Procedures for ensuring the quality of a printed product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for ensuring the quality of a printed product with a predetermined process sequence comprising menus, submenus and / or function keys on a computer of a printing press, wherein the computer provides control steps to be carried out at an operator station in a highlighted manner, and wherein the highlighting of control steps to be carried out can be individually set for an operator.

Description

Procedure for ensuring the quality of a printed product

[0001] The invention relates to a method for ensuring the quality of a printed product with a predetermined process sequence according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] When setting up a print job or during quality control, press operators often have to perform the same process steps. If they miss a step, it can negatively impact the quality of the printed product.

[0003] When setting up a new print job, the operator can use an automatic job changeover program (if applicable) to ensure the press is ready, meaning the correct inks are loaded, the printing units are connected, the perfecting unit is ready, etc. When printing starts, measurement and control systems are usually active, providing the operator with information about the color quality or register settings. However, this may not be sufficient for the high quality demands of a printed product.

[0004] From EP 0 095 664 B1 a control device for a printing press is known, comprising an operating panel, a plurality of push buttons or similar actuating devices, in which control device a first group of push buttons is provided for selecting a command or operating state to be initiated, wherein at least two manipulations are required to initiate the execution of the command or the change of the operating state, with at least one display field, in particular a light-emitting diode display field, wherein a second group of push buttons is provided, wherein by actuating such a push button information offered on a display field can be selected and wherein each push button of the second group of push buttons is assigned an optically switchable display, wherein this display can be activated by actuating a push button of the first group of push buttons.

[0005] From DE 195 16 331 A1 a method for controlling an operating process on a printing press is known, wherein by means of a control device a display device is put into a first state when an operating process to be controlled cannot be activated with a switch, wherein the display device is put into a second state when the operating process to be controlled can be activated with the switch, wherein the display device is put into a third state when the operating process to be controlled has been activated with the switch, and wherein a selection is made from the possible states of the display device depending on signals about the state of other operating processes.

[0006] From DE 103 39 571 B4 a method for optimising a job change is known, wherein the data of a first machine job are compared with the data of a subsequent machine job by means of a control computer and a sequence of the work to be carried out during the job change is created by means of the comparison, wherein the calculated sequence of work processes is visually displayed to an operating personnel for carrying out the job change and wherein the operating personnel are guided through the individual steps of the calculated sequence of work processes by means of one or more display devices attached to a machine processing printing materials.

[0007] From EP 2 517 883 A2 a method for operating a printing machine is known, wherein a computer generates a query before or immediately after the completion of a print job, which requests inputs from which it can be determined whether and, if so, which further print runs are required within the same print job and, in accordance with the information provided there, only makes the settings on the machine and / or initiates or suggests the work steps which are required for the subsequent run of the sheets already printed.

[0008] From DE 10 2018 202 749 A1 a method for operating a machine in the graphic arts industry is known, wherein a follow-up order is analyzed on a computer during an order running on the machine, wherein work equipment and / or work steps assigned to the follow-up order are identified and wherein an operator is provided with information containing work equipment and / or work steps of the follow-up order.

[0009] From DE 10 2018 202 752 A1 a method for visualizing manual operating actions is known, wherein a controllable illuminant is arranged in the area or at the location of a possible operating action and wherein, in the event of a necessary operating action and / or a malfunction, the relevant illuminant is controlled in the area or at the location of the necessary operating action.

[0010] From DE 10 2019 211 129 A1, a color-supported automatic operating menu navigation is known, wherein a printing press is set up in such a way that a computer displays the operating states of the printing press on a display device in colors that match the displays of the operating states on optical signaling devices of the printing units.

[0011] From DE 10 2022 117 289 A1, an operating point and a method for operating a machine are known, wherein the operating point is connected to a memory device for storing a sequence of functions of the machine triggered by operating elements, and the memory device is connected to a further operating element which is designed to select the sequence of the functions.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of creating an alternative method for ensuring the quality of a printed product. In particular, the operator guidance on printing machines is to be further improved.

[0013] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0014] The advantages achieved with the invention are, in particular, that an alternative method for ensuring the quality of a printed product is created. Operator guidance on printing machines is particularly advantageously further improved.

[0015] To ensure the quality of a printed product, a process sequence is provided, whereby an operator is guided through all the menus or submenus, preferably in the control station, that are necessary for settings. This can be done, for example, by illuminating, vibrating, or otherwise highlighting the next submenu to be accessed. A useful example is a check of the sequence: Is the pressing correct, are the dryer(s) correctly adjusted, checking the fan settings, etc. The highlighting of the control steps to be processed is individually configured for each operator. For example, the operator can set the control steps to be highlighted themselves.

[0016] Preferably, the control steps to be highlighted can be suggested via a higher-level system, for example, so that they are the same for several printing presses in a printing company, for example. The highlighting of control steps to be processed can be provided individually for each operator in such a way that does justice to the different levels of training of the respective operator. Preferably, the control steps to be processed or have been processed and / or the highlighted control steps to be processed or highlighted control steps must be confirmed by the operator, for example via a separate confirmation button, so that tracking and / or logging of the quality of the printed product is possible. The control steps to be processed and / or highlighted control steps to be processed can also be displayed on a mobile operating device. Alternatively or additionally, the control steps to be processed or have been processedThe highlighted control steps to be processed are communicated to the operator via audio signal, preferably via a headset.

[0017] For example, the highlighting of inspection steps to be processed can also be suggested or specified by artificial intelligence. This can be done, for example, based on the known behavior patterns of an individual operator. In this case, information from the past that is known to an individual operator can be processed, for example, "you always did it like this or like that." Furthermore, the inspection steps to be processed and / or highlighted can be recognized by an optical or other system, for example, and preferably acknowledged automatically. For example, a video camera, in particular a register camera, such as an AutomaticCameraRegister (ACR) camera, can recognize the inspection step of checking the register of the printed sheet or capture a specific gesture that is necessary for the inspection step and process it accordingly.

[0018] This is particularly advantageous in increasing process reliability while simultaneously meeting higher quality standards for the printed product. Another advantage is the ability to log the process steps for the machine manufacturer (log file) and the customer (batch tracking).

[0019] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 an input mask of an operating station after a job change on a printing press; Fig. 2 the input mask with the next process step highlighted in color; Fig. 3 the input mask with the process step for confirmation; Fig. 4 the input mask with confirmed process step and next highlighted step.

[0021] The Fig. 1 shows an input mask 01 or screen of an operating point of a printing press connected to a computer, here for example after a job change. The printing press can be a sheet-fed printing press, for example, in particular a sheet-fed offset rotary printing press, for example in a unit or series design. The computer connected to the printing press can be a separate computer or the control computer of the printing press. The computer is preferably assigned to a control station of the printing press or integrated into a control station. The input mask 01 can, for example, be displayed on a display device connected to the computer, for example a display device of the printing press and / or a control station monitor. However, the operating point could also be provided or integrated directly on a component of the printing press, for example on a feeder, a system, a printing unit, a coating unit and / or a delivery of the printing press.Preferably, the control panel should be designed as a touchscreen control panel. Alternatively or additionally, the control panel could be assigned to a mobile control device on the printing press.

[0022] The printing press contains a multitude of adjustable elements. For example, the printing units contain interacting cylinders and inking units, or inking and dampening units for ink transfer, and cylinders or drums for transporting the printing material. Fans are usually provided in guide plates to guide the printing material. Dryers can be arranged as intermediate dryers or in the delivery to dry the printing material. The respective operator can log on to the printing press, for example, via the control console. However, the operator can also be recognized by other means, such as the printing press.

[0023] The computer on the printing press provides an operator, via the control panel, in particular input mask 01, with menus 02, submenus 03, and / or function keys 04 to ensure the quality of a printed product and to maintain a process sequence. The computer on the control panel, in particular input mask 01, highlights control steps to be processed, which are individually set, i.e., specified, for a respective or specific operator. The highlighted control steps to be processed generally comprise a sequence of settings to be implemented or checked.

[0024] In this case, input mask 01 displays menu 02 for the job change on the printing press, i.e., the preparation of the printing press for a subsequent print job, for example, after a running or completed print job. The sequence of settings here includes, in particular, adjusting the cylinder pressure, adjusting one or more dryers, and / or checking the fan settings. The control steps to be processed, highlighted for the operator, can be indicated by illuminated and / or vibrating menus 02, submenus 03, and / or function keys 04.

[0025] The Fig. Figure 2, for example, shows a highlighted control step to be processed, provided by the computer at the control station, specifically input mask 01, as the next process step, preferably highlighted in color. In particular, function key 04 "Configuration of Sheet Guide" is visually highlighted in color. The optical, preferably colored highlighting can be permanent or intermittent. The operator in question is thus prompted to press function key 04 or to perform a control step.

[0026] The Fig. 3 shows input mask 01 with submenu 03, called up by function key 04 "Sheet guide configuration," for confirming a process step. In the called submenu 03, the next process step is highlighted by the optical, preferably colored, marking of function key 04 "Pressure supply." The process or control step of this function key 04 includes an adjustable or to-be-adjusted value range 05 for the cylinder pressure in the individual printing units or coating units of the printing press and, if necessary, further settings or pressure settings. Value range 05 can also be optically highlighted, preferably in color. The operator will thereby confirm the currently displayed values ​​of value range 05.

[0027] To easily confirm the entered values ​​and thus the processing of the process step to be processed, which is particularly highlighted here, an additional confirmation button 06, for example "Process OK", can be added. Particularly preferred is the confirmation of the control steps to be processed and / or highlighted by the respective operator, especially for tracking and / or logging the quality of the printed product. Confirmation is provided here, in particular, using the confirmation button 06 "Process OK", so that the entered or visible values ​​are acknowledged as checked. The control steps to be processed or processed and / or highlighted can also be recognized by a system, particularly an optical system, and preferably automatically acknowledged.

[0028] The Fig.Figure 4 shows input mask 01 after confirming the set values ​​of value range 05 with a visually highlighted function key 04 for executing an individually set, highlighted next process step. In particular, the highlighting of function key 04 "Dryer Settings" prompts the respective operator to check the settings of the dryer(s), thus providing individual guidance. The highlights can lead through any number of process steps and are identical, especially for the specific operator on the printing press, for example, during the next job change. List of reference symbols 01 Input mask 02 Menu 03 Submenu 04 Function key 05 Value range 06 Confirmation button QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 095 664 B1

[0004] DE 195 16 331 A1

[0005] DE 103 39 571 B4

[0006] EP 2 517 883 A2

[0007] DE 10 2018 202 749 A1

[0008] DE 10 2018 202 752 A1

[0009] DE 10 2019 211 129 A1

[0010] DE 10 2022 117 289 A1

[0011]

Claims

[1] Method for ensuring the quality of a printed product with a predetermined process sequence comprising menus (02), submenus (03) and / or function keys (04) on a computer of a printing press, wherein control steps to be processed by the computer are provided in a highlighted manner on an operating station (01), characterized by that the highlighting of control steps to be processed can be individually set for an operator. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the control steps to be processed and / or highlighted to be processed are proposed by a higher-level system, in particular for several printing machines of a printing company. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the highlighted control steps to be processed comprise a sequence of settings. [4] Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein one or the sequence comprises an adjustment of a pressing (05), an adjustment of one or more dryers and / or a control of fans to be adjusted or adjusted. [5] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the highlighting of control steps to be processed is set by the operator himself and / or depending on a level of training of the respective operator. [6] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the control steps to be processed are highlighted by illuminated and / or vibrating menus (02), submenus (03) and / or function keys (04). [7] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the control steps to be processed and / or highlighted to be processed for tracking and / or logging the quality of the printed product must be confirmed by the respective operator, in particular via a separate confirmation key (06). [8] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the control steps to be processed and / or highlighted are displayed on a mobile operating device and / or communicated to the operator via an audio signal, in particular a headset. [9] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the highlighting of control steps to be processed is suggested by an artificial intelligence, in particular from known behavior patterns of a respective operator. [10] Method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the control steps to be processed and / or highlighted to be processed are recognized and automatically acknowledged by a particularly optical system.

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