Processing job generation device, sheet processing system, and processing job generation program

Abstract

To provide a processing job generation device and a processing job program which improve sheet processing efficiency, and a sheet processing system having the processing job generation device.SOLUTION: A processing job generation device generates a processing job for retrieving a candidate of at least one first cut position, on the basis of layout information that is information on a position of a product arranged on a sheet, and performing processing at a first cut position where the first processing device and a second processing device can perform processing and a candidate with the small number of first cut positions is selected, among candidates of the first cut position, on the basis of a maximum size of a first margin region between a contour line of the sheet in a first direction and a contour line of a product so that the first processing device can discharge the sheet, and a maximum size and a minimum size of an intermediate sheet in the first direction so that the second processing device can convey the sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing job generation device, a sheet processing system, and a processing job generation program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a sheet processing system that cuts and removes a product printed on a sheet, such as a ticket, from the sheet is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a large-sized sheet on which a product (single ticket) is printed is cut by a first processing device (first sheet cutting device), and the processed sheet with a reduced size is cut into individual products by a second processing device (second sheet cutting device).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The first processing device and the second processing device process a sheet according to a set processing job. By improving the processing efficiency of the sheet, it is desired to complete the sheet processing in a shorter time.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a processing job generation device, a processing job program, and a sheet processing system including the processing job generation device that improve the processing efficiency of a sheet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to a sheet processing system comprising: a first processing device that transports a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed in a first direction which is the transport direction of the machine, and while the sheet is stopped, cuts it at at least one first cutting position according to a processing job and discharges an intermediate sheet; and a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to a processing job and discharges a deliverable, and generates a processing job that instructs the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively. The processing job generating device searches for at least one candidate first cutting position based on layout information which is information about the position of deliverables placed on the sheet, and generates a processing job that performs processing at a first cutting position selected from among the candidate first cutting positions which is processable by both the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the deliverable in the first direction that can be discharged by the first processing device, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet in the first direction that can be transported by the second processing device.

[0007] The sheet processing system of the present invention comprises: a first processing device that processes a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed, according to a processing job while the sheet is stopped, and discharges an intermediate sheet; a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to a processing job and discharges a deliverable; and a processing job generation device that generates processing jobs that instruct the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively. The first processing device comprises: a first conveying unit that conveys the sheet in a first direction; and a first cutting unit that cuts the sheet conveyed in the first direction in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at at least one first cutting position set as a processing job, thereby dividing it into a plurality of intermediate sheets, or into a blank portion that does not contain a deliverable and an intermediate sheet that contains a deliverable. The second processing device comprises: a second conveying unit that conveys the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device in a second direction; and a second processing unit that processes the intermediate sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit and discharges a deliverable. The processing job generation device searches for at least one candidate first cutting position based on layout information, which is information about the position of the deliverables placed on the sheet. From among the candidate first cutting positions, it selects a candidate first cutting position that can be processed by both the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the deliverable that can be discharged by the first processing device in a first direction, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing device in a first direction, and generates a processing job that performs processing at the selected first cutting position.

[0008] The present invention relates to a sheet processing system comprising: a first processing device that transports a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed in a first direction which is the transport direction of the machine, and cuts the sheet at at least one first cutting position according to a processing job while the sheet is stopped, and discharges an intermediate sheet; and a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to a processing job and discharges a deliverable, wherein the processing job generation program generates processing jobs that instruct the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively, using an integrated circuit, and the integrated circuit processes the sheet The system obtains layout information, which is information regarding the position of the placed deliverables, searches for at least one candidate first cutting position based on the layout information, selects a candidate from among the candidate first cutting positions that can be processed by both the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the deliverable in the first direction that can be discharged by the first processing device, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet in the first direction that can be transported by the second processing device, and generates a processing job that performs processing at the selected first cutting position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a processing job generation device, a processing job program, and a sheet processing system equipped with this processing job generation device that improve the processing efficiency of sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Plan view showing the overall configuration of the sheet processing system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the configuration of the processing job generation device. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the first layout information. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of second layout information. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the search for candidate cutting locations. [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing for explaining search for cutting position candidates [Figure 7] Explanatory drawing for explaining search for cutting position candidates [Figure 8] Explanatory drawing for explaining search for cutting position candidates [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing for explaining an example of facing [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the flow of generating a machining job [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the flow of generating a machining job [Figure 12] Explanatory drawing for explaining search for cutting position candidates [Figure 13] Explanatory drawing for explaining search for cutting position candidates [Figure 14] Explanatory drawing showing an example of newly created third layout information [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing showing an example of first layout information [Figure 16A] Explanatory drawing showing an example of newly created fifth layout information [Figure 16B] Explanatory drawing showing an example of newly created sixth layout information [Figure 17] Explanatory drawing for explaining search for cutting position candidates [Figure 18] Explanatory drawing for explaining adjustment of the position of cutting position candidates

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a processing job generation device conveys a sheet on which at least one product is arranged in a first direction which is the conveyance direction of the device itself, stops the sheet, and cuts it at at least one first cutting position according to a processing job to discharge an intermediate sheet, and a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to a processing job and discharges a product. In a sheet processing system including the first processing device and the second processing device, it is a processing job generation device that generates a processing job for instructing the processing contents to be respectively performed by the first processing device and the second processing device. The processing job generation device searches for candidates for at least one first cutting position based on layout information which is information on the positions of the products arranged on the sheet, and from among the candidates for the first cutting position, the maximum size of the first margin area between the outer contour line of the sheet in the first direction and the outer contour line of the product that the first processing device can discharge, and the maximum size and the minimum size of the intermediate sheet in the first direction that the second processing device can convey. Based on this, a processing job is generated in which processing is performed at a first cutting position that can be processed by the first processing device and the second processing device and for which the number of first cutting positions is small.

[0012] By reducing the number of cutting operations in the first processing device that stops and cuts the sheet, the time required for processing the entire sheet processing system can be shortened, and the wear of the cutting blade of the first processing device can be suppressed.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the processing job generating device is a sheet processing system comprising: a first processing device that transports a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed in a first direction which is the transport direction of the machine itself, cuts it at at least one first cutting position according to a processing job and discharges an intermediate sheet; and a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to a processing job and discharges a deliverable, the processing job generating device generates a processing job that instructs the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively. When the first processing device divides a sheet into a plurality of intermediate sheets, the processing job generating device creates new layout information based on given layout information which is information regarding the positions of deliverables placed on the sheet, the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheets in the first direction that can be transported by the second processing device, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin area between the outline of the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing device and the outline of the deliverable, and the size of the deliverable. The processing job generation device searches for at least one candidate first cutting position based on new layout information, and from among the candidate first cutting positions, it selects a candidate first cutting position that can be processed by both the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the output in the first direction that can be discharged by the first processing device, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet in the first direction that can be transported by the second processing device, and generates a processing job that performs processing at the selected first cutting position.

[0014] By creating new layout information based on the layout information, the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet, the maximum and minimum sizes of the second margin area in the first direction, and the size of the finished product, the number of cuts performed by the first processing device can be reduced. Furthermore, by adjusting the size of the margin area in the intermediate sheet to a size that can be cut by the second processing device, which can cut while transporting the sheet, the processing time required for the entire sheet processing system can be shortened, and wear on the cutting blades of the first processing device can be reduced.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the processing job generation apparatus of the second aspect, the processing job generation apparatus creates layout information such that the layout of each output in a plurality of intermediate sheets is the same in the plurality of intermediate sheets.

[0016] By creating layout information so that the intermediate sheets transported to the second processing device have the same layout, the need to adjust the position of the cutting blade in the second processing device can be reduced.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the processing job generation apparatus of the first aspect, the processing job generation apparatus selects from among candidates for first cutting positions a candidate that can be processed by the first processing apparatus and the second processing apparatus and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size in a first direction of the first margin area that can be discharged by the first processing apparatus, the maximum and minimum sizes in a first direction of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing apparatus, and the maximum and minimum sizes in a first direction of the second margin area between the outline of the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing apparatus and the outline of the finished product.

[0018] By reducing the number of cuts made by the first processing device, which stops the sheet to cut it within the range that can be processed by the second processing device, the overall processing time for the sheet processing system can be shortened, and wear on the cutting blade of the first processing device can be reduced.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the processing job generation apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the first processing apparatus divides a sheet into a plurality of intermediate sheets, the processing job generation apparatus creates new layout information based on layout information which is information about the positions of deliverables placed on a given sheet, the maximum and minimum sizes of intermediate sheets that can be transported by the second processing apparatus, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin area of ​​the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing apparatus, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the third margin area between deliverables placed in adjacent positions on one intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing apparatus, and the size of the deliverables, and searches for at least one candidate first cutting position based on the new layout information to generate a processing job.

[0020] By creating layout information based on the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet, the maximum and minimum sizes of the second margin area in the first direction, the maximum and minimum sizes of the third margin area in the first direction, and the size of the output, the number of cuts required by the first processing device can be reduced, thereby shortening the processing time for the entire sheet processing system and reducing wear on the cutting blades of the first processing device.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the processing job generation apparatus of the first aspect, the processing job generation apparatus creates a sheet processing job in which a first cutting position is set between the leading edge of the sheet and the leading edge of the finished product in a first direction.

[0022] By setting a first cutting position between the leading edge of the sheet and the leading edge of the finished product in the first direction, sheet skew correction can be performed.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a sheet processing system includes: a first processing device that processes a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed, according to a processing job while the sheet is stopped, and discharges an intermediate sheet; a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to a processing job and discharges a deliverable; and a processing job generating device that generates processing jobs that instruct the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively. The first processing device includes: a first conveying unit that conveys the sheet in a first direction; and a first cutting unit that cuts the sheet conveyed in the first direction in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at at least one first cutting position set as a processing job, thereby dividing it into a plurality of intermediate sheets, or into a blank portion that does not contain a deliverable and an intermediate sheet that contains a deliverable. The second processing device includes: a second conveying unit that conveys the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device in a second direction; and a second processing unit that processes the intermediate sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit and discharges a deliverable. The processing job generation device searches for at least one candidate first cutting position based on layout information, which is information about the position of the deliverables placed on the sheet. From among the candidate first cutting positions, it selects a candidate first cutting position that can be processed by both the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the deliverable that can be discharged by the first processing device in a first direction, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing device in a first direction, and generates a processing job that performs processing at the selected first cutting position.

[0024] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a sheet processing system includes: a first processing device that processes a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed according to a processing job and discharges an intermediate sheet; a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to a processing job and discharges a deliverable; and a processing job generating device that generates processing jobs that instruct the processing to be carried out by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively. The first processing device includes: a first conveying unit that conveys the sheet in a first direction; and a first cutting unit that cuts the sheet conveyed in the first direction in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at at least one first cutting position set as a processing job, thereby dividing it into a plurality of intermediate sheets, or into a blank portion that does not contain a deliverable and an intermediate sheet that contains a deliverable. The second processing device includes: a second conveying unit that conveys the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device in a second direction; and a second processing unit that processes the intermediate sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit and discharges a deliverable. When the first processing device divides a sheet into multiple intermediate sheets, the processing job generation device creates new layout information based on layout information, which is information about the positions of the deliverables placed on a given sheet; the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheets that the second processing device can transport in the first direction; the maximum and minimum sizes of the second margin area in the first direction between the outline of the intermediate sheet that the second processing device can process and the outline of the deliverable; and the size of the deliverable. Based on the new layout information, the processing job generation device searches for at least one candidate first cutting position, and from among the candidate first cutting positions, it generates a processing job that processes at a first cutting position that is processable by both the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet that the first processing device can discharge in the first direction and the outline of the deliverable, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheets that the second processing device can transport in the first direction.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet processing system of the eighth aspect, the processing job generation device creates layout information such that the layout of each output in a plurality of intermediate sheets is the same across the plurality of intermediate sheets.

[0026] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in a sheet processing system according to a seventh aspect, the processing job generating device selects from among candidates for first cutting positions a candidate that can be processed by the first processing device and the second processing device and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size in a first direction of the first margin area that can be discharged by the first processing device, the maximum and minimum sizes in a first direction of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing device, and the maximum and minimum sizes in a first direction of the second margin area between the outline of the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing device and the outline of the finished product.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the sheet processing system of the tenth aspect, when the first processing device divides a sheet into a plurality of intermediate sheets, the processing job generation device creates new layout information based on layout information which is information about the positions of deliverables placed on a given sheet, the maximum and minimum sizes of intermediate sheets that can be transported by the second processing device, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin area of ​​the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing device, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the third margin area between deliverables placed in adjacent positions on one intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing device, and the size of the deliverables, and generates a processing job by searching for at least one candidate first cutting position based on the new layout information.

[0028] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in a sheet processing system according to any of the seventh to eleventh aspects, the processing job generation device creates a sheet processing job in which a first cutting position is set between the leading edge of the sheet and the leading edge of the finished product in a first direction.

[0029] In a sheet processing system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the first processing device has a first rotating blade that moves in a second direction, and the second processing device has a guillotine-type blade that cuts an intermediate sheet being conveyed in the second direction in the first direction, and a second rotating blade that is adjustable in position in the first direction.

[0030] The second processing device can cut the intermediate sheet along a second direction using a second rotating blade while conveying it, thus enabling more efficient sheet cutting than the first processing device.

[0031] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the processing job generation program is a processing job generation program that generates the processing job, which instructs the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, using an integrated circuit, in a sheet processing system comprising: a first processing device that transports a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed in a first direction which is the transport direction of the machine, and cuts the sheet at at least one first cutting position according to a processing job while the sheet is stopped, and discharges an intermediate sheet; and a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to the processing job and discharges a deliverable. The processing job generation program causes the integrated circuit to search for at least one candidate for the first cutting position based on layout information, which is information about the position of the deliverables placed on the sheet. The integrated circuit then generates a processing job in which processing is performed at a first cutting position selected from the candidates for the first cutting position that is processable by the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the deliverable in the first direction, which can be discharged by the first processing device, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet in the first direction, which can be transported by the second processing device.

[0032] By reducing the number of cuts performed by the first processing device, which stops the sheet to cut it, the overall processing time for the sheet processing system can be shortened, and wear on the cutting blade of the first processing device can be reduced.

[0033] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the parts supply device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not limited to the specific configurations of the following embodiments, and configurations based on similar technical ideas are included in the present invention.

[0034] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the sheet processing system in the embodiment.

[0035] [Overall configuration of sheet processing system 1] The sheet processing system 1 of this embodiment comprises, in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction, a printing device 8, a paper feeding device 10, a first processing device 20, a cross conveyor device 30, an insertion unit 40, a second processing device 50, and a conveyor stacker device 60. The sheet processing system 1 also includes a processing job generation device 70 that generates processing jobs, which are the processing to be performed by the first processing device 20 and the second processing device 50.

[0036] In recent years, the maximum printable sheet size on general-purpose printing presses has tended to increase, and for example, it is now often possible to print on sizes larger than B3. This sheet processing system 1 receives a sheet Sh of a certain size or larger printed by the printing device 8, the first processing device 20 cuts off the excess portion of the printed sheet Sh to create an intermediate sheet Sh1, and the second processing device 50 performs a processing operation that leaves only the printed portion, the output product P. The first processing device 20 may also cut off the excess portion Sh2 at the leading edge of the sheet Sh.

[0037] The second processing device 50 is a general-purpose sheet cutting device commonly used in the market, and its maximum sheet size is, for example, B3 size. The first processing device 20 can process sheets larger than those processed by the second processing device 50, and can process sizes exceeding B3 size, for example. This sheet processing system 1 is configured such that the first processing device 20 cuts the sheet to a size that the second processing device 50 can accept, and then hands over the processed sheet to the second processing device 50.

[0038] The printing device 8 prints the output P onto the sheet Sh based on the layout information. The printed sheet Sh is transported to the paper feeder 10 and either transported directly to the first processing device 20 or stored in the paper feeder 10. Alternatively, the printing device 8 is not connected to the paper feeder 10, and the printed sheet Sh may be carried to the paper feeder 10 by an operator.

[0039] In this embodiment, the paper feeder 10 is configured to feed sheets up to B2 size. The paper feeder 10 transports the sheet Sh to the first processing device 20, and the sheet Sh is processed in the first processing device 20 based on the timing when the leading edge of the sheet Sh reaches the leading edge detection sensor 21 of the first processing device 20.

[0040] The first processing device 20 is installed to pre-cut (primary process) sheets to a size that can be accepted by the general-purpose second processing device 50. It has a tip detection sensor 21 (21a, 21b) that detects when the leading edge of the sheet Sh conveyed from the paper feed device 10 has reached the sheet, and a laser sensor 27 (27a, 27b) that detects the position of the leading edge of the sheet Sh and the registration mark that has been pre-applied to the sheet Sh, and detects the tilt angle of the printed image with respect to the sheet conveying direction. The tip detection sensor 21 and the laser sensor 27 are each positioned at two locations in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the first processing device 20 has an angle adjustment means that can adjust the angle of the cutting mechanism 20a of the cross-cut section so that it is perpendicular to the transport direction of the printed image, based on the tilt angle of the printed image detected by the laser sensor 27. The cutting mechanism 20a cuts the sheet Sh by moving a pair of upper and lower rotating blades 20aa in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sheet Sh after stopping the sheet Sh at a pre-set cutting position. The pair of upper and lower rotating blades 20aa of the moving blade unit are arranged opposite each other on the upper and lower sides, respectively, along the path through which the sheet Sh is transported. In this way, the first processing device 20 separates the transported sheet Sh into an intermediate sheet Sh1 and an unnecessary margin portion Sh2 by cutting the transported sheet Sh at a first cutting position according to the processing job. The unnecessary margin portion Sh2 is discharged from the transport path and discarded. The first cutting position is a cutting line on the sheet Sh that is cut by the first processing device 20, and there may be one or more cutting lines.

[0042] The intermediate sheet Sh1 after cutting is discharged to the cross conveyor device 30 by a pair of transport rollers. The discharge of the intermediate sheet Sh1 is detected by a discharge sensor 29. When using a guillotine-type cutting blade to pre-cut (primary processing) large-sized sheets Sh, a blade that is long in the width direction of the sheet is required, which can cause problems with warping and distortion. In contrast, using a pair of upper and lower rotating blades that move in the sheet transport direction eliminates the problems of warping and distortion, making it suitable for the first processing device 20.

[0043] The cross conveyor device 30 receives the intermediate sheet Sh1 that has been cut and processed by the first processing device 20 and transported in the first direction, and transports it in a second direction intersecting the first direction to send it to the second processing device 50. The cross conveyor device 30 is located downstream of the first processing device 20 and is equipped with an oblique transport means that receives the intermediate sheet Sh1 discharged from the first processing device 20 onto an endless belt 31 (a single belt with a predetermined width), and transports the intermediate sheet Sh1 diagonally toward the guide wall 32 so that its edge follows the guide wall 32, while transporting it downstream in the transport direction.

[0044] Downstream from the cross conveyor device 30 is an insertion unit 40 that transfers the intermediate sheet Sh1 discharged from the cross conveyor device 30 to the paper feed opening of the second processing device 50. The insertion unit 40 is equipped with an oblique conveying mechanism that conveys the received intermediate sheet Sh1 diagonally towards the guide wall 41 using air suction, so that the edge of the intermediate sheet Sh1 follows the guide wall 41, while conveying it downstream in the conveying direction.

[0045] The second processing device 50 is a sheet cutting device that has been commonly used in the market for general purposes. Intermediate sheets Sh1, which have been pre-cut (primary processed) by the first processing device 20 to a sheet size that can be accepted by the second processing device 50, are passed from the insertion unit 40 to the paper feed opening of the second processing device 50. Thereafter, the intermediate sheets Sh1 are fed out one by one in the sheet transport direction, and the fed intermediate sheets Sh1 are cut while being transported by the device body according to the contents of the processing job sent from the processing job generation device 70, and the cut product P is discharged from the device body. The second processing device 50 is equipped with a guillotine-type blade 50a that stops the intermediate sheets Sh1 being transported in the second direction and cuts them in the first direction, and a rotary blade 50b that cuts the intermediate sheets Sh1 in the second direction while they are being transported in the second direction. The sheet Sh must be cut by the rotary blade 20aa of the first processing device 20 so that it is less than or equal to the maximum size of the intermediate sheet Sh that can be processed by the second processing device 50. In the first processing device 20, the rotary blade 20aa stops the transport of the sheet Sh before moving the rotary blade 20aa in the second direction to cut the sheet Sh, which makes the processing with the rotary blade 20aa time-consuming. In contrast, the position of the rotary blade 50b of the second processing device 50 can be adjusted in the first direction, and the rotary blade 50b can cut the intermediate sheet Sh1 while transporting it in the second direction, thus shortening the processing time. Therefore, cutting the sheet Sh in the second direction can be done more efficiently in the second processing device 50 than in the first processing device 20.

[0046] In addition to processing the intermediate sheet Sh1 into the output product P by vertical and horizontal cutting, the second processing apparatus 50 may also perform processes such as perforation, vertical folding, horizontal folding, rolling, embossing, die-cutting, vertical folding, horizontal folding, pseudo-adhesion, adhesive bonding, or bookbinding on the intermediate sheet Sh1. The output product P is an item obtained as a result of the sheet processing system 1 processing the sheet Sh, and includes, for example, tickets with stubs and flyers with stubs.

[0047] A conveyor stacker device 60 may be connected to the discharge side of the second processing device 50. The conveyor stacker device 60 is a device that slowly transports the cut products P discharged from the second processing device 50 by a belt conveyor and stacks the individual sheets in an upright position at an angle in a stacker 61 provided at the end of the conveyor belt.

[0048] [Processing job generation device] Next, the machining job generation device 70 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2. The machining job generation device 70 comprises a layout information creation unit 71, a machining position search unit 73, a determination unit 75, a machining job generation unit 77, and a storage unit 79.

[0049] The layout information creation unit 71 creates first layout information 81 by arranging the deliverable P on sheet Sh according to a predetermined procedure, based on the dimensions of the deliverable P in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and the size of sheet Sh on which the deliverable P is printed. The layout information creation unit 71 creates the first layout information 81 by duplicating the deliverable P and setting the positions of the duplicated deliverable P based on the size of the deliverable P to perform imposition. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the deliverable P is arranged in 4 rows and 3 columns on sheet Sh. In this specification, the number of deliverable P arranged in the first direction on sheet Sh is called the imposition number. The imposition number is set based on the size Sz1 of sheet Sh in the first direction and the size Sz2 of deliverable P in the first direction.

[0050] When the layout information creation unit 71 is impositioning the deliverable P, it sets the sheet edge margin width Aw1, from the front edge of the sheet Sh to the front edge of the outline line Pa of the deliverable P, to be greater than or equal to the minimum edge cut width Cw1 and less than or equal to the maximum size that the first processing device 20 can discharge. The sheet edge margin width Aw1 is the length of the margin area Ar1 on the front side between the outline line SL1 of the sheet Sh and the outline line Pa of the deliverable P in the first direction. The minimum edge cut width Cw1 is, for example, 15 mm. Here, the outline line Pa of the deliverable P refers to the outline of the area containing multiple deliverables P when multiple deliverables P are arranged on the sheet Sh. The minimum edge cut width Cw1 refers to the minimum edge cut width of the sheet Sh that can be cut by the first processing device 20.

[0051] When the layout information creation unit 71 is impositioning the deliverables P, it sets the sheet rear margin width Aw2, from the rear end of sheet Sh to the rear end of the outline line Pa of deliverable P, to be greater than or equal to the minimum rear cut width Cw2 and less than or equal to the maximum size that the first processing device 20 can discharge. The sheet rear margin width Aw2 is the length of the rear margin area Ar2 between the outline line SL1 of sheet Sh and the outline line Pa of deliverable P in the first direction. Margin areas Ar1 and Ar2 each correspond to the first margin area. The minimum rear cut width Cw2 is, for example, 10 mm. The layout information creation unit 71 also sets margin widths Mw1 to Mw3 between each deliverable P arranged in the first direction. The number of margin widths is one less than the number of impositions. The minimum rear cut width Cw2 refers to the minimum rear cut width of sheet Sh that can be cut by the first processing device 20.

[0052] The layout information creation unit 71 also generates second layout information 82 after the sheet Sh of the first layout information 81 has been cut by the first processing device 20. The second layout information is information regarding the position of the output P placed on the intermediate sheet Sh1. In the second layout information 82, the size Sz3 of the intermediate sheet Sh1 in the first direction is set to a size within the range of the maximum and minimum sizes that the cross conveyor device 30 and the second processing device 50 can transport, for example, set to 190 to 370 mm.

[0053] The layout information creation unit 71 sets the sheet front margin width Aw3, from the front of the intermediate sheet Sh1 to the front of the outline Pb of the deliverable P, and the sheet rear margin width Aw4, from the rear end of the intermediate sheet Sh1 to the rear end of the outline Pb of the deliverable P, within the range of the processing width Cw3 in the second layout information 82. The sheet front margin width Aw3 is the length of the margin area Ar3 on the front side in the first direction between the outline SL2 of the intermediate sheet Sh1 and the outline Pb of the deliverable P. The sheet rear margin width Aw4 is the length of the margin area Ar4 on the rear side in the first direction between the outline SL2 of the intermediate sheet Sh1 and the outline Pb of the deliverable P. Margin areas Ar3 and Ar4 each correspond to the second margin area. The processable width Cw3 is the allowable range of margin lengths at the upstream and downstream ends of the intermediate sheet Sh1 in the transport direction of the first processing device 20 after cutting by the first processing device 20 on the upstream side. If the margin width Aw3 at the upstream end of the intermediate sheet Sh1 and the margin width Aw4 at the downstream end of the intermediate sheet Sh1 in the first direction exceed the range of the processable width Cw3, the intermediate sheet Sh1 cannot be processed by the second processing device 50. The processable width Cw3 has a minimum and a maximum value, and its range is, for example, 4.2 to 55 mm. Here, the outline Pb of the deliverable P refers to the outline of the area containing multiple deliverables P when multiple deliverables P are arranged on the intermediate sheet Sh1.

[0054] The layout information creation unit 71 sets the margin width Dw3 in the first direction of the margin area Ar5 between each of the deliverables P arranged in the first direction within the range of the processable width Mw5 in the second layout information 82. The margin area Ar5 corresponds to the third margin area. The processable width Mw5 is the allowable range of margin length between deliverables P that can be processed by the second processing device 50. The processable width Mw5 has a minimum and a maximum value, and its range is, for example, 5 to 15 mm. Thus, the margin length between deliverables P in the first direction and the allowable range of margin length at the upstream and downstream ends of the intermediate sheet Sh1 may differ.

[0055] In the second layout information 82, the number of intermediate sheets Sh1 arranged in the first direction is changed according to the performance of the second processing device 50. The number of intermediate sheets Sh1 arranged in the first direction is set to, for example, 1 to 5.

[0056] The layout information creation unit 71 may create layout information again after the processing position search unit 73 has searched for candidates for the first cutting position.

[0057] The processing position search unit 73 includes a cutting position candidate search unit 73a that searches for candidates for a first cutting position to be cut by the first processing device 20, and a cutting position candidate selection unit 73b that selects an appropriate candidate from the searched cutting position candidates.

[0058] Based on the first layout information 81, the cutting position candidate search unit 73a searches for a candidate first cutting position to be cut by the first processing device 20, as shown in Figure 5, based on the following conditions. Condition 1: Set candidate Cp1 for the first cutting position in the sheet margin that satisfies the condition "Minimum value of the processable width Cw3 + minimum tip cut width Cw1 < sheet margin width Aw1". Second condition: Set candidate first cutting positions Cp2, 3, and 4 in the margins between deliverables P that satisfy the condition "Minimum value of the processable width Cw3 × 2 < Margin widths Bw1, Bw2, Bw3 between deliverables P". Third condition: Set the candidate Cp5 for the first cutting position in the sheet's rear margin that satisfies the condition "Minimum value of the processable width Cw3 + minimum rear end cut width Cw2 < sheet rear margin width Aw2".

[0059] The cutting position candidate search unit 73a also generates candidate combinations of first cutting positions based on the sheet size in the first direction that the second processing device 50 can transport.

[0060] The cutting position candidate selection unit 73b eliminates inappropriate candidates from those found by the cutting position candidate search unit 73a. For example, as shown in Figure 6, in sheet Sh, if only candidate Cp1 for the first cutting position is searched for as one of the candidates within the sheet leading edge margin width Aw1, and the size Sz3a in the first direction from the rear end of the sheet to candidate Cp1 for the first cutting position exceeds the maximum width that can be inserted into the second processing device 50, this candidate is eliminated.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when searching for a combination of "candidate Cp1 for the first cutting position within the sheet leading margin width Aw1" and "candidate Cp4 for the first cutting position within the lower margin width Bw3 of the margin width between the deliverables P" in sheet Sh as one of the candidates, if the size Sz3c in the first direction from the rear end of the sheet to candidate Cp4 for the first cutting position is smaller than the minimum width that can be inserted into the second processing device 50, this combination candidate is eliminated.

[0062] The cutting position candidate selection unit 73b may further select an appropriate first cutting position from among the candidate combinations of first cutting positions based on predetermined candidate setting rules. For example, as shown in Figure 8, a rule may be provided to set the first cutting position such that the second layout information 82 of multiple intermediate sheets Sh1 after cutting are all the same. In this case, the size between candidate first cutting positions Cp1 and Cp3 and the size between candidate first cutting positions Cp3 and Cp5 are both Sz3f and are the same. With such a first cutting position, processing can be performed continuously by the second processing device 50 without switching the processing position of the second processing device 50, thus increasing the processing speed. Alternatively, a rule may be provided to basically set the first cutting position within the sheet leading edge margin width Aw1. This makes it possible to correct the skew of the sheet Sh or the skew of the printed image printed on the sheet Sh.

[0063] Alternatively, the number of layout divisions can be set as a rule. In Figure 8, a 4-page layout is divided into two 2-page layouts, so the number of layout divisions is 2. As shown in Figure 9, a 5-page layout can also be divided into a 2-page layout and a 3-page layout.

[0064] The determination unit 75 determines whether the first processing device 20 can cut at the candidate first cutting position found by the processing position search unit 73. It also determines whether the intermediate sheet Sh1 cut and divided at the first cutting position can be transported by the second processing device 50. If both determination results indicate that it is possible, the determination unit 75 determines that the found candidate can be processed, and if at least one of both determination results indicates that it is not possible, it determines that the found candidate cannot be processed.

[0065] The processing job generation unit 77 generates processing jobs to be processed by the first processing device 20 and the second processing device 50 based on the candidate first cutting positions that the determination unit 75 has determined to be processable.

[0066] A processing job includes information such as the size and type of the sheet, the size and placement of the deliverable on the sheet, and the location, type, number, and dimensions of the processing to be performed on the sheet. In other words, the information included in a processing job may be only information about the processing location, a combination of processing location and processing type, a combination of processing location and placement of the deliverable, or a combination of information about the processing location, processing type, and placement of the deliverable.

[0067] The storage unit 79 is composed of, for example, at least one of ROM, RAM, HDD, and SSD, and stores programs or data necessary for generating machining jobs, etc. Information about the output to be printed on sheet Sh is stored, for example, in the storage unit 79 or an external device (not shown). The external device is, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet PC, and is connected to the machining job generation device 70 via a network.

[0068] The layout information creation unit 71, the machining position search unit 73, the determination unit 75, and the machining job generation unit 77 are each composed of one or more integrated circuits, such as a CPU or FPGA, and each function is realized by the integrated circuit reading data and programs stored in the storage unit 79 and performing various calculations.

[0069] Next, with reference to Figures 10 and 11, the process by which the machining job generation device 70 generates machining jobs will be explained. Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the process of generating machining jobs.

[0070] In step S1, when the machining job generation device 70 receives an instruction from the user to generate a machining job, the layout information creation unit 71 generates and acquires first layout information 81 based on the size of the intermediate sheet Sh1 and the size of the output product P, according to a predetermined method. Alternatively, the machining job generation device 70 may acquire the first layout information 81 from the storage unit 79 or an external device (not shown) instead of generating it.

[0071] In step S2, as described above, the cutting position candidate search unit 73a of the processing position search unit 73 searches for a candidate for the first cutting position in the first layout information 81.

[0072] In step S3, as described above, the cutting position candidate selection unit 73b of the processing position search unit 73 selects an appropriate candidate from among the multiple cutting position candidates that have been searched. The selection of candidates will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 12.

[0073] The cutting position candidate selection unit 73b selects a cutting position candidate based on selection condition 1, which includes the following fourth to sixth conditions, using the sheet leading edge margin width Aw1 and the margin width Dw1 between the deliverable P where the first cutting position candidate Cp is set. Condition 4: Sheet edge margin width Aw1 ≤ (margin width Dw1 between deliverables P) / 2 Condition 5: The sheet skew correction function in the first processing device 20 is set to OFF. If all of these fourth and fifth conditions are met, a candidate for the first cutting position Cp1 is selected in the sheet leading edge margin width Aw1 where no candidate Cp1 is set.

[0074] Condition 6: The maximum value of the sheet's rear margin width Aw2 ≤ the maximum usable width Cw3. If this sixth condition is met, a candidate for the first cutting position Cp5 is selected in the sheet rear margin width Aw2 where no candidate Cp5 is set.

[0075] Therefore, if selection condition 1 is met, only candidate Cp3 for the first cutting position shown in Figure 12 is selected from the combination candidates Cp1, Cp3, and Cp5 for the first cutting position shown in Figure 8. Note that if both conditions 4 and 5, or either condition 6, are met, candidates that satisfy each respective condition may be selected.

[0076] In step S4, the determination unit 75 determines whether processing can be performed using the candidate cutting position selected in step S3. The determination unit 75 determines whether the processing content is within the range of specifications, and for example, as shown in Figure 4, the criteria for judgment are whether the size Sz3 of the intermediate sheet Sh1 in the first direction after processing by the first processing device 20 is within the range of the maximum and minimum sizes of the transportable sheet width that can be transported by the second processing device 50, whether the sheet tip margin width Aw3 from the leading edge of the intermediate sheet Sh1 to the outline Pb of the output P is within the range of the processable width Cw3, whether the sheet rear end margin width Aw4 from the rear end of the intermediate sheet Sh1 to the outline Pb of the output P is within the range of the processable width Cw3, and whether the margin width between the intermediate sheet Sh1 and the output P in the first direction is within the range of the processable width Mw5.

[0077] In Figure 10, if the determination unit 75 determines that processing using the selected candidate processing position is feasible (Yes in step S4), then in step S5, the processing job generation unit 77 adopts the selected candidate cutting position and generates a processing job. In this way, it is possible to generate a processing job in which the first processing device 20 and the second processing device 50 can process the data, and a candidate with a small number of first cutting positions is selected, and processing is performed at the selected first cutting position.

[0078] If the determination unit 75 determines that processing using the selected candidate machining position is not possible (No. in step S4), and if no candidate can be selected in selection condition 1 in step S3, the layout information creation unit 71 creates new third layout information in step S6.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, the layout information creation unit 71 extracts candidates in the first layout information 81 in which a candidate Cp1 for the first cutting position is set in the sheet leading margin width Aw1 and a candidate Cp5 for the first cutting position is set in the sheet trailing margin width Aw2. In the extracted candidate's first layout information 81, the difference K1 is calculated between the sheet trailing margin width Aw2 from the rear end of the product P in the first direction to the rear end of the sheet, and the maximum value of the processable width Cw3 of the sheet trailing margin width Aw4 of the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing device. The calculated difference K1 is divided by the number of margins between product P for which no candidate Cp for the first cutting position is set, and this value A1 is added to the margin width Dw2 between product P for which no candidate Cp for the first cutting position is set, to make a margin width Dw2a (see Figure 14). That is, Dw2 + A1 = Dw2a. In Figure 13, the number of margins between deliverables P where no candidate Cp for the first cutting position is set in the first direction is 2. However, the margin width Dw2a must be within the range of the processable width Mw5, so for example, it should be 15 mm or less. Then, the sheet rear margin width Aw2 is changed to Aw2a, which is the value obtained by subtracting the calculated difference K1. Furthermore, the candidate Cp5 for the first cutting position that was set in the sheet rear margin width Aw2 is deleted. In this way, the layout information creation unit 71 rearranges the deliverables P on sheet Sh and generates new third layout information 83 (see Figure 14).

[0080] In step S7, the determination unit 75 determines whether the new third layout information 83 and the fourth layout information 84, which is cut at candidate first cutting positions Cp1 and Cp3 of the third layout information 83, are feasible. The determination criteria are the same as in step S4, but it may also be determined that it is not feasible if the sheet rear margin width Aw2 is greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the fourth layout information 84 is information regarding the position of the deliverable P placed on the intermediate sheet Sh1, which is generated when the sheet Sh is cut at candidate first cutting positions Cp set in the third layout information 83.

[0081] If the determination unit 75 determines that processing using the new third layout information 83 and fourth layout information 84 is feasible (Yes in step S7), then in step S5, the machining job generation unit 77 generates a machining job using the newly created third layout information 83 and fourth layout information 84.

[0082] If the determination unit 75 determines that processing using the new third layout information 83 and fourth layout information 84 is not possible (No. in step S7), and if the third layout information 83 could not be created in step S6, then in step S8, the layout information creation unit 71 creates new fifth layout information 85.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figure 15, if the ratio of the size of the deliverable P to the sheet Sh is smaller than that of the first layout information 81 shown in Figure 13, the rear margin width Aw2 of the sheet may be in a large area.

[0084] In such cases, in step S8, the layout information creation unit 71 creates new fifth layout information 85 as shown in Figure 16A. The layout information creation unit 71 has already extracted candidates in the first layout information 81, as shown in Figure 15, in which the layout information is arranged based on the size of the deliverable P, a candidate Cp1 for the first cutting position is set in the sheet leading margin width Aw1, and a candidate Cp5 for the first cutting position is set in the sheet trailing margin width Aw2. In the extracted candidate first layout information 81, the margin width Dw2 between deliverables P where a candidate Cp for the first cutting position is not set is pre-set to the maximum size that can be processed by the second processing device 50.

[0085] The layout information creation unit 71 sets the distance Cr1 from the leading edge of sheet Sh to the candidate first cutting position Cp1 closest to the leading edge of sheet Sh, to a width that can be processed by the first processing device 20, but in this example, it is set to the minimum leading edge cut width Cw1. The margin width Dw1b between the deliverables P where the candidate first cutting position Cp3 is set is set to the sum of, for example, the sheet trailing edge margin width Aw2 in the first layout information 81 of Figure 15, the margin width Dw1 between the deliverables P where the candidate first cutting position Cp3 is set, and the difference K2 between the sheet leading edge margin width Aw1 and the distance Cr1, divided by the number of intermediate sheets Sh1 N. In other words, it is calculated by the following formula. Dw1b = (Aw2 + Dw1 + (Aw1 - Cr1)) / N In the example shown in Figure 16A, two intermediate sheets, Sh1, are generated from sheet Sh, so N=2.

[0086] In the fifth layout information 85, the sheet leading edge margin width Aw1b is calculated, for example, by the sum of the distance Cr1 and half of the margin width Dw1b between deliverables P. In other words, it is set by the following formula. Aw1b = Cr1 + (Dw1b / 2)

[0087] The sheet rear margin width Aw2b in the fifth layout information 85 is calculated by subtracting the difference K3 between the sheet front margin width Aw1b and the sheet front margin width Aw1 in Figure 15, and the difference K4 between the margin width Dw1b between the deliverables P and the margin width Dw1 in Figure 15, from the sheet rear margin width Aw2 in Figure 15. In other words, it is set by the following formula. Aw2b=Aw2-(Aw1b-Aw1)-(Dw1b-Dw1)

[0088] The fifth layout information 85 shown in Figure 16A, compared to the first layout information 81 before modification shown in Figure 15, shows changes in the position of candidate Cp3, the first cutting position in the center of sheet Sh, and the position of the output P relative to sheet Sh. When the first processing device 20 cuts sheet Sh at the set candidate first cutting positions Cp1 and Cp3 based on the newly created fifth layout information, two intermediate sheets Sh1a and Sh1b are generated, as shown in Figure 16B.

[0089] The leading edge margin width Aw3a of intermediate sheet Sh1a and the leading edge margin width Aw3b of intermediate sheet Sh1b are the same length, and the trailing edge margin width Aw4a of intermediate sheet Sh1a and the trailing edge margin width Aw4b of intermediate sheet Sh1b are the same length. Also, the margin width Dw3a between the deliverables P of intermediate sheet Sh1a and the margin width Dw3b between the deliverables P of intermediate sheet Sh1b are both equal to the margin width Dw2 between the deliverables P of sheet Sh in Figure 16A. Therefore, since the layout arrangement of the deliverables P is the same in intermediate sheet Sh1a and intermediate sheet Sh1b, the second processing apparatus 50 can process intermediate sheet Sh1a and intermediate sheet Sh1b continuously without adjusting the first direction of the rotating blade 50b.

[0090] Alternatively, steps S2 and S3 may be performed based on the newly created fifth layout. That is, based on the newly created fifth layout, the machining position search unit 73 again uses the cutting position candidate search unit 73a to search for candidates for the first cutting position in the first layout information 81, and the cutting position candidate selection unit 73b of the machining position search unit 73 selects an appropriate candidate from among the multiple cutting position candidates that have been searched.

[0091] In step S10, the determination unit 75 determines, similar to step S4, whether the new fifth layout information 85 and the sixth layout information obtained by cutting at candidate first cutting positions Cp1 and Cp3 of the fifth layout information 85 are feasible. Here, the sixth layout information is information regarding the position of the deliverable P placed on the intermediate sheet Sh1, which is generated when the sheet Sh is cut at candidate first cutting positions Cp and Cp3 set in the fifth layout information 85.

[0092] If the determination unit 75 determines that processing using the new fifth layout information 85 and sixth layout information is possible (Yes in step S10), then in step S5, the machining job generation unit 77 generates a machining job using the newly created fifth layout information 85 and sixth layout information.

[0093] If the determination unit 75 determines that processing using the new fifth layout information 85 and sixth layout information is not possible (No. in step S10), or if the fifth layout information 85 could not be created in step S8, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0094] In step S11, the cutting position candidate selection unit 73b adjusts the position of the candidate first cutting position Cp if the following selection condition 2 is met, as shown in Figure 17. Condition 7: If there are two candidate first cutting positions (Cp1, Cp6) within the sheet leading edge margin width Aw1, the position of candidate Cp1, which is closer to the output P, ​​is changed towards the leading edge. In this case, the size from the position of candidate Cp1 in the first direction to the leading edge of sheet Sh is Sz3d. If the changed position of Cp1 is Cp1a, the size from the position of candidate Cp1a in the first direction to the leading edge of sheet Sh is Sz3da. This size Sz3da is less than the maximum discharge size that the first processing device 20 can discharge. The maximum discharge size is, for example, 190 mm. Condition 8: If there are two candidate first cutting positions (Cp5, Cp7) within the sheet rear margin width Aw2, the position of candidate Cp5, which is closer to the output P, ​​is changed to the rear end. In this case, the size from the position of candidate Cp5 in the first direction to the rear end of sheet Sh is Sz3e. If the changed position of Cp5 is Cp5a, the size from the position of candidate Cp5a in the first direction to the rear end of sheet Sh is Sz3ea. This size Sz3ea is less than the maximum output size that the first processing device 20 can output. At this time, the distance La between candidate Cp1a and the outline Pa of output P, ​​and the distance Lb between candidate Cp5a and the outline Pa of output P must be within the range of the processable width Cw3, for example, 4.2 to 55 mm.

[0095] If condition 7 is met, as shown in Figure 18, a new candidate for the first cutting position, Cp1a, is set to be closer to the tip than candidate Cp1, and candidate Cp6 is deleted. Also, if condition 8 is met, a new candidate for the first cutting position, Cp5a, is set to be closer to the lower end than candidate Cp5, and candidate Cp7 is deleted. If candidates Cp1a and Cp5a for the first cutting position can be set in this way (Yes in step S12), proceed to step S13.

[0096] In step S13, the determination unit 75 determines whether the new candidate first cutting positions Cp1a and Cp5a in the first layout information 81 and the second layout information cut at the candidate first cutting positions Cp1a and Cp5a are feasible.

[0097] If the determination unit 75 determines that processing using the new candidate first cutting position is feasible (Yes in step S13), then in step S5, the machining job generation unit 77 generates a machining job using the newly set candidate first cutting positions Cp1a and Cp5a.

[0098] If the determination unit 75 determines that processing with a new candidate for the first cutting position is not possible (No. in step S13), or if the candidate first cutting positions Cp1a and Cp5a could not be set in step S11 (No. in step S12), the candidate with the fewest number of candidates for the first cutting position is selected from the candidates searched in step S2, a machining job is generated, and the process ends.

[0099] Thus, the processing job generation device 70 of the embodiment searches for at least one candidate first cutting position Cp, and from among the candidate first cutting position Cp, it generates a processing job that performs processing at a first cutting position selected from candidates that can be processed by the first processing device 20 and the second processing device 50 and have a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the sheet leading margin width Aw1 and sheet trailing margin width Aw2 of the margin region Ar1 and Ar2 between the outline of the sheet Sh and the outline of the product P in the first direction that the first processing device 20 can discharge, and the maximum and minimum size of the intermediate sheet Sh1 in the first direction that the second processing device 50 can transport.

[0100] By reducing the number of cuts performed by stopping the sheet Sh in the first processing device 20, the time required for processing the entire sheet processing system 1 can be shortened, and wear on the rotating blade 20aa of the first processing device 20 that cuts the sheet Sh can be suppressed.

[0101] Furthermore, when the first processing device 20 divides a sheet Sh into a plurality of intermediate sheets Sh1, the processing job generation device 70 creates new fifth layout information 85 based on the first layout information 81, which is information about the positions of the deliverables P placed on the sheet Sh, the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheets Sh1 that can be transported by the second processing device 50, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the margin areas Ar3 and Ar4 of the intermediate sheets Sh1 that can be processed by the second processing device 50, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the margin area Ar5 between adjacent deliverables P placed on one intermediate sheet Sh1 that can be processed by the second processing device 50, and the size of the deliverables P. Based on the new fifth layout information 85, the device generates a processing job by searching for at least one candidate for the first cutting position.

[0102] Although the present invention has been fully described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations should be understood as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment can be realized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0103] In the embodiment described above, the layout information creation unit 71 may, for example, when cutting sheet Sh with a single cutting line as shown in Figure 12, change the arrangement of the deliverable P so that the arrangement of the deliverable P is symmetrical with respect to the candidate first cutting position Cp3, as shown in Figure 16B, and create new layout information.

[0104] Furthermore, by appropriately combining any embodiment or modification from the various embodiments and modifications described above, the effects of each can be achieved. [Industrial applicability]

[0105] The processing job generation apparatus, sheet processing system, and processing job generation program according to the present invention are applicable to an apparatus that cuts a sheet to obtain a finished product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Sheet Processing System 8 Printing device 10 Paper feeder 20 1st processing device 20a Cutting mechanism 20aa rotary blade 21 Advanced detection sensor 30 Cross conveyor device 40 Insertion Units 50 Second processing device 50a blade 50b Rotary blade 60 Conveyor stacker device 70. Machining job generation device 71 Layout Information Creation Department 73 Machining position search section 73a Cutting position candidate search unit 73b Selection section for candidate cutting positions 75 Judgment section 77 Machining Job Generation Unit 79 Memory section 81. Layout Information (1st Layout) 82. Information on the second layout 83. Information on the 3rd layout 85. Layout Information for Layout 5 Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, Ar4, Ar5 Marginal area Aw1 Sheet edge margin width Aw2 Rear edge margin width Aw3 Sheet edge margin width Aw4 Rear edge margin width Candidate Cp first cutting position Cw1 Minimum tip cutting width Cw2 Minimum rear end cut width Cw3 Processing width Dw1 Margin width Dw2 Margin width Dw3 Margin width Mw5 processing width P Deliverables Sh Sheet SL outline Sz1 Seat Size Sz2 output size Sz3 size

Claims

1. A sheet processing system comprising: a first processing device that transports a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed in a first direction which is the transport direction of the machine, cuts the sheet at at least one first cutting position according to a processing job while the sheet is stopped, and discharges an intermediate sheet; and a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to the processing job and discharges a deliverable, wherein a processing job generating device generates the processing job which instructs the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively, The processing job generation device searches for at least one candidate for the first cutting position based on layout information, which is information regarding the position of the deliverables placed on the sheet, and from among the candidates for the first cutting position, The maximum size of the first margin region between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the output product in the first direction, which can be discharged by the first processing apparatus, Based on the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet in the first direction that can be transported by the second processing apparatus, The first processing apparatus and the second processing apparatus select candidates that are capable of processing and have a small number of first cutting positions, and generate a processing job that performs processing at the selected first cutting positions. Machining job generation device.

2. When the processing job generation device divides the sheet into a plurality of intermediate sheets in the first processing device, Given, the layout information is information about the position of the deliverables placed on the sheet, The maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet in the first direction that can be transported by the second processing apparatus, The maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin region between the outline of the intermediate sheet that the second processing apparatus can process and the outline of the output, The size of the aforementioned deliverable, Based on this, create new layout information. Based on the new layout information, at least one candidate for the first cutting position is searched, and the machining job is generated. The processing job generation apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The processing job generation device creates the layout information such that the layout of each of the deliverables in the plurality of intermediate sheets is the same across the plurality of intermediate sheets. The processing job generation apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The processing job generation device selects from the candidates for the first cutting position, The maximum size in the first direction of the first margin region that can be discharged by the first processing device, The maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing apparatus, The maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin region between the outline of the intermediate sheet that the second processing apparatus can process and the outline of the output, Based on this, a candidate is selected in which the first processing apparatus and the second processing apparatus can process the material and the number of first cutting positions is small. The processing job generation apparatus according to claim 1.

5. When the processing job generation device divides the sheet into a plurality of intermediate sheets in the first processing device, Given, the layout information is information about the position of the deliverables placed on the sheet, The maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing apparatus, The maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin region of the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing apparatus, The second processing device is placed on one of the intermediate sheets that can be processed, and the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the third margin area between the adjacent products, The size of the aforementioned deliverable, Based on this, create new layout information. Based on the new layout information, at least one candidate for the first cutting position is searched, and the machining job is generated. The processing job generation apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The processing job generation device creates a sheet processing job in which a first cutting position is set between the leading edge of the sheet and the leading edge of the finished product in the first direction. The processing job generation apparatus according to claim 1.

7. A first processing apparatus that processes a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed, according to a processing job while the sheet is stopped, and discharges an intermediate sheet, A second processing apparatus processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing apparatus according to the processing job and discharges the resulting product, The system includes a processing job generation device that generates processing jobs that instruct the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device, respectively, The first processing apparatus is A first conveying unit that conveys the sheet in a first direction, The apparatus includes a first cutting section which cuts the sheet being transported in the first direction in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at at least one first cutting position set as the processing job, thereby dividing it into a plurality of intermediate sheets, or into a blank portion that does not contain the product and an intermediate sheet that contains the product. The second processing apparatus is A second conveying unit that conveys the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing apparatus in the second direction, The system comprises a second processing unit that processes the intermediate sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit and discharges the resulting product, The processing job generation device searches for at least one candidate for the first cutting position based on layout information, which is information regarding the position of the deliverables placed on the sheet, and from among the candidates for the first cutting position, it selects a candidate for the first cutting position that can be processed by the first processing device and the second processing device and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin area between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the deliverable that can be discharged by the first processing device in the first direction, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing device in the first direction, and generates a processing job that performs processing at the selected first cutting position. Sheet processing system.

8. When the first processing apparatus divides the sheet into a plurality of intermediate sheets, the processing job generation apparatus creates new layout information based on layout information which is information regarding the positions of the deliverables placed on a given sheet, the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheets in the first direction that the second processing apparatus can transport, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin area between the outline of the intermediate sheet and the outline of the deliverable that the second processing apparatus can process, and the size of the deliverable, and then searches for at least one candidate for the first cutting position based on the new layout information to generate the processing job. The sheet processing system according to claim 7.

9. The processing job generation device creates the layout information such that the layout of each of the deliverables in the plurality of intermediate sheets is the same across the plurality of intermediate sheets. The sheet processing system according to claim 8.

10. The processing job generation device selects from among the candidates for the first cutting position a candidate that can be processed by the first processing device and the second processing device and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size in the first direction of the first margin area that can be discharged by the first processing device, the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the intermediate sheet that can be transported by the second processing device, and the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin area between the outline of the intermediate sheet that can be processed by the second processing device and the outline of the output. The sheet processing system according to claim 7.

11. When the first processing apparatus divides the sheet into a plurality of intermediate sheets, the processing job generation apparatus creates new layout information based on the given layout information, which is information regarding the positions of the deliverables placed on the sheets; the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheets that the second processing apparatus can transport; the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the second margin area of ​​the intermediate sheet that the second processing apparatus can process; the maximum and minimum sizes in the first direction of the third margin area between deliverables placed adjacent to each other on one of the intermediate sheets that the second processing apparatus can process; and the size of the deliverables. Based on the new layout information, the apparatus searches for at least one candidate for the first cutting position and generates the processing job. The sheet processing system according to claim 10.

12. The processing job generation device creates a sheet processing job in which a first cutting position is set between the leading edge of the sheet and the leading edge of the finished product in the first direction. The sheet processing system according to claim 7.

13. The first processing apparatus has a first rotating blade that moves in the second direction, The second processing apparatus includes a guillotine-type blade for cutting the intermediate sheet, which is being conveyed in the second direction, in the first direction, and a second rotating blade that cuts in the second direction and is adjustable in position in the first direction. The sheet processing system according to claim 7.

14. A sheet processing system comprising: a first processing device that transports a sheet on which at least one deliverable is placed in a first direction which is the transport direction of the machine, and cuts the sheet at at least one first cutting position according to a processing job while the sheet is stopped, and discharges an intermediate sheet; and a second processing device that processes the intermediate sheet discharged from the first processing device according to the processing job and discharges a deliverable, wherein a processing job generation program generates the processing job, which instructs the processing content to be performed by the first processing device and the second processing device respectively, using an integrated circuit, The aforementioned integrated circuit, Retrieve layout information, which is information about the position of deliverables placed on the sheet. Based on the layout information, at least one candidate for the first cutting position is searched. From among the candidates for the first cutting position, a candidate is selected that can be processed by the first and second processing devices and has a small number of first cutting positions, based on the maximum size of the first margin region between the outline of the sheet and the outline of the output product in the first direction, which can be discharged by the first processing device, and the maximum and minimum sizes of the intermediate sheet in the first direction, which can be transported by the second processing device. Generate a machining job that performs machining at the selected first cutting position. A program for generating processing jobs to execute a task.

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