Interface device for collating machine, collating machine with the same, and control program for collating machine

Abstract

To provide an interface device for a collating machine capable of performing a plurality of settings concerning a paper feed shelf by a simple operation, a collating machine with the interface device, and a control program for the collating machine.SOLUTION: An interface device for use in a collating machine for gathering insert leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves to produce a collated bundle, comprises a control circuit configured to: display each stage adjusting and editing screen for performing both the setting of a plurality of functions, which are related to a selected one paper feed shelf and in which the setting is performed on the individual setting screen, and the setting of one paper feed shelf, on a display device, in response to a user's operation selecting one of the plurality of paper feed shelves; and perform the setting of the plurality of functions in response to the user's operation on each stage adjusting and editing screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interface device for a collating machine, a collating machine including the same, and a control program for the collating machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A collating machine is a device that stacks multiple different types of paper to form a paper bundle. Such a collating machine is used, for example, to collate inserts to be placed between newspapers. The collating machine is equipped with multiple paper feed shelves arranged, for example, vertically. Inserts are placed on each paper feed shelf. The collating machine is configured to stack the inserts fed from each paper feed shelf one by one to generate a bundle of inserts, and to transport the generated bundle to a predetermined location. The transported bundle of inserts is wrapped in a cover paper called origami paper as necessary, and then sandwiched between newspapers.

[0003] Regarding such a collating machine, the collating machine proposed in Patent Document 1 and the like is equipped with a monitor with a touch panel. A user of the collating machine can monitor the working status and abnormal conditions of the collating machine and set various functions of the collating machine using the monitor with a touch panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-330097 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a conventional monitor-equipped collating machine, a dedicated setting screen is prepared for each function, and the corresponding function is set in each setting screen. For example, a collating machine has a function of associating each paper feed shelf with an insert leaflet to be placed on the paper feed. When setting such an insert leaflet, a user conventionally first performs an operation to display an insert leaflet setting screen, performs an operation to select a paper feed shelf on the setting screen, and performs an operation to associate the insert leaflet with the selected paper feed shelf. In addition, a collating machine has a function called area setting. Insert leaflets can be delivered to various areas, but the leaflets required may differ from area to area. Area setting is a function that sets leaflets to be collated and leaflets not to be collated for each area where the insert leaflet is delivered. When setting such an area, a user conventionally first performs an operation to display an area setting screen, performs an operation to select an area on the setting screen, and performs an operation to set an insert leaflet to be collated for the selected area.

[0006] In this way, when a dedicated setting screen is prepared for each function, if multiple functions are to be set for one paper feed shelf, the user must make the settings by switching between multiple setting screens. This can easily lead to cumbersome operations. In the case of a collating machine, the complication of operations is even more evident because there are many settings for the paper feed shelves.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an interface device for a collating machine that allows multiple settings related to paper feed shelves to be performed with simple operations, a collating machine equipped with the same, and a control program for the collating machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an interface device for a collating machine of a first aspect of the present invention is an interface device for a collating machine that collates insert leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves to generate a collated stack, and is equipped with a control circuit configured to, in response to a user's operation to select one of the plurality of paper feed shelves, display on a display element a respective tier adjustment editing screen for setting a plurality of functions related to the selected one of the plurality of paper feed shelves, each of which can be set on an individual setting screen, and to set the one paper feed shelf, and to set the plurality of functions in accordance with the user's operation on the respective tier adjustment editing screen.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a collating machine of a second aspect of the present invention comprises an interface device for the collating machine described in the first aspect, and a collating mechanism that collates insert leaflets fed from a plurality of paper feeding shelves in accordance with settings made in the interface device.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a control program for a collating machine of a third aspect of the present invention is a control program for a collating machine that collates insert leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves to generate a collated stack, and in response to a user's operation to select one of the plurality of paper feed shelves, causes a computer to execute the following operations: displaying on a display element a respective tier adjustment editing screen for setting a plurality of functions related to the selected one of the plurality of paper feed shelves, each of which can be set on an individual setting screen, and setting the one paper feed shelf; and setting the plurality of functions in accordance with the user's operation on the respective tier adjustment editing screen. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an interface device for a collating machine that allows multiple settings related to paper feed shelves to be performed with simple operations, a collating machine including the same, and a control program for the collating machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a gathering machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the collating mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a collated bundle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the collating machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing transitions of screens that can be displayed on a display element in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a main operation of the collation machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a counter screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the area setting screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flyer setting screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flyer setting and editing screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the individual stage adjustment screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the individual stage adjustment editing screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a collating machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the discharge direction of a collated bundle in the collating machine 100, which will be described later, is the front of the collating machine 100. The Y direction shown in FIG. 1 is along the front-rear direction of the collating machine 100. The positive direction of the Y direction is the front direction. The X direction shown in FIG. 1 is the left-right direction when the collating machine 100 is viewed from the front. The positive direction of the X direction is the right direction. The Z direction shown in FIG. 1 is the up-down direction when the collating machine 100 is viewed from the front. The positive direction of the Z direction is the upward direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are set in the same manner in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0014] The collating machine 100 has a collating mechanism 10. The collating machine 100 may be used in combination with various mechanisms such as a newspaper supply mechanism (inserter) and a lifting mechanism (lifter).

[0015] The collating mechanism 10 has a plurality of paper feed shelves. The collating mechanism 10 is a mechanism that stacks and discharges insert leaflets fed from the paper feed shelves according to an input / output setting and the like. The collating mechanism 10 will be described in further detail below. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the collating mechanism 10.

[0016] The collation mechanism 10 has a housing 1 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the Z direction. On the front side (left side in the figure) and the rear side (right side in the figure) of the housing 1 along the Y direction, multiple paper feed shelves 2 are provided lined up in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the paper feed shelf 2 on the front side will be referred to as the front paper feed shelf 2, and the paper feed shelf 2 on the rear side will be referred to as the rear paper feed shelf 2. Each paper feed shelf 2 is attached so as to incline toward the inside and downward of the housing 1. A plurality of folded leaflets are stacked and inserted into each paper feed shelf 2. Different types of folded leaflets may be inserted into all the paper feed shelves, or the same type of folded leaflets may be inserted into multiple paper feed shelves. However, in this embodiment, the paper feed shelf 2a at the bottom on the front side of the housing 1 is assigned as a folding shelf, which is a paper feed shelf for inserting origami paper. Here, the paper feed shelves on which folded leaflets are placed are numbered. The paper feed shelf numbers and the types of folded leaflets inserted are associated with each other on a leaflet setting screen, which will be described later.

[0017] Inside the housing 1, a conveying path 3 is provided that passes through the center of the housing 1 and extends in the Z direction. The conveying path 3 is provided along the XZ plane between the front paper feed shelf 2 and the rear paper feed shelf 2. In other words, insert leaflets taken out at a predetermined timing from each paper feed shelf 2 are sent into the conveying path 3 and stacked on top of each other. The overlapping insert leaflets are then conveyed downward via the conveying path 3. The conveying path 3 is provided with a plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 4. The conveying roller pairs 4 convey the overlapping insert leaflets while clamping them.

[0018] A first feed roller 5 and a second feed roller 6 are provided on the lower end side of the inclination direction of each paper feed shelf 2, i.e., on the end closer to the center and closer to the conveying path 3. The first feed roller 5 is disposed so as to contact the uppermost insert leaflet among the multiple insert leaflets conveyed from the paper feed shelf 2. The second feed roller 6 is provided downstream of the first feed roller 5 in the feed direction of the insert leaflets. Furthermore, a feed roller pair 8 is provided downstream of the second feed roller 6 in the take-out direction of the insert leaflets.

[0019] The first feed roller 5 rotates in contact with the topmost leaflet among the multiple leaflets placed on the feed shelf 2, and feeds the topmost leaflet to the feed roller pair 8. The second feed roller 6 presses the leading edge of the second and subsequent leaflets against the separating plate 7, thereby preventing the second and subsequent leaflets from being fed to the feed roller pair. In other words, the leaflets fed from the feed shelf 2 are fed one by one to the feed roller pair 8. The feed roller pair 8 feeds the leaflets into the conveying path 3.

[0020] A pair of folding rollers 9 is disposed at the lower end of the conveying path 3. The pair of folding rollers 9 is disposed in a position such that the nip is located on an extension of the conveying path 3. With this configuration, multiple folded leaflets conveyed downward via the conveying path 3 are sent into the nip of the pair of folding rollers 9.

[0021] A pair of feed rollers 8a is provided downstream in the paper feed direction (right side in the figure) of the paper feed shelf 2a for feeding origami paper. The pair of feed rollers 8a feeds the origami paper inserted from the paper feed shelf 2a above the pair of folding rollers 9. A locking portion 11 is provided at the leading end of the paper feed shelf 2a in the paper feed direction. The locking portion 11 stops the origami paper at a position where the center position of the origami paper in the paper feed direction faces the nip of the pair of folding rollers 9. A folding knife 12 is disposed diagonally above the pair of folding rollers 9. The folding knife 12 pushes the center of the origami paper toward the nip of the pair of folding rollers 9.

[0022] With this configuration, the leaflets fed from each paper feed shelf 2 are stacked on the conveying path 3 and fed into the nip of the folding roller pair 9. At this point, the center of the folded paper that has been fed in advance is folded by the folding knife 12. Then, the folded leaflets that are stacked and conveyed through the conveying path 3 are pushed into the center of the folded paper and sandwiched between the folded paper by the rotation of the folding roller pair 9. The stack of folded leaflets that has passed through the folding roller pair 9 and been folded in half, that is, the collated stack consisting of the folded paper with the folded leaflets sandwiched between them, is transferred to the conveying belt 13 and discharged from the discharge outlet 15 provided on the front side of the housing 1 via the discharge roller pair 14. In this way, the collated stack is produced.

[0023] 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of a collated stack T discharged from the discharge port 15 of the collation mechanism 10. The collated stack T is discharged with a leading end T-1 in the discharge direction (Y direction) covered by the origami paper S. In this embodiment, the feed position of the origami paper S in the X direction is adjusted so that the collated stack T is discharged with one end S-1 (the right end as viewed from the discharge direction) of the origami paper S along the discharge direction substantially aligned with the end t-1 of the multiple folded leaflets t.

[0024] Furthermore, the housing 1 of the collating mechanism 10 is provided with an operation panel 1a as an interface device. The operation panel 1a is, for example, a touch panel equipped with a display element. A user operates the operation panel 1a to perform settings related to the collating machine 100.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the collating machine 100. In Fig. 4, the same components as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1. The description of the components given the same reference symbols as those in Fig. 1 will be omitted or simplified.

[0026] The collation machine 100 has a control circuit 20 and a memory 30 in addition to the collation mechanism 10 described above. The control circuit 20 and the memory 30 are provided, for example, inside the housing 1. The control circuit 20 and the memory 30 may be provided separately from the housing 1. For example, the control circuit 20 and the memory 30 may be provided inside the operation panel 1a. Furthermore, the collation machine 100 has an operation switch 40. The operation switch 40 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 1, etc.

[0027] The control circuit 20 is configured by, for example, a CPU. The control circuit 20 controls the operation of the collation mechanism 10 according to a control application program (hereinafter referred to as a control application) stored in the memory 30. For example, the control circuit 20 controls the operation of the collation mechanism 10 based on a setting made by a user operating the operation panel 1a. For example, the control circuit 20 controls the collation mechanism 10 so that an insert leaflet that should not be collated into a collated bundle is not fed. Note that the control circuit 20 does not necessarily have to be configured as a CPU. The control circuit 20 may be configured as a hardware logic circuit such as an ASIC. Also, the control circuit 20 does not necessarily have to be configured by a single CPU or the like, and may be configured by multiple CPUs or the like.

[0028] The memory 30 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 30 stores a program for executing a control application required for controlling the operation of the collation machine 100. The memory 30 also stores various parameters corresponding to settings related to the collation machine 100. Furthermore, the memory 30 stores data of various screens to be displayed on the display element of the operation panel 1a. The memory 30 may be composed of a plurality of volatile memories and non-volatile memories.

[0029] The operation switches 40 are a group of switches other than the operation panel 1a. For example, the operation switches 40 include a power switch for the collating machine 100. Also, for example, the operation switches 40 include various toggle switches. These toggle switches are switches for setting the mode of the collating machine 100 to a specific mode. The operation switches 40 may include switches other than these switches.

[0030] The operation panel 1a has a display element 1b and a touch panel 1c. The display element 1b is a display element such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Various screens are displayed on the display element 1b, such as a collation operation screen showing the state of the collation operation of the collation machine 100 and a setting screen related to the setting of the collation machine 100. The touch panel 1c is arranged so as to overlap the display element 1b. The touch panel 1c detects the touch of a user's finger and transmits a signal indicating the touch position to the control circuit 20. As the touch panel 1c, various types of touch panels such as a resistive touch panel and a capacitive touch panel can be used. Various pointing devices such as a mouse and a trackball may be used instead of the touch panel 1c.

[0031] 5 is a diagram showing the transition of screens that can be displayed on the display element in this embodiment. Immediately after the power of the collation machine 100 is turned on, a start-up screen D1 is displayed. While the start-up screen D1 is displayed, various start-up processes required for start-up are performed.

[0032] After the start-up process is completed, the screen transitions from the start-up screen D1 to the collation operation screen D2. The collation operation screen D2 includes a counter screen D21.

[0033] On the counter screen D21, the user can start the collation operation of the collation machine 100 and check various statuses related to the collation operation. While the counter screen D21 is displayed, various notifications are displayed in a dialog. The various notifications are, for example, notifications that the collation operation of the collation machine 100 has been completed or notifications of errors. By displaying notifications in a dialog, a screen dedicated to notifications is not required.

[0034] From the counter screen D21, the screen can transition to an area setting screen D31, a flyer setting screen D32, and a tier adjustment screen D33 of the setting screen D3.

[0035] In the area setting screen D31, the user can set an area. The area is a delivery range in which the collated bundle can be delivered. When an area is set, the collating machine 100 collates the insert leaflets according to the area setting. From the area setting screen D31, the screen can transition to a leaflet setting screen D32 and a tier adjustment screen D33.

[0036] In the flyer setting screen D32, the user can set the insert flyer. The setting of the insert flyer can be performed for each paper feed shelf. This setting includes the setting of the leaflet name of the insert flyer, etc. From the flyer setting screen D32, the user can transition to a flyer setting editing screen D321. In the flyer setting editing screen D321, the user can make detailed settings regarding the insert flyer.

[0037] In the each-shelf adjustment screen D33, the user can check various information for each paper feed shelf and set various settings for each paper feed shelf. From the each-shelf adjustment screen D33, the screen can transition to an each-shelf adjustment editing screen D331. In the each-shelf adjustment editing screen D331, the user can set settings similar to the leaflet settings described above in addition to dedicated settings for each paper feed shelf. That is, in this embodiment, the user can select a function to be set in the collating machine 100, and then select a paper feed shelf for which the selected function is to be set, and can also select a paper feed shelf for which the function is to be set, and then set the function for the selected paper feed shelf.

[0038] The screen can also transition from the collation operation screen D2 or the setting screen D3 to a toggle switch screen D4. The toggle switch screen D4 is a screen to which the screen transitions when a specific toggle switch of the operation switches is operated.

[0039] The operation of the collating machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described below. Note that the following mainly describes the control performed in response to the operation of the operation panel 1a. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the main operation of the collating machine 100. The operation of Fig. 6 is controlled by the control circuit 20.

[0040] In step S1, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not the power switch of the operation switch 40 is turned on. While it is determined in step S1 that the power switch is not turned on, the control circuit 20 waits for processing. When it is determined in step S1 that the power switch is turned on, the processing proceeds to step S2.

[0041] In step S2, the control circuit 20 starts the control application of the collation machine 100 and displays the start-up screen D1 on the display element 1b of the operation panel 1a. After the start-up screen D1 is displayed and the start-up process is completed, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0042] In step S3, the control circuit 20 performs a collating operation process. After the collating operation process, the process proceeds to step S4. In the collating operation process, the user can check the status of the collating machine 100 on the counter screen D21, set an insert leaflet in the collating machine 100, and start actual collating.

[0043] 7, the counter screen D21 is provided with a paper feed shelf information display section 301 that displays information for each paper feed shelf. In the paper feed shelf information display section 301, for a paper feed shelf for which an insert leaflet is set (to be described later), the leaflet name of the corresponding insert leaflet is displayed.

[0044] The counter screen D21 also has a total number display section 302 for displaying the status of the collation operation, such as the total number, the total number planned to be stopped, the executed number, the set number, and the remaining number. The total number is the total number of insert leaflets that have been collated so far. The planned total number is the total number of insert leaflets for which the collation operation will be stopped. The executed number is the number of insert leaflets that have been collated for each paper feed shelf. The set number is the number of insert leaflets for which the collation operation will be stopped for each paper feed shelf. The remaining number is the difference between the set number and the executed number.

[0045] The counter screen D21 is also provided with a zone display section 303. The zone display section 303 is a section for displaying the currently selected zone. When the zone display section 303 is touched, the screen transitions to the zone setting screen D31.

[0046] The counter screen D21 also has a flyer setting button 304 and an adjustment button for each stage 305. When these buttons are touched, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to a screen corresponding to the touched button.

[0047] The counter screen D21 also includes a start collation button 306. The start collation button 306 is a button for a user to instruct the start of a collation operation. When the start collation button 306 is touched, the control circuit 50 starts the collation operation according to the current operation settings.

[0048] The counter screen D21 also has an end button 307. The end button 307 is a button for a user to instruct the end of the control application. When the end button 307 is touched, the control circuit 50 ends the control application. The power supply of the collation machine 100 may also be turned off in conjunction with the end of the control application.

[0049] In step S4, the control circuit 20 judges whether or not to perform setting. When any setting operation is performed during the collation operation system processing, it is judged that setting is to be performed. When it is judged that setting is to be performed in step S4, the processing proceeds to step S5. When it is judged that setting is not to be performed in step S4, the processing proceeds to step S6.

[0050] In step S5, the control circuit 20 performs a setting process. After the setting process, the process proceeds to step S6. The setting process is performed while the setting screen D3 described above is being displayed. The details of the setting process will be described later.

[0051] In step S6, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to perform toggle switch processing. When a specific toggle switch is turned on, it is determined that toggle switch processing is to be performed. When it is determined in step S6 that toggle switch processing is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S7. When it is determined in step S6 that toggle switch processing is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0052] In step S7, the control circuit 20 performs a toggle switch process. After the toggle switch process, the process proceeds to step S8. In the toggle switch process, a process according to the switch turned on by the user is performed.

[0053] In step S8, the control circuit 20 judges whether or not to end the operation of the collating machine 100. For example, when the power switch is turned off, it is judged that the operation of the collating machine 100 is to be ended. When it is judged in step S8 that the operation of the collating machine 100 is not to be ended, the process returns to step S3. When it is judged in step S8 that the operation of the collating machine 100 is to be ended, the control circuit 20 performs a process of turning off the power of the collating machine 100. Thereafter, the process of FIG. 6 ends.

[0054] Next, the setting-related processing will be described. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the setting-related processing. In step S101, the control circuit 20 judges whether or not to perform area setting. For example, it is judged that area setting is to be performed when the area display unit 303 is touched on the counter screen D21. When it is judged that area setting is to be performed in step S101, the processing proceeds to step S102. When it is judged that area setting is not to be performed in step S101, the processing proceeds to step S103.

[0055] In step S102, the control circuit 20 causes the display element 1b to display the zone setting screen D31. After that, the process proceeds to step S106. As described above, in the zone setting screen D31, the user can set information about the zone to which the collated bundles may be delivered. The contents set in the zone setting screen D31 are stored in, for example, the memory 30. The control circuit 20 reads out the zone setting from the memory 30 at the required timing.

[0056] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a region setting screen. The region setting screen D31 is provided with a region name display section 401. The region name display section 401 is a section that displays the region name of the currently selected region. The region name can be changed by a user operation.

[0057] The area setting screen D31 is also provided with an area information display section 402 for displaying area information. Area information is information indicating the settings of areas belonging to the currently selected area. The area information display section 402 displays the names of areas belonging to the current area and various area settings for each area. The area names and area settings can be changed by user operations. Also, while FIG. 9 shows an example in which two types of area settings are displayed, the number of area settings displayed is not limited to two.

[0058] The area setting screen D31 is also provided with a stop button 403, an area selection button 404, a flyer setting button 405, an adjustment button for each tier 406, and a completion button 407. The stop button 403 is a button for interrupting the area setting. When the stop button 403 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the area setting. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the area setting screen D31. The area selection button 404 is a button for changing the selected area. When the area selection button 404 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the selected area in response to the user's operation. The control circuit 20 updates the display of the area setting screen D31 in accordance with the change in area. The flyer setting button 405 and the adjustment button for each tier 406 are the same as the flyer setting button 304 and the adjustment button for each tier 305 in the counter screen D21. When the leaflet setting button 405 or each stage adjustment button 406 is touched, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to a screen corresponding to the touched button. The completion button 407 is a button for completing the area setting. When the completion button 407 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the current area setting in the memory 30. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the area setting screen D31.

[0059] Returning now to the description of Fig. 8, in step S103, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to perform flyer setting. For example, it is determined that flyer setting is to be performed when the flyer setting button 304 is touched on the counter screen D21. When it is determined that flyer setting is to be performed in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104. When it is determined that flyer setting is not to be performed in step S103, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0060] In step S104, the control circuit 20 causes the display element 1b to display the flyer setting screen D32. After that, the process proceeds to step S106. As described above, in the flyer setting screen D32, the user can set various information related to the insert flyer. The contents set in the flyer setting screen D32 are stored in, for example, the memory 30. The control circuit 20 reads out the flyer setting from the memory 30 at the necessary timing.

[0061] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flyer setting screen. The flyer setting screen D32 is provided with a flyer information display section 501 for displaying flyer information. The flyer information is information showing settings related to insert flyers stored in memory 30. The flyer information display section 501 displays the name of each insert flyer and various flyer settings for each insert flyer. Note that Fig. 10 shows an example in which three types of flyer settings are displayed, but the number of flyer settings displayed is not limited to three.

[0062] In addition, the flyer setting screen D32 is provided with a stop button 502, a flyer selection button 503, a flyer edit button 504, an adjustment button for each stage 505, and a completion button 506. The stop button 502 is a button for interrupting the flyer setting. When the stop button 502 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the flyer setting. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the flyer setting screen D32. The flyer selection button 503 is a button for changing the selected insert flyer. When the flyer selection button 503 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the selected insert flyer in response to the user's operation. The flyer edit button 504 is a button for editing the detailed settings of the selected insert flyer. When the flyer edit button 504 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays the flyer setting edit screen D321 corresponding to the selected insert flyer. The individual tier adjustment button 505 is the same as the individual tier adjustment button 305 on the counter screen D21 and the individual tier adjustment button 406 on the area setting screen D31. When the individual tier adjustment button 505 is touched, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the individual tier adjustment screen D33. The complete button 506 is a button for completing the flyer settings. When the complete button 506 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the current flyer settings in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the flyer setting screen D32.

[0063] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flyer setting edit screen. The flyer setting edit screen D321 is provided with a flyer name display section 601. The flyer name display section 601 is a section that displays the flyer name set for the currently selected insert flyer. The flyer name displayed on the flyer setting edit screen D321 can be changed in response to a user operation.

[0064] In addition, the flyer setting editing screen D321 is provided with flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 for changing various flyer settings displayed on the flyer setting screen D32. The flyer setting button 602 is a button for changing flyer setting 1. The flyer setting button 603 is a button for changing flyer setting 2. The flyer setting button 604 is a button for changing flyer setting 3. The flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 display the current state of the parameters set as the respective flyer settings. When any of the flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the parameters set as the touched flyer setting. This parameter change may be performed in a dialog for setting. In this case, when any of the flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays the touched dialog. Then, the control circuit 20 changes the parameters according to the user's operation in the dialog.

[0065] In addition, the leaflet setting edit screen D321 is provided with a stop button 605, a setting clear button 606, and a completion button 607. The stop button 605 is a button for interrupting the leaflet setting edit. When the stop button 605 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the leaflet setting edit. In this case, the control circuit 20 does not save the settings made in the leaflet setting edit screen D321 in the memory 30, and transitions the screen to the leaflet setting screen D32. The setting clear button 606 is a button for clearing the settings in the leaflet setting edit screen D321. When the setting clear button 606 is touched, the control circuit 20 clears all of the parameters made in the leaflet setting edit screen D321 to their initial values. The completion button 607 is a button for completing the leaflet setting edit. When the completion button 607 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the settings made in the leaflet setting edit screen D321 in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the leaflet setting screen D32.

[0066] Returning now to the description of Fig. 8, in step S105, the control circuit 20 causes the display element 1b to display the individual stage adjustment screen D33. After that, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0067] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the individual tier adjustment screen. The individual tier adjustment screen D33 is provided with a paper feed shelf information display section 701 for displaying paper feed shelf information. The paper feed shelf information display section 701 displays the number of tiers of each paper feed shelf and various tier settings of each tier of the paper feed shelf. Note that Fig. 12 shows an example in which three types of tier settings are displayed, but the number of tier settings displayed is not limited to three. When any tier location on the paper feed shelf information display section 701 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays an individual tier adjustment editing screen D331. The individual tier adjustment editing screen D331 will be described later.

[0068] Further, the each-stage adjustment screen D33 is provided with a stop button 702 and a complete button 703. The stop button 702 is a button for interrupting the each-stage adjustment. When the stop button 702 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the each-stage adjustment. In this case, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the each-stage adjustment screen D33. The complete button 703 is a button for completing the each-stage adjustment. When the complete button 703 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the settings made on the current each-stage adjustment screen D33 in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the each-stage adjustment screen D33.

[0069] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the individual tier adjustment editing screen. The individual tier adjustment editing screen D331 is a screen on which, in addition to individual settings for each paper feed shelf, settings equivalent to those that could be made on the above-mentioned leaflet setting screen D32 and leaflet setting editing screen D321 can be made for each paper feed shelf. As shown in FIG. 13, the individual tier adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with a tier number display section 801 and a leaflet name display section 802. The tier number display section 801 is a section that displays the number of tiers of the currently selected paper feed shelf. The leaflet name display section 802 is a section that displays the leaflet name set in the insert leaflet associated with the currently selected paper feed shelf.

[0070] Further, the individual tier adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with leaflet setting buttons 803, 804, and 805. The leaflet setting buttons 803, 804, and 805 are equivalent to the leaflet setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 of the leaflet setting editing screen D321. That is, when any of the leaflet setting buttons 803, 804, and 805 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes a parameter related to the leaflet setting corresponding to the touched button, which is associated with the paper feed shelf of the selected tier. This parameter change may be performed by displaying a dialogue for setting. Note that, even if the leaflet setting associated with the selected paper feed shelf is changed in the individual tier adjustment editing screen D331, the parameters related to the leaflet setting of the insert leaflet associated with the other paper feed shelves may not be changed.

[0071] Further, the each-shelf adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with detailed setting buttons 806 and 807. The detailed setting buttons 806 and 807 are buttons for setting the paper feed shelves that cannot be set on other setting screens. When the detailed setting button 806 or 807 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the parameters corresponding to the touched button. This parameter change may be performed within a dialog for setting. Note that the parameters set by touching the detailed setting button 806 or 807 are not reflected in other paper feed shelves.

[0072] Further, the individual tier adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with a stop button 808, a leaflet selection button 809, a setting clear button 810, and a completion button 811. The stop button 808 is a button for interrupting the individual tier adjustment editing. When the stop button 808 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the individual tier adjustment editing. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the individual tier adjustment screen D33. The leaflet selection button 809 is a button for changing the insert leaflet associated with the paper feed shelf of the selected tier. When the leaflet selection button 809 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the insert leaflet associated with the paper feed shelf in response to the user's operation. After that, the control circuit 20 reads leaflet information corresponding to the changed insert leaflet from the memory 30 and updates the display contents of the individual tier adjustment editing screen D331. The setting clear button 810 is a button for clearing the settings in the individual tier adjustment editing screen D331. When the setting clear button 810 is touched, the control circuit 20 clears all of the settings made on the each stage adjustment editing screen D331 to their initial values. The complete button 811 is a button for completing the each stage adjustment editing. When the complete button 811 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the settings made on the each stage adjustment editing screen D331 in the memory 30. Thereafter, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the each stage adjustment screen D33.

[0073] Now, we return to the explanation of Fig. 8. In step S106, the control circuit 20 judges whether or not a button or the like on the area setting screen D31, the leaflet setting screen D32, and the tier adjustment screen D33 has been touched. When it is judged in step S106 that a touched portion of a button or the like has not been touched, the processing of Fig. 8 ends. When it is judged in step S106 that a touched portion of a button or the like has been touched, the processing proceeds to step S107.

[0074] In step S107, the control circuit 20 judges whether or not to change the screen as a result of the touch. If it is judged in step S107 that the screen should be changed, the process of Fig. 8 ends. If it is judged in step S107 that the screen should not be changed, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0075] In step S108, the control circuit 20 performs processing according to the button or the like touched by the user on the setting screen D3. After the processing, the processing in FIG. 8 ends.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, the tier adjustment editing screen for detailed adjustment of each tier of the paper feed shelf is provided with a display unit and buttons equivalent to the setting screen for individually setting various settings such as the flyer setting screen and the flyer setting editing screen. This means that the user does not need to transition between multiple screens when setting the functions of each tier. This makes it easier to set the functions of each tier.

[0077] Furthermore, on each setting screen, settings can be made using a dialogue, which can reduce the number of screens dedicated to settings.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the operation panel 1a as an interface device is provided integrally with the collating machine 100. In contrast, the operation panel 1a may be provided separately from the collating machine 100. For example, a function similar to that of the operation panel 1a may be implemented in a device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, and the collating machine 100 may be configured to be controlled by remote operation from these devices.

[0079] The display contents of each screen described above are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate. For example, some displays may be omitted from each screen, or additional displays may be added to each screen. For example, the step adjustment editing screen D331 may be provided with a display section and buttons equivalent to those of the area setting screen.

[0080] In the embodiment described above, touching the paper feed shelf information display section 701 on the each tier adjustment screen D33 transitions the screen to the each tier adjustment edit screen D331, but this is not limiting. For example, touching the paper feed shelf information display section 301 on the counter screen D21 may transition the screen to the each tier adjustment edit screen D331 without passing through the each tier adjustment screen D33.

[0081] Furthermore, each process according to the above-described embodiment can be stored as a control program that can be executed by the control circuit 20, which is a computer. Alternatively, the control program can be stored in a storage medium of an external storage device, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and distributed. The control circuit 20 can then read the control program stored in the storage medium of the external storage device, and execute the above-described process by having its operation controlled by the read control program.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combination, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 collation machine, 1a operation panel, 10 collation mechanism, 20 control circuit, 30 memory, 40 operation switch.

Claims

1. An interface device for a collating machine that collates inserts fed from a plurality of paper feed shelves to generate a collated bundle, comprising: displaying on a display element, in response to a screen selection operation by a user, any one of a plurality of screens including at least an area setting screen including a first button for setting an area that is a delivery range in which the collated bundle can be delivered, and an individual shelf adjustment screen including a second button for setting each of the plurality of paper feed shelves; displaying an individual shelf adjustment editing screen on a display element for setting the selected one paper feed shelf in response to an operation of the user on the individual shelf adjustment screen to select one paper feed shelf from the plurality of paper feed shelves; providing at least one third button identical to the first button on the each-stage adjustment editing screen; setting the zone associated with the selected one paper feed shelf in response to selection of the third button; 1. An interface device for a collator comprising a control circuit configured to:

2. An interface device for a collating machine as described in Claim 1, wherein the control circuit further provides a fourth button different from the third button for setting the selected paper feed shelf on the each shelf adjustment editing screen.

3. The control circuit is an interface device for a collating machine described in claim 1 or 2, which displays a dialog for settings in accordance with the user's operation on the each stage adjustment editing screen, and sets the area in accordance with the user's operation on the dialog.

4. An interface device for a collating machine described in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the user's operation is performed via a touch panel.

5. An interface device for a collating machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a collating mechanism for collating inserts fed from a plurality of paper feed shelves in accordance with settings made by the interface device; A collating machine equipped with:

6. A control program for a collating machine that collates insert leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed shelves to generate a collated bundle, comprising: displaying on a display element, in response to a screen selection operation by a user, any one of a plurality of screens including at least an area setting screen including a first button for setting an area that is a delivery range in which the collated bundle can be delivered, and an individual shelf adjustment screen including a second button for setting each of the plurality of paper feed shelves; displaying an individual shelf adjustment editing screen on a display element for setting the selected one paper feed shelf in response to an operation of the user on the individual shelf adjustment screen to select one paper feed shelf from the plurality of paper feed shelves; providing at least one third button identical to the first button on the each-stage adjustment editing screen; setting the zone associated with the selected one paper feed shelf in response to selection of the third button; A control program for a collating machine that causes a computer to execute the above.

Images