Processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a processing device which properly reads a printed image on a sheet and can process it at a proper position.SOLUTION: In a processing device, a control part 45 controls so as to: acquire reading information obtained by a reading part 26a reading a read part 263, the information including an individual processing code to be applied to each sheet S obtained from the read part 263 printed on each individual sheet S; compare the individual processing code included in the reading information with a processing code set in a setting part when reading by the reading part 26: when both are different from each other, acquire processing information corresponding to the individual processing code included in the reading information; and read again the read part 263 by the reading part 26 on the basis of acquired new processing information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a processing device that processes a conveyed sheet by a processing member. The following Patent Document 1 describes a device that reads a barcode and a cut mark printed on a sheet when processing the sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4762394 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the barcode and cut marks printed on the sheet are photographed by a CCD sensor. In this case, in order to improve the accuracy of the photographing, the sheet conveying speed can be slowed down from the standard speed. For example, in the fine mode, the sheet is conveyed at half the conveying speed in the standard mode. This makes it possible to double the resolution in the sheet conveying direction.

[0005] However, with a one-dimensional CCD camera, it is not possible to retake the photograph, and there are limits to how much improvement can be made in reading accuracy.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a processing device capable of properly reading a printed image on a sheet and processing the image at an appropriate position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the processing device of the present invention comprises a conveying unit that conveys a sheet, a processing unit that applies processing to a predetermined position of the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit, a setting unit to which processing information, which is information regarding the processing to be applied to the sheet by the processing unit, is assigned and set for each processing code, a reading unit that reads the read portion printed at a predetermined position on the sheet, and a control unit that controls each unit to apply processing to the sheet, and the control unit acquires read information obtained by reading the read portion in the reading unit, and the read information includes the individual processing codes to be applied to each sheet obtained from the read portion printed on each individual sheet, compares the individual processing codes included in the read information with the processing code set in the setting unit when the reading unit reads, and if the two are different, acquires processing information corresponding to the individual processing code included in the read information, and controls the reading unit to re-read the read portion based on the acquired new processing information.

[0008] In addition, in the above configuration, the processing information includes accuracy information regarding the reading accuracy of the read part by the reading unit, and the control unit compares the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information with the accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit, and if the two are different, controls the reading unit to read the read part again.

[0009] The accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having higher reading accuracy than the standard mode, and the control unit controls the reading unit to read the read portion again when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the fine mode and the accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit is the standard mode.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having higher reading accuracy than the standard mode, and the control unit controls the reading unit not to re-read the read portion when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the standard mode and the accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit is the fine mode.

[0011] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, the read portion is positional information of the printed image of the sheet and includes a mark having a predetermined pattern, and the control portion compares the pattern of the individual mark included in the read information with the pattern of the mark set in the setting portion at the time of reading by the reading portion, and if the two are different, controls to perform analysis of the individual mark again.

[0012] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, the mark includes a straight line portion of a predetermined width, and the control unit compares the width of the straight line portion of the individual mark included in the reading information with the width of the straight line portion of the mark set in the setting unit when reading by the reading unit, and if the two are different, controls to analyze the individual mark again.

[0013] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, the control unit uses the results obtained by analyzing the mark to calculate at least one of the expansion / contraction magnification of the image printed on the sheet, the transport position in the transport path, and the inclination angle, and controls the adjustment of the processing position.

[0014] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, the processing information includes necessity information regarding whether or not it is necessary to adjust the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio of the image on the sheet, and the control unit controls the reading unit to read the read portion again when the necessity information of the acquired new processing information indicates that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is necessary, and when the necessity information of the processing information set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit indicates that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is not necessary. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the control unit acquires read information obtained by reading the read portion in the reading unit, the read information including the individual processing codes to be applied to each sheet obtained from the read portion printed on each individual sheet, and compares the individual processing codes included in the read information with the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit, and if the two are different, acquires processing information corresponding to the individual processing code, and controls the reading unit to read the read portion again based on the acquired new processing information.Therefore, even if the control unit analyzes the read information and finds that the processing information of an individual sheet is different from the setting in the setting unit, the read portion can be read again by the reading unit, and processing can be performed at an appropriate position based on this.

[0016] In addition, the processing information includes accuracy information regarding the reading accuracy of the read portion by the reading unit, and the control unit compares the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information with the accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit, and if the two are different, when controlling the reading unit to read the read portion again, the read portion can be read again by the reading unit even if the accuracy information of an individual sheet is different from the setting in the setting unit.

[0017] Furthermore, if the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having higher reading accuracy than the standard mode, and the control unit controls the reading unit to read the read portion again when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the fine mode and the accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit is the standard mode, the reading unit can read the read portion again when the accuracy information is changed from the standard mode to the fine mode.

[0018] Furthermore, when the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having higher reading accuracy than the standard mode, and when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the standard mode and the accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit is the fine mode, the control unit can control the reading unit not to re-read the read portion when the accuracy information is changed from fine mode to standard mode.

[0019] Furthermore, the read portion is positional information of the printed image of the sheet and includes a mark having a predetermined pattern, and the control portion compares the pattern of the individual mark included in the read information with the pattern of the mark set in the setting portion when the reading portion reads, and when the two are different, controls to perform analysis of the individual mark again, and when controls to perform analysis of the individual mark, it is possible to analyze the mark when the pattern of the read mark differs from the setting of the setting portion.

[0020] Furthermore, if the mark includes a straight line portion of a predetermined width, and the control unit compares the width of the straight line portion of the individual mark included in the reading information with the width of the straight line portion of the mark set in the setting unit when reading by the reading unit, and controls to perform analysis of the individual mark again if the two are different, it is possible to analyze the mark if the width of the straight line portion of the read mark differs from the setting in the setting unit.

[0021] The control unit uses the results obtained by analyzing the mark to calculate at least one of the expansion / contraction ratio of the image printed on the sheet, the transport position on the transport path, and the inclination angle, and when adjusting the processing position, the sheet can be appropriately processed using the individual position information.

[0022] Furthermore, the processing information includes necessity information regarding whether or not it is necessary to adjust the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio of the image on the sheet, and when the necessity information of the acquired new processing information indicates that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is necessary, and the necessity information of the processing information set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit indicates that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is not necessary, the control unit controls the reading unit to read the read portion again, thereby making it possible to improve the reading accuracy of the read portion when adjusting the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a supply unit and a reading unit of the processing apparatus. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the supply unit and the reading unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a crease portion of the processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a transverse cutting section of the processing device. [Figure 6] 2 is an example of a sheet to be processed by the processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a control flow of the processing device. [Figure 10] 3 is a control flow of the processing device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a sheet according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a control flow of a processing device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] (First embodiment) A processing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. As shown in the overall configuration diagram of Fig. 1, in the processing device 1, a supply table 36 is provided upstream of a conveying path 5 for a sheet S in an apparatus main body 2. A discharge table 61 is provided downstream of the conveying path 5.

[0025] A conveying section 4 for conveying the sheet S is provided inside the apparatus body 2. The conveying section 4 includes a plurality of pairs of rollers driven by a plurality of first to fourth conveying motors 41 to 44 that are independent for each predetermined region. Therefore, a plurality of pairs of rollers 10 to 17 are arranged side by side in the conveying direction F of the sheet S. The conveying speed of the sheet S in the conveying section 4 can be, for example, 0.2 m / sec to 3.0 m / sec.

[0026] A processing unit 19 is disposed at an appropriate position along the conveying path 5 of the sheet S. The processing unit 19 includes a processing member 191 that applies processing to a predetermined position of the sheet S conveyed by the conveying unit 4. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the processing unit 19 includes three slit units 20, a crease unit 21, and a horizontal cutting unit 22 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the conveying path 5 of the sheet S.

[0027] These processing sections 19 may be fixedly installed in the device body 2, but for flexible response, compactness of the device, and ease of replacement work, they are installed as units so as to be detachable from the device body 2. These processing units are configured to have the same external dimensions and shape so that they can be attached and detached to any installation location.

[0028] 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the supply unit 3 for the sheet S including the supply table 36, and FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the supply unit 3. The supply unit 3 is installed upstream of the slit unit 20. The supply unit 3 supplies the sheet S to the conveying path 5. The supply unit 3 includes a supply table 36, a suction-type conveying mechanism 31, a skew correction mechanism 32, supply rollers 33 and 34, a double feed detection unit 35, and a supply adjustment unit 301.

[0029] The supply table 36 is placed on the sheet S to be supplied to the conveying path 5. The supply table 36 is raised and lowered by a lifting unit (not shown). A guide wall 361 is provided on the side of the supply table 36, against which the side edge Es of the sheet S comes into contact. In addition, a blower 38 is provided in front of the supply table 36 to separate the stack of sheets S.

[0030] The suction type transport mechanism 31 attracts and adsorbs the sheets S placed on the supply table 36 one by one by using a suction means (not shown), and transports the sheets. The suction type transport mechanism 31 includes an endless belt 313 that runs around a pair of rollers 311, 312. The belt 313 runs parallel to the transport direction F. A plurality of belts 313 are arranged side by side in the width direction W perpendicular to the transport direction F of the sheet S. A suction box 314 is installed inside the belt 313. The suction box 314 has a suction port formed on the bottom surface, and sucks the sheet S to the bottom surface of the suction box 314.

[0031] The skew correction mechanism 32 conveys the sheet S conveyed by the suction conveying mechanism 31 on an endless belt 323 stretched around a pair of rollers 321, 322. The endless belt 323 is provided at a predetermined incline toward the guide member 324 with respect to the conveying direction F of the sheet S. The contact surface of the guide member 324 with the sheet S is set in the same plane as the contact surface of the guide wall 361 with the sheet S.

[0032] In the skew correction mechanism 32, the sheet S is conveyed while the side edge Es of the sheet S is pressed against the guide wall 324 parallel to the conveying direction F. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed with the side edge Es aligned with the guide wall 324. The skew correction mechanism 32 includes a pressing section 325. The pressing section 325 has a pressing ball 326 and a support member 327. The pressing ball 326 is formed in a spherical shape. The pressing ball 326 is supported by the support member 327 so as to be freely rotatable. The pressing ball 326 presses the sheet S on the belt 323 from above when the conveying direction F of the skewed sheet S is corrected. A suction box 328 is provided inside the belt 323, and the sheet is conveyed while being sucked onto the belt 323 by a suction means (not shown).

[0033] The multi-feed detection unit 35 detects multi-feeding of the sheets S. The multi-feed detection unit 35 is configured with an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. When the multi-feed detection unit 35 is an ultrasonic sensor, it can properly detect multi-feeding even for thick sheets S for which it is difficult to detect the difference in the amount of transmission or reflection.

[0034] The supply adjustment unit 301 adjusts the processing angle of the processing performed on the sheet S in the processing unit 19. The supply adjustment unit 301 adjusts the installation angle of the entire paper feed unit 3 including the supply table 36. The supply adjustment unit 301 is equipped with a rotating unit 302. The rotating unit 302 rotates the entire paper feed unit 3 including the supply table 36 about a rotating shaft 303. The rotating shaft 303 is provided at one corner of the supply table 36, which is rectangular in plan view, on the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0035] The rotation unit 302 includes a motor, a switching unit, and an operation unit, which are not shown. The motor automatically rotates the supply table 36. The switching unit is provided to allow a user to manually rotate the supply table 36 by operating the operation unit, instead of automatically rotating the supply table 36 by driving the motor. The switching unit may switch between automatic and manual operation automatically or manually.

[0036] The slitting section 20 shown in FIG. 1 cuts the sheet S along the conveying direction F of the conveying section 5. The slitting section 20 includes a pair of slitters 201 on the left and right sides and a slitter motor 48. The slitter 201 constitutes the processing member 191. The slitter 201 is configured to be movable to an appropriate position in the width direction W of the sheet S by a moving section (not shown). When cutting of the sheet S is not required, the slitter 201 is retracted to the outside of the conveying path 5 for the sheet S. The movement and positioning of the slitter 201 in the width direction W of the sheet S are controlled by the control section 45. The slitter motor 48 is a drive source for rotating the slitter 201 when cutting along the conveying direction F.

[0037] The cutting debris removal section 27 is for removing cutting debris generated by cutting in the slit section 20 below the conveying path 5 of the sheet S. The cutting debris removal section 27 includes a plurality of cutting debris removal devices, a width direction positioning shaft, and a device movement motor (not shown). The cutting debris removal devices are configured to be movable in the width direction W of the sheet S with the rotation of the width direction positioning shaft. Since the cutting debris removal devices arranged at predetermined positions become obstacles on the conveying path 5 of the sheet S, when the sheet S passes through the cutting debris removal section 27, the cutting debris contained in the sheet S is dropped and collected in the trash can 23.

[0038] The crease unit 21 forms a folding pattern for the sheet S along the width direction W of the sheet S. The crease unit 21 includes a crease blade 215. The crease blade 215 constitutes a processing member 191. The crease blade 215 is composed of an upper die 211 and a lower die 212 extending in the width direction W of the sheet S. The crease drive unit 49 is a drive source for driving the upper die 211 in the up and down direction. With the sheet S sandwiched between the upper die 211 and the lower die 212, the upper die 211 is driven downward to press the sheet S with the convex portion of the upper die 211 into the concave portion of the lower die 212, thereby forming a folding pattern in the sheet S having a substantially semicircular cross section.

[0039] The crease unit 21 includes a crease adjustment unit 241. The crease adjustment unit 241 adjusts the processing angle of the crease processing performed on the sheet S by the crease blade 215 as the processing member 191 based on the calculation result of the control unit 45.

[0040] 4 is a plan view of the crease unit 21. The crease adjustment unit 241 adjusts the installation angle of the crease blade 215. The crease adjustment unit 241 includes a rotating shaft 213, a rack 217, a pinion 218, a motor 219, a switching unit 216, and a rotation operation unit 214.

[0041] The rotating shaft 213 is provided near one end of the unit 247 of the crease section 21. The crease adjustment section 241 drives the angle adjustment motor 212 for a predetermined time to rotate the pinion 218 a predetermined amount and move the rack 217 a predetermined amount. The crease blade 215 is rotated together with the unit 247 around the rotating shaft 213 as the rack 217 moves.

[0042] The switching unit 216 is provided to switch the crease blade 215 so that the user can manually rotate the crease blade 215 by operating a rotation operation unit, instead of the automatic rotation operation of the crease blade 215 driven by the motor 212. Instead of a manually operable mechanism, the switching unit 216 may be displayed on the panel 46 and controlled by the control unit 45 to automatically switch.

[0043] 1 cuts the sheet S along the width direction W. The horizontal cutting unit 22 includes a cutting blade 225 and a horizontal cutting drive unit 50. The cutting blade 225 constitutes a processing member 191. The cutting blade 225 includes an upper blade 221 and a lower blade 222 extending in the width direction W of the sheet S. The horizontal cutting drive unit 50 is a drive source for driving the upper blade 221 in the vertical direction so that the upper blade 221 is pressed toward the lower blade 222.

[0044] The horizontal cutting drive unit 50 drives the upper blade 221 downward with the sheet S sandwiched between the upper blade 221 and the lower blade 222, and cuts the sheet S with the upper blade 221 and the lower blade 222. Cutting waste generated by cutting falls downward and is collected in a trash can 23. When the margin to be cut in the conveying direction F of the sheet S is long, the cutting waste can be divided into cutting waste having a short length in the conveying direction F by cutting the cutting waste multiple times along the width direction W.

[0045] The horizontal cutting unit 22 includes a cutting adjustment unit 251. The cutting adjustment unit 251 adjusts the installation angle of the cutting blade 225. The cutting adjustment unit 251 adjusts the processing angle of the cutting process performed by the cutting blade 225 on the sheet S based on the calculation result of the control unit 45. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the horizontal cutting unit 22. The cutting adjustment unit 251 includes a cutting rotation unit 252. The cutting rotation unit 252 rotates the cutting blade 225 together with the unit 257 around the rotation shaft 223.

[0046] The cutting and rotating unit 252 includes a rotating shaft 223, a rack 227, a pinion 228, a motor 229, a switching unit 226, and a rotation operation unit 224. The rotating shaft 223 is provided near one end of the unit 247 of the horizontal cutting unit 22. The cutting and rotating unit 252 drives the motor 229 for a predetermined time and rotates in a predetermined direction, thereby rotating the pinion 228 a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction and moving the rack 227 a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction. The cutting blade 225 rotates about the rotating shaft 223 as the rack 227 moves.

[0047] The switching unit 226 is provided to allow a user to manually rotate the cutting blade 225 about the rotation shaft 223 by operating the rotation operation unit 224, instead of automatically rotating the cutting blade 225 by driving the motor 229. Instead of a manually operable mechanism, the switching unit 226 may be displayed on the panel 46 and automatically switched by the control unit 45.

[0048] The conveying drive source and processing drive source for the sheet S installed in the processing device 1 are motors that can be appropriately positioned, such as a stepping motor, a DC motor, and a servo motor. A stepping motor rotates in a predetermined step unit by giving a pulse signal. By using a stepping motor as either or both of the conveying drive source and the processing drive source, the conveying position of the sheet S and the moving positions of various processing devices can be controlled at high speed and with high accuracy.

[0049] A plurality of detection units 28 are disposed at appropriate positions along the conveying path 5 for the sheet S. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, sheet detection units 91-95 and a reading unit 26 are disposed as the detection units 28. The sheet detection units 91-95 each include a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The sheet detection units 91-95 are transmission type optical sensors that detect the passage of the sheet S when the sheet S passes between these elements and blocks the detection light.

[0050] Among the group of sensors, the sheet detection unit 91 installed at the most upstream side of the conveying path 5 for the sheet S detects the leading edge Ef or the trailing edge Eb of the sheet S gripped by the supply rollers 33, 34 after being supplied from the supply table 36. Thus, the position of each sheet S being conveyed on the conveying path 5 for the sheet S is uniquely detected based on the sheet position detected by the sheet detection unit 91 as a reference.

[0051] The reading unit 26 is disposed between the supply roller 34 and the roller 10 of the conveying unit 4, downstream of the most upstream sheet detection unit 91. The reading unit 26 reads a read portion 263 printed at a predetermined position on the sheet. The reading unit 26 is constituted by a camera 261. The camera 261 captures an image of at least the read portion 263 printed on the sheet S, and any one of the leading edge Ef, the trailing edge Eb, or the side edge Es of the sheet S.

[0052] A two-dimensional CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, or the like that reads a planar image can be used for the camera 261. Also, a camera that can read out about 300,000 pixels, 30, 60, or 100 frames per second, and about one-tenth of a resolution can be used for the camera 261. Furthermore, by using a global shutter, an image with less distortion can be obtained, and the processing accuracy of the processed object can be improved.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an example of processing applied to a sheet S. In the figure, the read portion 263 is printed on the downstream front end portion of the sheet S. FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the read portion 263 and its surroundings. The read portion 263 includes a mark M and a processing information portion N. The mark M is position information of the printed image on the sheet S, and has a predetermined pattern. In this embodiment, the mark M includes a linear portion of a predetermined width. The mark M includes a position mark M1 and a diagonal mark M2.

[0054] The position mark M1 indicates the reference position for processing performed on the sheet S in the processing section 19. The position mark M1 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from above. FIG. 8 shows only the position mark M1 in a further enlarged manner. The linear portion of the position mark M1 is composed of the horizontal mark Mf and the horizontal mark Mw. The horizontal mark Mf extends along the transport direction F of the sheet S. The horizontal mark Mw extends along the width direction W of the sheet S. The vertical mark Mf and the horizontal mark Mw are both formed in a long and narrow rectangular shape. The downstream end of the horizontal mark Mf and the end of the horizontal mark Mw closer to the side edge Es of the sheet S are connected.

[0055] 7, the skew mark M2 is formed on the right side of the position mark M1 at a predetermined distance in the figure. The skew mark M2 has a linear portion I of a predetermined width. The skew mark M2 extends along the width direction W of the sheet S.

[0056] The mark M may be able to select a required pattern from a plurality of different patterns. In this case, the storage unit 454 stores in advance a plurality of different patterns of the mark M. In Fig. 7, the dashed line shows an example of a mark M10, which is a different pattern from the mark M. The mark M10 is larger in size than the pattern of the mark M shown by the solid line, and the widths H10 and I10 of the linear portions are longer and thicker.

[0057] By photographing the mark M with the camera 261, the angle of the image printed on the sheet S with respect to the conveying direction F or width direction W of the sheet S and the position in the width direction W on the conveying path 5 can be detected.

[0058] The processing information section N is printed on each individual sheet S and is read by the read section 263. The processing information section N stores an individual processing code. The processing code is assigned for each processing information. The processing information section N may include individual processing information to be applied to each sheet S. The processing information is information on processing to be applied to the sheet. The processing information includes, for example, the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction F and width direction W, the position of the mark M on the sheet S, the type of the pattern shape and size of the mark M, various processing positions such as cutting along the conveying direction F and width direction W, perforations, corner cuts, and creases, accuracy information on the reading accuracy of the read section 263 by the reading section 26, whether or not the stretching magnification correction of the processing position based on the image printed on the sheet S is necessary, whether or not the inclination angle correction is necessary, the length from the edge E of the sheet S to the mark M at the front end corner of the sheet S, and information on the allowable range of the processing angle.

[0059] The accuracy information regarding the reading accuracy of the read portion 263 by the reading unit 26, which is included in the processing information, can have, for example, a standard mode and a fine mode with higher reading accuracy than the standard mode. In the fine mode, the image is read with higher accuracy than in the standard mode. As a method for reading an image with high accuracy, for example, in the fine mode, the read portion 263 is photographed multiple times. From the multiple images obtained, those for which the position of the mark M could not be calculated are excluded, and the remaining appropriate position information is averaged. This makes it possible to reduce reading errors and improve the reading accuracy of the position information.

[0060] As another example of fine mode, high dynamic range synthesis is also available. In high dynamic range synthesis, multiple images are taken while changing the exposure by changing the light intensity and exposure time, and then synthesized to create an image with less blown out highlights and crushed shadows, and the position information can be calculated appropriately.

[0061] For example, a processing code attached to the processing information instructing to perform processing as shown in Fig. 6 can be recorded in the processing information section N printed on a certain sheet S. That is, the processing code attached to the processing information instructing to perform cutting in the vertical direction along the slit positions T1 to T4 and cutting in the width direction along the cutting positions K1 to K10 to obtain a total of 10 processed products Q in two rows and five columns from one sheet S is recorded in the barcode M3.

[0062] 6 and 7 show a case where the processing information section N is configured by a barcode M3. The barcode M3 is printed on the sheet S. The barcode M3 is provided at a position between and adjacent to the position mark M1 and the skew mark M2.

[0063] The reading unit 26 acquires a processing code from the image of the barcode M3. The processing code is a number given to each piece of processing information, and when the processing information is different, a different processing code is given.

[0064] The range that the reading unit 26 reads around the read portion 263 can be, for example, a range of 20 mm from the leading edge Ef and 60 mm from the left edge EL of the sheet S. A reading range is set for each of the position mark M1, the skew mark M2, and the barcode M3.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, the reject mechanism 25 is provided downstream of the roller 10 of the conveying section 4. The reject mechanism 25 includes a rotating member 251, a rotation detection section 255, a guide member 253, a guide roller 254 for rejecting, and a reject tray 252. The rotating member 251 assumes a position that blocks the conveying path 5 when activated. The rotation detection section 255 includes two optical sensors 256 and a light shielding plate 257. The light shielding plate 257 is fixed to the rotating member 251, and moves between the two optical sensors 256 as the rotating member 251 rotates. This detects whether the rotating member 251 is in a horizontal position indicated by a solid line in which the rotating member 251 supports the sheet S from below, or in an inclined position indicated by a two-dot chain line in which the rotating member 251 blocks the conveying path 5 to reject the sheet S.

[0066] If there is a sheet S that should be rejected for some reason, such as multiple feeding or an unclear read portion 263 of the sheet S, the rotating member 251 rotates to drop the sheet S below the conveying path 5. Below the conveying path 5, the rejected sheet S is guided by a guide member 253 and a guide roller 254 for rejecting, and is collected in a reject tray 252.

[0067] The processing device 1 includes a control unit 45 for controlling various operations in the device body 2. The control unit 45 is electrically connected to a storage unit 454 such as a ROM or a RAM, various sensors 26, 91-95 as input devices, various motors 41-44, 47-49 as output devices, an operation panel 46 as an input / output device, and the control unit 45 for controlling the operations of each unit such as the supply unit 3, the transport unit 5, and the processing unit 19.

[0068] The control unit 45 includes a setting unit 455 and a storage unit 454. The setting unit 455 sets processing information, which is information related to processing performed on a sheet by the processing unit 19. The processing information is set in the setting unit 455 by a user performing an input operation via an external device such as the operation panel 46 or a personal computer.

[0069] When a processing code is assigned to the processing information, the user can set the processing information using the processing code. The processing code and the processing information corresponding to the processing code are stored in advance in the storage unit 454. When the user sets a processing code using the operation panel 46 or an external device, the control unit 45 can call up the processing information to be applied to the sheet S from the storage unit 454 using the set processing code.

[0070] The control unit 45 can grasp the vertical length of the sheet S from size information obtained from the barcode M3 and setting information input from the operation panel 46. By detecting either the downstream leading edge Ef or the upstream trailing edge Eb of the sheet S, the position of the sheet S on the conveying path 5 can be uniquely determined based on the installation position of the sheet detection unit 91.

[0071] In this way, the position of each sheet S being transported on the transport path 5 for the sheet S can be uniquely detected by the sheet detection unit 91 installed at the most upstream side. However, the other sheet detection units 92 to 95 are installed as auxiliary units to correct the position information of the sheet S obtained by the sheet detection unit 91 to make the position information of the sheet S more accurate in case the transport path 5 for the sheet S becomes longer and vertical positional deviation (transport error) of the sheet S on the transport path 5 for the sheet S accumulates.

[0072] The control unit 45 controls the sheet to be processed based on the processing information set by the setting unit and the read information obtained by reading the read portion in the reading unit. The control unit 45 also compares the individual processing information included in the read information with the processing information set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and if the two are different, controls the reading unit 26 to read the read portion again. The control unit 45 obtains the read information obtained by reading the read portion in the reading unit, The reading information includes an individual processing code to be applied to each sheet S obtained from the read portion 263 printed on each individual sheet S, and the individual processing code included in the reading information is compared with the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit. If the two are different, processing information corresponding to the individual processing code is obtained, and the reading unit 26 is controlled to re-read the read portion 263 based on the obtained new processing information.

[0073] In addition, the control unit 45 compares the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information with the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and if the two are different, it can control the reading unit 26 to read the read portion 263 again.

[0074] When the individual accuracy information included in the read information is fine mode and the accuracy information set in the setting section when the reading section 26 reads is standard mode, the reading section can be controlled to re-read the read section 263.

[0075] When the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having a reading accuracy higher than that of the standard mode, if the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the fine mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is the standard mode, the control unit 45 can control the reading unit 26 to read the read portion 263 again when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the standard mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is the fine mode. Also, the control unit 45 can control the reading unit 26 not to read the read portion 263 again when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the standard mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is the fine mode.

[0076] In addition, when the processing information includes necessity information regarding whether or not adjustment of the processing position is required according to the expansion / contraction ratio of the image of the sheet S, the control unit 45 can control the reading unit 26 to re-read the read portion 263 when the necessity information of the acquired new processing information indicates that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is required.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 45 can compare the pattern of each individual mark M included in the read information with the pattern of the mark M set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and if the two are different, perform control to re-analyze the individual mark M. The control unit 45 can compare the width of the linear portion of each individual mark M included in the read information with the width of the linear portion of the mark M set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and if the two are different, perform control to re-analyze the individual mark M.

[0078] In addition, the control unit 45 can use the results obtained by analyzing the mark M to calculate at least one of the expansion / contraction magnification of the image printed on the sheet S, the transport position in the transport path, and the inclination angle, and control the adjustment of the processing position.

[0079] The processing device 1 includes an operation panel 46. The panel 46 can display the inclination angle and a manual adjustment method of the adjustment unit 30. As the manual adjustment method, for example, an image of the mark M stored in the memory unit 454 and the reference line B are displayed. When the user manually adjusts the installation angle of the processing member 191 of the processing unit 19, the installation angle of the processing member 191 may be measured by a sensor (not shown) or the like and displayed on the panel 46. When the horizontal mark Mw and the oblique mark M2 overlap with or are parallel to the reference line B, the adjustment can be completed.

[0080] Next, the operation of the processing device 1 will be described. First, when the main power switch is turned on to start operation of the processing device 1, various internal operation checks are performed. A user of the processing device 1 places a stack of sheets S on the supply table 36. On the supply table 36, the user adjusts one side edge Es of the sheets S to a reference position where it contacts the guide wall 361, and places the sheets S. Then, the user inputs processing information for the sheets S using the operation panel 46, or calls up a processing code from the memory unit 454 and sets it in the setting unit 455.

[0081] 9 shows a flow of the processing device 1. In step 101 in the figure, the control unit 45 acquires processing information for the sheet S from settings made by the user in the setting unit 455. Based on the acquired processing information, the control unit 45 calculates the length to be moved in the width direction W from the home position of each of the left and right slitter 201 in the slit unit 20 to each cutting position from cutting position information for cutting along the conveying direction F. In addition, the control unit 45 calculates the length to be transported by the transport unit 4 from the leading edge Ef of the sheet S to each processing position from the crease position information or cutting position information for performing a crease or cutting along the width direction W.

[0082] In step 102 of FIG. 9, the control unit 45 performs a preparation operation for processing the sheet S. In the preparation operation for processing, in the supply unit 3, the lift unit is driven to move the supply table 36 to a supply position to the conveyance path 5 of the sheet S. Then, the blower 38 is driven to separate the sheets S one by one by air flow. In the slit unit 20, the slitter 201 located at the cutting position of the previous processing is temporarily moved to the home position. Then, the control unit 45 moves the slitter 201 in the width direction W by the calculated movement amount to position the slitter 201 at the processing position. In the horizontal cutting unit 22, the horizontal cutting drive unit 50 is driven to move the upper blade 221 to the upper limit position. In the conveyance unit 4, excitation of the conveyance drive units 41 to 44 is started.

[0083] 9, when the user performs an operation to start processing the sheets S, the control unit 45 starts the supply operation of the sheets S. The control unit 45 supplies the sheets S one by one from the stack of sheets S on the supply table 36 to the conveying path 5 by the suction conveying mechanism 31. At that time, the control unit 45 first drives the suction means to attract and adsorb the uppermost sheet S to the lower surface of the suction box 314. Then, the control unit 45 rotates the rollers 311 and 312 to cause the belt 313 to run.

[0084] The sheet S is conveyed downstream along the conveying path 5 while one side edge Es of the sheet S is aligned with the guide wall 361. The double feed detection unit 35 determines whether the sheet S has been double-fed. If the sheet S has been double-fed, the control unit 45 removes the supplied sheet S from the conveying path 5.

[0085] When removing the sheets S from the conveying path 5, the control unit 45 conveys the multiple sheets S sent in a double-fed state to the downstream reject mechanism 25 by the skew correction mechanism 32, the supply rollers 33 and 34, and the roller 10 of the conveying unit 4. Then, the control unit 45 drives the drive source of the rotating member 251 to rotate the rotating member 251 from a horizontal position to an inclined position. The sheets S are guided downward by the rotating member 251 in the inclined position, sent by the guide member 253 and the guide roller 254, and collected in the reject tray 252.

[0086] With normal settings, the subsequent sheets S continue to be processed. If it is undesirable for the order of the processed items Q to be changed by rejecting them, the user may stop the processing operation by operating the settings. The user collects the sheets S that have been removed from the conveying path 5 from the reject tray 252 or from the conveying path 5, and reloads them on the supply table 36. Thus, the sheets S are processed in a predetermined order and loaded onto the discharge table 61.

[0087] When a double feed of the sheet S is not detected, the sheet S passes through the double feed detection unit 35 and is sent to the skew correction mechanism 32. The skew correction mechanism 32 corrects the skew of the sheet S. If the conveyance of the sheet S sent onto the belt 323 is skewed, the conveyance of the sheet S is corrected so that the sheet S is conveyed in a direction parallel to the guide member 324. At that time, the control unit 45 makes the belt 323 run so that the sheet S is conveyed toward the guide member 324. When the side edge Es of the sheet S is conveyed downstream while contacting the guide member 324, the skew of the sheet S is corrected.

[0088] Downstream of the skew correction mechanism 32, the sheet S is nipped and conveyed by the supply rollers 33 and 34. When the leading edge Ef of the sheet S reaches the downstream side of the supply roller 34, the leading edge Ef of the sheet S is detected by the sheet detection unit 91. After that, in step 104 of FIG. 9, a reading process is performed in the reading unit 26.

[0089] 10 shows a flow of the reading process by the reading unit 26. In step 11 in the figure, after the leading edge Ef of the sheet S is detected by the sheet detection unit 91, the control unit 45 transports the sheet S to a position where the read portion 263 is read. In step 12, when the read portion 263 of the sheet S reaches the reading position, the control unit 45 stops transporting the sheet S. In step 13, the read portion 263 is read by the reading unit 26.

[0090] At this time, the camera 261 two-dimensionally reads the position mark M1, the skew mark M2, the barcode M3, the leading edge Ef, and the side edge Es of the sheet S. The image data obtained by imaging is sent to the control unit 45 and temporarily stored in the storage unit 454.

[0091] Proceeding to step 14, control unit 45 analyzes the image data obtained by imaging. In step 15, control unit 45 compares the individual processing code included in the read information with the processing code set in setting unit 455 at the time of reading by reading unit 26, and determines whether they are different. If the processing code has not been changed in step 15, proceed to step 21.

[0092] In step 15, if the individual processing code is different from the processing code set in the setting unit 455, the process proceeds to step 16. In step 16, the control unit 45 acquires, from the storage unit 454, processing information corresponding to the processing code stored in the barcode M3.

[0093] In step 17, the control unit 45 compares the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information with the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26. Then, it is determined whether or not the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is fine mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is standard mode. In this way, it is determined whether or not the accuracy information used for processing the sheet has changed from the standard mode set in the setting unit 455 to fine mode, which has a higher reading accuracy than the standard mode, as a result of the processing code of the barcode M3 being changed to a value different from the processing code of the setting unit 455.

[0094] In step 17, if the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is fine mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is standard mode, it is determined that the reading accuracy has been changed from standard mode to fine mode, and the process proceeds to step 18. In step 18, the read portion 263 is read again by the reading unit 26. The number of rereads may be one, but can also be two or more.

[0095] In step 17, if the accuracy information of the newly acquired processing information is standard mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is fine mode, there is no need for the reading unit 26 to read the read portion 263 again, so proceed to step 19.

[0096] In step 19, the control unit 45 compares the pattern of the individual mark M included in the read information with the pattern of the mark M set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26. At this time, if the individual mark M includes a linear portion, the control unit 45 can also compare the width of the linear portion with the width of the linear portion of the mark M set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and determine whether the two are different.

[0097] If the pattern of the individual mark M included in the read information has not been changed from the pattern of the mark M set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, there is no need to read the read portion 263 again or to analyze the mark M again, and the analysis result of step 14 can be used, so proceed to step 21. If the pattern of the mark M has been changed to a different pattern, it is necessary to analyze the mark M again, so proceed to step 20.

[0098] In step 20, an analysis is performed on the individual marks M obtained by reading by the reading unit 26. At that time, if the pattern of the individual marks M included in the read information in step 19 differs from the pattern of the marks M set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, the read information read in step 13 is used. Then, instead of the analysis of the individual marks M already performed in step 14, in step 20, analysis is performed again under conditions suitable for the pattern of the individual marks M that differ from the settings in the setting unit 455.

[0099] Then, when the control unit 45 detects that the mark M includes linear portions G, H of a predetermined width and compares the width of the linear portions G, H of the individual mark M included in the read information with the width of the linear portions G, H of the mark M set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, if the two are different, the control unit 45 reanalyzes the individual mark M.

[0100] 7, when the width of the straight line portions G10, H10 is long, it is easier to distinguish extra thin lines or register marks printed within the area of ​​the read portion 263 from the position mark M1 and the slant mark M2 than when the width is short. In this way, more appropriate results can be obtained by reanalyzing the read information.

[0101] If the read portion 263 is read again by the reading unit 26 in step 18, analysis is performed in step 20 using the read information newly acquired in step 18. If the read portion 263 is photographed multiple times by the reading unit 26 in step 18, analyzing these images can improve positional accuracy and reduce reading errors. At this time, it is possible to improve reading accuracy, for example, by excluding information for which positional information could not be calculated from the multiple pieces of obtained read information and averaging the remaining positional information.

[0102] In step 21, the control unit 45 uses the results obtained by analyzing the mark M to calculate at least one of the expansion / contraction ratio of the image printed on the sheet S, the conveying position in the conveying path, and the tilt angle, and performs control to adjust the processing position. Also, the control unit 45 determines whether or not there is an error due to some cause such as blurring of the mark M based on the individual read information obtained from the read information, and rejects the sheet S by the reject mechanism 25 if necessary. Then, the process returns.

[0103] A known method can be used to adjust the expansion / contraction ratio of the sheet S. For example, the memory unit 454 stores in advance, for each pattern of the mark M, the reference length, size, the length between the position mark M1 and the skew mark M2, the length of the straight portions G and H and their widths, and the like. These reference values ​​are the values ​​of the mark M when the sheet S is not expanded or contracted. The reference values ​​for the mark M can be stored in both the conveying direction F and the width direction W perpendicular thereto. The reference values ​​and the length between the marks may be arbitrarily adjusted and changed when the processing device 1 is installed, when the processing of the sheet S starts or is in progress, or during maintenance of the processing device 1.

[0104] The control unit 45 compares the image data included in the read information with a reference value previously stored in the storage unit 454, and calculates the expansion rate of at least one of the sheet S or the image printed on the sheet S. The control unit 45 can also calculate the expansion rate of at least one of the sheet S or the image printed on the sheet S, using a plurality of coordinates obtained from the image data included in the read information and information obtained from the coordinate values ​​previously stored in the storage unit 454.

[0105] In many cases, an image has already been formed by a printer on the sheet S to be processed by the processing device 1. Processing such as cutting, creasing, and perforation performed on the sheet S by the processing device 1 is required to be performed according to the position where the image on the sheet S is to be formed.

[0106] However, the sheet S after image formation and the image printed on the sheet S may expand or contract depending on the grain of the paper and the print content. The control unit 45 compares the image data obtained by imaging with the camera 261 with a reference value without expansion or contraction, and calculates the expansion rate.

[0107] The control unit 45 can use various known methods to grasp the length and size of the mark M or the positions of multiple coordinates. For example, the control unit 45 recognizes the contour based on the image data of the mark M. In this case, the control unit 45 may perform projection processing, differentiation processing, sub-pixel processing, etc. as necessary. The contour can be obtained, for example, for the straight line portion Mf1 of the vertical mark Mf that is close to the side edge Es of the sheet S and that is aligned along the outer conveying direction. Alternatively, the contour can be obtained for the straight line portion Mf2 of the vertical mark Mf that is far from the side edge Es. It can also be obtained for the front end portion Mf3 and the rear end portion Mf4 of the vertical mark Mf.

[0108] In addition, it is possible to obtain the linear portion Mw1 of the horizontal mark Mw along the front conveying direction F close to the front edge Ef of the sheet S, or to obtain the linear portion Mw2 of the horizontal mark Mw on the rear side far from the front edge Ef. It is also possible to calculate the linear portion Mw3, Mw4 of the horizontal mark Mw.

[0109] Then, the control unit 45 calculates the length of the contour of the mark M based on the contour of the mark M. The size of the mark M of the image data obtained by the calculation is compared with a reference value stored in the storage unit 454, and the expansion rate of at least one of the sheet S or the image printed on the sheet S is calculated. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the lengths Lf and Lw of the contours of the vertical mark Mf and the horizontal mark Mw are calculated from the contour of the position mark M1, and these are set as the actual size of the position mark M1. The obtained size of the actual position mark M1 is compared with the reference value stored in the storage unit 454, and the expansion rate of at least one of the sheet S or the image printed on the sheet S is calculated.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 45 can calculate the coordinates of any point of the mark M from the contour of the mark M, and compare it with the length between corresponding marks M to calculate the expansion / contraction rate of at least one of the sheet S or the image printed on the sheet S.

[0111] Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to set multiple marks M in multiple locations, such as the lower left portion of all processed items Q, calculate the length between the marks using the corresponding coordinates of these multiple marks M, and compare this with a standard length between marks with no stretching to calculate the stretching rate.

[0112] The coordinate position used to calculate the expansion / contraction ratio may be any other position such as inside the intersection of the marks, upper right, center position, etc., instead of the lower left of the mark M, on the processing line, outside the intersection, etc. Note that selecting marks printed at a position where the distance between the marks is longer on the sheet S can reduce errors more than when the distance between the marks is shorter.

[0113] Alternatively, three or more marks M may be selected and the coordinates of their corresponding positions may be calculated to calculate multiple lengths between the marks. In this case, the stretch rate may be calculated from the average or median of the lengths and the reference length.

[0114] 10, a known method can also be used for adjusting the processing based on the transport position and tilt angle of the image printed on the sheet S. For example, the control unit 45 can compare the position information of the mark M obtained by the reading unit 26 with a reference value of the mark M stored in advance in the storage unit 454, and calculate at least one of the deviation of the transport position and the tilt angle from the reference value of the mark M.

[0115] The reference line B of the inclination angle stored in advance in the storage unit 454 can be set in the width direction W perpendicular to the conveying direction F of the sheet S. Alternatively, it may be set parallel to the conveying direction F. The angle of the reference line B with respect to the width direction W or the conveying direction F may be arbitrarily adjusted and changed when the processing device 1 is installed, during processing of the sheet S, during maintenance of the processing device 1, etc.

[0116] For the control unit 45 to grasp the transport position and inclination angle of the mark M, for example, the control unit 45 recognizes the boundary position between the white color of the sheet S and the black color of the mark M based on the image data of the mark M. At this time, the control unit 45 may perform projection processing, differentiation processing, subpixel processing, etc. as necessary. The boundary position can be obtained, for example, for the straight line portions Mw1 and My1 of the horizontal mark Mw and the oblique mark M2 along the width direction W on the front side close to the leading edge Ef of the sheet S. Alternatively, it is also possible to obtain the boundary position for the straight line portions Mw2 and My2 of the horizontal mark Mw and the oblique mark M2 on the rear side far from the leading edge Ef.

[0117] Then, the control unit 45 calculates the boundary line based on the boundary position with the sheet S, which is the outer edge of the mark M. The inclination angle can be calculated as the angle between the boundary line of the mark M and the corresponding reference line B. Also, instead of the boundary line B, the inclination angle may be calculated based on the coordinates themselves.

[0118] The control unit 45 can also compare the mark M captured by the camera 261 with the edge E of the sheet S and calculate the inclination angle of the mark M with respect to the edge E.

[0119] The control unit 45 can perform control so as not to process the sheet S when the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined range that is set in advance. The sheet S to be processed by the processing device 1 often has an image already formed thereon by a printer. Processing such as cutting, folding, and perforation performed on the sheet S by the processing device 1 is required to be performed according to the position where the image on the sheet S is to be formed.

[0120] However, if the image position formed on the sheet S is off by, for example, a few millimeters due to the performance of the printer, the transport of the sheet S is performed properly, so it is preferable to not remove the sheet S from the transport path 5, but to transport it to the processing section 19 and perform processing at the adjusted processing position according to the image formation position on the sheet S.

[0121] The predetermined range as a threshold for whether or not to remove the sheet S from the conveying path is included in advance in the processing information and stored in the memory unit 455, and can also be stored in the barcode M3. The user can freely change and reset this predetermined range. The size of the predetermined range is affected by the performance of the printer. Even if the sheet S is conveyed on the conveying path 5 in an appropriate position, if the printed image on the sheet S is formed at an angle relative to the front, rear, left and right edges E of the sheet S, the angle of the read mark M will deviate from the target angle.

[0122] For this reason, it is preferable that when an image is printed on sheet S, the user be able to freely change and set the value within the specified range depending on the magnitude of the inclination angle of the image formation position based on the performance of the printer.

[0123] The predetermined range is set to a size at which it should be determined that the processing angle of the processing performed on the sheet S by the processing unit 19 cannot be adjusted because the sheet S is being transported in an inappropriate posture or position on the transport path 5. A threshold value of an allowable angle deviation is input as the predetermined range.

[0124] Furthermore, when processing of a given sheet S is not to be performed, the control unit 45 can also perform control to perform at least one of removing the sheet S from the conveyance path 5, stopping the conveyance, or discharging the sheet S via the conveyance path to the discharge table 61. When the number of times processing of the sheet S has not been performed reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 45 can control the lifting unit to lift and lower the supply table 36 and make it wait at the stacking position for the sheet S.

[0125] 11 shows a state in which the sheet S1 is transported at an incline. In the figure, the left end of the horizontal mark Mw close to the side edge Es of the sheet S is transported shifted to the right by a length L1 from the reference line D. The linear portions H and I of the horizontal mark Mw and the skew mark M2 are transported at an inclination angle θ1 with respect to the reference line B extending in the width direction W perpendicular to the transport direction F. The linear portion G of the vertical mark Mf is transported at an inclination angle θ1, the same as the width direction W, with respect to the reference line D extending in the transport direction F.

[0126] The control unit 45 determines whether the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined range that is set in advance. When the inclination angle exceeds the predetermined range that is set in advance, the control unit 45 controls so as not to perform processing on the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is removed from the conveying path 5.

[0127] In this case, the control unit 45 rotates the rotating member 251 to reject the sheet S onto the reject tray 252. On the other hand, when the inclination angle is within a predetermined range that is set in advance, the control unit 45 conveys the sheet S to the processing unit 19 without removing it from the conveying path.

[0128] For example, when processing a sheet S that has been printed using a printer in which the printed image may be formed at an angle of approximately 0.10° to 0.25° from the target position, the user can set the threshold value to 0.15° or less, or 0.20° or less, etc.

[0129] If the inclination angle of the horizontal mark Mw and the skew mark M2 read by the camera 261 with respect to the reference line B exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that processing should not be performed. The sheet S is removed from the conveying path 5. If the inclination angle of the horizontal mark Mw and the skew mark M2 read by the camera 261 is smaller than the threshold value, it is determined that processing of the sheet S can be performed.

[0130] Next, based on the obtained result, the angle of the processing member 191 is adjusted. The inclination angle obtained as a result of calculation by the control unit 45 and a manual adjustment method by the adjustment unit 30 are displayed on the panel 46. When processing the sheet S shown in Fig. 6, the processing angle when cutting in the conveying direction F and the width direction W perpendicular to the conveying direction F by the slit unit 20 and the horizontal cutting unit 22 can be adjusted.

[0131] When the user manually adjusts the processing angle of slitter 201 in slit section 20, he or she operates switching section 206 to manually adjust the installation angle of slitter 201. Then, the user moves slitter 201 by a predetermined processing angle, centering around rotating shaft 203. It is preferable that the angle of slitter 201 after manual movement is displayed on panel 46. This allows the user to easily adjust the angle of slitter 201 while looking at the display on panel 46.

[0132] When automatically adjusting the installation angle of slitter 201, control unit 45 drives motor 209 in a rotation direction corresponding to the processing angle for a predetermined time. Pinion 208 rotates a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction, and rack 207 moves a predetermined amount in either the left or right direction approximately along width direction W perpendicular to conveyance direction F. As rack 207 moves, slitter 201 is rotated together with unit 237 about rotating shaft 203 as an axis, and is installed at a tilt of a predetermined processing angle from conveyance direction F.

[0133] When the user manually adjusts the processing angle of the cutting blade 225 of the horizontal cutting unit 22, the user operates the switching unit 226 to manually adjust the installation angle of the processing member 191. Then, the user moves the cutting blade 225 by a predetermined processing angle around the rotating shaft 232. It is preferable that the manual movement amount of the cutting blade 46 is displayed on the panel 46 one by one. This allows the user to easily adjust the angle of the processing member 191 while watching the display on the panel 46.

[0134] When automatically adjusting the processing angle of the cutting blade 225, the control unit 45 drives the motor 229 of the cutting blade adjustment unit 251 in a rotation direction corresponding to the processing angle for a predetermined time. The pinion 228 rotates a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction, and the rack 227 moves a predetermined amount toward either the upstream side or the downstream side substantially along the conveying direction. With the movement of the rack 227, the cutting blade 225 is rotated together with the unit 257 about the rotating shaft 223 as an axis, and is installed at a tilt of a predetermined processing angle from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

[0135] When adjusting the processing angle of the cutting blade 225 for the sheet S shown in Fig. 6, the cutting blade 225, which is installed along the width direction W perpendicular to the conveying direction F shown in Fig. 5, is moved so as to be inclined by an inclination angle θ1. Therefore, the control unit 45 rotates the motor 229 counterclockwise in the figure. The pinion 228 is rotated counterclockwise, and the rack 227 is moved a predetermined amount toward the downstream side in the conveying direction F. With the movement of the rack 227, the cutting blade 225 is rotated about the rotating shaft 223 as an axis center, and is installed so as to be inclined by the angle θ1 from the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

[0136] 9, and executes processing of the sheet S. The control unit 45 compares the image data of the mark M stored in the memory unit 454 with a predetermined reference line B also stored in the memory unit 454, and determines the position of the printing applied to the sheet S in the conveying path 5. Then, each slitter 201 of the slitting unit 20 is moved to a predetermined position in the width direction W that takes into account both the deviation L1 of the position mark M1 from the reference line B and the inclination angle θ1 at the predetermined slit position indicated by the barcode M3, and slitting is performed. The position of the slitter 201 in the width direction W is moved to an appropriate position in sequence in accordance with the conveying position of the sheet S.

[0137] When the sheet S reaches the horizontal cutting section 22, the upper blade 221 and the lower blade 222 perform cutting processing on the sheet S along the width direction W. At this time, the set value by the barcode M3 can be corrected according to the transport position of the horizontal mark Mw captured by the camera 261. Furthermore, if a transport error is detected for the sheet S after the image is captured by the camera 261, the position information of the sheet S after the correction can be further corrected to the position information of the sheet S obtained by the sheet detection sections 92 to 94. Then, the transport of the sheet S is stopped at a predetermined position corresponding to these correction amounts. The cutting processing is performed according to the image by the cutting blade 225 installed at an angle θ1 from the width direction W perpendicular to the transport direction F. The processed product Q obtained by the processing processing of the processing section 19 is discharged to the discharge table 61.

[0138] Here, in the supply section 3, if slippage occurs during sheet S transport or if there is a mistake in the supply of the sheet S from the supply table 36, continuing the process as is will result in a decrease in processing capacity. Even if the interval between the sheets S transported one after the other becomes large by the first-fourth transport motor 41-44, which is the driving source of the rollers 10-17 of the transport section 4, if the succeeding sheet S can be gradually made to catch up with the preceding sheet S while the preceding sheet S is stopped in the creasing process or cutting process, the decrease in processing capacity can be suppressed. In a location where one sheet is transported across multiple driving sources, it is necessary to synchronize the transport speeds of the rollers 10-17. Furthermore, when creasing or cutting is included, in principle, all transport states, such as transport stop, acceleration / deceleration, and constant speed transport, must be synchronized.

[0139] Therefore, at a location where the driving sources for transporting the sheet S cross, it is necessary to synchronize the transport speed of the sheet S before transferring the sheet S. In order to reduce the transport distance required until the speeds of the rollers 10-17 with different drive sources are synchronized, the transport speed of the sheet S by the front and rear rollers 10-17 is adjusted to the slower speed.

[0140] Therefore, when the upstream roller 10-16 is accelerating and the downstream roller 11-17 is moving at a constant speed, the downstream roller 11-17 is decelerated. Then, when the conveying speeds of the front and rear rollers 10-17 become the same, both rollers 10-17 are accelerated. Also, when the upstream roller 10-16 is moving at a constant speed and the downstream roller 11-17 is accelerating, the upstream roller 10-16 is decelerated, and when the conveying speeds of the front and rear rollers 10-17 become the same, both rollers 10-17 are accelerated. When the upstream roller 10-16 is moving at a constant speed and the downstream roller 11-17 is decelerating or stopped, the upstream roller 10-16 is decelerated or stopped.

[0141] While the sheet S is placed on the supply table 36, the succeeding sheet S is supplied to the conveying path 5 and processed successively by the same process. When the sheet S is no longer on the supply table 36, the operation is stopped.

[0142] As described above, according to the processing device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 45 acquires read information obtained by reading the read portion 263 in the reading unit 26, and the read information includes an individual processing code to be applied to each sheet S obtained from the read portion 263 printed on each individual sheet S, and compares the individual processing code included in the read information with the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and if the two are different, acquires processing information corresponding to the individual processing code, and controls the reading unit 26 to re-read the read portion 263 based on the acquired new processing information.Therefore, even if the individual processing code is different from the processing code in the setting unit 455, the control unit 45 can acquire processing information corresponding to the individual processing code, and read the read portion 263 again by the reading unit 26 based on the acquired new processing information.

[0143] In addition, the processing information includes accuracy information regarding the reading accuracy of the read portion 263 by the reading unit 26, and the control unit 45 compares the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information with the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and if the two are different, controls the reading unit 26 to read the read portion 263 again, so that even if the accuracy information of an individual sheet S is different from the setting in the setting unit 455, the reading unit 26 can read the read portion 263 again.

[0144] Then, the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode with higher reading accuracy than the standard mode, and when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is fine mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is standard mode, the control unit 45 controls the reading unit 26 to read the read portion 263 again, so that even when the reading accuracy is substantially changed from the standard mode to the fine mode because the accuracy information set in the setting unit 455 is standard mode but the accuracy information obtained by reading the read portion 263 of each individual sheet S is fine mode, the read portion 263 can be read again by the reading unit 26. This makes it possible to improve the reading accuracy and execute appropriate processing according to the individual processing information.

[0145] Furthermore, when the accuracy information of the newly acquired processing information is the standard mode and the accuracy information of the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26 is the fine mode, the control unit 45 controls so as not to read the read portion 263 again by the reading unit 26, so that when the setting of the setting unit 455 is the fine mode and the accuracy information obtained by reading the read portion 263 of an individual sheet S is the standard mode, and therefore the reading accuracy is effectively changed from the fine mode to the standard mode, it is possible to prevent the reading unit 26 from reading the read portion 263 again. This makes it possible to shorten the processing time.

[0146] In addition, the processing information includes necessity information regarding whether or not it is necessary to adjust the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio of the image of the sheet S, and when the necessity information of the acquired new processing information indicates that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is necessary, the control unit 45 controls the reading unit 26 to read the read portion 263 again, thereby making it possible to improve the reading accuracy of the read portion when adjusting the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio.

[0147] Furthermore, the read portion 263 is position information of the printed image of the sheet S and includes a mark having a predetermined pattern, and the control portion 45 compares the pattern of each mark M included in the read information with the pattern of the mark M set in the setting portion 455 at the time of reading by the reading portion 26, and performs control to analyze each individual mark M when the two are different, so that it is possible to analyze the mark M when the pattern of the read mark M differs from the setting of the setting portion 455. This makes it possible to obtain a more appropriate analysis result.

[0148] Furthermore, when mark M includes linear portions H, G of a predetermined width, the control unit 45 compares the width of the linear portions H, G of each mark M included in the read information with the width of the linear portions of mark M set in the setting unit 455 when reading by the reading unit 26, and if the two are different, controls to analyze each individual mark M. Therefore, when the width of the linear portions H, G of the read mark M is different from the setting in the setting unit 455, analysis of mark M can be performed to obtain more appropriate results.

[0149] Furthermore, the control unit 45 uses the individual position information obtained from the read information to control the adjustment of the processing based on at least one of the expansion / contraction ratio, the transport position, and the tilt angle of the image printed on the sheet S, so that the sheet S can be adjusted to be processed at an appropriate position using the individual position information.

[0150] (Second embodiment) Fig. 12 shows a flow of a reading process of a processing device according to a second embodiment. Steps 31 to 36 and steps 38 to 41 in Fig. 12 are the same as steps 11 to 16 and steps 18 to 21 in the first embodiment. In step 37 in Fig. 12, it is determined whether the processing information adjusts the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio of the image on the sheet S.

[0151] In step 37, if the adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction magnification is to be performed, proceed to step 38. In step 38, the read portion 263 is read again by the reading unit 26. In step 37, if the adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction magnification is not to be performed, proceed to step 39.

[0152] In this way, when the read information includes processing information regarding whether or not the processing position needs to be adjusted according to the expansion / contraction ratio of the sheet S, it is determined whether or not to re-read the read portion 263 based on the information. Therefore, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy when adjusting the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio.

[0153] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms. For example, the processing information includes accuracy information regarding the reading accuracy of the read portion 283 by the reading unit 26, but it may not include the accuracy information. Also, the control unit controls the reading unit 26 to read the read portion 263 again when the individual accuracy information and the accuracy information of the setting unit are different, but it is not necessary to perform re-reading even if the individual reading accuracy and the reading accuracy of the setting unit are different. Proceeding to step 14, the control unit 45 analyzes the image data obtained by imaging. In step 15, the control unit 45 compares the individual processing information included in the reading information with the processing information set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading by the reading unit 26, and determines whether the two are different. At this time, if a processing code is stored in the barcode M3, the control unit 45 may compare the processing code obtained from the barcode M3 with the processing code set in the setting unit 455 at the time of reading the barcode M3. If the processing code has not been changed in step 15, the process proceeds to step 21.

[0154] In addition, the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having a higher reading accuracy than the standard mode, but in addition to this, one or more other types of accuracy information such as an ultra-fine mode may be included, or only the standard mode may be included. Also, when the individual accuracy information included in the reading information is the fine mode and the accuracy information set in the setting section at the time of reading by the reading section is the standard mode, the control section controls the reading section to read the read section again, but it is not necessary to perform a re-read.

[0155] The read section 263 includes the mark M having a predetermined pattern, which is the position information of the printed image of the sheet S, but the position information may be acquired using other images such as letters, numbers, symbols, pictures, designs, patterns, etc., instead of the marks. The control section 45 compares the pattern of the individual mark M included in the read information with the pattern of the mark M set in the setting section 455 at the time of reading by the reading section 26, and performs control to analyze the individual mark M if the two are different. However, even if the read individual mark is different from the setting of the setting section, if there is no difference between the two, such as the result of reanalysis being the same as before the reanalysis, analysis may not be performed.

[0156] Also, although the mark includes a linear portion of a predetermined width, it may not include a linear portion, such as a circle, an arc, a sector, a diamond, a wave, etc. Also, the control unit 45 compares the width of the linear portions H, G of the individual mark M included in the read information with the width of the linear portions H, G of the mark M set in the setting unit 455 when the reading unit 26 reads, and if the two differ, performs control to analyze the individual mark, but such control is not necessary.

[0157] In addition, the control unit 45 uses individual position information obtained from the reading information to adjust the processing based on at least one of the expansion / contraction ratio, the transport position, and the tilt angle of the image printed on the sheet, but it may be possible to select not to perform such adjustments and to process the sheet according to the settings of the setting unit.

[0158] In addition, a detachable unit is used as the processing unit 19 that processes the sheet S, but the arrangement, number, and order of the processing units can be appropriately changed according to the desired processing content. In addition, the arrangement locations and number of the sheet detection units 91 to 95 can also be appropriately changed according to the processing unit used.

[0159] In addition, in the above embodiment, sheet detection units 91 to 95 are provided to detect vertical transport errors of sheets S, but it is also possible to configure the system without providing these sheet detection units 91 to 95 and to uniquely detect the sheet position of each sheet S being transported on the transport path 5 for sheets S based solely on the sheet position detected by sheet detection unit 91.

[0160] In the present invention, the slitter 201 of the slit section 20, which can move in the width direction W and be positioned in the width direction W, performs vertical cutting, but is not limited to this, and can be used to perform an appropriate process selected from vertical perforation, vertical crease processing, rounding of corners of the processed object, etc. These processing members move and position in the width direction W when there is no sheet in the unit, i.e., when the sheet is not caught in the processing member.

[0161] Also, the position mark M1 is provided at the front corner of the sheet S and formed in an L-shape, but it need only be printed on the sheet S and capable of indicating at least one of a predetermined position for processing or a reference for the predetermined position, and may be provided at the rear edge or side edge of the sheet, or may be a notch, mark, bump, etc., of the sheet provided corresponding to the processing position. Furthermore, the pattern of the position mark M1 may be a square, triangle, or polygon instead of an L-shape.

[0162] In addition, when multiple sheets S are fed or when no processing is performed on the sheets, the reject mechanism 25 rejects the sheets S from the conveying path 5. Alternatively, the conveying of the sheets may be stopped by stopping the rotation of the rollers and the running of the belt. In this case, the user can recover the sheets and place them again on the supply table by rotating the rollers in the opposite direction and running the belt in the opposite direction as necessary. The sheets may also be discharged to the discharge table via the conveying path without being processed. Removal of the sheets from the conveying path, stopping the conveying, and discharging to the discharge table via the conveying path may be performed in an appropriate combination.

[0163] In addition, although both manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms are provided, either one may be used. Also, although the manual adjustment method of the adjustment unit is displayed on the panel, it is not necessarily required to display it.

[0164] The control unit 45 adjusted the processing position of the sheet S in the processing unit 19 based on the detection result of the detection unit 28, but the adjustment of the processing position is not necessary. The detection unit 28 detected the position of the instruction portion U in at least one of the conveying direction F of the sheet S and the width direction W perpendicular to the conveying direction F, but may detect a direction inclined toward the conveying direction or detect some other instruction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] G, H, I linear portion, M mark, S sheet, 1 processing device, 4 conveying section, 19 processing section, 26 reading section, 263 read section, 455 setting section.

Claims

1. A conveying unit that conveys a sheet; a processing unit that performs processing on a predetermined position of the sheet transported by the transport unit; a setting unit that assigns and sets processing information, which is information about a processing process to be performed on the sheet by the processing unit, for each processing code; a reading unit that reads a portion to be read that is printed at a predetermined position on the sheet; A control unit that controls each unit to process the sheet, The control unit acquires read information obtained by reading the read portion in the reading unit, the read information includes an individual processing code to be applied to each sheet obtained from the read portion printed on each individual sheet, The individual processing code included in the read information is compared with the processing code set in the setting unit when the read information is read by the reading unit, and if the two are different, obtaining processing information corresponding to an individual processing code included in the read information; The processing device controls the reading unit to re-read the read portion based on the obtained new processing information.

2. the processing information includes accuracy information regarding the reading accuracy of the read portion by the reading unit, The processing device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit compares accuracy information of the acquired new processing information with accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit, and if the two are different, controls the reading unit to read the read portion again.

3. the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having a reading accuracy higher than that of the standard mode, The processing device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the reading unit to read the read portion again when the accuracy information of the acquired new processing information is the fine mode and the accuracy information of the processing information of the processing code set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit is the standard mode.

4. the accuracy information includes a standard mode and a fine mode having a reading accuracy higher than that of the standard mode, The processing device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the reading unit not to re-read the read portion when the accuracy information of the newly acquired processing information is the standard mode and the accuracy information of the processing information set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit is the fine mode.

5. The read portion is a mark having a predetermined pattern, which is position information of a printed image on the sheet. Including the work, 5. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares the pattern of the individual mark included in the reading information with the pattern of the mark set in the setting unit when the reading unit reads, and if the two are different, controls the processing device to analyze the individual mark again.

6. the mark includes a linear portion having a predetermined width, The processing device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit compares the width of the linear portion of the individual mark included in the read information with the width of the linear portion of the mark set in the setting unit when the reading unit reads, and if the two are different, controls the processing device to analyze the individual mark again.

7. The processing device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the control unit uses the results obtained by analyzing the mark to calculate at least one of the expansion / contraction ratio of the image printed on the sheet, the transport position in the transport path, and the inclination angle, and controls the processing device to adjust the processing position.

8. The processing information includes information on whether or not adjustment of a processing position is required in accordance with an expansion / contraction ratio of an image on the sheet, When the necessity information of the new processing information acquired indicates that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is required, and the necessity information of the processing information set in the setting unit at the time of reading by the reading unit does not indicate that adjustment of the processing position according to the expansion / contraction ratio is required, The processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit configured to control the reading unit to read the portion to be read again.

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