Interface device for a collating machine, collating machine equipped therewith, and control program for a collating machine

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A collating machine is a device that stacks multiple types of different papers to form a paper bundle. Such a collating machine is used, for example, for collating folded leaflets inserted between newspapers. The collating machine includes, for example, a plurality of paper feed shelves arranged vertically. Folded leaflets are placed on each paper feed shelf. The collating machine is configured to stack the folded leaflets fed from each paper feed shelf one by one to generate a bundle of folded leaflets, and convey the generated bundle to a predetermined location. The conveyed bundle of folded leaflets is wrapped with a cover paper called origami if necessary, and then sandwiched between newspaper papers.

[0003] Regarding such a collating machine, the collating machine proposed in Patent Document 1 and the like includes a monitor with a touch panel. The user of the collating machine can monitor the working status and abnormal status of the collating machine and set various functions of the collating machine using the monitor with a touch panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional collating machines with monitors have dedicated setting screens for each function, and the settings for the corresponding function are configured within each setting screen. For example, a collating machine has a function to associate each paper feed tray with the folded flyers placed on it. In the past, when setting up folded flyers in this way, the user would first display the folded flyer setting screen, select a paper feed tray on the setting screen, and then associate the folded flyers with the selected paper feed tray. Collating machines also have a function called area setting. Folded flyers may be delivered to various regions, but the required flyers may differ from region to region. Area setting is a function that sets which flyers to collate and which not to collate for each region to which the folded flyers will be delivered. In the past, when setting up area settings in this way, the user would first display the area setting screen, select a region on the setting screen, and then set the folded flyers to collate for the selected region.

[0006] When a dedicated settings screen is provided for each function, setting multiple functions for a single paper tray requires the user to navigate between multiple settings screens. Consequently, the operation tends to become cumbersome. This cumbersome operation is even more pronounced in collating machines, where there are many settings related to the paper trays.

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

[0008] To achieve the above objective, an interface device for a collating machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is an interface device for a collating machine that collates folded leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed racks to produce a collated bundle, In response to a user's screen selection operation, the display element displays at least one of a plurality of screens, which include a zone setting screen including a first button for setting the area that is the delivery range in which the collated bundles can be delivered, and a stage adjustment screen including a second button for setting each of the plurality of paper feed shelves, and in the stage adjustment screen Upon receiving the user's operation to select one of the multiple paper feed trays, the selected paper feed tray Set up the shelves To display the adjustment editing screen for each stage on the display element. Furthermore, in each stage adjustment editing screen, at least one third button identical to the first button is provided, and the area associated with the selected paper tray is set according to the selection of the third button. It comprises a control circuit configured to perform the following actions.

[0009] To achieve the above objective, a collating machine according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises an interface device for the collating machine described in the first aspect, and a collating mechanism for collating folded leaflets fed from a plurality of paper feed racks according to settings made in the interface device.

[0010] To achieve the above objective, a control program for a collating machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is a control program for a collating machine that collates folded leaflets fed from each of a plurality of paper feed racks to produce a collated bundle, In response to a user's screen selection operation, the display element displays at least one of a plurality of screens, which include a zone setting screen including a first button for setting the area that is the delivery range in which the collated bundles can be delivered, and a stage adjustment screen including a second button for setting each of the plurality of paper feed shelves, and in the stage adjustment screen In response to the user's operation to select one of the multiple paper feed trays, the system displays the adjustment editing screen for each tray to configure the selected paper feed tray on the display element. In each of the aforementioned stage adjustment editing screens, at least one third button identical to the first button is provided, and the area associated with the selected paper tray is set according to the selection of the third button. The computer executes the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an interface device for a collating machine that allows multiple settings related to the paper feed tray to be made with simple operations, a collating machine equipped therewith, and a control program for the collating machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

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

[0015] The collating mechanism 10 has multiple paper feed trays. The collating mechanism 10 is a mechanism that stacks and discharges folded flyers fed from the paper feed trays according to input / stop settings, etc. The collating mechanism 10 will be described further below. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the collating mechanism 10.

[0016] The collating mechanism 10 has a roughly rectangular prism-shaped housing 1 that is long in the Z direction. Multiple paper feed shelves 2 are provided on the front side (left side in the figure) and rear side (right side in the figure) of the housing 1, which are aligned in the Y direction, and are arranged in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the paper feed shelves 2 on the front side will be referred to as the front paper feed shelves 2, and the paper feed shelves 2 on the rear side will be referred to as the rear paper feed shelves 2. Each paper feed shelf 2 is installed so as to be inclined downwards and inwards from the housing 1. Multiple folded flyers are inserted into each paper feed shelf 2 in stacks. Different types of folded flyers may be inserted into all the paper feed shelves, or the same type of folded flyer may be inserted into multiple paper feed shelves. However, in this embodiment, the paper feed shelf 2a at the bottom of the front side of the housing 1 is designated as the folding shelf, which is a paper feed shelf for inserting origami. Here, the paper feed shelves on which folded flyers are placed are numbered. The number of this paper feed shelf and the type of folded flyer to be inserted are associated in the flyer setting screen, which will be explained later.

[0017] Inside the enclosure 1, there is a transport path 3 that extends in the Z direction through the center of the enclosure 1. The transport path 3 is provided along the XZ plane between the front paper feed tray 2 and the rear paper feed tray 2. In other words, the folded flyers taken out from each paper feed tray 2 at predetermined timings are fed into the transport path 3 and stacked on top of each other. The stacked folded flyers are then transported downwards via the transport path 3. The transport path 3 is provided with multiple pairs of transport rollers 4. The pairs of transport rollers 4 grip and transport the stacked folded flyers.

[0018] A first paper feed roller 5 and a second paper feed roller 6 are provided at the lower end of each paper feed tray 2 in the direction of inclination, that is, at the end closer to the center and the transport path 3. The first paper feed roller 5 is positioned to contact the uppermost folded flyer among the multiple folded flyers transported from the paper feed tray 2. The second paper feed roller 6 is located downstream of the first paper feed roller 5 in the direction of feeding the folded flyers. Furthermore, a pair of feed rollers 8 is provided downstream of the second paper feed roller 6 in the direction of removing the folded flyers.

[0019] The first paper feed roller 5 rotates upon contact with the topmost folded flyer among the multiple folded flyers inserted into the paper feed tray 2, feeding the topmost folded flyer to the feed roller pair 8. The second paper feed roller 6 prevents the second and subsequent folded flyers from being fed to the feed roller pair by pressing their leading edges against the separation plate 7. In other words, the folded flyers fed from the paper feed tray 2 are fed to the feed roller pair 8 one by one. The feed roller pair 8 then feeds the folded flyers to the transport path 3.

[0020] A pair of folding rollers 9 is positioned at the lower end of the transport path 3. The folding rollers 9 are positioned such that their nip lies on the extension of the transport path 3. With this configuration, multiple folded flyers transported downwards via the transport path 3 are fed into the nip of the folding rollers 9.

[0021] A pair of feed rollers 8a is provided on the downstream side (right side in the diagram) of the paper feed tray 2a for feeding origami paper. The pair of feed rollers 8a feeds the origami paper inserted from the paper feed tray 2a upwards to the pair of folding rollers 9. A locking part 11 is also provided at the leading edge of the paper feed tray 2a in the paper feed direction. The locking part 11 stops the origami paper when its center in the paper feed direction is facing the nip of the pair of folding rollers 9. A folding knife 12 is positioned diagonally above the pair of folding rollers 9. The folding knife 12 pushes the center of the origami paper toward the nip of the pair of folding rollers 9.

[0022] With this configuration, the folded flyers fed from each paper tray 2 are stacked on the transport path 3 and fed to the nip of the folding roller pair 9. At this point, the center of the pre-fed origami paper is folded by the folding knife 12. The multiple folded flyers, transported in a stacked state via the transport path 3, are pushed into the center of the origami paper and sandwiched between the origami paper by the rotation of the folding roller pair 9. The bundle of folded flyers that has passed through the folding roller pair 9 and been folded in half, that is, the collated bundle consisting of multiple folded flyers sandwiched between origami paper, is passed to the transport belt 13 and discharged via the discharge roller pair 14 from the discharge port 15 located on the front side of the housing 1. In this way, a collated bundle is produced.

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

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

[0025] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the collating machine 100. In Figure 4, components that overlap with those in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 1. The explanation of components that have the same reference numerals as in Figure 1 is omitted or simplified.

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

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

[0028] Memory 30 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Memory 30 stores a program for executing a control application necessary for controlling the operation of the collating machine 100. Memory 30 also stores various parameters corresponding to the settings of the collating machine 100. Furthermore, memory 30 stores data for various screens to be displayed on the display element of the operation panel 1a. Memory 30 may be composed of multiple volatile and non-volatile memories.

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

[0030] The operation panel 1a includes a display element 1b and a touch panel 1c. The display element 1b is a display element such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Various screens are displayed on the display element 1b, such as a collating operation system screen that shows the status related to the collating operation of the collating machine 100, and a setting system screen related to the settings of the collating machine 100. The touch panel 1c is positioned so as to overlap the display element 1b. The touch panel 1c detects contact by the user's finger and transmits a signal indicating the contact position to the control circuit 20. Various types of touch panels can be used as the touch panel 1c, such as a resistive touch panel or a capacitive touch panel. Various pointing devices such as a mouse and a trackball may be used instead of the touch panel 1c.

[0031] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the screen transitions that can be displayed on the display element in this embodiment. Immediately after the power of the collating machine 100 is turned on, the startup screen D1 is displayed. Various startup processes necessary for startup are performed while the startup screen D1 is displayed.

[0032] After the startup process is complete, the screen transitions from the startup screen D1 to the collating operation system screen D2. The collating operation system screen D2 includes the counter screen D21.

[0033] On counter screen D21, the user can start the collating operation of the collating machine 100 and check various statuses related to the collating operation. Various notifications are displayed in dialog boxes while counter screen D21 is displayed. These notifications include, for example, notifications of completion of the collating operation of the collating machine 100 or error notifications. Since notifications are displayed in dialog boxes, a separate screen for notifications is not required.

[0034] From the counter screen D21, the screen can transition to the area setting screen D31, the flyer setting screen D32, and the individual stage adjustment screen D33, all of which are setting screens D3.

[0035] On the area setting screen D31, the user can set an area. An area is the delivery range where the collated bundles can be delivered. When an area is set, the collation machine 100 collates the folded flyers according to the area setting. From the area setting screen D31, the screen can transition to the flyer setting screen D32 and the individual row adjustment screen D33.

[0036] On the flyer settings screen D32, the user can configure the settings for the inserted flyers. These settings can be configured for each paper tray. These settings include the flyer name and other details. From the flyer settings screen D32, the user can transition to the flyer settings editing screen D321. On the flyer settings editing screen D321, the user can configure detailed settings for the inserted flyers.

[0037] On the individual tray adjustment screen D33, the user can check various information for each paper feed tray and make various settings for each paper feed tray. From the individual tray adjustment screen D33, the screen can transition to the individual tray adjustment editing screen D331. On the individual tray adjustment editing screen D331, the user can make settings similar to those for flyer settings as described above, in addition to the dedicated settings for each paper feed tray. In other words, in this embodiment, the user can select the function they want to set on the collating machine 100 and then select the paper feed tray to which they want to set the selected function, or they can select the paper feed tray to which they want to set the function and then set the function for the selected paper feed tray.

[0038] From the collating operation screen D2 or the setting screen D3, the screen may also transition to the toggle switch screen D4. The toggle switch screen D4 is the screen that is accessed when a specific toggle switch of the operation switch is operated.

[0039] The operation of the collating machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described below. The following description will focus on the control performed in conjunction with the operation of the control panel 1a. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the main operation of the collating machine 100. The operation shown in Figure 6 is controlled by the control circuit 20.

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

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

[0042] In step S3, the control circuit 20 performs collating operation system processing. After the collating operation system processing, the process moves to step S4. During the collating operation system processing, the user can check the status of the collating machine 100 on the counter screen D21, or set the folded flyers on the collating machine 100 to start the actual collating.

[0043] Figure 7 shows that the counter screen D21 is equipped with a paper feed tray information display unit 301 that displays information for each paper feed tray. For paper feed trays where the folded flyer setting described later is configured, the paper feed tray information display unit 301 displays the name of the corresponding folded flyer.

[0044] Furthermore, the counter screen D21 is equipped with a total display unit 302 for displaying the status related to the collation operation, such as the total number, the total number scheduled to stop, the number executed, the set number, and the remaining number. The total number is the total number of folded flyers that have been collated so far. The scheduled total number is the total number of folded flyers that will stop the collation operation. The executed number is the number of folded flyers that have been collated for each paper tray. The set number is the number of folded flyers that will stop the collation operation for each paper tray. The remaining number is the difference between the set number and the executed number.

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

[0046] Furthermore, the counter screen D21 is equipped with a flyer setting button 304 and individual level adjustment buttons 305. When these buttons are touched, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen corresponding to the touched button.

[0047] Furthermore, the counter screen D21 is provided with a collating start button 306. The collating start button 306 is a button used by the user to instruct the start of the collating operation. When the collating start button 306 is touched, the control circuit 50 starts the collating operation according to the current operation settings.

[0048] Furthermore, the counter screen D21 is provided with an exit button 307. The exit button 307 is a button used by the user to signal the termination of the control application. When the exit button 307 is touched, the control circuit 50 terminates the control application. The power to the collating machine 100 may also be turned off when the control application is terminated.

[0049] In step S4, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to make a setting. If any setting operation is performed during the collating operation process, it is determined that a setting should be made. If it is determined in step S4 that a setting should be made, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined in step S4 that no setting should be made, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0050] In step S5, the control circuit 20 performs configuration processing. After the configuration processing, the process proceeds to step S6. The configuration processing is performed while the configuration screen D3 is displayed. Details of the configuration processing will be explained later.

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

[0052] In step S7, the control circuit 20 performs toggle switch processing. After the toggle switch processing, the process moves to step S8. In the toggle switch processing, processing is performed according to the switch that the user has turned on.

[0053] In step S8, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to terminate the operation of the collating machine 100. For example, if the power switch is turned off, it is determined that the operation of the collating machine 100 will terminate. If it is determined in step S8 that the operation of the collating machine 100 will not terminate, the process returns to step S3. If it is determined in step S8 that the operation of the collating machine 100 will terminate, the control circuit 20 performs the power-off process for the collating machine 100. After that, the process in Figure 6 is completed.

[0054] Next, the setting process will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of the setting process. In step S101, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to perform area setting. For example, when the area display unit 303 is touched on the counter screen D21, it is determined that area setting should be performed. If it is determined in step S101 that area setting should be performed, the process moves to step S102. If it is determined in step S101 that area setting should not be performed, the process moves to step S103.

[0055] In step S102, the control circuit 20 displays the area setting screen D31 on the display element 1b. The process then proceeds to step S106. As mentioned above, on the area setting screen D31, the user can set information about the areas to which the collated bundles can be delivered. The information set on the area setting screen D31 is saved, for example, in the memory 30. The control circuit 20 reads the area settings from the memory 30 at the necessary timing.

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

[0057] Furthermore, the area setting screen D31 is provided with an area information display unit 402 for displaying area information. Area information is information that shows the settings of the area belonging to the currently selected region. The area information display unit 402 displays the name of the area belonging to the current region and various area settings for each area. The name of the area and area settings can be changed by user operation. Also, Figure 9 is an example in which two types of area settings are displayed, but the number of area settings displayed is not limited to two types.

[0058] Furthermore, the area setting screen D31 is equipped with a cancel button 403, a region selection button 404, a flyer setting button 405, a row adjustment button 406, and a complete button 407. The cancel button 403 is used to interrupt the area setting process. When the cancel button 403 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the area setting process. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the area setting screen D31. The region selection button 404 is used to change the currently selected region. When the region selection button 404 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the currently selected region according to the user's operation. The control circuit 20 updates the display of the area setting screen D31 in accordance with the change in region. The flyer setting button 405 and the row adjustment button 406 are the same as the flyer setting button 304 and the row adjustment button 305 on the counter screen D21. When the flyer setting button 405 or the individual adjustment buttons 406 are touched, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen corresponding to the touched button. The complete button 407 is used to complete the area setting. When the complete button 407 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the current area setting to the memory 30. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the area setting screen D31.

[0059] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 8. In step S103, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to perform flyer settings. For example, it is determined that flyer settings should be performed when the flyer setting button 304 is touched on the counter screen D21. If it is determined in step S103 that flyer settings should be performed, the process moves to step S104. If it is determined in step S103 that flyer settings should not be performed, the process moves to step S105.

[0060] In step S104, the control circuit 20 displays the flyer setting screen D32 on the display element 1b. The process then proceeds to step S106. As mentioned above, the user can set various information regarding the flyer on the flyer setting screen D32. The information set on the flyer setting screen D32 is saved, for example, in the memory 30. The control circuit 20 reads the flyer settings from the memory 30 at the necessary timing.

[0061] Figure 10 shows an example of the flyer settings screen. The flyer settings screen D32 is provided with a flyer information display unit 501 for displaying flyer information. The flyer information is information indicating the settings for the inserted flyers stored in memory 30. The flyer information display unit 501 displays the name of each inserted flyer and various flyer settings for each inserted flyer. Although Figure 10 is an example where three types of flyer settings are displayed, the number of flyer settings displayed is not limited to three.

[0062] The flyer settings screen D32 also includes a cancel button 502, a flyer selection button 503, a flyer editing button 504, individual adjustment buttons 505, and a complete button 506. The cancel button 502 is used to interrupt the flyer settings. When the cancel button 502 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the flyer settings. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the flyer settings screen D32. The flyer selection button 503 is used to change the selected flyer. When the flyer selection button 503 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the selected flyer according to the user's operation. The flyer editing button 504 is used to edit the detailed settings of the selected flyer. When the flyer editing button 504 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays the flyer settings editing screen D321 corresponding to the selected flyer. The individual adjustment buttons 505 are the same as the individual adjustment buttons 305 on the counter screen D21 and the individual adjustment buttons 406 on the area setting screen D31. When the individual adjustment buttons 505 are touched, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the individual adjustment screen D33. The complete button 506 is a button for completing the flyer settings. When the complete button 506 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the current flyer settings to the memory 30. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the flyer setting screen D32.

[0063] Figure 11 shows an example of a flyer settings editing screen. The flyer settings editing screen D321 is provided with a flyer name display section 601. The flyer name display section 601 is the part that displays the flyer name set for the currently selected insert flyer. The flyer name displayed on the flyer settings editing screen D321 can be changed according to user operations.

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

[0065] The flyer settings editing screen D321 also has a stop button 605, a clear settings button 606, and a complete button 607. The stop button 605 is for interrupting flyer settings editing. When the stop button 605 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts flyer settings editing. In this case, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the flyer settings screen D32 without saving the settings made on the flyer settings editing screen D321 to the memory 30. The clear settings button 606 is for clearing the settings on the flyer settings editing screen D321. When the clear settings button 606 is touched, the control circuit 20 clears all parameters made on the flyer settings editing screen D321 to their initial values. The complete button 607 is for completing flyer settings editing. When the complete button 607 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the settings made on the flyer settings editing screen D321 to the memory 30. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the flyer settings screen D32.

[0066] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 8. In step S105, the control circuit 20 displays the stage adjustment screen D33 on the display element 1b. After that, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0067] Figure 12 shows an example of each shelf adjustment screen. Each shelf adjustment screen D33 is provided with a paper feed tray information display unit 701 for displaying paper feed tray information. The paper feed tray information display unit 701 displays the number of trays for each paper feed tray and the various tray settings for each tray. Although Figure 12 shows an example where three types of tray settings are displayed, the number of tray settings displayed is not limited to three. When any part of the paper feed tray information display unit 701 is touched, the control circuit 20 displays the shelf adjustment editing screen D331. The shelf adjustment editing screen D331 will be explained later.

[0068] Furthermore, each adjustment screen D33 is provided with a stop button 702 and a complete button 703. The stop button 702 is used to interrupt the adjustment of each stage. When the stop button 702 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the adjustment of each stage. In this case, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the adjustment screen D33. The complete button 703 is used to complete the adjustment of each stage. When the complete button 703 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the settings made on the current adjustment screen D33 to the memory 30. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before the adjustment screen D33.

[0069] Figure 13 shows an example of the individual tray adjustment editing screen. The individual tray adjustment editing screen D331 allows for individual settings for each paper tray, as well as settings equivalent to those that could be made on the flyer setting screen D32 and flyer setting editing screen D321 mentioned above. As shown in Figure 13, the individual tray adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with a tray number display section 801 and a flyer name display section 802. The tray number display section 801 displays the tray number of the currently selected paper tray. The flyer name display section 802 displays the flyer name set for the folded flyer associated with the currently selected paper tray.

[0070] Furthermore, each section adjustment editing screen D331 is provided with flyer setting buttons 803, 804, and 805. These flyer setting buttons 803, 804, and 805 are equivalent to the flyer setting buttons 602, 603, and 604 on the flyer setting editing screen D321. In other words, when any of the flyer setting buttons 803, 804, or 805 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the parameters related to the flyer settings associated with the touched button and the paper feed tray of the selected section. This parameter change may also be performed by displaying a dialog box for settings. Note that even if the flyer settings associated with the selected paper feed tray are changed on the section adjustment editing screen D331, the parameters related to the flyer settings of folded flyers associated with other paper feed trays do not necessarily need to be changed.

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

[0072] Furthermore, the individual section adjustment editing screen D331 is equipped with a stop button 808, a flyer selection button 809, a settings clear button 810, and a complete button 811. The stop button 808 is a button for interrupting the individual section adjustment editing. When the stop button 808 is touched, the control circuit 20 interrupts the individual section adjustment editing. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the individual section adjustment screen D33. The flyer selection button 809 is a button for changing the folded flyer associated with the paper feed tray of the selected section. When the flyer selection button 809 is touched, the control circuit 20 changes the folded flyer associated with the paper feed tray according to the user's operation. After this, the control circuit 20 reads the flyer information corresponding to the changed folded flyer from the memory 30 and updates the display content of the individual section adjustment editing screen D331. The settings clear button 810 is a button for clearing the settings on the individual section adjustment editing screen D331. When the Clear Settings button 810 is touched, the control circuit 20 clears all settings made on the individual stage adjustment editing screen D331 to their initial values. The Complete button 811 is used to complete the individual stage adjustment editing. When the Complete button 811 is touched, the control circuit 20 saves the settings made on the individual stage adjustment editing screen D331 to the memory 30. After that, the control circuit 20 transitions the screen to the individual stage adjustment screen D33.

[0073] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 8. In step S106, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not buttons, etc., on the area setting screen D31, the flyer setting screen D32, and the individual level adjustment screen D33 have been touched. If it is determined in step S106 that the touch points for buttons, etc., have not been touched, the process in Figure 8 ends. If it is determined in step S106 that the touch points for buttons, etc., have been touched, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0074] In step S107, the control circuit 20 determines whether or not to transition screens based on the touch result. If it is determined in step S107 that the screens should transition, the process shown in Figure 8 ends. If it is determined in step S107 that the screens should not transition, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0075] In step S108, the control circuit 20 performs processing corresponding to the buttons, etc., touched by the user on the settings screen D3. After processing, the process shown in Figure 8 is completed.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, the individual adjustment editing screen for detailed adjustment of each shelf of the paper feed tray is provided with a display section and buttons equivalent to those on the setting screens for individually configuring various settings such as the flyer setting screen and the flyer setting editing screen. As a result, the user does not need to switch between multiple screens when setting the functions of each shelf. Therefore, setting the functions of each shelf becomes easier.

[0077] Furthermore, settings can be configured using dialog boxes within each settings screen. Using dialog boxes reduces the number of dedicated screens required for configuration.

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

[0079] Furthermore, the display content of each screen described above is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, some displays may be omitted from each screen, or additional displays may be added to each screen. For instance, each stage adjustment editing screen D331 may be provided with a display section and buttons equivalent to those on the area setting screen.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the screen transitions to the individual adjustment editing screen D331 by touching the paper feed tray information display unit 701 on the individual adjustment screen D33, but this is not the only way. For example, the screen may transition to the individual adjustment editing screen D331 without going through the individual adjustment screen D33 by touching the paper feed tray information display unit 301 on the counter screen D21.

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

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these constituent elements deleted can be extracted as an invention. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] An interface device for a collating machine that collates folded flyers fed from each of several paper feed trays to produce a collated bundle, An interface device for a collating machine comprising a control circuit configured to, upon receiving an operation by a user to select one of the multiple paper feed trays, display on a display element a set of adjustment editing screens for each tray for setting multiple functions related to the selected paper feed tray, each of which can be set in its own individual setting screen, and for setting the paper feed tray, and to set the multiple functions in accordance with the user's operation on each of the adjustment editing screens. [2] The control circuit is provided with a display unit for displaying the same information as the individual setting screens and buttons for making the same settings in each stage adjustment editing screen, as described in [1]. [3] The interface device for a collating machine as described in [2], wherein the control circuit is further provided with a display unit for displaying a different information from the individual setting screens and buttons for making different settings on each stage adjustment editing screen. [4] The control circuit is an interface device for a collating machine according to any one of [1]-[3], which displays a dialog for setting in response to the user's operation on the adjustment editing screen for each stage, and sets the function in response to the user's operation on the dialog. [5] An interface device for a collating machine according to any one of [1]-[4], wherein the user operation is performed by a touch panel. [6] An interface device for a collating machine as described in any one of [1]-[5], A collation mechanism that collates folded flyers fed from multiple paper trays according to the settings made in the interface device, A collating machine equipped with the following. [7] A control program for a collating machine that collates folded flyers fed from each of several paper trays to produce a collated bundle, In response to a user selecting one of the multiple paper feed trays, the system displays on a display element each adjustment editing screen for setting multiple functions related to the selected paper feed tray, each of which can be set in its own individual setting screen, and for setting the paper feed tray. In accordance with the user's operations on each of the aforementioned stage adjustment editing screens, multiple of the aforementioned functions are configured. A control program for a collating machine to be executed by a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 Collating machine, 1a Operation panel, 10 Collating mechanism, 20 Control circuit, 30 Memory, 40 Operation switches.

Claims

1. An interface device for a collating machine that collates folded flyers fed from each of several paper feed trays to produce a collated bundle, In response to a user's screen selection operation, the display element displays at least one of a plurality of screens, including a zone setting screen with a first button for setting the delivery area in which the collated bundles can be delivered, and a stage adjustment screen with a second button for setting each of the plurality of paper feed shelves. In response to the user's operation to select one of the multiple paper feed trays in each of the aforementioned tray adjustment screens, the tray adjustment editing screen for setting the selected paper feed tray is displayed on the display element. Each of the aforementioned stage adjustment editing screens shall be provided with at least one third button identical to the first button, In accordance with the selection of the third button, the settings of the area associated with the selected paper tray are configured, An interface device for a collating machine, comprising a control circuit configured to perform the following.

2. The interface device for a collating machine according to Claim 1, wherein the control circuit further provides a fourth button, different from the third button, for setting the selected paper feed tray on the adjustment editing screen for each stage.

3. The interface device for a collating machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit displays a dialog for setting in response to the user's operation on the adjustment editing screen for each stage, and sets the area in response to the user's operation on the dialog.

4. The interface device for a collating machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user operation is performed by a touch panel.

5. An interface device for a collating machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A collation mechanism that collates folded flyers fed from multiple paper trays according to the settings made in the interface device, A collating machine equipped with the following.

6. A control program for a collating machine that collates folded flyers fed from each of a plurality of paper feed racks to produce a collated bundle, In response to a user's screen selection operation, the display element displays at least one of a plurality of screens, including a zone setting screen with a first button for setting the delivery area in which the collated bundles can be delivered, and a stage adjustment screen with a second button for setting each of the plurality of paper feed shelves. In response to the user's operation to select one of the multiple paper feed trays in each of the aforementioned tray adjustment screens, the tray adjustment editing screen for setting the selected paper feed tray is displayed on the display element. Each of the aforementioned stage adjustment editing screens shall be provided with at least one third button identical to the first button, In accordance with the selection of the third button, the settings of the area associated with the selected paper tray are configured, A control program for a collating machine to be executed by a computer.

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