Printer adjustment system

Abstract

Provided is a printer adjustment system that enables efficient execution of work.　A printer adjustment system 1 adjusts printing by a printer 2 which comprises a printer body 4 for executing printing and a printer-side control device 5 for controlling the printer body 4. The printer adjustment system 1 comprises a master control device 3 that includes: a state confirmation unit for confirming the state of printed matter P printed by the printer body 4; and an adjustment operation unit for adjusting the printing function of the printer body 4. The master control device 3 is installed spaced apart from the printer 2 and is connected to the printer 2 so as to be able to control the printer 2 by operating the adjustment operation unit.

Description

Printing press adjustment system

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing press adjustment system.

[0002] An example of such a printing press is described in Patent Document 1. This printing press includes a printing press main body that prints on paper and includes a paper feed unit, a printing unit, a reversing unit, and a paper discharge unit, and a printing press control device that is electrically connected to, for example, the paper feed unit, the printing unit, the reversing unit, and the paper discharge unit and controls each part of the printing press main body.

[0003] Although no detailed description is given in Patent Document 1, the printing press control device is disposed near the printing press body for use by an operator of the printing press, and the operator can adjust the printing content, such as color tone, by controlling each part of the printing press body with the printing press control device while checking the printing status.

[0004] JP 2010-167713 A

[0005] Incidentally, the printing press control device may be operated by, for example, an inexperienced operator. In such cases, an experienced person may be assigned as a supervisor to supervise and guide the operator. However, since the supervisor usually has various other tasks in addition to supervising and guiding the operator, visiting the printing press where the operator is working to supervise and guide the operator is inefficient in relation to other tasks, and there is room for improvement.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustment system for a printing press that allows for efficient operation.

[0007] The present invention is a printing press adjustment system that adjusts printing by a printing press that has a printing press main body that performs printing and a printing press side control device that controls the printing press main body, and is equipped with a master control device that includes a status confirmation unit that confirms the status of the printed matter printed by the printing press main body and an adjustment operation unit that adjusts the printing function of the printing press main body, and the master control device is installed separately from the printing press and is connected to the printing press so that the printing press can be controlled by operating the adjustment operation unit.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the master control device includes the status confirmation unit and the adjustment operation unit, is installed remotely from the printing press, and is connected to the printing press so that the printing press can be controlled by operating the adjustment operation unit. Therefore, for example, a manager who manages and instructs the operators of the printing press can check the status of the printed material using the status confirmation unit and can control adjustments of the printing functions of the printing press by operating the adjustment operation unit. Therefore, the manager can manage and instruct the operators and adjust printing even when in a location remote from the printing press where the operators are located.

[0009] In addition, the present invention may be provided with a master priority means that applies control by operating the adjustment operation unit of the master control device to the printing press main body with priority over control by the printing press side control device.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the master priority means gives priority to the control of the master control device operated by the manager over the control of the printing press side control device operated by the operator, thereby enabling work to be carried out efficiently based on management and guidance.

[0011] In the present invention, the master control device may include, as the master priority means, a printing press control limiting means for limiting the control of the printing press main body by the printing press side control device.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the control of the printing press side control device can be limited by the printing press side control limiting means and controlled by the master control device, thereby preventing the printing press main body from being operated by the printing press side control device by mistake while the master control device is being operated.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, the printing functions adjusted by the adjustment operation unit may include a drive function that involves driving the printing press main body, and if the printing press main body is not driving the drive function, a master restriction means may be provided that restricts the operation of the drive function by the adjustment operation unit.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the master control device, which is installed away from the printing press, can use the master restriction means to restrict the printing press main body from being operated from a non-operating state to an operating state, thereby ensuring safety.

[0015] In addition, in the present invention, the master control device may be installed separately from the multiple printing presses, and connected to each of the multiple printing presses so that each printing press can be controlled by operating the adjustment operation unit, and may be equipped with a printing press selection means that can select the printing press to be adjusted from the multiple connected printing presses.

[0016] According to the above configuration, a plurality of printing presses can be controlled by a single master control device even at remote locations, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0017] As described above, according to the present invention, the master control device can be used to adjust the printing functions of the printing press even at a location remote from the printing press, allowing for efficient work.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing press adjustment system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an external view of a printing press control device. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing press control device. Fig. 4 is an external view of a master control device. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the master control device. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the printing press adjustment system according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the printing press adjustment system according to the embodiment.

[0019] Next, a printing press adjustment system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The printing press adjustment system 1 is a system that enables a master, who is an administrator who manages and instructs operators who operate the printing press 2, to grasp the printing status from a location remote from the printing press 2 without having to visit the printing press 2 operated by the operator, and to adjust the printing press 2 as needed (for example, adjusting the color density during printing and the printing position on the paper). This printing press adjustment system 1 is used, for example, when performing test printing.

[0020] Here, a location remote from the printing machine 2 refers to, for example, a room in a printing factory other than the room in which the printing machine 2 is installed.

[0021] 1, the printing press adjustment system 1 includes a printing press 2 and a master control device 3. The printing press adjustment system 1 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of (specifically, five) printing presses 2. Each of the plurality of printing presses 2 is connected to the master control device 3 so that data communication is possible.

[0022] The printing press 2 includes a printing press main body 4 that performs printing, and a printing press side control device 5 that controls the printing press main body 4 .

[0023] The printing press main body 4 includes a paper feed section 40 that feeds sheets of printing paper, a printing section 41 that prints on the sheets, a paper discharge section 42 that discharges the printed sheets (hereinafter referred to as printed matter P), and an in-line camera (not shown or numbered) that captures images of the sheet transport status. The printed matter P is provided with registration marks for alignment and markers (not shown or numbered) such as color bars for measuring the density and color tone of the printed matter P.

[0024] The printing press control device 5 is operated by an operator and is installed near the printing press main body 4, for example, next to the paper discharge unit 42. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the printing press control device 5 includes, as hardware, a status confirmation unit 50, an adjustment operation unit 51, a drive display unit 52, a memory unit 53, a transmission / reception unit 54, and a control unit 55.

[0025] The status confirmation unit 50 allows an operator to check the status of the printed material P printed by the printing press main body 4. Here, the "status of the printed material P" refers to the printing status, such as the register status of the printed material P and the color status (tone, density) of the printed material P. The status confirmation unit 50 includes a placement unit 501 on which the printed material P is placed for confirmation by the operator. Specifically, the placement unit 501 is a platform on which the printed material P can be spread out and placed. The status confirmation unit 50 also includes a status measurement unit 500 for measuring the status of the printed material P and a status display unit 503 for displaying the status of the printed material P measured by the status measurement unit 500. As shown in FIG. 2 , the status measurement unit 500 of this embodiment includes a status measurement unit 502 that measures the status of the printed material P placed on the placement unit 501. Specifically, the status measurement unit 502 is a measuring device that measures the register status, color status, etc. by reading the register marks and color bars of the printed material P spread out on the placement unit 501. The status measurement unit 500 and the status display unit 503 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the measurement results measured by the status measurement unit 502 are displayed on the status display unit 503 as the printing status of the printed matter P placed on the placement unit 501. Note that the status display unit 503 in this embodiment is a touch panel display.

[0026] The adjustment operation unit 51 is used to adjust the printing functions of the printing press main body 4. Here, the "printing function" refers to a function for adjusting the ink key openings (hereinafter referred to as the ink key adjustment function) and various other functions of the printing press main body 4. Therefore, the adjustment operation unit 51 in this embodiment includes an ink key adjustment unit 51a that adjusts the ink key adjustment function and a various function adjustment unit 51A that adjusts various functions. The ink key adjustment unit 51a includes an ink key display unit 51b that displays the ink key openings and an ink key operation unit 51c that increases or decreases the ink key openings. The various function adjustment unit 51A is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as a touch panel display that can be operated to adjust various functions of the printing press main body 4, and includes a various function display unit 51B that displays the status of the various functions and a various function operation unit 51C that changes the status of the various functions. That is, the adjustment operation unit 51 is configured to display the control contents of the printing press main body 4 and includes an adjustment display unit 51α including an ink key display unit 51b and a various function display unit 51B, and an operation main body 51β configured to be operated by an operator to adjust printing functions and including an ink key operation unit 51c and a various function operation unit 51C. Therefore, the operator can control the printing press main body 4 by looking at the displays on the adjustment display unit 51α and the status display unit 503 and operating the operation main body 51β to adjust the ink key openings and various functions.

[0027] Here, the various functions include driven functions that involve the rotation of each cylinder (printing cylinder, transport cylinder) as the drive of the printing press main body 4, and non-driven functions that do not involve the drive of the printing press main body 4. Driven functions include operation start commands for cleaning, ink presetting, makeready, and plate replacement. On the other hand, non-driven functions include, for example, register adjustment and ink key adjustment.

[0028] The drive display unit 52 is used to display the transport state of the paper sheets being printed, as photographed by the in-line camera, and the progress of the job.

[0029] The memory unit 53 is a storage area such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory device for storing programs, data, etc. required for the control unit 55 to execute various processes. The memory unit 53 in this embodiment includes a program memory unit 53a and an adjustment operation memory unit 53b. The program memory unit 53a is a storage area for storing application programs for executing various processes performed by the control unit 55. The adjustment operation memory unit 53b is a storage area for storing operation information indicating the control content of the printing press main body 4 adjusted by the adjustment operation unit 51. Specifically, the adjustment operation memory unit 53b stores adjustment information for the ink keys adjusted by operating the ink key operation unit 51c and information for various functions adjusted by operating the various function operation unit 51C. The memory unit 53 in this embodiment also stores status display information indicating the content to be displayed on the status display unit 503 and drive display information indicating the content to be displayed on the drive display unit 52.

[0030] The transmitter / receiver 54 is used to transmit and receive operation information and signals for executing various processes. This transmitter / receiver 54 is used when performing data communication between the printing press 2 and the master control device 3, specifically, between the printing press main body 4 or the printing press side control device 5 and the master control device 3.

[0031] The control unit 55 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire printing press control device 5. The control unit 55 appropriately reads and executes the OS (Operating System) and application programs stored in the program storage unit 53a, thereby cooperating with the above-mentioned hardware and executing various processes.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the printing press control device 5 includes a drive output unit 5a, a data transmission unit 5b, a master notification unit 5c, a limit notification unit 5d, and a master update unit 5e.

[0033] The drive output means 5a is configured to output a signal indicating the drive status of the printing press main body 4. Specifically, the drive output means 5a outputs drive information indicating whether the printing press main body 4 is driving or not, for example, rotation information indicating whether the cylinder of the printing press main body 4 is rotating or not. The drive information output by the drive output means 5a is output to the master control device 3 via the transmitter / receiver 54. The output drive information is then used by the drive confirmation means 3f, which will be described later.

[0034] The data transmission means 5b is configured to execute a process of transmitting operation information stored in the adjustment operation memory unit 53b to the master control device 3 when the printing press 2 is selected as the object to be adjusted by the printing press selection means 3a, which will be described later. Furthermore, in order to mirror the contents displayed on the adjustment display unit 51α, status display unit 503, and drive display unit 52 of the printing press side control device 5 to the master control device 3, the data transmission means 5b immediately transmits this information when operation information is stored in the adjustment operation memory unit 53b or when status display information and drive display information are stored in the memory unit 53, and moreover, repeats this immediate transmission.

[0035] The master notification means 5c is configured to notify the operator when the printing press 2 is selected as an adjustment target by the printing press selection means 3a, which will be described later. The master notification means 5c in this embodiment notifies the operator by displaying on the various function display section 51B that the printing press 2 has been selected as an adjustment target.

[0036] The restriction notification unit 5d is configured to notify the operator that, when the printing press control restriction unit 3c, which will be described later, is operated, the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 will be restricted. The restriction notification unit 5d of this embodiment notifies the operator by displaying the fact that the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 will be restricted on the various function display unit 51B.

[0037] The master update means 5e is configured to execute processing to update the control contents of the printing press main body 4 based on the adjustment signal received from the master control device 3. The master update means 5e of this embodiment includes an adjustment update means 5f that updates the control contents of the printing press main body 4 by the adjustment operation unit 51, and a memory update means 5g that updates the operation information stored in the adjustment operation memory unit 53b.

[0038] The master control device 3 is used to control the printing press 2. This master control device 3 is operated by the master. The master control device 3 is installed in a location remote from the printing press 2. In this embodiment, the master control device 3 is installed in a room separate from the printing press 2.

[0039] 4 and 5, the master control device 3 is similar to the printing press side control device 5 and includes a status confirmation unit 30, an adjustment operation unit 31, a drive display unit 32, a transmission / reception unit 33, and a control unit 34. Here, the basic configuration of each unit is the same as the configuration of each unit in the printing press side control device 5. Therefore, the description of each unit in the printing press side control device 5 also applies to the description of each unit in the master control device 3, and when it is necessary to explain the basic configuration of each unit in the master control device 3, only an outline will be given.

[0040] The status checking unit 30 is used by the master to check the status of the printed matter P. The status checking unit 30 includes a placement unit 301, a status measurement unit 300, and a status display unit 303. The status measurement unit 300 of this embodiment also includes a status measurement unit 302.

[0041] The adjustment operation unit 31 of this embodiment includes an ink key adjustment unit 31a and a various function adjustment unit 31A. The ink key adjustment unit 31a includes an ink key display unit 31b and an ink key operation unit 31c. The various function adjustment unit 31A includes a various function display unit 31B and a various function operation unit 31C. The adjustment operation unit 31 includes an adjustment display unit 31α including the ink key display unit 31b and the various function display unit 31B, and an operation main body unit 31β configured to be operated by the master to adjust printing functions and including the ink key operation unit 31c and the various function operation unit 31C.

[0042] The drive display unit 32 displays the sheet transport status and the job progress status using the drive display information stored in the memory unit 53. Therefore, the master can check the sheet transport status and the like from the display content displayed on the drive display unit 32 without going near the printing press main body 4.

[0043] The transmitter / receiver 33 is for transmitting and receiving signals for executing various processes. This transmitter / receiver 33 is connected to the transmitter / receiver 54 of the printing press control device 5, for example, by wireless communication. Therefore, the master control device 3 is connected to the printing press 2 (specifically, multiple printing presses 2) in a state where data communication is possible.

[0044] The control unit 34 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire master control device 3. The control unit 34 cooperates with the above-described respective units of the master control device 3 to execute various processes.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the master control device 3 includes a printing press selection unit 3a, a master priority unit 3b, and a master restriction unit 3d.

[0046] The printing press selection means 3a is configured to be able to select one printing press 2 to be adjusted from among a plurality of printing presses 2 connected to the master control device 3. The printing press selection means 3a in this embodiment is a touch panel switch arranged on the various function display unit 31B. Specifically, the number of touch panel switches is the same as the number of printing presses 2 connected to the master control device 3. Furthermore, each touch panel switch in this embodiment displays printing press identification information that identifies the connected printing press 2, such as the model number of the printing press 2. Note that the various function display unit 31B in this embodiment displays the operating status of each connected printing press 2 along with each touch panel switch.

[0047] The master priority means 3b is configured to give priority to control by operating the adjustment operation unit 31 of the master control device 3 over control by operating the adjustment operation unit 51 of the printing press side control device 5 and apply it to the printing press main body 4. In this embodiment, the master priority means 3b includes a printing press side control restriction means 3c that restricts the control of the printing press side control device 5 to the printing press main body 4.

[0048] The printing press-side control restriction means 3c is configured to restrict operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 of the printing press-side control device 5. Specifically, the printing press-side control restriction means 3c prevents operation of the operation main unit 51β. The printing press-side control restriction means 3c also has a restriction switch located on the adjustment display unit 31α. When the restriction switch is operated, the control unit 34 generates a signal and transmits the signal to the printing press-side control device 5 via the transmission / reception units 33 and 54. In the printing press-side control device 5, the control unit 55 then prevents operation of the operation main unit 51β. Thus, the printing press-side control restriction means 3c restricts operation of the adjustment operation unit 51. Therefore, the printing press-side control restriction means 3c prevents the operator from operating the ink key operation unit 51c and the various function operation unit 51C.

[0049] The master restriction means 3d is configured to restrict operations by the adjustment operation unit 31. The master restriction means 3d includes a function confirmation means 3e that confirms the function selected by operating the adjustment operation unit 31, a drive confirmation means 3f that confirms the drive status of the printing press main body, and a determination means 3g that determines whether to restrict or allow operations by the adjustment operation unit 31.

[0050] The function confirmation means 3e is configured to confirm whether the function selected by operating the operation main body 31β is a drive function or a non-drive function. For example, if a "cleaning start command" in the "cleaning function" is selected, the "cleaning start command" rotates the cylinder and drives the printing press main body 4, so the selected function becomes a drive function.

[0051] The drive confirmation means 3f is configured to confirm the drive status of the printing press main body 4 based on the signal output from the drive output means 5a. For example, the drive confirmation means 3f confirms the drive status of the printing press main body 4 based on rotation information as to whether the printing press main body 4 is rotating or not, as drive information as to whether the printing press main body 4 is driving or not. If the printing press main body 4 is rotating, the drive confirmation means 3f determines that the printing press main body 4 is driving, and if the printing press main body 4 is not rotating, the drive confirmation means 3f determines that the printing press main body 4 is not driving.

[0052] The determination means 3g is configured to determine whether to restrict or allow operation by the adjustment operation unit 31 based on the confirmation results by the function confirmation means 3e and the drive confirmation means 3f. Specifically, the determination means 3g determines whether to restrict or allow operation of the printing press main body 4 to execute control contents set by the master operating the ink key operation unit 51c and the various function operation unit 51C.

[0053] Next, a series of processes in the printing press adjustment system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0054] 6 and 7 show processing that is premised on the master obtaining the printed matter P printed by the printing press 2 to be adjusted and identifying the printing press 2 to be adjusted. In this embodiment, the operator brings the printed matter P to the master and provides the master with printing press identification information for identifying the printing press 2 that printed the printed matter P. In this way, the master obtains the printed matter P and identifies the printing press 2 to be adjusted.

[0055] As part of the processing of the printing press adjustment system 1, first, the printing press selection means 3a selects the printing press 2 to be adjusted (step S1). In this embodiment, the master operates the touch panel switches arranged on the various function display unit 31B based on the printing press identification information provided by the operator to select the printing press 2.

[0056] Next, the control details of the printing press main body 4 equipped in the selected printing press 2 are reflected in the adjustment operation unit 31 of the master control device 3, and the display details displayed on the status display unit 503 and drive display unit 52 of the printing press-side control device 5 are also displayed on the status display unit 303 and drive display unit 32 of the master control device 3 (step S2). Specifically, when the printing press 2 to be adjusted is selected by the printing press selection means 3a, the control unit 34 generates a selection signal and transmits the selection signal via the transceivers 33 and 54 to the printing press-side control device 5 related to the printing press 2 selected by the printing press selection means 3a. Then, in the printing press-side control device 5, the data transmission means 5b transmits operation information, status display information, and drive display information to the master control device 3. When the master control device 3 receives the operation information, the control unit 34 performs processing to display the control details of the printing press main body 4 based on the operation information on the adjustment display unit 31α. That is, the control details of the printing press main body 4 displayed on the adjustment display unit 51α when the operator operates the adjustment operation unit 51 are also displayed on the adjustment display unit 31α. Furthermore, in the master control device 3, when the status display information and drive display information are received, the control unit 34 performs, in parallel with the above processing, processing to display the printing status of the printed matter P based on the status display information on the status display unit 303, and processing to display the sheet transport status and job progress status based on the drive display information on the drive display unit 32. Therefore, the contents displayed on the adjustment display unit 51α, status display unit 503, and drive display unit 52 of the printing press side control device 5 can be mirrored and displayed on the adjustment display unit 31α, status display unit 303, and drive display unit 32 of the master control device 3.

[0057] In this embodiment, the master notification unit 5c also notifies the user (step S2). Specifically, the printing press control unit 5 receives the selection signal and displays on the adjustment display unit 51α that the printing press has been selected as an object for adjustment by the printing press selection unit 3a.

[0058] Next, the master checks the state of the printed matter P using the state confirmation unit 30 (step S3). In this embodiment, the state of the printed matter P (specifically, the color state of the printed matter) is measured by the state measurement unit 300 by measuring the marker portion of the printed matter P placed on the placement unit 301 using the state measurement unit 302. The state of the printed matter P is then displayed on the state display unit 303. This allows the master to check the state of the printed matter P. Note that the control unit 34 may generate a signal based on the state of the printed matter P measured by the state measurement unit 300, send the signal to the printing press control device 5, and the control unit 55 may perform processing to display the state of the printed matter P on the status display unit 503 of the printing press control device 5 based on the signal.

[0059] Next, the master priority means 3b prioritizes control of the master control device 3 over control of the printing press control device 5 (step S4). In this embodiment, the master operates a limit switch located on the various function display unit 31B, causing the printing press control limiting means 3c to limit operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 of the printing press control device 5. Specifically, when the limit switch is operated, the control unit 34 generates a limit signal and transmits the limit signal to the printing press control device 5 via the transmission / reception units 33 and 54. Then, in the printing press control device 5, the control unit 55 prevents operation of the operation main unit 51β. This prevents the operator from operating the adjustment operation unit 51.

[0060] In this embodiment, the restriction notification means 5d also notifies the user that the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 will be restricted (step S4). Specifically, upon receiving the restriction signal, the printing press control device 5 displays on the various function display unit 51B that the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 will be restricted.

[0061] Then, the master operates the adjustment operation unit 31 to adjust the printing functions (step S5). Specifically, the master operates the operation main unit 31β to adjust the ink key adjustment function and various functions of the printing press main unit 4.

[0062] When the adjustment operation unit 31 of the master control device 3 is operated, the master restriction unit 3d determines whether to restrict the operation or to allow the operation using the discrimination unit 3g. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the function confirmation unit 3e first confirms whether the function selected by operating the adjustment operation unit 31 is a drive function or a drive-disabled function (step S6-1). If the function confirmation unit 3e confirms that the function is a drive function (step S6-1: Yes), the drive confirmation unit 3f confirms whether the printing press main body 4 is driven based on the signal output from the drive output unit 5a (step S6-2). If the drive confirmation unit 3f confirms that the printing press main body 4 is driven (step S6-2: Yes), the discrimination unit 3g determines that the operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 is allowed (step S6-4). Therefore, upon receiving the operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 to execute the drive function, the control unit 34 generates an adjustment signal based on the control content of the adjustment operation unit 31 and transmits it to the printing press control device 5. On the other hand, if the function confirmation means 3e confirms that the drive function is disabled (step S6-1: No), the process proceeds to update by the master update means 5e (described later) (step S7). Therefore, in this case too, the control unit 34 generates an adjustment signal based on the control content of the adjustment operation unit 31 and transmits it to the printing press-side control device 5. Furthermore, if the printing press main body 4 is not driven (step S6-2: No), the determination means 3g determines that the master restriction means 3d should restrict operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 (step S6-3). Therefore, the operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 to execute the drive function on the printing press main body 4 (i.e., an instruction to start operation) is not accepted, and the control unit 34 does not generate a signal or transmit it to the printing press-side control device 5.

[0063] Subsequently, if the function confirmation means 3e confirms that the drive function is disabled (step S6-1: No), or if the determination means 3g determines that operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 is permitted (step S6-4), an update is performed by the master update means 5e (step S7), as shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, based on the adjustment signal received from the master control device 3, the adjustment update means 5f updates the control content of the printing press main body 4 by the adjustment operation unit 51, and the memory update means 5g updates the operation information stored in the adjustment operation memory unit 53b.

[0064] 7, the printing functions of the printing press 4 are adjusted based on the updated control content of the printing press 4 (step S8). Specifically, when the control content of the printing press 4 is updated by the adjustment update means 5f of the printing press control device 5 based on the adjustment signal transmitted from the master control device 3 via the transmitter / receiver units 33, 54, instructions based on the control content are sent from the printing press control device 5 to the printing press 4, and adjustment of the printing press 4 is performed. Therefore, the printing press 4 performs adjustment based on the control content operated by the adjustment operation unit 31 of the master control device 3.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, the printing functions of the printing press main body 4 can be adjusted by operating the adjustment operation unit 31. Therefore, the master can remotely operate the printing press 2 without having to take the trouble of visiting the printing press 2, thereby enabling efficient work.

[0066] In this embodiment, the master control device 3 is connected to a plurality of printing presses 2 in a state where data communication is possible with the plurality of printing presses 2. Therefore, the master can remotely operate a greater number of printing presses 2, and can adjust the printing functions of the printing press main body 4 more efficiently.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the printing press 2 to be adjusted is selected by the printing press selection unit 3a, the adjustment display unit 31α displays the control contents of the printing press 4 set by the operator based on the operation information. Thus, the master can confirm the control contents of the printing press 4 set by the operator.

[0068] In addition to the above, in this embodiment, when the printing press 2 to be adjusted is selected by the printing press selection means 3a, the drive display unit 32 displays the sheet transport status and job progress status of the printing press 2 selected by the printing press selection means 3a, and the status display unit 303 displays the printing status of the printed matter P. Therefore, the master can also remotely check the state of the printing press 2 and the status of the printed matter P.

[0069] In this embodiment, the master notification unit 5c notifies the operator that the printing press 2 being operated has been selected as the object of adjustment.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printing press side control restriction means 3c restricts the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 of the printing press side control device 5. Therefore, the master control device 3 can control the printing press main body 4, and it is possible to prevent the printing press side control device 5 from controlling the printing press main body 4 while the master control device 3 is controlling the printing press main body 4.

[0071] In this embodiment, the restriction notification means 5d notifies the operator that the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 is restricted. Thus, the operator can know that the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 is restricted.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination unit 3g determines whether to restrict or allow the operation using the master restriction unit 3d based on the confirmation result by the function confirmation unit 3e and the driving status of the printing press main body 4 determined by the drive confirmation unit 3f. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to restrict or allow the operation based on whether or not the printing press main body 4 is being driven and the driving status of the printing press main body 4.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the printing press main body 4 is not driven, the adjustment operation unit 31 does not accept operations to execute the driven function, thereby preventing the printing press main body 4 from suddenly starting to move and startling the operator.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a process for updating the control contents of the printing press main body 4 is executed based on the adjustment signal received from the master control device 3. Therefore, the control contents operated by the master control device 3 can be reflected in the printing press side control device 5.

[0075] Furthermore, the printing press main body 4 adjusts the printing functions based on the updated control content. Therefore, the printing functions of the printing press main body 4 can be adjusted according to the control content operated by the master control device 3.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the case where the master control device 3 is located in a room separate from the printing press 2 has been described. However, this is not limiting, and the master control device 3 and the printing press 2 may be installed separately in the same room. In this case, if the master control device 3 is connected to multiple printing presses 2, the master can grasp the status of each printing press 2 using the master control device 3 without having to visit each printing press 2. Furthermore, for example, the master control device 3 and the printing press 2 may be installed in different buildings.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the status measurement unit 300 measures the status of the printed matter P by measuring the mark portion of the printed matter P placed on the placement unit 301 with the status measurement unit 302. However, for example, the master may visually check the status of the printed matter P placed on the placement unit 301 and input the result into the master control device 3, thereby adjusting the color and the register. In this way, when the master visually checks the status of the printed matter P, for example, the status confirmation unit 30 may be provided with the placement unit 301, and may not be provided with the status measurement unit 300 and the status display unit 303.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the master control device 3 is equipped with the drive display unit 32. However, for example, if there is no need to mirror the display of the drive display unit 52 equipped in the printing press side control device 5 of the selected printing press 2 on the drive display unit 32 of the master control device 3, the master control device 3 does not need to be equipped with the drive display unit 32. Note that even if there is no need to display by mirroring, the master control device 3 may be configured to be equipped with the drive display unit 32, and the drive display unit 32 may be used to display a list of information such as the progress status of jobs of all printing presses 2 connected to the master control device 3.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the master update means 5e performs an update based on the adjustment signal received from the master control device 3, and then adjusts the printing functions of the printing press main body 4 based on the updated control content of the printing press main body 4. However, this is not limiting, and an adjustment signal based on the control content from the master control device 3 may be sent directly to the printing press main body 4 without going through the printing press-side control device 5, and the printing press main body 4 may adjust the printing functions.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the adjustment update means 5f updates the control content of the printing press main body 4 by the adjustment operation unit 51, and the memory update means 5g updates the operation information stored in the adjustment operation memory unit 53b, based on the adjustment signal received from the master control device 3. However, this is not limiting, and for example, after the adjustment update means 5f updates the control content of the printing press main body 4 by the adjustment operation unit 51, operation information indicating the updated control content may be stored in the adjustment operation memory unit 53b.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the printing press-side control limiting means 3c limits the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 of the printing press-side control device 5. However, this is not limiting, and control by operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 of the master control device 3 may be prioritized and adopted without limiting the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 of the printing press-side control device 5 by the printing press-side control limiting means 3c. That is, the master priority means 3b may include, instead of the printing press-side control limiting means 3c, an adoption means that adopts the operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 of the master control device 3 when both adjustment operation units 51, 31 are operated. Specifically, the adoption means is configured to not adopt the operation of the adjustment operation unit 51 of the printing press-side control device 5, but adopt the operation of the adjustment operation unit 31 of the master control device 3, when the master control device 3 is selected as a control target by the printing press selection means 3a, for example. Furthermore, the master priority means 3b may be provided in the printing press-side control device 5.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the master control device 3 is described as being equipped with the master restriction means 3d, but this is not limiting, and the master control device 3 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the master restriction means 3d.

[0084] 1: printing press adjustment system, 2: printing press, 3: master control device, 30: status confirmation unit, 300: status measurement unit, 301: placement unit, 302: status measurement unit, 303: status display unit, 31: adjustment operation unit, 31a: ink key adjustment unit, 31b: ink key display unit, 31c: ink key operation unit, 31A: various function adjustment unit, 31B: various function display unit, 31C: various function operation unit, 31α: adjustment display unit, 31β: operation main body unit, 32: drive display unit, 33: transmission / reception unit, 34: control unit, 3a: printing press selection means, 3b: master priority means, 3c: printing press side control restriction means, 3d: master restriction means, 3e: function confirmation means, 3f: drive confirmation means, 3g: discrimination means, 4: printing press main body, 40: paper feed unit, 41: printing unit, 42: Paper discharge section, 5: Printing press control device, 50: Status confirmation section, 500: Status measurement section, 501: Placement section, 502: Status measurement section, 503: Status display section, 51: Adjustment operation section, 51a: Ink key adjustment section, 51b: Ink key display section, 51c: Ink key operation section, 51A: Various function adjustment section, 51B: Various function display section, 51C: Various function operation section, 51α: Adjustment display section, 51β: Operation main body section, 52: Drive display section, 53: Memory section, 53a: Program memory section, 53b: Adjustment operation memory section, 54: Transmitting / receiving section, 55: Control section, 5a: Drive output means, 5b: Data transmission means, 5c: Master notification means, 5d: Limit notification means, 5e: Master update means, 5f: Adjustment update means, 5g: Memory update means, P: Printed material

Claims

1. A printing press adjustment system that adjusts printing by a printing press which has a printing press main body which performs printing and a printing press side control device which controls the printing press main body, comprising a master control device including a status confirmation unit which confirms the status of the printed matter printed by the printing press main body, and an adjustment operation unit which adjusts the printing function of the printing press main body, wherein the master control device is installed away from the printing press and is connected to the printing press so that the printing press can be controlled by operating the adjustment operation unit.

2. A printing press adjustment system as described in claim 1, further comprising a master priority means for applying to the printing press main body control by operating the adjustment operation unit of the master control device with priority over control by the printing press side control device.

3. A printing press adjustment system as described in claim 2, wherein the master control device includes a printing press side control limiting means for limiting the control of the printing press main body by the printing press side control device as the master priority means.

4. A printing press adjustment system as described in claim 1, wherein the printing functions adjusted by the adjustment operation unit include a driven function that involves driving the printing press main body, and a master restriction means is provided for restricting the operation of the driven function by the adjustment operation unit when the printing press main body is not driving the driven function.

5. A printing press adjustment system as described in claim 1, wherein the master control device is installed separately from the multiple printing presses and is connected to each of the multiple printing presses so that each of the printing presses can be controlled by operating the adjustment operation unit, and the master control device is provided with a printing press selection means for selecting the printing press to be adjusted from the multiple connected printing presses.

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