Dingheji

Abstract

To provide a collating machine equipped with an interface for easier on / off setting. [Solution] The collating machine collates paper sheets fed from paper feed shelves to generate sets of paper sheets, and is equipped with a control unit that displays a first input / output setting screen on a display, which includes, for each paper feed shelf, a first setting field for setting whether to input or stop paper sheets from each paper feed shelf for each area to which each paper feed shelf is associated, and a second setting field for setting whether to input or stop paper sheets from each paper feed shelf according to the number of runs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This embodiment relates to a collating machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A collating machine is a device that stacks multiple different types of paper sheets to form a set of paper sheets. Such collating machines are used, for example, to collate inserts to be placed between newspapers. One of the settings related to a collating machine is the input / output setting. The input / output setting is a function that sets the "input" conditions for feeding paper sheets from the paper feed shelf during the collating operation and the "stop" conditions for stopping the feeding. The input / output setting includes, for example, an area input / output setting that sets the input / output and stop of paper sheets for each newspaper delivery destination area, and a run number input / output setting that sets the input / output and stop conditions for paper sheets according to the number of runs. In recent years, there has been a demand for a more user-friendly input / output setting interface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-202864 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present embodiment has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a collating machine equipped with a user-friendly interface for setting input / output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One embodiment of the collating machine is a collating machine that collates paper sheets fed from paper feed shelves to generate sets of paper sheets, and is equipped with a control unit that displays a first input / output setting screen on a display, which includes, for each paper feed shelf, a first setting field that sets whether to input or stop paper sheets from each paper feed shelf for each area to which each paper feed shelf is associated, and a second setting field that sets whether to input or stop paper sheets from each paper feed shelf according to the number of runs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this embodiment, a collating machine having an easier-to-use input / output setting interface can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a collating machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the counter screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the counter screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the stage setting screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the individual shelf setting edit screen for the third paper feed shelf. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the flyer setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flyer setting editing screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flyer setting screen after the flyer setting has been edited. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a collating machine according to one embodiment. The collating machine 1 in FIG. 1 includes a collating mechanism 10, a main control circuit 101, sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105, a display 106, operation switches 107, and a communication module 108. The collating machine 1 in FIG. 1 also includes a newspaper supply mechanism 30, an inserting and conveying mechanism 40, and a lifting mechanism 50 in addition to the collating mechanism 10. The newspaper supply mechanism 30 is a mechanism that inserts multiple stacked newspapers one by one into the inserting and conveying mechanism 40. The inserting and conveying mechanism 40 is a mechanism that folds a set of paper sheets collated by the collating mechanism 10 into newspapers inserted from the newspaper supply mechanism 30 and conveys the folded newspaper to the lifting mechanism 50. The lifting mechanism 50 is a mechanism that lifts and lowers the newspaper into which the set of paper sheets has been folded. Mechanisms other than the newspaper supply mechanism 30, the inserting and transport mechanism 40, and the lifting mechanism 50 may be used in combination with the collating machine 1.

[0009] The collating mechanism 10 has a plurality of paper feed shelves. The collating mechanism 10 is a mechanism that stacks paper sheets fed from the paper feed shelves and discharges a set of paper sheets from a discharge port. The paper sheets are, for example, inserts. The collating mechanism 10 may have any mechanism.

[0010] The main control circuit 101 is a circuit serving as a control unit that controls the overall operation of the collating machine 1, including the control of the sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105. The main control circuit 101 is configured, for example, by a processor and a memory. The processor of the main control circuit 101 controls the operation of the collating machine 1 in accordance with a control application program stored in the memory. The processor is, for example, a CPU, but does not necessarily have to be configured as a CPU. The main control circuit 101 may also be configured as a hardware logic circuit such as an ASIC. The processor does not necessarily have to be configured as a single processor, but may be configured as multiple processors.

[0011] The sub-control circuit 102 is connected to the collating mechanism 10. The sub-control circuit 102 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the collating mechanism 10 under the control of the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 102 may or may not have a processor and memory separate from the main control circuit 101.

[0012] The sub-control circuit 103 is connected to the newspaper supply mechanism 30. The sub-control circuit 103 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the newspaper supply mechanism 30 under the control of the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 103 may or may not have a processor and memory separate from the main control circuit 101.

[0013] The sub-control circuit 104 is connected to the insertion and transport mechanism 40. The sub-control circuit 104 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the insertion and transport mechanism 40 under the control of the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 104 may or may not have a processor and memory separate from the main control circuit 101.

[0014] The sub-control circuit 105 is connected to the lifting mechanism 50. The sub-control circuit 105 is a dedicated circuit that controls the operation of the lifting mechanism 50 under the control of the main control circuit 101. The sub-control circuit 105 may or may not have a processor and memory separate from the main control circuit 101.

[0015] Here, the collating machine 1 may have sub-control circuits other than the sub-control circuits 102, 103, 104, and 105.

[0016] The display 106 is a display for displaying various states of the collating machine 1, such as an LED and a touch panel operation panel of the collating machine 1 provided on the collating mechanism 10. For example, the display 106 displays a counter screen that displays various collation counts. The collation count includes information such as the total number of sets of inserts collated during the collation operation and the number of sets of inserts remaining. The collation operation by the collation mechanism 10 is started while the counter screen is displayed. The display 106 also displays various setting screens. The various settings include settings for inserts per row, area settings, entry / exit settings, etc. The display 106 can also display an error screen to notify various errors.

[0017] The operation switches 107 include various switches provided on the collating machine 1 and a touch panel type operation panel of the collating machine 1 provided on the collating mechanism 10. For example, the switches of the operation switches 107 include a power switch for the collating machine 1. Also, for example, the operation switches 107 include various mode switches. The operation switches 107 include a switch for changing over an error detection setting. The operation switches 107 may include switches other than these switches. Also, operations similar to those of the various switches of the operation switches 107 can be performed on the operation panel.

[0018] The communication module 108 is a module including a processing circuit for communication with a terminal such as a smartphone and an external device such as a server of the collation machine 1. The communication module 108 is equipped with a wireless communication module required for wired and / or wireless communication.

[0019] The operation of the collating machine 1 will be described below. Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of a counter screen displayed on the display 106, for example, on the operation panel of the collating machine 1. The counter screen is displayed, for example, under the control of the main control circuit 101 after the collating machine 1 is powered on. As described above, the user can start the collating operation of the collating mechanism 10 from the counter screen 200. Here, the counter screen may be displayed not on the operation panel of the collating machine 1, but on the display of a terminal such as a smartphone held by the user.

[0020] 2 shows a counter screen 200 in "tier display." The tier display is displayed when the tier display tab 201 is selected. When the tier display tab 201 is selected, the counter screen 200 displays a list of paper feed shelves 201a, front tier leaflet types 201b, back tier leaflet types 201c, and total leaflet types 201d. In addition, the counter screen 200 in "tier display" displays a setting and counter display area 203, a clear button 204, a zone mode button 205, a tapping switch 206, a tear detection switch 207, a count fold button 208, a start button 209, a user setting button 210, an error detection setting button 211, an individual tier setting button 212, an on / off setting button 213, an individual tier adjustment button 214, and a menu button 215.

[0021] The paper feed shelf list 201a is a list of paper feed shelves provided in the collating mechanism 10. FIG. 2 shows a list in the case where paper feed shelves are arranged vertically on both the front and rear sides of the collating mechanism 10. The row number assigned to each paper feed shelf is displayed on each paper feed shelf. The paper feed shelf at the bottom on the front side is assigned as a folding row, which is a paper feed shelf for inputting origami paper, and the character "fold" indicating that it is a folding row is displayed in the list. Although not shown in FIG. 2, for paper feed shelves in the paper feed shelf list 201a that are set for insert flyers, the name of the corresponding insert flyer is displayed.

[0022] The first row leaflet type 201b is a display field for the number of types of insert leaflets set in the first row, which is the paper feed shelf on the front side of the collating mechanism 10. In FIG. 2, since no insert leaflets are set in any of the first row leaflet feed shelves 1-11, an example is shown in which the first row leaflet type 201b displays "0." The second row leaflet type 201c is a display field for the number of types of insert leaflets set in the second row, which is the paper feed shelf on the back side of the collating mechanism 10. Since no insert leaflets are set in any of the second row leaflet feed shelves 12-22, an example is shown in which the second row leaflet type 201c displays "0." The total number of leaflets 201d is a display field for the total number of types of insert leaflets in the first row and the second row combined. In FIG. 2, since no insert leaflets are set in either the first or second row leaflet feed shelves, the total number of leaflet types 201d also displays "0."

[0023] 3 shows the counter screen 200 for "area display." The area display is displayed when the area display tab 202 is selected. When the area display tab 202 is selected, the area name 202a, the number of settings 202b, and the status 202c are displayed. In addition, the counter screen 200 for "area display" displays the same settings and counter display area 203, the clear button 204, the area mode button 205, the tapping switch 206, the tear detection switch 207, the count folding button 208, the start button 209, the user setting button 210, the error detection setting button 211, the individual row setting button 212, the start / stop setting button 213, the individual row adjustment button 214, and the menu button 215 as in the counter screen 200 for "row display."

[0024] Area name 202a is a list of area names set on the setting screen for each tier. Number of settings 202b is the number of sets of insert leaflets at which the collation operation for the corresponding area name will be stopped. Status 202c is a section that displays the completion status of the collation operation for the corresponding area name. Status 202c can display one of three statuses, for example, "Completed," "In folding," and "Incomplete." "Completed" means that the collation operation for the corresponding area name has been completed. "In folding" means that the collation operation for the corresponding area name is currently being performed. "Incomplete" means that the collation operation for the corresponding area name has not yet been performed.

[0025] The setting and counter display area 203 is a display area for various settings and counters related to the collation operation. In Figures 2 and 3, the setting and counter display area 203 has display columns for the total number, the number of executions, the number of settings, the planned total number, the remaining number, the area name, the planned number of stops, and the count number.

[0026] The total number is a display field for the total number of insert sets that have been collated so far. The run number is a display field for the number of insert sets that have been collated in the current collation operation. When the area mode is enabled, the run number displays the run number for each area. The set number is a display field for the number of insert sets that will cause the current collation operation to stop. When the area mode is enabled, the set number displays the set number for each area. When the run number reaches the set number, the collation operation is temporarily stopped. The planned total number is a display field for the total number of insert sets that are planned to be completed until the collation operation is completed. For example, when the area mode is enabled, the planned total number may display the sum of the set numbers for each area. The remaining number is a display field for the remaining number of insert sets that will be collated in the current collation operation. The area name is a display field for the name of the area that is the target of the current collation operation when the area mode is enabled. The planned stop number is a display field for the number of insert sets that are planned to cause the current collation operation to stop. The count number is a display field for displaying the count of inserts.

[0027] The clear button 204 is a button that is selected when clearing the total number and the execution number. When the clear button 204 is selected, the values ​​of the total number and the execution number are cleared to zero.

[0028] The area mode button 205 is a button that is selected when switching between normal mode and area mode in the display of the setting and counter display area 203. When the area mode button 205 is selected and the display is switched to area mode, the display of the area name in the setting and counter display area 203 becomes enabled.

[0029] The tapping switch 206 is a switch that switches on and off the operation of the tapping mechanism for aligning paper sheets during the collating operation, and is provided in the collating mechanism 10. When the tapping switch 206 is on, the paper alignment function during the collating operation is enabled, and when the tapping switch 206 is off, the paper alignment function during the collating operation is disabled.

[0030] The tear detection switch 207 is a switch that switches on and off the operation of detecting paper tears during the collating operation. When the tear detection switch 207 is on, the paper tear detection operation during the collating operation is enabled, and when the tear detection switch 207 is off, the paper tear detection operation during the collating operation is disabled. When the paper tear detection operation is disabled, the collating operation continues even if a paper tear occurs during the collating operation.

[0031] The count fold button 208 is a button that is selected when setting the count fold. When the count fold button 208 is selected, a dialog box for inputting the count value for the count fold is displayed.

[0032] The start button 209 is a button that is selected when starting the collating operation. When the start button 209 is selected, the collating operation starts.

[0033] The user setting button 210 is a button selected when displaying a user setting screen for making various user settings such as the setting of the buzzer sound when an error is detected. The user can make various user settings on the user setting screen.

[0034] The error detection setting button 211 is a button that is selected when displaying an error detection setting screen for enabling / disabling error detection during the collating operation, such as double feed, paper jam, out of paper, and paper delay. Errors for which error detection is disabled will not be detected during the collating operation. Therefore, even if an error occurs, the collating operation continues. In other words, the error detection setting button 211 is a button for performing settings equivalent to those of the error detection setting switch of the operation switches 107, using the touch panel.

[0035] The shelf setting button 212 is a button that is selected when displaying a shelf setting screen for configuring settings for each paper feed shelf. On the shelf setting screen, the user can configure settings such as zone settings and input / output settings for each paper feed shelf.

[0036] The inlet / outlet setting button 213 is a button selected when displaying an inlet / outlet setting screen for setting the inlet / outlet setting. On the inlet / outlet setting screen, for example, it is possible to switch whether to use the inlet / outlet function or not, and whether to perform the inlet / outlet setting based on the paper feed shelf or the flyer.

[0037] The each shelf adjustment button 214 is a button that is selected when displaying an each shelf adjustment screen for making detailed adjustments for each paper feed shelf. On the each shelf adjustment screen, the user can set flyers for each paper feed shelf, adjust the paper alignment function, enable / disable multi-feed detection, set the paper size, etc.

[0038] The menu button 215 is a button that is selected when displaying a menu screen for various detailed settings of the collating machine other than user settings, error detection settings, each stage settings, start / stop settings, and each stage adjustment.

[0039] 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual shelf setting screen for explaining the input / output setting based on the paper feed shelf in the embodiment. In the embodiment, when the individual shelf setting button 212 is selected, the main control circuit 101 displays the screen in FIG. 4 on, for example, the display 106. The individual shelf setting screen may be displayed not on the operation panel of the collating machine 1 but on the display of a terminal such as a smartphone held by the user.

[0040] An example of the individual tray setting screen 300 includes a list 301 of input / output settings for each paper feed shelf. The input / output setting list 301 is a list of input / output settings for paper feed shelves other than the folding tray provided in the collating mechanism 10. The list 301 includes tray numbers 301a. The tray number 301a of the paper feed shelf selected by the user is highlighted, for example, by coloring it. An input / output setting display field is displayed next to each tray number 301a. In this embodiment, the input / output setting display field is divided into a zone input / output setting display field 301b and an execution number input / output setting display field 301c.

[0041] The zone entry / stop setting display field 301b is a display field for displaying the zone entry / stop setting contents set for the paper feed shelf with the corresponding stage number 301a. The execution count entry / stop setting display field 301c is a display field for displaying the execution count entry / stop setting contents set for the paper feed shelf with the corresponding stage number 301a. In both the zone entry / stop setting display field 301b and the execution count entry / stop setting display field 301c, a "◯" is displayed when an entry / stop setting is set, and a "-" is displayed when an entry / stop setting is not set. In this way, in this embodiment, both the zone entry / stop setting and the execution count entry / stop setting can be confirmed on a single screen.

[0042] Moreover, the example individual stage setting screen 300 includes a menu 302. The menu 302 includes a cancel button 302a, an individual stage edit button 302b, and a confirm button 302c. The cancel button 302a is a button selected when canceling the individual stage setting. When the cancel button 302a is selected, the main control circuit 101 transitions the display screen from the individual stage setting screen 300 to the counter screen 200 without saving the settings made after the individual stage setting screen 300 was displayed. The individual stage edit button 302b is a button selected when editing various settings for the selected stage number 301a. When the individual stage edit button 302b is selected, the main control circuit 101 transitions the display screen from the individual stage setting screen 300 to a setting edit screen for the selected stage number 301a. The confirm button 302c is a button selected when confirming the individual stage setting. When the decision button 302c is selected, the main control circuit 101 saves the settings made after the individual stage setting screen 300 is displayed, and then transitions the display screen from the individual stage setting screen 300 to the counter screen 200.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an individual shelf setting edit screen for the paper feed shelf 3. The individual shelf setting edit screen 400 in Fig. 5 is displayed when the individual shelf edit button 302b is selected with the shelf number 301a for the third shelf selected.

[0044] The individual stage setting editing screen 400 includes an entry / exit setting editing field 401. The entry / exit setting editing field 401 displays an area number 401a, an area name 401b, an area entry / exit setting field 401c, a set number display field 401d, an execution number entry / exit setting field 401e, and an execution number setting field 401f.

[0045] The zone number 401a is a display field for zone numbers assigned, for example, in ascending order, to each zone name associated with the corresponding paper feed shelf. The zone number 401a is added each time a zone is associated with the corresponding paper feed shelf, and is deleted each time the association between the corresponding paper feed shelf and the zone is canceled. The zone name 401b is a display field for zone names associated with the corresponding paper feed shelf. The zone number 401a selected by the user is highlighted, for example, by being colored. Furthermore, the zone name can be edited by selecting the zone name 401b. Each zone name may be edited, for example, on the setting screen for each shelf.

[0046] The zone entry / exit setting field 401c displays the current zone entry / exit setting for the corresponding zone name. Each time the user selects one of the zone entry / exit setting fields 401c, the main control circuit 101 changes the corresponding zone entry / exit setting. Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 also updates the display in the zone entry / exit setting field 401c. For example, each time the zone entry / exit setting field 401c is selected, the display in the zone entry / exit setting field 401c switches between "ON" and "OFF" in sequence. "ON" indicates that the entry / exit setting for the corresponding zone name has been set to "ON." Furthermore, "OFF" indicates that the entry / exit setting for the corresponding zone name has been set to "OFF." When performing a collating operation for a zone name for which "ON" is set in the zone entry / exit setting field 401c, the main control circuit 101 switches on the paper feed switch for the corresponding paper feed shelf to feed paper from the corresponding paper feed shelf. When performing a collation operation for an area name for which "Stop" is set in the area entry / stop setting field 401c, the main control circuit 101 stops the collation operation by switching off the paper feed switch of the corresponding paper feed shelf.

[0047] The set number display field 401d displays the set number for the corresponding area name. The set number for each area name can be set, for example, on the respective stage setting screen.

[0048] The run count input / stop setting field 401e displays the current run count input / stop setting for the corresponding area name. Each time the user selects one of the run count input / stop setting fields 401e, the main control circuit 101 changes the corresponding run count input / stop setting. Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 also updates the display in the run count input / stop setting field 401e. For example, each time the run count input / stop setting field 401e is selected, the display in the run count input / stop setting field 401e switches sequentially between "ON," "OFF," and "-." "ON" indicates that the run count input / stop setting for the corresponding area name has been set to "ON." "OFF" indicates that the run count input / stop setting for the corresponding area name has been set to "OFF." Furthermore, "-" indicates that no run count input / stop setting has been set for the corresponding area name. When performing a collating operation for an area name for which "ON" is set in the execution count input / output setting field 401e, the main control circuit 101 causes paper to be fed from the corresponding paper feed shelf until the execution count reaches the execution count set in the execution count setting field 401f. When the execution count reaches the execution count set in the execution count setting field 401f, the main control circuit 101 stops the collating operation by switching the paper feed switch OFF. When performing a collating operation for an area name for which "-" is set in the execution count input / output setting field 401e, the main control circuit 101 causes paper to be fed from the corresponding paper feed shelf until the execution count reaches the set number displayed in the set number display field 401d.

[0049] The execution number setting field 401f displays the execution number set for the corresponding area name. By selecting the execution number setting field 401f, the corresponding execution number can be edited.

[0050] The individual shelf setting edit screen 400, as an example, includes a menu 402. The menu 402 includes a Cancel button 402a, an All Zones On button 402b, an All Zones Off button 402c, an Execution Count All On button 402d, an Execution Count All Off button 402e, an Execution Count Clear button 402f, and a Confirm button 402g. The Cancel button 402a is a button selected when stopping editing the settings for the selected paper feed shelf. When the Cancel button 402a is selected, the main control circuit 101 transitions the display screen from the individual shelf setting edit screen 400 to the individual shelf setting screen 300 without saving the settings made after the individual shelf setting edit screen 400 was displayed. The All Zones On button 402b is a button selected when setting the zone on / off settings for all zone names for the selected paper feed shelf to "On." When the All Zones On button 402b is selected, the main control circuit 101 changes the zone entry stop settings for all zone names for the selected paper input shelf to "On." Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 also updates the display in the Zone Entry Stop Setting field 401c. The All Zones Off button 402c is a button selected when setting the zone entry stop settings for all zone names for the selected paper input shelf to "Off." When the All Zones Off button 402c is selected, the main control circuit 101 changes the zone entry stop settings for all zone names for the selected paper input shelf to "Off." Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 also updates the display in the Zone Entry Stop Setting field 401c. The All Runs On button 402d is a button selected when setting the run count stop settings for all zone names for the selected paper input shelf to "On." When the All Runs On button 402d is selected, the main control circuit 101 changes the run count stop settings for all zone names for the selected paper input shelf to "On." Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 also updates the display in the execution count input / stop setting field 401e. The execution count all stop button 402e is a button selected when setting the execution count input / stop setting for all zone names for the selected paper feed shelf to "stop." When the execution count all stop button 402e is selected, the main control circuit 101 changes the execution count input / stop setting for all zone names for the selected paper feed shelf to "stop." Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 also updates the display in the execution count input / stop setting field 401e.The Clear Execution Count button 402f is a button selected when clearing the execution count for the selected zone name. When the Clear Execution Count button 402f is selected, the main control circuit 101 clears the execution count for the selected zone name for the selected paper feed shelf to zero. Accordingly, the main control circuit 101 also updates the display in the Execution Count Setting field 401f. The Confirm button 402g is a button selected when confirming the edited content of the zone entry / exit settings for each paper feed shelf. When the Confirm button 402g is selected, the main control circuit 101 saves the settings made after the individual shelf setting edit screen 400 was displayed, and then transitions the display screen from the individual shelf setting edit screen 400 to the individual shelf setting screen 300. Here, the settings on the individual shelf setting edit screen 400 are valid while the entry / exit setting screen is switched to a setting that uses the entry / exit function and while the entry / exit setting is switched to a setting that is based on the paper feed shelf.

[0051] The example of the individual shelf setting editing screen 400 also includes a total number display field 403. The total number display field 403 displays the total number of inserts required for the collation operation of the corresponding paper feed shelf. Specifically, the total number display field 403 displays the sum of the set numbers for which the zone entry / stop setting is "ON" and the execution count entry / stop setting is "-" and the sum of the execution numbers for which the zone entry / stop setting is "ON" and the execution count entry / stop setting is "ON." When the zone entry / stop setting and / or execution count entry / stop setting is updated, the display in the total number display field 403 is also updated. In the example of FIG. 5, the zone entry / stop setting for zone number 3 is set to "OFF," and the execution count entry / stop settings for zone numbers 1 and 2 are set to "ON." Therefore, the total number display field 403 displays 50 + 60 + 140 + 100 + 150 + 140 + 160 + 100 + 260 = 1160.

[0052] Furthermore, the example of each shelf setting edit screen 400 includes multi-feed detection buttons 404a and 404b. The multi-feed detection buttons 404a and 404b are buttons that are selected when switching between setting and not setting detection of multi-feed errors when paper is fed from the corresponding paper feed shelf. The multi-feed detection button 404a is a button for switching between setting and not setting multi-feed detection for insert leaflets that are fed in an unfolded, single sheet state. The multi-feed detection button 404b is a button for switching between setting and not setting multi-feed detection for insert leaflets that are fed in a folded state.

[0053] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flyer setting screen for explaining flyer-based entry / exit setting in an embodiment. The flyer setting screen can be transitioned from the counter screen 200 after, for example, the entry / exit setting button 213 is selected. For example, when the flyer standard is selected in the entry / exit setting button 213, the tier setting button 212 switches to the flyer setting button. The flyer setting screen can be transitioned by selecting this flyer setting button.

[0054] An example of the flyer setting screen 500 includes a list 501a of flyer settings. The list 501a of flyer settings is a list of various settings for insert flyers associated with the corresponding paper feed shelf. The list 501 includes the flyer number, the row number, the flyer name, the double feed detection setting, and the stop setting. Here, FIG. 6 shows an example of a display in which an insert flyer is not associated with a paper feed shelf as an insert flyer.

[0055] The leaflet number is a display field for leaflet numbers assigned to each leaflet name, for example, in ascending order. Leaflet numbers selected by the user are highlighted, for example, by being colored. The row number is a display field for the row number of the paper feed shelf associated with the insert leaflet of the corresponding leaflet number. The leaflet name is the leaflet name of the insert leaflet of the corresponding leaflet number. The leaflet name can be edited by selecting the leaflet name. The multi-feed detection setting is a display field for settings for detecting multi-feed errors during the collating operation for the corresponding insert leaflet. The multi-feed detection setting includes a multi-feed detection setting for single-sheet items and a multi-feed detection setting for thick items. The multi-feed detection setting for single-sheet items is a multi-feed detection setting for thin insert leaflets. The multi-feed detection setting for thick items is a multi-feed detection setting that detects multi-feeds based on thickness. The entry / exit setting is a display field for the current entry / exit setting for the corresponding leaflet name. Like the entry / exit setting based on the paper feed shelf, the leaflet-based entry / exit setting also includes a zone entry / exit setting and an execution number entry / exit setting.

[0056] Further, the example flyer setting screen 500 includes a menu 502. The menu 502 includes a stop button 502a, an add flyer button 502b, an edit flyer button 502c, a cancel flyer button 502d, a USB read button 502e, and a confirm button 502f. The stop button 502a is a button selected when canceling flyer setting. When the stop button 502a is selected, the main control circuit 101 transitions the display screen from the flyer setting screen 500 to, for example, the counter screen 200, without saving any settings made since the flyer setting screen 500 was displayed. The add flyer button 502b is a button selected when adding a new insert flyer. The edit flyer button 502c is a button selected when editing settings for a registered insert flyer. When the edit flyer button 502c is selected, the main control circuit 101 transitions the display screen from the flyer setting screen 500 to the flyer setting edit screen for the selected flyer number. The flyer cancellation button 502d is a button selected when canceling the registration of a registered insert flyer. The USB reading button 502e is a button selected when importing setting data for an insert flyer saved on a USB or the like. The decision button 502f is a button selected when deciding on the flyer settings. When the decision button 502f is selected, the main control circuit 101 saves the settings made after the flyer setting screen 500 was displayed, and then transitions the display screen from the flyer setting screen 500 to, for example, the counter screen 200.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flyer setting edit screen 600. The flyer setting edit screen 600 in Fig. 7 is displayed when the flyer edit button 502c is selected with the flyer number of "Real Estate Agent Flyer" selected.

[0058] The flyer setting edit screen 600 includes a flyer name display field 601. The flyer name display field 601 is a display field for the flyer name of the currently selected insert flyer.

[0059] The flyer setting edit screen 600 also includes an entry / exit setting edit field 602. The entry / exit setting edit field 602 displays a zone number 602a, a zone name 602b, a zone entry / exit setting field 602c, a set number setting field 602d, an execution number entry / exit setting field 602e, and an execution number setting field 602f, similar to the entry / exit setting edit field 401 of the per-tier setting edit screen 400. Settings for each of these setting fields can be made in the same manner as the setting fields for the entry / exit setting edit field 401 of the per-tier setting edit screen 400 described above. Here, in the entry / exit setting on the per-tier setting edit screen 400, the setting for inserting or stopping a flyer becomes effective when paper is fed from the corresponding paper feed shelf. On the other hand, in the entry / exit setting on the flyer setting edit screen 600, the setting for inserting or stopping a flyer becomes effective when the corresponding flyer is fed. That is, in the input / output setting on the each tier setting edit screen 400, if the paper feed shelves are different even for inserts with the same flyer name, different input / output settings are reflected. On the other hand, in the input / output setting on the flyer setting edit screen 600, if the paper feed shelves are different but the inserts with the same flyer name are different, the same input / output settings are reflected.

[0060] Moreover, the example flyer setting edit screen 600 includes a menu 603. The menu 603 includes a stop button 603a, an all-in zone button 603b, an all-stop zone button 603c, an all-in run count button 603d, an all-stop run count button 603e, a clear run count button 603f, and a confirm button 603g. Each of these buttons is the same as the buttons on the previously described per-stage setting edit screen 400. However, when the stop button 603a or the confirm button 603g is selected, the screen transitions to the flyer setting screen 500. Furthermore, the setting on the flyer setting edit screen 600 confirmed by selecting the confirm button 603g is valid while the entry / stop setting screen is switched to a setting that uses the entry / stop function and while the entry / stop setting is switched to a setting based on the flyer.

[0061] The example flyer setting editing screen 600 also includes a total number display field 604. The total number display field 604 is a display field for the total number of inserts required for the collation operation of the corresponding inserts. Specifically, similar to the total number display field 403, the total number display field 604 displays the sum of the number of settings where the zone entry / stop setting is "on" and the execution count entry / stop setting is "-" and the total execution count where the zone entry / stop setting is "on" and the execution count entry / stop setting is "on." When the zone entry / stop setting and / or execution count entry / stop setting is updated, the display in the total number display field 604 is also updated. In the example of FIG. 7, the zone entry / stop setting for zone number 3 is set to "on" instead of "off," and the execution count entry / stop settings for zone numbers 1 and 2 are set to "on." Therefore, the total number display field 604 displays 50+60+130+140+100+150+140+160+100+260=1290.

[0062] Furthermore, the example flyer setting editing screen 600 includes multi-feed detection buttons 605a and 605b. The multi-feed detection buttons 605a and 605b are buttons that are selected when switching between setting and not setting detection of multi-feed errors when feeding the corresponding insert flyers. The multi-feed detection button 605a is a button for switching between setting and not setting multi-feed detection for insert flyers that are fed in an unfolded, single sheet state. The multi-feed detection button 605b is a button for switching between setting and not setting multi-feed detection for insert flyers that are fed in a folded state.

[0063] 8 is a display example of flyer setting screen 500 after the editing has been confirmed on flyer setting editing screen 600. As shown in FIG. 8, flyer setting list 501a on flyer setting editing screen 600 displays information 501b of the insert flyer as the editing result.

[0064] As described above, according to the embodiment, the screen for setting entry / exit settings displays a field for setting area entry / exit and a field for setting execution number entry / exit. This allows multiple entry / exit settings to be made on the same screen, which can improve usability for the user.

[0065] Furthermore, the input / output setting can be performed based on the paper feed shelf and the leaflet. The input / output setting based on the paper feed shelf and the leaflet can be performed using the same screen configuration. This eliminates the need for different operations for each screen, which can also improve usability for the user.

[0066] In this manner, in the embodiment, a more user-friendly interface for input / output settings may be provided.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, it is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 collating machine, 10 collating mechanism, 30 newspaper supply mechanism, 40 conveying mechanism, 50 lifting mechanism, 101 main control circuit, 102 sub-control circuit, 103 sub-control circuit, 104 sub-control circuit, 105 sub-control circuit, 106 display, 107 operation switches, 108 communication module.

Claims

1. A collating machine that collates paper sheets fed from paper feed shelves to generate a set of paper sheets, wherein a first input / output setting screen is displayed on a display, the first setting screen including: a first setting field for setting whether to input or stop the paper sheets from each paper feed shelf for each zone to which each paper feed shelf is associated; and a second setting field for setting whether to input or stop the paper sheets from each paper feed shelf according to the number of runs, for each paper feed shelf. A collating machine equipped with a control unit.

2. The control unit each time the first setting field is selected by a user, the setting in the selected first setting field is switched between inserting the paper sheets and stopping the paper sheets; each time the second setting field is selected by the user, the setting in the selected second setting field is switched between inserting the paper sheets and stopping the paper sheets. The collating machine according to claim 1.

3. the first input / output setting screen further includes a setting number display field for displaying a setting number and an execution number setting field for setting an execution number, The control unit a setting number display field displaying a setting number set for the corresponding zone on a setting screen different from the first entry / exit setting screen; When the execution number setting field is selected, the execution number is edited and the edited value of the execution number is displayed in the corresponding execution number setting field. The collating machine according to claim 1.

4. The control unit switching from the first input / output setting screen to display on a display a second input / output setting screen including a third setting field for setting, for each of the sheets, whether to input or stop the sheets for each zone associated with the sheets, and a fourth setting field for setting whether to input or stop the sheets for each of the zones according to the number of runs; The collating machine according to claim 1.

5. The control unit each time the third setting field is selected by a user, the setting in the selected third setting field is switched between inserting the paper sheets and stopping the paper sheets; each time the fourth setting field is selected by the user, the setting in the selected fourth setting field is switched between inserting the paper sheets and stopping the paper sheets. The collating machine according to claim 4.

6. the second entry / exit setting screen further includes a set number display field for displaying the set number for each zone, and an execution number setting field for setting the execution number, The control unit a setting number display field displaying a setting number set for the corresponding zone on a setting screen different from the first entry / exit setting screen and the second entry / exit setting screen; When the execution number setting field is selected, the execution number is edited and the edited value of the execution number is displayed in the corresponding execution number setting field. The collating machine according to claim 4.

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