone printing, e.g., with an area coverage of 50% black and 30% cyan, or monochromatically with, e.g., an area coverage of only 50% black. The code 4 is preferably produced substantially in solid color, e.g., with an area coverage of 100% black.

[0049] Alternatively, the serialization feature 5 can be generated with a laser-sensitive printing ink, i.e., the serialization feature generated in this way is preferably not visible to the eye initially and is only made visible to the eye by irradiation with suitable laser light, e.g. by a laser light-induced contrast or color change.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, Code 4 can also be created using such a laser-sensitive ink and made visible with laser light. The code can, for example, first be applied as a closed layer of fluid (and possibly hardened) and then structured with laser light according to the code information, e.g., by a laser-induced change in contrast or color. For example, a QR or Data Matrix code can be written into a previously closed and / or unstructured layer using a suitably controlled laser beam.

[0051] The camera 14 preferably captures the code 4 and the serialization feature 5 optically together, i.e., preferably simultaneously and in a single image. The human eye would not be able to distinguish between the codes in the printed run because the deviations between the expected and actual values ​​are too small. However, these differences are identifiable in the camera image or via digital image processing of the camera image and can therefore be used.

[0052] From the serialization feature 5, a randomly generated unique serialization code 6 for the printed product 1 is computationally generated, i.e. preferably using the computer 15, and stored, preferably in the memory 16. The serialization code is preferably stored together with provided serialization information 7, wherein the serialization information is preferably a serialization number.

[0053] In Fig. 2b is one to Fig. 2a Alternative printing machine 10 is shown. This comprises a printing unit 11 for producing preferably CMYK prints. The printing machine preferably processes a web of substrate. The printing unit contains several digital printheads 13, preferably inkjet printheads, each of which preferably produces a color separation of a print image 2 to be printed (cf. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) To produce or print a printed product 1 according to a print job. At least one printhead 13 also serves to produce the code 4 and the serialization feature 5, e.g., the printhead that prints black (K). The printing machine shown can be an inkjet printer.

[0054] An imagesetter 17 is not provided here. Instead, the data to be printed is preferably transferred from the computer 15 or the memory 16 directly to the printing unit 11 or the printheads 13 via a digital network. Otherwise, the structure and function are the same as in Fig. 2a accordingly, in particular a camera 14 is present.

[0055] The in Fig. The printing machine shown in 2b can have the following alternatives - individually or in combination: instead of the inkjet printing process, an electrophotographic printing process (with a printing unit known for this purpose) can be carried out, e.g. with dry or liquid toner, and instead of a web, sheets or labels can be printed.

[0056] Fig. Figure 3 shows the process of optically capturing the code 4 and the serialization feature 5 with the camera 14. In the example shown, both are located next to a printed image 2 on the printed product 1; alternatively, both could also be located within the printed image. If multiple units are present on the substrate of the printed product, then preferably multiple features 8 are present accordingly. The camera is then designed or movable so that all features 8 can be captured.

[0057] The image of the code 4 and the serialization feature 5, optically captured by the camera 14, is fed to the computer 15. The computer analyzes the image, preferably using known methods of digital image processing. The data generated from the serialization feature 5, in particular the serialization code 6, and preferably also any provided serialization information 7, are preferably stored in the memory 16 (represented by a dashed outline). The data can later be retrieved from this memory or from another storage location, e.g., cloud storage, during a verification process (see...). Fig. 4) be read out again.

[0058] Fig.Figure 4 shows the process of verifying a printed product 1. An additional optical camera 20 is used, for example, a camera from a mobile device such as a smartphone. This camera optically captures the code 4 and the serialization feature 5 and transmits the image to computer 15 or to another computer, for example, a cloud server. Using established digital image processing methods, the computer generates the serialization code 6 from the serialization feature 5. Using this serialization code, the printed product 1 or the unit 1a can be individually identified, and the serialization information 7, which may be stored with the serialization code, can now be retrieved, preferably from the computer's memory 16 or from the other storage location, for example, cloud storage (represented by a dashed outline). Reference symbol list 1 printed product(s) 1a Individual benefit 2 Print image 3 Serialization print template 4 Code 5 Serialization feature 6 Serialization code 7 Serialization Information 8 Feature 9. Print direction 10 printing press 11 Printed matter 12 printing form 13 Printhead 14 Camera 15 computers 16 storage 17 exposure units 18 external modules 20 cameras 21 mobile device or scanner station

Claims

[1] Method for producing and serializing a plurality of printed products, wherein, using a serialization printing template (3), a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code (4) and a random serialization feature (5) are printed and optically detected for each printed product (1, 1a), and a randomly unique serialization code (6) for the printed product is computationally generated and stored from the serialization feature (5), the serialization feature is placed on the printed product in close proximity to the code, and the serialization feature is produced using halftone printing. characterized by , that a static serialization print template (3) is used as the serialization print template (3) and the serialization feature (5) is generated in a form-bound manner. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the code (4) is essentially generated in full tone. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the serialization feature (5) is arranged in such a spatial proximity to the code (4) that the code and the serialization feature are optically detected together. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the serialization feature (5) is integrated into the code (4) or vice versa, and that the code is otherwise essentially generated in solid tones. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the serialization code (6) is stored together with a provided serialization information (7). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the serialization feature (5) is part of the printed image (1, 1a). [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a digital image processing method is applied to the serialization feature (5) when generating the serialization code (6). [8] Method for identifying a printed product which is manufactured and serialized according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that i) the serialization feature (5) is optically detected, that ii) the serialization code (6) for the printed product (1, 1a) is computationally generated from the serialization feature, and that iii) serialization information (7) stored for the serialization code (6) is loaded. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that the three steps i, ii and iii are performed on a mobile device (21) or a scanner station (21).

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